SSC CPO — Set 19
40 questions
The 'Part IV' of the Indian Constitution deals with which of the following?
Correct Answer: C. Directive Principles of State Policy
Directive Principles of State Policy are contained in Articles 36 to 51. They are guidelines for the government to establish a social and economic democracy. Unlike Fundamental Rights, these are non-justiciable in nature.
Which among the following was the first session of the Indian National Congress presided over by a woman?
Correct Answer: A. 1917 Calcutta
Annie Besant became the first woman president of Congress at the Calcutta session. She was a prominent leader of the Home Rule Movement in India. Later, Sarojini Naidu became the first Indian woman president in 1925.
What is the SI unit of Magnetic Flux?
Correct Answer: B. Weber
Weber is the unit used to measure the total magnetic field passing through a surface. One Weber is equal to one Tesla-meter squared. Magnetic flux density, however, is measured in Tesla.
The 'Narmada River' originates from which of the following places?
Correct Answer: B. Amarkantak
The Narmada River rises from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. it flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. It is the largest west-flowing river in Peninsular India.
Who was the founder of the 'Haryanka Dynasty' in ancient India?
Correct Answer: B. Bimbisara
Bimbisara established the Haryanka dynasty and was a contemporary of Lord Buddha. He expanded his kingdom through matrimonial alliances and conquests. His capital was located at Rajgir (Girivraja).
Which of the following acids is present in 'Tamarind'?
Correct Answer: B. Tartaric acid
Tartaric acid gives tamarind its characteristic sour taste. It is also found in grapes and bananas in significant amounts. This acid acts as an antioxidant and is used in the food industry.
The 'Thomas Cup' is associated with which sport?
Correct Answer: B. Badminton
The Thomas Cup is the premier international team competition for men in badminton. It was first held in 1948-49 and is conducted every two years. India won its first ever Thomas Cup title in 2022.
In which layer of the atmosphere do most commercial airplanes fly to avoid turbulence?
Correct Answer: B. Stratosphere
The lower stratosphere provides a stable environment with fewer clouds and weather disturbances. Airplanes benefit from the thin air which reduces fuel consumption. This layer also contains the vital ozone layer.
What is the minimum age to be eligible for election as a member of Rajya Sabha?
Correct Answer: C. 30 years
The Constitution specifies 30 years as the minimum age for a member of the Upper House. For Lok Sabha, the minimum age requirement is 25 years. Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
Who wrote the famous Sanskrit play 'Ratnavali'?
Correct Answer: B. Harshavardhana
King Harshavardhana was a great scholar and wrote three plays: Ratnavali, Nagananda, and Priyadarshika. His court poet Banabhatta wrote his biography called Harshacharita. Harshavardhana ruled over North India in the 7th century.
Which of the following is an example of a 'Primary Pollutant'?
Correct Answer: B. Sulphur Dioxide
Sulphur dioxide is emitted directly into the atmosphere from sources like factories and volcanoes. Primary pollutants are harmful in the form they are released. Secondary pollutants like ozone form through chemical reactions in the air.
The 'Valmiki National Park' is the only national park of which state?
Correct Answer: B. Bihar
Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It is part of the tiger reserve project and shares borders with Nepal. The Gandak river flows along the western boundary of the park.
Which Five Year Plan in India was based on the 'Mahalanobis Model'?
Correct Answer: B. Second
The Second Five Year Plan (1956-61) focused on heavy industrialization and the public sector. It was named after the famous statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. This plan laid the foundation for the industrial base of modern India.
What is the chemical name of 'Quick Lime'?
Correct Answer: C. Calcium Oxide
Calcium Oxide (CaO) is commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime. It is produced by the thermal decomposition of limestone in a kiln. It reacts vigorously with water to form slaked lime.
The 'Eravikulam National Park' is famous for which endangered animal?
Correct Answer: A. Nilgiri Tahr
Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is the natural habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. It is the first national park in Kerala and is situated in the Munnar region. The park is also known for the mass flowering of Neelakurinji.
Under which Article can the President declare 'Financial Emergency'?
Correct Answer: C. Article 360
Article 360 empowers the President to declare a financial emergency if the stability of India is threatened. To date, a financial emergency has never been declared in India. This provision ensures the central government's control over state finances during a crisis.
The 'Battle of Haldighati' was fought in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1576
The battle took place in June 1576 between Rana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by Man Singh I. Although the Mughals won, they failed to capture Rana Pratap. This battle is remembered for the extraordinary bravery of the Rajput warriors.
Which part of the human eye controls the amount of light entering it?
Correct Answer: B. Iris
The iris is the colored part of the eye that adjusts the size of the pupil. It acts like a camera shutter to regulate light based on the surroundings. The retina is where the actual image is formed and sent to the brain.
Who was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons?
Correct Answer: B. Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji was elected to the British Parliament in 1892 from the Central Finsbury constituency. Known as the 'Grand Old Man of India', he was a founding member of the Indian National Congress. He is also famous for his 'Drain of Wealth' theory.
