SSC MTS — Set 14
40 questions
Which of the following festivals is known as the 'Mahakumbh of the East'?
Correct Answer: B. Ambubachi Mela
The Ambubachi Mela is held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. It celebrates the annual menstruation of the Goddess Kamakhya during the monsoon season. Thousands of devotees from across India visit the temple during this four-day fair.
Who was the founder of the 'Naujawan Bharat Sabha' in 1926?
Correct Answer: A. Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha to recruit young people for the freedom struggle. The organization aimed to foster a secular and socialist spirit among Indian youth. It played a significant role in spreading revolutionary ideas against British rule.
Which Indian city is known as the 'Silicon Valley of India'?
Correct Answer: C. Bengaluru
Bengaluru is called the Silicon Valley of India because it is the nation's leading IT exporter. The city houses the headquarters of many major technology companies and startups. It is the center of India's high-tech industry and innovation.
The 'Pietra Dura' style of decoration is most famously seen in which monument?
Correct Answer: C. Taj Mahal
Pietra Dura is an architectural technique of inlaying colored semi-precious stones into white marble. This decorative art reached its peak during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal features extensive and delicate Pietra Dura floral designs.
Which vitamin is essential for the clotting of blood?
Correct Answer: D. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is required by the body to produce proteins that help the blood to clot. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to excessive bleeding after an injury. Green leafy vegetables like spinach are excellent sources of Vitamin K.
Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India?
Correct Answer: A. Sukumar Sen
Sukumar Sen served as the first Chief Election Commissioner from 1950 to 1958. He successfully managed the first two general elections of independent India in 1951-52 and 1957. He was an Indian Civil Service officer known for his administrative skills.
Which river is known as the 'Tsangpo' in Tibet?
Correct Answer: C. Brahmaputra
The Brahmaputra river is called the Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibetan region. It enters India through Arunachal Pradesh where it is known as the Dihang or Siang. It is one of the major transboundary rivers of Asia.
What is the red color of tomatoes due to?
Correct Answer: B. Lycopene
Lycopene is a natural pigment and antioxidant that gives tomatoes their bright red color. It belongs to the carotenoid family and is healthy for the human heart. Cooking tomatoes actually helps the body absorb lycopene more easily.
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the 'Abolition of Untouchability'?
Correct Answer: C. Article 17
Article 17 of the Constitution of India formally abolishes 'Untouchability' in any form. It is a fundamental right that ensures equality and dignity for all citizens. The practice of untouchability is a punishable offense under Indian law.
The 'Sonepur Mela', one of Asia's largest cattle fairs, is held in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Bihar
The Sonepur Mela is held annually on Kartik Purnima in Sonepur, Bihar. It is historically famous for the trade of elephants, horses, and cattle. The fair attracts visitors and traders from across the continent.
Who was the Captain of the Indian women's cricket team in the 2023 WPL?
Correct Answer: B. Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur led the Mumbai Indians team in the inaugural Women's Premier League. Her team went on to win the first-ever WPL title in 2023. She is a prominent all-rounder and the captain of the Indian national team.
Which port is famously known as the 'Diamond Harbour'?
Correct Answer: C. Kolkata Port
Diamond Harbour is a town and a major port facility located on the banks of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. It is part of the Kolkata Port Trust and serves as a deep-water shipping point. The area is also a popular weekend getaway near Kolkata.
How many countries share a land border with India?
Correct Answer: C. 7
India shares its land borders with 7 countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. These 7 countries surround India on its land boundaries, making India one of the most geographically connected nations. India's total land border with all 7 countries measures approximately 15,200 km. In addition to the 7 land-bordering countries, India also has maritime borders with Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Which hormone is known as the 'Fight or Flight' hormone?
Correct Answer: B. Adrenaline
Adrenaline is released by the adrenal glands during stressful or dangerous situations. It increases heart rate and blood flow to prepare the body for quick action. This physiological response helps humans react to immediate threats.
The 'Battle of Haldighati' was fought in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1576
The Battle of Haldighati took place on 18 June 1576 in Rajasthan. It was fought between the forces of Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar's army. Akbar's forces were led by Raja Man Singh I of Amber.
What is the SI unit of electric current?
Correct Answer: D. Ampere
The Ampere is the standard unit used to measure the flow of electric current. It is named after the French physicist André-Marie Ampère. An ammeter is the instrument used to measure current in a circuit.
Which state in India is the largest producer of Bauxite?
Correct Answer: A. Odisha
Odisha is the leading producer of bauxite in India, accounting for over half of the country's output. Bauxite is the primary ore used to produce aluminum. The Panchpatmali deposits are among the largest in the state.
Who was the author of the 12th-century Sanskrit text 'Rajatarangini'?
Correct Answer: B. Kalhana
Kalhana wrote the Rajatarangini, which provides a detailed historical account of the kings of Kashmir. It is considered one of the earliest reliable historical chronicles of India. The text was composed in Sanskrit verse.
The 'Losar' festival is celebrated as the New Year in which region?
Correct Answer: B. Ladakh
Losar is the Tibetan New Year and is celebrated with great fervor in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It involves traditional dances, chanting, and family gatherings. The festival usually falls in the month of February or March.
