SSC MTS — Set 20

Correct Answer: B. Odissi

Odissi is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temples of Odisha. It is known for its fluid movements and the 'Tribhanga' posture. It traditionally portrays themes related to Lord Jagannath.

Correct Answer: B. Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, is credited with the effective use of iron-cased rockets against the British. These were known as Mysorean rockets. His innovations significantly influenced later European rocket technology.

Correct Answer: C. North-Western India

The Loo is a strong, dusty, gusty, hot and dry summer wind from the west which blows over North-Western India. It usually occurs in the months of May and June. Exposure to these winds can cause fatal heatstrokes.

Correct Answer: B. Formic Acid

Formic acid, also known as methanoic acid, is injected into the skin when an ant bites or stings. It causes the sharp pain and swelling associated with the sting. Calamine solution can be used to neutralize this acid.

Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the old Planning Commission. It serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India.

Correct Answer: A. Tamil Nadu

Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil people in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The festival usually occurs in mid-January every year.

Correct Answer: B. 1919

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab. British troops under General Dyer fired on a peaceful crowd attending a public meeting. This event was a major turning point in the Indian freedom struggle.

Correct Answer: B. Nile

The Nile is traditionally considered the longest river in the world, flowing through northeastern Africa. It is about 6,650 kilometers long. The river is the primary water source for Egypt and Sudan.

Correct Answer: C. Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits. It is essential for the growth and repair of all body tissues. It also helps in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Correct Answer: C. Saturn

Saturn is currently recognized as the planet with the most moons in our solar system. Scientists have discovered over 140 moons orbiting this gas giant. Jupiter holds the second position with 95 confirmed moons.

Correct Answer: B. Mizoram

Chapchar Kut is the most popular spring festival of the people of Mizoram. It is celebrated after the completion of 'Jhum' or slash-and-burn clearing. People perform traditional bamboo dances like 'Cheraw' during this time.

Correct Answer: B. Jalaluddin Khilji

Jalaluddin Firuz Khilji was the founder of the Khilji dynasty in 1290. He was the first sultan of the Delhi Sultanate to have a benevolent attitude toward his subjects. He was later succeeded by his nephew Alauddin Khilji.

Correct Answer: D. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India according to the 2011 Census. It accounts for about 16% of India's total population. Maharashtra and Bihar follow it as the second and third most populous states.

Correct Answer: B. Xylem

Xylem is a type of vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved minerals upwards from the roots. It also provides mechanical support to the plant. Phloem, on the other hand, transports food from the leaves.

Correct Answer: C. 11

There are 11 Fundamental Duties for Indian citizens listed in Article 51A. Originally, there were 10 duties, but the 11th was added by the 86th Amendment Act in 2002. These duties were inspired by the Constitution of the former USSR.

Correct Answer: C. New York

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal copper statue situated on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

Correct Answer: A. Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh, known as 'The Flying Singh', wrote his autobiography titled 'The Race of My Life'. He was a legendary Indian track and field sprinter and a Padma Shri recipient. His life story was also adapted into a famous Bollywood movie.

Correct Answer: B. Narmada

The Narmada river is considered the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh due to its huge contribution to the state. It flows from east to west and empties into the Arabian Sea. It is the fifth longest river in the Indian subcontinent.

Correct Answer: C. Bleaching Powder

Calcium Hypochlorite is commonly known as bleaching powder. It is used for disinfecting drinking water and in the textile industry for bleaching cotton. It has a strong smell of chlorine.

Correct Answer: B. P.V. Sindhu

P.V. Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She achieved this feat in the women's singles badminton event. She later won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Correct Answer: B. Gujarat

Buland Darwaza, or the 'Gate of Victory', was built by Akbar in 1601 at Fatehpur Sikri. It was constructed to celebrate his successful military campaign in Gujarat. It is the highest gateway in the world.

Correct Answer: C. Assam

Assam is the largest tea-producing state in India, accounting for more than half of the country's total output. The Brahmaputra valley provides ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Indian tea is globally famous for its strong flavor.

Correct Answer: D. President of India

The President of India has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. The Lok Sabha has a normal term of five years unless dissolved earlier. The Rajya Sabha, however, is a permanent house.

Correct Answer: B. United Kingdom

The Pound Sterling is the official currency of the United Kingdom and its territories. It is the oldest currency in continuous use in the world. The Bank of England is responsible for its issuance.

Correct Answer: B. Lucknow

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is famously known as the City of Nawabs. It was the seat of the Nawabs of Awadh during the 18th and 19th centuries. The city is renowned for its 'Tehzeeb' (culture) and 'Chikan' embroidery.

Correct Answer: B. Fe

The chemical symbol for Iron is Fe, derived from the Latin word 'Ferrum'. It is a metallic element and one of the most abundant elements on Earth. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin in our blood.

Correct Answer: B. Subhash Chandra Bose

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose formed the All India Forward Bloc in 1939 after resigning from the presidency of the Congress. It was a left-wing nationalist political party. Its goal was the immediate independence of India.

Correct Answer: D. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has the highest representation in the Lok Sabha with 80 seats. The number of seats is based on the state's population. It plays a crucial role in the formation of the central government.

Correct Answer: C. Hockey

The Agha Khan Cup is a prestigious tournament in Field Hockey held in India. It started in 1896 and is one of the oldest hockey tournaments in the world. Hockey has a very rich history in the Indian sporting culture.

Correct Answer: C. Acetylene

Acetylene gas, produced from Calcium Carbide, is used to artificially ripen fruits like mangoes and bananas. However, its use is restricted in many places due to health concerns. Ethylene is the natural gas produced by plants for ripening.

Correct Answer: B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as 'Lokmanya', gave this famous slogan to inspire the Indian masses. He was a prominent leader of the extremist wing of the Congress. He also started the Shivaji and Ganpati festivals to unite people.

Correct Answer: C. Thar Desert

The Thar Desert is a large arid region in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. It forms a natural boundary between India and Pakistan. It is the world's 20th-largest desert and most of it is in Rajasthan.

Correct Answer: B. Marie Curie

Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in 1903 for Physics. She later won a second Nobel Prize in 1911 for Chemistry. She is the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.

Correct Answer: C. 7.4

The normal pH of human arterial blood is approximately 7.4. This means human blood is slightly basic or alkaline. Maintaining this level is crucial for the proper functioning of metabolic processes.

Correct Answer: A. Kolkata

Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. It was built between 1906 and 1921. Today, it serves as a museum and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the city.

Correct Answer: B. Pretoria

Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. The country actually has three capitals: Pretoria (Administrative), Cape Town (Legislative), and Bloemfontein (Judicial). This unique arrangement reflects the country's diverse history.

Correct Answer: B. 1885

The Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885 in Bombay. Its first session was presided over by Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee. It was established with the help of a retired British official, A.O. Hume.

Correct Answer: C. Mercury

Mercury is the smallest and innermost planet in the solar system. It is only slightly larger than Earth's moon. Since Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006, Mercury holds the title of the smallest planet.

Correct Answer: A. Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji was given the title 'Grand Old Man of India' for his lifelong service to the nation. He was the first Indian to be elected to the British House of Commons. He is also famous for his 'Drain of Wealth' theory.

Correct Answer: B. Fathometer

A fathometer is a device used to measure the depth of water by sending sound waves and measuring their echo. It is commonly used in ships for navigation and mapping the seafloor. The unit of depth measured by it is a 'fathom'.