SSC CPO — Set 30

Correct Answer: B. Shunga Dynasty

Pushyamitra Shunga established the Shunga Dynasty after assassinating the last Maurya ruler, Brihadratha. He was a general in the Maurya army and ruled for about 36 years. This period saw a revival of Brahmanical traditions in North India.

Correct Answer: C. President of India

According to Article 85, the President has the authority to summon and prorogue both Houses of Parliament. However, there must not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions. The President also has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha.

Correct Answer: C. Newton

The Newton is defined as the force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. It is named after Sir Isaac Newton in recognition of his laws of motion. One Newton is approximately the weight of a small apple.

Correct Answer: C. Assam

Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam, situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. Assam is home to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which shelters the world's largest population of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros. Assam is famous for its rich biodiversity, tea gardens, and silk production.

Correct Answer: B. Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale advised Gandhi to travel across India to understand the needs of its people. Gandhi regarded Gokhale as his guide because of his moderate approach and dedication to social reform. Gokhale was also the founder of the Servants of India Society.

Correct Answer: B. Oxygen

During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process is powered by sunlight and occurs within the chlorophyll of the leaves. The released oxygen is vital for the survival of almost all aerobic organisms on Earth.

Correct Answer: C. Gujarat

Gujarat is the correct answer to this question. Gujarat is a state in western India known for its industrial development, cultural heritage, and historical significance. It is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, two of India's greatest national leaders.

Correct Answer: C. Mumbai

The Reserve Bank of India was established in 1935 and its central office was initially in Kolkata. It was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937 to be near the financial hub of the country. The RBI is responsible for regulating the monetary policy and currency issuance in India.

Correct Answer: A. Jyotirao Phule

Jyotirao Phule wrote Gulamgiri in 1873 to critique the caste system and social inequality. He dedicated the book to the American movement to abolish slavery, drawing parallels with the plight of lower castes. Phule was also the founder of the Satyashodhak Samaj.

Correct Answer: B. NaHCO3

Baking soda is chemically known as sodium bicarbonate with the formula NaHCO3. It is commonly used in cooking as a leavening agent because it releases carbon dioxide gas when heated. It also acts as a mild antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion.

Correct Answer: C. Article 44

Article 44 is a Directive Principle that urges the state to secure a uniform civil code for all citizens. It aims to replace personal laws based on religion with a common set of civil laws. Currently, Goa is the only Indian state that has implemented such a code.

Correct Answer: C. Venus

Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. It is called the morning or evening star because it is often visible just before sunrise or after sunset. Its extreme brightness is due to a thick atmosphere that reflects most of the sunlight.

Correct Answer: C. 1764

The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 between the British East India Company and a combined army of Mir Qasim (Nawab of Bengal), Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The British victory at the Battle of Buxar in 1764 was more decisive than the Battle of Plassey (1757). As a result of the 1764 victory, the Treaty of Allahabad (1765) was signed, granting the British the Diwani rights over Bengal. The Battle of Buxar in 1764 firmly established British power in India.

Correct Answer: B. Iris

The iris is the colored part of the eye that adjusts the size of the pupil. By changing the pupil's diameter, it regulates how much light reaches the retina at the back of the eye. This process helps us see clearly in both bright and dim environments.

Correct Answer: C. Krishna

Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the largest masonry dams in the world, located between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is built across the Krishna River and provides irrigation to millions of acres of farmland. The dam is named after the Buddhist philosopher Acharya Nagarjuna.

Correct Answer: B. Annie Besant

Annie Besant presided over the Calcutta session of the Congress in 1917. She was a prominent British socialist and supporter of Indian self-rule. Sarojini Naidu later became the first 'Indian' woman president in 1925.

Correct Answer: C. Income Tax

Income tax is a direct tax because the liability and burden of payment fall on the same individual. It is levied on the annual earnings of individuals and businesses by the Central Government. Indirect taxes like GST are collected from consumers through sellers.

Correct Answer: C. Hangul (Kashmir Stag)

Dachigam is located near Srinagar and is the last viable home for the endangered Hangul deer. The park's name literally translates to 'Ten Villages' in the local Kashmiri language. It offers a unique habitat of coniferous forests and alpine meadows.

Correct Answer: C. 6 years

Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years, with one-third of them retiring every two years. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved. This ensures continuity in the legislative process of the Parliament.

Correct Answer: A. Vitamin A

Retinol is the chemical name for Vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision and a healthy immune system. A severe deficiency of this vitamin can lead to night blindness and dry eyes. It is found in large quantities in carrots, spinach, and animal liver.