What is the 'Currency' of Bangladesh?
Correct Answer: B. Taka
The Taka is the official currency of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The central bank responsible for issuing this currency is Bangladesh Bank. The word 'Taka' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Tankah'.
The 'Equator' does not pass through which of the following continents?
Correct Answer: D. Europe
The Equator passes through 13 countries in South America, Africa, and Asia. Europe is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and is not touched by the Equator. It is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres.
Which gas is used by deep-sea divers for breathing mixed with oxygen?
Correct Answer: B. Helium
Helium is used because it is less soluble in blood than nitrogen at high pressures. This helps prevent 'the bends' or decompression sickness when divers surface. It is chemically inert and does not cause narcosis.
The 'Panchatantra' was written during which period?
Correct Answer: B. Gupta Period
Vishnu Sharma wrote the Panchatantra, a collection of animal fables, during the Gupta era. It was designed to teach political science and life lessons to young princes. It is one of the most translated non-religious books in the world.
Who is the 'Ex-officio Chairman' of the NITI Aayog?
Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of India heads the NITI Aayog as its chairperson. This body provides technical advice to the central and state governments on policy matters. It replaced the old Planning Commission in 2015.
Which element is found in 'Haemoglobin'?
Correct Answer: B. Iron
Iron is the central component of haemoglobin that allows it to bind with oxygen molecules. It is found in red blood cells and gives blood its red color. Deficiency of iron in the body leads to a condition called anemia.
The 'Chola Dynasty' was primarily based in which part of India?
Correct Answer: C. South India
The Cholas ruled mainly over the Tamil region of South India with Tanjore as their capital. They were famous for their powerful navy and magnificent temple architecture. King Rajaraja I and Rajendra I were the most prominent rulers of this dynasty.
What is the 'Atomic Number' of Carbon?
Correct Answer: A. 6
Carbon has six protons in its nucleus, giving it an atomic number of 6. It is a non-metallic element that is the basis of all known life on Earth. Carbon atoms can form four covalent bonds with other atoms.
The 'Gidda' dance is a popular folk dance of which state?
Correct Answer: B. Punjab
Gidda is a traditional folk dance performed by women in the Punjab region. It is often performed during festive occasions and shows the joyful spirit of the dancers. It is the female counterpart to the male Bhangra dance.
Which constitutional body is responsible for conducting elections to the Panchayats?
Correct Answer: B. State Election Commission
The State Election Commission is created under Article 243K specifically for local body elections. The Election Commission of India only handles Parliament and State Legislature elections. This ensures the autonomy of local self-government institutions.
The 'Mount Abu' hill station is located in which mountain range?
Correct Answer: C. Aravalli
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, situated in the Aravalli Range. It is home to the famous Dilwara Jain Temples known for their marble carvings. The highest peak in this range is Guru Shikhar.
Which of the following is the 'Softest' mineral?
Correct Answer: C. Talc
Talc is ranked 1 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it the softest. It is widely used in making talcum powder due to its ability to absorb moisture. Diamond is at the other end of the scale as the hardest natural mineral.
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 ground reality. Gandhi considered Gokhale's moderate approach as a guiding force for his early political life. Gokhale was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress.
What is the 'Full Form' of GDP?
Correct Answer: A. Gross Domestic Product
Gross Domestic Product measures the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country. It is used as a primary indicator of the health of a nation's economy. GDP can be calculated on an annual or quarterly basis.
The 'Konark Sun Temple' was built by which king?
Correct Answer: A. Narasimhadeva I
King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty built this temple in the 13th century. It is located in Odisha and is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot. It is also known as the 'Black Pagoda' by early sailors.
Which 'Vitamin' helps in the clotting of blood?
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins needed for blood coagulation. Without this vitamin, even small injuries can lead to excessive bleeding. It is found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.
The 'Tehri Dam' is built on which river?
Correct Answer: B. Bhagirathi
Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and is located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River. It generates electricity and provides water for irrigation and drinking.
Which 'Article' deals with the Amendment of the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: C. Article 368
Article 368 gives Parliament the power to amend the Constitution and lays down the procedure. Certain amendments require a simple majority, while others need a special majority. It ensures that the Constitution remains a living document that can evolve.
Who was the 'First Viceroy' of India?
Correct Answer: A. Lord Canning
Lord Canning became the first Viceroy after the Government of India Act 1858. He also served as the last Governor-General of India under the East India Company. He presided over the suppression of the Revolt of 1857.
What is the 'Chemical Name' of Baking Soda?
Correct Answer: B. Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is used in cooking to make the batter light and fluffy. It releases carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with an acid or is heated. It is also used as an antacid to treat stomach acidity.
The 'Kaziranga' National Park is famous for which animal?
Correct Answer: B. One-horned Rhinoceros
Kaziranga in Assam holds about two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceros population. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The park is also a recognized Tiger Reserve with a high density of tigers.