SSC CPO — Set 8

Q: Which of the following Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency?

Articles 20 and 21. Articles 20 and 21 remain enforceable even during the operation of a National Emergency. This provision was ensured by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978. Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty of every individual.

Q: The famous 'Gayatri Mantra' is found in which of the following Vedas?

Rig Veda. The Gayatri Mantra is contained in the third Mandala of the Rig Veda. It is dedicated to Savitri, the solar deity associated with the sun. Rig Veda is considered the oldest of the four sacred Vedas in Hinduism.

Q: Which Indian state shares the longest international boundary with Myanmar?

Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh shares a boundary of approximately 520 km with Myanmar. India shares a total land border of 1,643 km with Myanmar across four states. The border is characterized by the presence of the Patkai and Lushai hills.

Q: What is the phenomenon of light bending when it passes from one medium to another called?

Refraction. Refraction occurs because the speed of light changes as it moves through different materials. This effect causes objects submerged in water to appear slightly shifted from their actual position. The ratio of the speeds in the two media is known as the refractive index.

Q: The first Five-Year Plan of India was based on which model?

Harrod-Domar Model. The first Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) was based on the Harrod-Domar model of economic growth. It primarily focused on agricultural development and irrigation projects to stabilize the economy. The plan was highly successful and exceeded its targeted growth rate of 2.1%.

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Which of the following Fundamental Rights cannot be suspended even during a National Emergency?

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Correct Answer: B. Articles 20 and 21

Articles 20 and 21 remain enforceable even during the operation of a National Emergency. This provision was ensured by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978. Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty of every individual.

The famous 'Gayatri Mantra' is found in which of the following Vedas?

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Correct Answer: B. Rig Veda

The Gayatri Mantra is contained in the third Mandala of the Rig Veda. It is dedicated to Savitri, the solar deity associated with the sun. Rig Veda is considered the oldest of the four sacred Vedas in Hinduism.

Which Indian state shares the longest international boundary with Myanmar?

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Correct Answer: B. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh shares a boundary of approximately 520 km with Myanmar. India shares a total land border of 1,643 km with Myanmar across four states. The border is characterized by the presence of the Patkai and Lushai hills.

What is the phenomenon of light bending when it passes from one medium to another called?

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Correct Answer: A. Refraction

Refraction occurs because the speed of light changes as it moves through different materials. This effect causes objects submerged in water to appear slightly shifted from their actual position. The ratio of the speeds in the two media is known as the refractive index.

The first Five-Year Plan of India was based on which model?

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Correct Answer: B. Harrod-Domar Model

The first Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) was based on the Harrod-Domar model of economic growth. It primarily focused on agricultural development and irrigation projects to stabilize the economy. The plan was highly successful and exceeded its targeted growth rate of 2.1%.

In which city is the 'Salar Jung Museum' located?

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Correct Answer: B. Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the correct answer to this question. It is the capital city of Telangana and serves as the joint capital of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is known for its historical monuments like the Charminar and Golconda Fort, as well as being a major IT and pharmaceutical hub in India.

Who was the founder of the 'Khilji Dynasty' of the Delhi Sultanate?

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Correct Answer: B. Jalaluddin Khilji

Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji established the Khilji Dynasty in 1290 after overthrowing the Mamluk dynasty. He was known for his mild and lenient administration during his short reign. He was eventually succeeded and assassinated by his nephew, Alauddin Khilji.

Which element is found in the highest percentage in the Earth's crust?

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Correct Answer: A. Oxygen

Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 46.6% by weight. It is followed by Silicon, which accounts for roughly 27.7% of the crust. These elements primarily exist in the form of silicate minerals in rocks.

The 'Palk Strait' separates India from which of the following countries?

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Correct Answer: B. Sri Lanka

The Palk Strait is a narrow strip of water that lies between Tamil Nadu and the Mannar district of Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with the Palk Bay in the southwest. The strait is named after Robert Palk, a former Governor of Madras.

Which part of the brain controls the balance and posture of the human body?

