SSC MTS — Set 26
40 questions
The famous festival of 'Chhath Puja' is primarily dedicated to which deity?
Correct Answer: B. Lord Surya
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his sister Shashti Devi. It is celebrated to thank the Sun for sustaining life on Earth. The festival is most popular in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal?
Correct Answer: C. Warren Hastings
Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal in 1773 under the Regulating Act. He abolished the Dual System of government in Bengal. He also founded the Calcutta Madrasa for the study of Islamic law.
Which Indian state is known as the 'Land of Five Rivers'?
Correct Answer: B. Punjab
Punjab gets its name from the Persian words 'Panj' (five) and 'Ab' (water), referring to five rivers. These rivers are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. It is one of the most fertile regions in India.
Which gas is known as 'Laughing Gas'?
Correct Answer: A. Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide ($N_2O$) is commonly known as laughing gas because of its intoxicating effects when inhaled. It is used in dentistry and surgery for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. It is a colorless and non-flammable gas.
Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Correct Answer: C. Vice President
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This means whoever holds the VP post automatically leads the Upper House. He presides over the proceedings and maintains decorum in the house.
The 'Lohri' festival is celebrated in which month?
Correct Answer: B. January
Lohri is a popular winter folk festival celebrated primarily in Northern India in the month of January. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days. It is celebrated a day before Makar Sankranti.
Who was the founder of the Slave Dynasty in India?
Correct Answer: D. Qutub-ud-din Aibak
Qutub-ud-din Aibak founded the Slave Dynasty (Mamluk Dynasty) in 1206. He was a general of Muhammad Ghori and started the construction of the Qutub Minar. He is often called 'Lakh Baksh' due to his generosity.
Which is the highest waterfall in India?
Correct Answer: C. Kunchikal Falls
Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka is the highest tiered waterfall in India with a height of 455 meters. It is formed by the Varahi River. Jog Falls is another famous waterfall in the same state.
What is the chemical name of Vitamin A?
Correct Answer: B. Retinol
Retinol is the chemical name for Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and immune health. Its deficiency leads to Night Blindness. Carrots and green leafy vegetables are rich sources of this vitamin.
The concept of 'Single Citizenship' in India is taken from which country?
Correct Answer: B. Britain
India borrowed the concept of single citizenship from Britain (the United Kingdom). In the British model, all citizens owe allegiance to the national government and not to individual states. India follows a similar system where every citizen is a citizen of India and not separately of any individual state.
Which of the following is the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu?
Correct Answer: B. Daman
Daman is the capital of the merged Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. This merger took place in January 2020 to improve administrative efficiency. The territory is located on the western coast of India.
Who was the leader of the 'Bardoli Satyagraha'?
Correct Answer: B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928 to protest against increased land revenue. Following the success of this movement, the women of Bardoli gave him the title 'Sardar'. This was a major non-violent movement in Gujarat.
Which Indian state is the largest producer of Rubber?
Correct Answer: C. Kerala
Kerala accounts for nearly 75% of the total natural rubber production in India. The state's climate and soil are highly suitable for rubber plantations. Kottayam is known as the rubber capital of India.
What is the unit of power of a lens?
Correct Answer: B. Dioptre
The power of a lens is measured in Dioptres, which is the reciprocal of the focal length in meters. A convex lens has positive power, while a concave lens has negative power. It indicates the degree of convergence or divergence of light.
How many players are there in a Basketball team on the court?
Correct Answer: A. 5
A basketball game is played between two teams of 5 players each on the court. The objective is to shoot a ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet high. James Naismith is credited with inventing the sport in 1891.
Who wrote the Sanskrit grammar book 'Ashtadhyayi'?
Correct Answer: B. Panini
Panini was an ancient Indian Sanskrit grammarian who wrote the Ashtadhyayi. It is a foundational text of the Sanskrit language consisting of eight chapters. He is often called the father of linguistics.
Which layer of the Earth is mainly composed of Iron and Nickel?
Correct Answer: C. Core
The Earth's core is primarily made of iron and nickel, often referred to as the 'Nife' layer ($Ni$ for Nickel and $Fe$ for Iron). It is divided into a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. The core is the hottest part of our planet.
What is the full form of ATM?
Correct Answer: B. Automated Teller Machine
ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine, an electronic banking outlet that allows customers to complete basic transactions. It was first introduced by Barclays Bank in London in 1967. John Shepherd-Barron is considered its inventor.
Which vitamin is also known as 'Sunlight Vitamin'?
Correct Answer: C. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet rays from sunlight. It is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. Lack of Vitamin D can cause Rickets in children.
Who was the first woman to win a gold medal in the Asian Games for India?
Correct Answer: B. Kamaljeet Sandhu
Kamaljeet Sandhu won the gold medal in the 400-meter race at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games. She was the first Indian woman athlete to win an individual gold medal at any Asian Games. She was later awarded the Padma Shri.
