SSC CPO — Set 20

Correct Answer: B. Thomas Munro

Thomas Munro introduced the Ryotwari system in the Madras Presidency around 1820. Under this system, the revenue was settled directly with the cultivators or ryots. The government claimed about half of the produce as land revenue.

Correct Answer: B. Part VIII

Part VIII of the Constitution contains Articles 239 to 241 regarding the administration of Union Territories. These territories are administered by the President through an administrator appointed by him. Some Union Territories like Delhi and Puducherry have their own legislatures.

Correct Answer: B. 11.2 km/s

Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed for a free object to escape from the gravitational influence of a massive body. For Earth, this value is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second. It depends on the mass and radius of the planet but not on the mass of the escaping object.

Correct Answer: A. Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in India and the highest located entirely within the country. It is part of the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. The surrounding area is protected as the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Correct Answer: B. Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji was elected to the British House of Commons in 1892 representing the Liberal Party. He is widely known as the 'Grand Old Man of India' for his contribution to the national movement. He authored the book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'.

Correct Answer: B. Salivary Amylase

Salivary amylase, also known as ptyalin, begins the chemical process of digestion in the mouth. It breaks down complex carbohydrates like starch into simpler sugars like maltose. This enzyme works best in a slightly alkaline or neutral environment.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Kandla Port is a major seaport located in the Gulf of Kutch in the state of Gujarat. It was constructed in the 1950s as a primary port to serve Western India after the partition. It is one of the busiest ports in India handling a large volume of crude oil and chemicals.

Correct Answer: A. Goods and Services Tax

Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services. It replaced multiple indirect taxes like excise duty, VAT, and service tax. Direct taxes, unlike GST, are paid directly by individuals or organizations to the government.

Correct Answer: B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to train Indians for social service. He was a moderate leader of the Indian National Congress and a political mentor to Mahatma Gandhi. The society aimed to promote education, sanitation, and healthcare.

Correct Answer: B. 552 members

The Constitution provides for a maximum of 552 members in the Lok Sabha. This includes 530 members representing the states and 20 members representing the Union Territories. Currently, the actual strength of the house is slightly lower than this limit.

Correct Answer: B. Citric Acid

Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. It acts as a natural preservative and gives these fruits their characteristic sour taste. Citrus fruits are also excellent sources of Vitamin C, which prevents scurvy.

Correct Answer: A. Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival is held every year in the first week of December in Nagaland. It is known as the 'Festival of Festivals' and showcases the traditional arts and dances of all Naga tribes. The festival is named after the Indian Hornbill, a bird revered in Naga folklore.

Correct Answer: B. Rishabhanatha

Rishabhanatha, also known as Adinatha, is considered the founder and first Tirthankara of Jainism. There are a total of 24 Tirthankaras in the Jain tradition. Lord Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara who gave Jainism its present form.

Correct Answer: B. Ganga and Brahmaputra

The Sunderbans is the world's largest delta formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is famous for its vast mangrove forests and the Royal Bengal Tiger. A major portion of this delta lies in Bangladesh, while the rest is in West Bengal.

Correct Answer: B. Adrenaline

Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal glands during times of stress or danger. It prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response by increasing heart rate and blood sugar. This hormone quickly provides the energy needed to deal with emergency situations.

Correct Answer: A. 61st Amendment

The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1988 lowered the voting age for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. It came into force in 1989 during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhi's government. This move was intended to increase the participation of youth in the democratic process.

Correct Answer: B. 1761

The Third Battle of Panipat took place in 1761 between the Maratha Confederacy and the Afghan Durrani Empire under Ahmad Shah Abdali. The battle was fought on January 14, 1761, resulting in a decisive Afghan victory. The 1761 defeat was catastrophic for the Marathas, with massive losses including senior commanders. The Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 effectively ended Maratha dominance in northern India.

Correct Answer: B. Calcium Hypochlorite

Calcium Hypochlorite is represented by the formula Ca(OCl)2 and is used for disinfecting water. It is a yellowish-white powder that smells strongly of chlorine. It is also used as an oxidizing agent in many chemical industries.

Correct Answer: B. Outer Core

The Outer Core is a fluid layer composed mainly of iron and nickel, located between the mantle and inner core. The movement of liquid metals in this layer generates the Earth's magnetic field. In contrast, the Inner Core is solid due to extreme pressure.

Correct Answer: A. Tamil Nadu

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest classical dance forms of India, originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and spectacular footwork. The dance is traditionally performed to Carnatic music with a focus on expression.

Correct Answer: B. Generator

An electric generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction discovered by Michael Faraday. It uses mechanical motion to rotate a coil in a magnetic field, producing an electric current. An electric motor does the exact opposite by converting electrical energy into mechanical work.