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Correct Answer: B. Cerebellum

The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements. It maintains the body's equilibrium and muscular tone during activities like walking. Damage to this area can result in loss of motor control and coordination.

The 'Swaraj Party' was formed by Motilal Nehru and which other leader?

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Correct Answer: B. Chittaranjan Das

Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru founded the Swaraj Party in January 1923 within the Congress. They advocated for entering the legislative councils to obstruct British policies from within. C.R. Das served as the first President of this political party.

Which schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the list of official languages?

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Correct Answer: A. Eighth Schedule

The Eighth Schedule currently recognizes 22 official languages of the Republic of India. Originally, only 14 languages were included when the Constitution was enacted. Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi are among the languages listed in this schedule.

What is the boiling point of water on the Fahrenheit scale?

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Correct Answer: B. 212°F

The boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure is 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100°C). At this temperature, liquid water converts into steam. The boiling point lowers at higher altitudes where atmospheric pressure is less. Below 212°F at sea level, water remains in liquid state.

The 'Ghoomar' dance form is traditionally associated with which Indian state?

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Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan

Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance developed by the Bhil tribe of Rajasthan. It is performed by women wearing flowing dresses called ghagharas during festive occasions. The dance involves graceful pirouetting while moving in a circular pattern.

Who was the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India?

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Correct Answer: B. Fathima Beevi

Justice M. Fathima Beevi was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1989, becoming the first female judge. She also served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu later in her career. Leila Seth was the first female Chief Justice of a High Court (Himachal Pradesh).

Which river originates from the 'Amarkantak' plateau?

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Correct Answer: A. Narmada

The Narmada river rises from the Amarkantak hill range in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a west-flowing river that flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The famous Dhuandhar Falls is located on this river near Jabalpur.

The 'Simon Commission' visited India in which year?

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Correct Answer: B. 1928

The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928 to report on the working of the Government of India Act 1919. It was met with nationwide protests because it consisted of seven British members and no Indians. The slogan 'Simon Go Back' became the face of the agitation.

What is the chemical formula of baking soda?

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Correct Answer: B. NaHCO3

NaHCO3 represents Sodium Bicarbonate, which is commonly known as baking soda. It is widely used in baking as a leavening agent to make dough rise. When heated, it releases carbon dioxide gas, creating air bubbles in the mixture.

Which is the largest organ in the human body?

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Correct Answer: B. Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body by surface area and weight. It serves as a protective barrier against external pathogens and helps regulate body temperature. The liver is the largest internal organ and the largest gland in the body.

Who was the Mughal Emperor during the Revolt of 1857?

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Correct Answer: A. Bahadur Shah Zafar

Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor who was declared the leader of the rebels in 1857. After the revolt was suppressed, he was exiled to Rangoon by the British. He was a noted Urdu poet and died in captivity in 1862.

The 'Wular Lake' is situated in which state or union territory of India?

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Correct Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir

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

Which gas is used for ripening green fruits artificially?

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Correct Answer: B. Acetylene

Acetylene gas, often produced from calcium carbide, is used for the artificial ripening of fruits. However, its use is strictly regulated due to health concerns related to impurities like arsenic. Ethylene is the natural hormone that plants produce to ripen fruit.

The 'Dada Saheb Phalke Award' is given in which field?

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Correct Answer: B. Cinema

The Dada Saheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in the field of cinema. It was instituted in 1969 to commemorate the contribution of Dada Saheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema. Devika Rani was the first recipient of this prestigious award.

Which organelle is known as the 'Powerhouse of the Cell'?

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Correct Answer: A. Mitochondria

Mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. They perform cellular respiration to convert nutrients into usable energy. They are unique because they possess their own DNA and a double membrane structure.

Who was the founder of the 'Satavahana Dynasty'?

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Correct Answer: B. Simuka

Simuka is credited with establishing the Satavahana rule in the Deccan region after the decline of the Mauryas. The Satavahanas were notable for issuing coins made of lead. They were the first indigenous dynasty to issue coins with portraits of their rulers.