The 'Pattadakal' group of monuments is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Karnataka
Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Karnataka. It features a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India. These temples were built by the Chalukya dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Which river is known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar'?
Correct Answer: B. Kosi
The Kosi river is called the 'Sorrow of Bihar' due to its frequent and unpredictable flooding. It often changes its course, causing massive destruction to crops and property. It originates in Tibet and flows through Nepal into India.
What is the retirement age of a Supreme Court Judge in India?
Correct Answer: C. 65 years
A judge of the Supreme Court of India holds office until he attains the age of 65 years. For High Court judges, the retirement age is currently 62 years. The retirement age is determined by the Constitution of India.
Which is the hardest natural substance on Earth?
Correct Answer: C. Diamond
Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance found on Earth. It is an allotrope of carbon where atoms are arranged in a rigid crystal structure. Due to its hardness, it is widely used in industrial cutting and drilling tools.
In which city is the 'Gateway of India' located?
Correct Answer: B. Mumbai
The Gateway of India is a historic monument located on the waterfront in Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. It is often confused with the India Gate, which is in Delhi.
What is the common name of Sodium Carbonate?
Correct Answer: B. Washing Soda
Sodium Carbonate ($Na_2CO_3$) is commonly known as washing soda. It is used in glass, soap, and paper industries and for removing the permanent hardness of water. It is a white, odorless, and water-soluble salt.
Who was the first Indian to win an Oscar award?
Correct Answer: D. Bhanu Athaiya
Bhanu Athaiya won the Oscar for Best Costume Design for the movie 'Gandhi' in 1983. She was the first Indian to ever receive an Academy Award. She had a long and successful career in the Indian film industry.
Which planet is the largest in our solar system?
Correct Answer: B. Jupiter
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, with a mass more than twice that of all the other planets combined. It is a gas giant primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. It is famous for its 'Great Red Spot', a giant storm.
The term 'Butterfly Stroke' is associated with which sport?
Correct Answer: B. Swimming
The butterfly stroke is a swimming style swum on the chest, with both arms moving symmetrically. it is considered one of the most difficult and exhausting swimming strokes. It was developed from the breaststroke style.
Which component of blood is responsible for clotting?
Correct Answer: C. Platelets
Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that help stop bleeding by forming clots. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets clump together to plug the leak. This process is vital for preventing excessive blood loss.
Who was the founder of the 'Arya Samaj'?
Correct Answer: B. Swami Dayananda Saraswati
Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in 1875 in Bombay. He gave the famous slogan 'Back to the Vedas'. The organization worked towards social reforms like education for women and the abolition of untouchability.
Which state has the lowest population density in India?
Correct Answer: C. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density in India, with only 17 people per square kilometer as per the 2011 census. Most of the state's area is covered by dense forests and mountains. Delhi has the highest population density among UTs.
What is the chemical symbol of Silver?
Correct Answer: B. Ag
The chemical symbol for silver is Ag, which comes from the Latin word 'Argentum'. It is a soft, white, lustrous transition metal. Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of any element.
Which part of the Indian Constitution is known as the 'Magna Carta of India'?
Correct Answer: C. Part III
Part III of the Indian Constitution, which contains the Fundamental Rights, is called the Magna Carta of India. It protects the basic liberties of individuals against the arbitrary exercise of state power. It was inspired by the US Bill of Rights.
The 'Meenakshi Temple' is located in which city?
Correct Answer: A. Madurai
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort Sundareshwar. The temple is famous for its towering gopurams.
What is the currency of Bangladesh?
Correct Answer: B. Taka
The Taka is the official currency of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The word 'taka' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'tankah'. The Bangladesh Bank is the central bank responsible for issuing currency notes.
In which year did the 'Non-Cooperation Movement' start?
Correct Answer: B. 1920
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. It aimed to resist British rule through non-violent means and the boycott of British goods. It was called off in 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident.
Which is the smallest bone in the human body?
Correct Answer: B. Stapes
The stapes, located in the middle ear, is the smallest and lightest bone in the human body. It is shaped like a stirrup and is involved in the conduction of sound vibrations to the inner ear. The femur is the largest bone.
Who is known as the 'Frontier Gandhi'?
Correct Answer: A. Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was known as Frontier Gandhi for his non-violent struggle and close friendship with Mahatma Gandhi. He founded the 'Khudai Khidmatgar' (Servants of God) movement. He was the first non-Indian to receive the Bharat Ratna.
Which instrument is used to measure the purity of gold?
Correct Answer: B. Karatmeter
A Karatmeter is an X-ray fluorescence device used for the non-destructive measurement of the purity of gold. It provides an accurate reading of the gold's karat value. Pure gold is defined as 24 karats.