Which part of the eye controls the amount of light entering it?
Correct Answer: B. Iris
The iris is the colored part of the eye that regulates the size of the pupil. By changing the pupil's size, it controls how much light reaches the retina. This function is similar to the aperture of a camera.
Who was known as the 'Napoleon of India'?
Correct Answer: B. Samudragupta
Samudragupta, a ruler of the Gupta Empire, was called the Napoleon of India by historian V.A. Smith. He was a great conqueror and a patron of arts and music. His military achievements are recorded on the Allahabad Pillar inscription.
The 'Majuli' island, the world's largest river island, is located in which river?
Correct Answer: C. Brahmaputra
Majuli is a large river island in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam. It is the first island to be made a district in India. It is a major center of neo-Vaishnavite culture and biodiversity.
What is the chemical name of Baking Soda?
Correct Answer: B. Sodium Bicarbonate
The chemical name for baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate, with the formula NaHCO3. It is commonly used in baking as a leavening agent to make dough rise. It also has various household uses as a cleaning agent.
Which Indian state has the lowest literacy rate according to the 2011 Census?
Correct Answer: A. Bihar
According to the 2011 Census, Bihar had the lowest literacy rate in India at approximately 61.8%. Kerala recorded the highest literacy rate during the same period. Literacy is defined as the ability to read and write for those aged seven and above.
Who was the first woman to be awarded the Bharat Ratna?
Correct Answer: B. Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi was the first woman to receive India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1971. She was honored for her leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. M.S. Subbulakshmi was the first musician to receive the award.
Which layer of the Earth is in a liquid state?
Correct Answer: C. Outer Core
The Earth's outer core is a fluid layer composed mainly of iron and nickel. It sits between the solid inner core and the rocky mantle. The movement of liquid metal in this layer creates the Earth's magnetic field.
The 'Gandhi-Irwin Pact' was signed in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1931
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed on 5 March 1931. It marked the end of the first phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Following this, Mahatma Gandhi agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference.
Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in a cell?
Correct Answer: C. Ribosome
Ribosomes are small organelles that serve as the site for biological protein synthesis. They read messenger RNA sequences and translate them into amino acid chains. They can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
The famous 'Chari' folk dance belongs to which state?
Correct Answer: B. Rajasthan
Chari dance is a popular folk dance performed by women of the Gurjar and Saini communities of Rajasthan. Dancers balance lit brass pots (Chari) on their heads while performing graceful movements. It is often performed during marriages and births.
Who was the founder of the 'Banaras Hindu University' (BHU)?
Correct Answer: B. Madan Mohan Malaviya
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya founded BHU in 1916 with the support of Annie Besant and the Maharaja of Varanasi. It is one of the largest residential universities in Asia. Malaviya was also a four-time president of the Indian National Congress.
What is the tenure of a member of the Rajya Sabha?
Correct Answer: C. 6 years
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years. One-third of the members retire every second year, making it a permanent house that is never dissolved. The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The 'Silent Valley National Park' is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Kerala
Silent Valley National Park is situated in the Nilgiri Hills of Palakkad district, Kerala. It is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests. The park is famous for the rare Lion-tailed Macaque.
Which gas is filled in electric bulbs to prevent the filament from burning?
Correct Answer: D. Argon
Electric bulbs are filled with an inert gas like Argon to prevent the tungsten filament from oxidizing. This extends the life of the bulb by slowing down the evaporation of the filament. Sometimes a mixture of nitrogen and argon is used.
Who was the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold medal?
Correct Answer: B. Abhinav Bindra
Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He was the first Indian to win an individual gold medal in Olympic history. Neeraj Chopra became the second in 2021 for javelin throw.
The 'Second Battle of Tarain' (1192) was fought between whom?
Correct Answer: B. Prithviraj Chauhan and Muhammad Ghori
The Second Battle of Tarain resulted in the victory of Muhammad Ghori over Prithviraj Chauhan. This defeat led to the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India. The first battle in 1191 had been won by Prithviraj Chauhan.
What is the full form of GDP in economics?
Correct Answer: A. Gross Domestic Product
GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product, which measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country. It is a key indicator used to gauge the health of a nation's economy. Real GDP is adjusted for inflation over time.
Which Indian state has the largest forest cover by area?
Correct Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover area in India, followed by Arunachal Pradesh. According to the India State of Forest Report, forests are crucial for environmental balance. In terms of percentage of total area, Mizoram leads the country.
Which instrument is used to measure the purity of milk?
Correct Answer: B. Lactometer
A lactometer is a small glass instrument used to test the purity and richness of milk. It works on the principle of Archimedes' Law by measuring the specific gravity of the milk. It can detect if water has been added to the milk.
Who was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest?
Correct Answer: B. Bachendri Pal
Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1984. She was later awarded the Padma Bhushan for her achievement. Santosh Yadav was the first woman to climb Everest twice.
The 'Maitree Express' train runs between India and which country?
Correct Answer: C. Bangladesh
The Maitree Express connects Kolkata in India with Dhaka in Bangladesh. It was started in 2008 to revive the international rail link between the two nations. The name 'Maitree' means friendship in both Hindi and Bengali.