Correct Answer: B. Gopala

Gopala was elected as the king by the local chieftains to end the chaos in Bengal around 750 CE. He was a follower of Buddhism and established the Pala Empire, which became a great power in Eastern India. His successor Dharmapala founded the famous Vikramshila University.

Correct Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is the only region in India where saffron is grown on a large scale. The Pampore region is particularly famous for producing high-quality saffron, often called 'Red Gold'. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world by weight.

Correct Answer: A. 65 years

A judge of the Supreme Court holds office until the age of 65 years as per the Constitution. For High Court judges, the retirement age is currently 62 years. A Supreme Court judge can be removed before retirement only through the process of impeachment by Parliament.

Correct Answer: B. Telangana

Telangana 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 Telangana and related topics will help candidates score well in the GK section. Regular revision of such key facts is highly recommended for exam preparation.

Correct Answer: B. Mitochondria

Mitochondria are organelles that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical reactions. This energy is stored in a small molecule called Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Cells that require more energy, like muscle cells, have a higher number of mitochondria.

Correct Answer: B. Bhagirathi

The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India, located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is constructed on the Bhagirathi River, which is a major headstream of the Ganga. The dam provides hydroelectric power and water for irrigation and drinking to several states.

Correct Answer: A. Sarojini Naidu

Sarojini Naidu served as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from 1947 to 1949. She was a prominent freedom fighter and a renowned poet known as the 'Nightingale of India'. Sucheta Kripalani later became the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state.

Correct Answer: B. Argon

Argon is an inert gas that does not react with the hot tungsten filament, thereby increasing the bulb's lifespan. Nitrogen is also sometimes used in combination with argon for the same purpose. These gases prevent the evaporation of the filament at high temperatures.

Correct Answer: B. Football

The term 'Punt' is commonly used in football (soccer) or American football to describe a specific type of kick. In soccer, a goalkeeper often punts the ball into the opponent's half. The 'Goose Step' is a famous evasive running move often seen in rugby or American football.

Correct Answer: B. Article 360

Article 360 empowers the President to declare a financial emergency if the financial stability of India is threatened. Interestingly, a financial emergency has never been declared in India since the Constitution was adopted. Article 352 deals with National Emergency and Article 356 with President's Rule.

Correct Answer: A. Badruddin Tyabji

Badruddin Tyabji presided over the third session of the Indian National Congress held in Madras in 1887. He was a prominent lawyer and social reformer from Bombay. He played a key role in bringing diverse communities together during the early years of the national movement.

Correct Answer: B. Hertz

Hertz (Hz) is the SI unit of frequency, defined as one cycle per second. It is named after Heinrich Hertz, the physicist who proved the existence of electromagnetic waves. High-frequency sounds have more cycles per second and a higher pitch.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Rani-ki-Vav is an intricately constructed stepwell situated in Patan, Gujarat. It was built in the 11th century as a memorial to a king and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also featured on the reverse side of the Indian 100-rupee note.

Correct Answer: B. Deer

Primary consumers are herbivores that feed directly on producers (plants). Deer, rabbits, and cows are examples of animals that occupy the second trophic level in a food chain. Carnivores that eat these herbivores are known as secondary consumers.

Correct Answer: A. Mussoorie

LBSNAA is the premier training institution for civil services in India, located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. It provides a common foundation course for all fresh recruits of the All India Services. The academy is named after India's second Prime Minister.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Irwin

Lord Irwin was the Viceroy of India when Mahatma Gandhi started the Salt Satyagraha in 1930. The movement concluded with the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931, where the British agreed to release political prisoners. This pact led to the participation of Congress in the Second Round Table Conference.

Correct Answer: B. Ca(OH)2

The chemical formula of Slaked Lime is Ca(OH)2, which stands for calcium hydroxide. Slaked Lime Ca(OH)2 is produced when water is added to quicklime (CaO): CaO + H2O gives Ca(OH)2. Ca(OH)2 is widely used in construction, water treatment, and to reduce soil acidity. The name Slaked Lime for Ca(OH)2 refers to the process of slaking where water satisfies the reactivity of CaO.

Correct Answer: B. Mars

Mars appears red because of the high concentration of iron oxide (rust) on its surface. It has a thin atmosphere and features such as polar ice caps and the solar system's largest volcano, Olympus Mons. Scientists are actively searching for signs of past life on this planet.

Correct Answer: A. North India

Kathak originated in Northern India and its name is derived from the word 'Katha', which means a storyteller. It is characterized by rhythmic footwork and spins, and it evolved in the courts of Mughal emperors. Birju Maharaj was one of the most famous modern exponents of this dance.