Correct Answer: B. Cripps Mission

The Cripps Mission of 1942 failed to promise full independence or the immediate formation of an Indian government. In response, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement with the slogan 'Do or Die'. This was the final major struggle against British rule before independence.

Correct Answer: B. Stratosphere

The stratosphere extends above the troposphere and contains a high concentration of ozone molecules. This layer is crucial for life on Earth as it absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Depletion of this layer can lead to increased cases of skin cancer.

Correct Answer: C. Babur

Babur established the Mughal Empire in 1526 after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat. He was a descendant of both Timur and Genghis Khan. His victory was significantly aided by the superior use of gunpowder and artillery.

Correct Answer: C. Watt

The Watt is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or generated in a circuit. One Watt is equal to one Joule of energy per second. It is named after James Watt, the engineer who made key improvements to the steam engine.

Correct Answer: C. Rajasthan

The three-tier Panchayati Raj system was first inaugurated in Nagaur district of Rajasthan on October 2, 1959. It followed the recommendations of the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee to decentralize power. This system was later given constitutional status by the 73rd Amendment.

Correct Answer: B. Wular Lake

Wular Lake is located in Jammu and Kashmir and is one of the largest freshwater lakes in all of Asia. it is fed by the Jhelum River and its size varies dramatically with the seasons. The lake plays a vital role in the regional ecosystem and fisheries.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Canning

Lord Canning served as the last Governor-General under the East India Company and became the first Viceroy under the British Crown. He oversaw the transition of power after the 1857 revolt. During his tenure, the universities of Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras were founded.

Correct Answer: C. Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain. It is called the master gland because it produces hormones that control many other endocrine glands. These hormones regulate vital processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Correct Answer: C. Vijayanagara Empire

Hampi served as the magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire during the 14th to 16th centuries. It is located in modern-day Karnataka along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The ruins showcase impressive Dravidian architecture and urban planning.

Correct Answer: C. 7.4

Human blood is slightly alkaline, with a strictly regulated pH range between 7.35 and 7.45. Even minor deviations from this range can lead to serious health issues or death. The body uses buffer systems, including the kidneys and lungs, to maintain this balance.

Correct Answer: C. Bahlul Lodi

Bahlul Lodi established the Lodi Dynasty in 1451, becoming the first Afghan ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He replaced the Sayyid Dynasty and worked to consolidate power by suppressing rebellious nobles. His dynasty was the final ruling house before the Mughal conquest.

Correct Answer: C. Right to Life and Personal Liberty

Articles 20 and 21 of the Indian Constitution cannot be suspended under any circumstances, including an emergency. Article 21 guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty to all persons. This protection was reinforced by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978.

Correct Answer: B. Graphite

Pencils use a mixture of graphite and clay to create the lead that leaves marks on paper. Graphite is a form of carbon that is very soft and opaque. Unlike many other non-metals, graphite is also a relatively good conductor of electricity.

Correct Answer: B. Narmada and Tapti

The Satpura Range is a series of seven hills that runs parallel to the Narmada and Tapti rivers. It forms the divide between these two major westward-flowing rivers in Central India. The range is rich in teak forests and home to several national parks.

Correct Answer: C. Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali. He was the first non-European to receive this prestigious honor. Tagore is also the only person to have composed the national anthems of two countries.

Correct Answer: C. Concave Mirror

Concave mirrors can produce a magnified and virtual image when an object is held close to the mirror. Dentists use this property to get a detailed view of teeth and identify problems like cavities. These mirrors are also used in shaving mirrors and car headlights.

Correct Answer: B. Nagaland

Nagaland hosts the Hornbill Festival every year in December to encourage inter-tribal interaction. It is often called the 'Festival of Festivals' and showcases the rich traditions and crafts of the Naga tribes. The event is held at the Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima.

Correct Answer: B. RBI lends to commercial banks

Repo rate is a key tool used by the Reserve Bank of India to control the money supply and inflation. When the RBI increases the repo rate, it becomes more expensive for banks to borrow money. This generally leads to higher interest rates for loans to the general public.

Correct Answer: C. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and chaired the committee that prepared the final draft. He played a crucial role in ensuring social justice and rights for marginalized communities. His contribution is celebrated on Constitution Day every year.

Correct Answer: B. Gypsum

Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral that is widely used as a fertilizer and as the main constituent in many forms of plaster. When heated, it turns into Plaster of Paris, which is used for setting broken bones. It is naturally found in large deposits in sedimentary rocks.