SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 19 November 2025 Shift 1 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: Both I and II
Vijayalaya Chola (c. 848-871 CE) was the founder of the medieval Chola dynasty. After capturing the Kaveri delta from the Muttaraiyar chiefs, he:
Statement I: He established the town of Thanjavur (Tanjore) and made it his capital - CORRECT.
Statement II: He built a temple for the goddess Nishumbhasudini (a form of goddess Durga/Kali) at Thanjavur - CORRECT.
Both actions are historically documented as part of Vijayalaya Chola's activities after capturing the Kaveri delta, marking the beginning of the great Chola Empire.
Why 'Only I', 'Only II', and 'Neither' are wrong: Both statements are historically accurate.

Correct Answer: Sisodiya
The Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar (present-day Rajasthan) famously refused to accept Mughal authority for a long time. Rana Sanga (Sangram Singh) fought against Babur at the Battle of Khanwa (1527). Later, Maharana Pratap Singh refused to submit to Akbar and fought the Battle of Haldighati (1576). The Sisodiya clan is celebrated for their fierce resistance and pride.
Why other options are wrong:
- Rathore: The Rathores of Marwar eventually accepted Mughal suzerainty; Mota Raja Udai Singh's daughter Jodha Bai married Akbar.
- Kachhwaha : Raja Man Singh of Amber ( Kachhwaha clan) was one of Akbar's Navratnas and accepted Mughal authority.
- Chauhan: Various Chauhan branches had complex relationships with the Mughals but are not specifically known for prolonged resistance as Sisodiyas .

Correct Answer: 1739
Nadir Shah, the ruler of Persia (Iran), invaded India and sacked and plundered Delhi in 1739 CE. He defeated the Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah at the Battle of Karnal (February 1739). He looted enormous wealth from Delhi including the Peacock Throne (Takht-e- Tavus ) and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The massacre of Delhi's citizens by Nadir Shah's forces is known as the ' Qatl -e-Aam.'
Why other options are wrong:
- 1707: Year of Aurangzeb's death; Nadir Shah had not yet invaded.
- 1728: Nadir Shah had not yet risen to prominence; he became Shah of Persia in 1736.
- 1751: After Nadir Shah's death (1747); the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali invaded around this time.

Correct Answer: Jaipur
Sawai Raja Jai Singh II of Amber founded the city of Jaipur in 1727 CE. He shifted his capital from Amber (Amer) to the newly planned city of Jaipur. The city was designed by the architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya on the principles of Vastu Shastra and ancient Hindu town planning. Jaipur is often called the 'Pink City' of India and is now the capital of Rajasthan.
Why other options are wrong:
- Udaipur: Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodiya clan in 1559; not by Jai Singh of Amber.
- Jodhpur: Founded by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan in 1459; not by Jai Singh.
- Ajmer: An ancient city; not founded by Jai Singh of Amber.

Correct Answer: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser
AI Kiran (Kiran - Knowledge, Innovation, Research, and Advancement Network) is a pioneering AI initiative in India co-led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. It aims to harness Artificial Intelligence for scientific research, innovation, and development. The PSA office coordinates science and technology policy at the highest level of the Government of India.
Why other options are wrong:
- NITI Aayog: Has its own AI initiatives (NITI Aayog AI Strategy) but is not the co-lead of AI Kiran.
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII): An industry body; not a government initiative lead.
- NASSCOM: Represents the IT industry; not the government body leading AI Kiran.

Correct Answer: Rs. 1000
NPS Vatsalya was launched on 18 September 2024 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It is a pension scheme for minors (below 18 years of age) under the National Pension System (NPS). The minimum annual contribution required to open and maintain an NPS Vatsalya account is Rs. 1,000 per year. Parents/guardians can open the account on behalf of their minor children.
Why other options are wrong:
- Rs. 500: Lower than the actual minimum contribution.
- Rs. 2500: Higher than the actual minimum requirement.
- No minimum limit: There is a minimum contribution of Rs. 1,000 per year.

Correct Answer: 151st
India ranked 151st out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2025, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This was a slight improvement from India's rank of 159th in 2024. The index measures the degree of freedom available to journalists in 180 countries and territories.
Why other options are wrong:
- 169th: This was closer to India's rank in previous years (2022: 150th, but 169th is not accurate for 2025).
- 102nd: Much better than India's actual ranking.
- 132nd: Not India's rank in the 2025 index.

Correct Answer: Gonda
World Wetlands Day 2025 (celebrated on 2 February 2025) was celebrated at Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2025 was 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.' Gonda district in UP has significant wetland areas, and the national celebration was organized there to highlight the importance of wetland conservation.
Why other options are wrong:
- Prayagraj: Known for Sangam and Maha Kumbh 2025, not specifically as the World Wetlands Day 2025 venue.
- Kanpur: A major industrial city; not chosen for this celebration.
- Varanasi: A major religious city; not the venue for World Wetlands Day 2025.

