SSC GD — Set 17
40 questions
Which is the highest civilian award in India?
Correct Answer: B. Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. It was instituted in the year 1954 to recognize exceptional service in various fields. The award is presented by the President of India.
The Indus Valley Civilization was primarily located near which river?
Correct Answer: B. Indus
The civilization flourished in the basins of the Indus River and its tributaries. It is also known as the Harappan Civilization after the first discovered site. It was one of the three earliest civilizations of the world.
Who is known as the 'Grand Old Man of India'?
Correct Answer: A. Dadabhai Naoroji
Dadabhai Naoroji was a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He was the first Indian to become a member of the British Parliament. He authored the book 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'.
Which is the largest planet in our solar system?
Correct Answer: B. Jupiter
Jupiter is a gas giant and the largest planet in the solar system. It is known for its Great Red Spot, a massive persistent storm. It has more than 90 moons orbiting it.
What is the capital of Canada?
Correct Answer: C. Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the province of Ontario. It serves as the political and administrative center of the country. It is the fourth-largest city in Canada.
Which gas is used to extinguish fire?
Correct Answer: C. Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is effective because it displaces oxygen, which is necessary for fire. It is stored under high pressure in fire extinguishers. This gas is also known as CO2 in chemical terms.
The First Battle of Panipat was fought between Babur and whom?
Correct Answer: A. Ibrahim Lodi
The battle took place in 1526 and marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire. Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi, the last Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate. This victory was aided by the early use of gunpowder and artillery.
Which is the smallest country in the world by area?
Correct Answer: C. Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state located within Rome, Italy. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The total area of the country is only about 0.44 square kilometers.
The 'Palk Strait' connects India with which country?
Correct Answer: B. Sri Lanka
The Palk Strait is a narrow body of water between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal with the Palk Bay. It is named after Robert Palk, who was the Governor of Madras.
Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with 'Fundamental Rights'?
Correct Answer: C. Part III
Part III contains Articles 12 to 35 that guarantee civil liberties to citizens. These rights are protected by the judiciary and are essential for democracy. It is often described as the Magna Carta of India.
What is the normal boiling point of water in Celsius?
Correct Answer: B. 100°C
The boiling point of pure water at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm) is 100 degrees Celsius (212°F). At this temperature, liquid water converts into water vapor or steam. The boiling point decreases with lower atmospheric pressure, which is why water boils at lower temperatures at high altitudes. Above this temperature, water exists only as a gas.
Who founded the 'Prarthana Samaj'?
Correct Answer: A. Atmaram Pandurang
Atmaram Pandurang established the Prarthana Samaj in Bombay in 1867. The movement aimed at social reform and rational worship. It was inspired by the work of the Brahmo Samaj.
Which instrument is used to measure the depth of the ocean?
Correct Answer: B. Fathometer
A fathometer uses sound waves to determine how deep the water is. It measures the time taken for a sound pulse to echo back from the seabed. This process is commonly known as echo sounding.
The 'Statue of Unity' is located in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Gujarat
The Statue of Unity, depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is located in Gujarat near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. It is the world's tallest statue, standing at 182 metres. Gujarat is Sardar Patel's home state, making it a fitting location for this tribute to the Iron Man of India.
Which city is known as the 'Silicon Valley of India'?
Correct Answer: C. Bengaluru
Bengaluru is called the Silicon Valley of India due to its status as an IT hub. It hosts the headquarters of many major global technology companies. The city is the leading exporter of software in the country.
Who was the first woman to climb Mount Everest?
Correct Answer: B. Junko Tabei
Junko Tabei from Japan became the first woman to reach the summit in 1975. She was also the first woman to climb the Seven Summits of the world. Bachendri Pal was the first Indian woman to do so.
What is the full form of 'ATM' in banking?
Correct Answer: B. Automated Teller Machine
An Automated Teller Machine allows users to perform banking transactions without a teller. It provides services like cash withdrawal and balance inquiries. These machines are accessible 24 hours a day.
The 'Gobar Gas' mainly contains which of the following?
Correct Answer: A. Methane
Methane is the primary component of biogas produced from animal waste. It is a clean and renewable source of energy for rural households. In chemistry, methane is represented by the formula CH4.
Which vitamin deficiency leads to 'Rickets'?
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin D
Rickets is a condition that causes weak and soft bones in children. It is usually caused by a lack of Vitamin D or calcium. Sun exposure helps the body produce this essential vitamin.
Who wrote the national anthem of India?
Correct Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore composed 'Jana Gana Mana' originally in Bengali. It was officially adopted as the national anthem on January 24, 1950. Tagore also wrote the national anthem of Bangladesh.