Which state has the lowest population density according to the 2011 Census?

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Correct Answer: B. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has a population density of only 17 persons per square kilometer. This is the lowest density recorded among all Indian states in the 2011 Census. Bihar, on the other hand, has the highest population density in India.

The 'Vande Mataram' was first sung at which session of the Indian National Congress?

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Correct Answer: B. 1896

The song was sung for the first time by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Calcutta session of the Congress. It was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel 'Anandamath'. It was later adopted as the National Song of India in 1950.

What is the normal blood pressure of a healthy human being?

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Correct Answer: A. 120/80 mm Hg

The value 120/80 mm Hg represents the systolic and diastolic pressure respectively. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart beats, and diastolic is the pressure when the heart rests. High blood pressure is medically referred to as hypertension.

Which planet has the maximum number of satellites (moons) as of recent discoveries?

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Correct Answer: B. Saturn

Saturn is currently recognized as the planet with the highest number of moons in our solar system. Recent astronomical discoveries have pushed its count to 146 known satellites. It surpassed Jupiter, which also has a massive system of over 90 moons.

Who was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest?

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Correct Answer: B. Bachendri Pal

Bachendri Pal achieved this historic feat on 23 May 1984, shortly before her 30th birthday. She was born in the Uttarkashi district of present-day Uttarakhand. Santosh Yadav later became the first woman to climb Everest twice.

In which year was the 'Reserve Bank of India' established?

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Correct Answer: B. 1935

The RBI was established on 1 April 1935 under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. It was set up based on the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission. The bank was nationalized in 1949 and serves as India's central bank.

Which part of the Constitution deals with the 'Fundamental Rights'?

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Correct Answer: A. Part III

Part III of the Indian Constitution contains Articles 12 to 35 regarding Fundamental Rights. It is often described as the 'Magna Carta' of India. These rights are justiciable, meaning they are enforceable by the courts.

Which of the following is the largest gland in the human body?

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Correct Answer: B. Liver

The liver is a vital organ that performs hundreds of functions, including detoxification and protein synthesis. It secretes bile juice, which is essential for the digestion of fats. It is located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity.

The 'Harappa' site was discovered by which archaeologist?

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Correct Answer: B. Daya Ram Sahni

Daya Ram Sahni led the excavations at Harappa in 1921, marking the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization. The site is located on the banks of the Ravi River in present-day Pakistan. Harappa was the first city to be discovered in this ancient civilization.

What is the primary source of energy for the Earth?

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Correct Answer: B. Sun

The Sun provides energy in the form of solar radiation, which drives the Earth's climate and weather. This energy is captured by plants through photosynthesis to produce food for almost all life. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power.

Who was the author of the book 'Indica'?

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Correct Answer: A. Megasthenes

Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador sent by Seleucus Nicator to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. His book 'Indica' describes the administration, society, and geography of India during that period. Though the original book is lost, fragments survive in later Greek writings.

Which vitamin helps in the clotting of blood?

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Correct Answer: B. Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins required for blood coagulation. Without sufficient Vitamin K, minor injuries could result in excessive bleeding. It is found in abundance in leafy green vegetables and produced by intestinal bacteria.

In which city is the 'Indian Military Academy' (IMA) located?

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Correct Answer: B. Dehradun

The Indian Military Academy was established in 1932 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It is a premier officer training institution for the Indian Army. The academy's motto is 'Veerta Aur Vivek', which means Valor and Wisdom.

Which classical dance originated in the state of Kerala?

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Correct Answer: B. Kathakali

Kathakali is a highly stylized classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes and facial makeup. It originated in the 17th century and traditionally depicts stories from Indian epics. Mohiniyattam is another classical dance form that belongs to Kerala.

Which article of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to impose President's Rule in a state?

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Correct Answer: A. Article 356

Article 356 deals with the failure of constitutional machinery in a state. It allows the Central Government to take direct control of the state administration. Article 352, by contrast, is used for declaring a National Emergency.