Which layer of the Earth is the hottest?
Correct Answer: D. Inner Core
The inner core is the solid center of the Earth with extreme temperatures. It is composed primarily of iron and nickel. Scientists estimate its temperature to be similar to the Sun's surface.
The 'Dronacharya Award' is given to which category of people?
Correct Answer: B. Sports Coaches
This award is presented to coaches for producing medal winners at international sports events. It is named after the legendary teacher Dronacharya from the Mahabharata. It was first instituted in the year 1985.
Which is the largest gland in the human body?
Correct Answer: C. Liver
The liver is a vital organ that performs hundreds of chemical functions. It produces bile, which is necessary for the digestion of fats. It is also responsible for detoxifying harmful substances in the blood.
Who was the founder of the 'Servants of India Society'?
Correct Answer: A. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Gokhale founded the society in 1905 to train Indians for social service. Its members pledged to work for the welfare of the country and its people. Gokhale was a moderate leader of the National Congress.
Which river originates from the Amarkantak plateau?
Correct Answer: B. Narmada
The Narmada River rises from the Amarkantak hills in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the few major rivers in India that flows from east to west. The river drains into the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Khambhat.
The 'Battle of Buxar' took place in which year?
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.
What is the unit of electric current?
Correct Answer: C. Ampere
The Ampere is the SI unit used to measure the flow of electric charge. It is named after the French physicist André-Marie Ampère. An ammeter is an instrument used to measure current in a circuit.
Which state is known as the 'Land of Five Rivers'?
Correct Answer: C. Punjab
Punjab gets its name from the Persian words 'Panj' (five) and 'Ab' (water). The five rivers are the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej. This region is highly fertile and is a major agricultural zone.
Who was the first Indian to receive the Bharat Ratna?
Correct Answer: A. C. Rajagopalachari
C. Rajagopalachari was one of the first three recipients in 1954. He was the last Governor-General of India and a veteran freedom fighter. He was also an accomplished writer and social reformer.
Which chemical is used in traditional glass thermometers?
Correct Answer: B. Mercury
Mercury is a liquid metal that expands uniformly when heated. This property makes it ideal for measuring temperature changes accurately. However, modern digital thermometers are now replacing mercury versions for safety.
The 'Mohiniyattam' dance form belongs to which state?
Correct Answer: C. Kerala
Mohiniyattam is a traditional dance performed by women in Kerala. The word 'Mohini' refers to a mythical enchantress form of Lord Vishnu. It is characterized by graceful swaying movements and delicate footwork.
What is the SI unit of pressure?
Correct Answer: B. Pascal
One Pascal is equal to a force of one Newton applied over an area of one square meter. It is named after the French scientist Blaise Pascal. Pressure is defined as force per unit area.
Which state has the highest literacy rate according to Census 2011?
Correct Answer: D. Kerala
Kerala has maintained the highest literacy rate in India for several decades. According to the 2011 Census, its literacy rate was over 94 percent. High social awareness and educational infrastructure are key factors.
In which city is the headquarters of UNESCO located?
Correct Answer: C. Paris
The headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is in Paris. It was established in 1945 to promote international cooperation. UNESCO is famous for designating World Heritage Sites.
Who started the 'Mansabdari' system in India?
Correct Answer: B. Akbar
Akbar introduced this system to organize the nobility and the military. Every officer was assigned a rank or 'Mansab' which determined their status and pay. It was a unique civil and military administrative framework.
Which is the longest beach in India?
Correct Answer: B. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is located in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal. It is the longest natural urban beach in India and one of the longest in the world. The beach stretches for about 13 kilometers.
Which city is known as the 'Orange City' of India?
Correct Answer: A. Nagpur
Nagpur is famous for the high-quality oranges grown in the surrounding region. It is a major trade center for the fruit in the country. The city is also the geographical center of India.
Who was the first President of India?
Correct Answer: B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the President of India for two consecutive terms. He was a lawyer by profession and a leader in the independence movement. He also presided over the Constituent Assembly.
What is the chemical formula of Water?
Correct Answer: B. H2O
The chemical formula of water is H2O, representing one molecule composed of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom. Water (H2O) is the most abundant compound on Earth's surface and is essential for all known life forms. H2O exists in three states: liquid (water), solid (ice), and gas (steam). The H2O molecule has a bent structure with an angle of about 104.5 degrees between the two O-H bonds.
The 'Davis Cup' is associated with which sport?
Correct Answer: C. Tennis
The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's tennis. It is described as the 'World Cup of Tennis' by its organizers. Nations compete in a knock-out format to win the trophy.