Correct Answer: Japan
Japan became the first country in the world to develop and launch a wooden satellite named LignoSat in 2024. It was developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. LignoSat is made from magnolia wood and was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station (ISS). The wooden satellite is designed to be more eco-friendly as wood burns up completely on re-entry, leaving no space debris.
Why other options are wrong:
- Russia: Has an extensive space programme but did not develop LignoSat .
- China: Has an active space programme including the Tiangong space station; not the developer of LignoSat .
- Israel: Has a smaller space programme ; not the developer of LignoSat .

Correct Answer: 48.8%
As per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) report of 2024, the female population of India by 2036 is projected to be 48.8% of the total population. This projection is based on demographic trends showing a gradual improvement in the sex ratio in India, moving towards greater gender balance in the population.
Why other options are wrong:
- 41.8%: Too low; India's female population share would never be this low.
- 53.8%: Would mean females outnumber males significantly; not the projected figure.
- 51.8%: Would mean females outnumber males; this is the wrong projection figure.

Correct Answer: Both I and II
The RBI's Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) is constructed using three broad parameters:
1. Access (weight: 35%) - availability of financial services
2. Usage (weight: 45%) - actual use of financial services
3. Quality (weight: 20%) - quality of financial services and consumer protection
Both Access (Statement I) and Usage (Statement II) are parameters of the FI-Index. The index was launched in August 2021 and is published annually.
Why 'Only I', 'Only II', and 'Neither' are wrong: Both Access and Usage are documented parameters of India's Financial Inclusion Index.

Correct Answer: 4
The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) in India, published by NITI Aayog and the Institute of Competitiveness, is based on 4 pillars:
1. Policy - export-related policies and their implementation
2. Business Ecosystem - business environment for exports
3. Export Ecosystem - export-specific infrastructure and support
4. Export Performance - actual export outcomes
These 4 pillars are further divided into sub-pillars and indicators to rank Indian states and UTs on their export preparedness.
Why other options are wrong:
- 2: Fewer pillars than the actual EPI framework.
- 6: More than the actual number of pillars.
- 8: More than the actual number of pillars.

Correct Answer: 2002
The Competition Act was passed by the Parliament of India in 2002. It replaced the older Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969. The Competition Act, 2002 aims to prevent anti-competitive practices, promote and sustain competition in markets, protect consumer interests, and ensure freedom of trade. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) was established under this Act.
Why other options are wrong:
- 1998: The MRTP Act was still in force; Competition Act was not yet passed.
- 2004: The Competition Act was passed in 2002; certain provisions were implemented/amended around 2004-2009.
- 2000: Two years before the actual passage of the Competition Act.

Correct Answer: 40%
As per the Economic Survey 2023-24, it is expected that by 2030, more than 40% of India's population will live in urban areas. India's urbanisation is rising steadily - from 31.16% in 2011 Census to an estimated 36% in 2023, and is projected to cross 40% by 2030. This rapid urban growth will require significant investment in urban infrastructure and services.
Why other options are wrong:
- 50%: India is not expected to cross 50% urbanisation by 2030.
- 55%: Too high; beyond realistic projections for 2030.
- 60%: Significantly higher than any credible projection for India's urbanisation by 2030.

Correct Answer: Karnataka
Bandipur Tiger Reserve is located in Karnataka, in the Chamarajanagar district. It was established as a tiger reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve - the largest protected area complex in South Asia - along with Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad (Kerala), and Nagarhole (Karnataka). It is one of the most important tiger habitats in India.
Why other options are wrong:
- Assam: Has Kaziranga (famous for one-horned rhino) and Manas Tiger Reserve.
- Madhya Pradesh: Has Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura tiger reserves; not Bandipur .
- Kerala: Has Periyar Tiger Reserve; Wayanad WLS adjoins Bandipur but is in Kerala.

Correct Answer: Ragi
Ragi (finger millet/Eleusine coracana) is associated with dryland farming. Dryland farming is practiced in areas with low rainfall (less than 750 mm/year) and without irrigation. Ragi is a drought-resistant crop that can grow in dry, arid conditions with minimal water. It is commonly grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and other dry regions of India.
Why other options are wrong:
- Rice: Requires abundant water (1100-2000 mm rainfall); a wetland/irrigated crop.
- Sugarcane: Requires very high water (1500-2500 mm); not suitable for dryland farming.
- Jute: Requires high rainfall (1000-1500 mm) and alluvial soil; not a dryland crop.

Correct Answer: Damodar, Sone, Mahanadi and Godavari
Over 97% of India's coal reserves are located in the river valleys of the Damodar, Sone, Mahanadi, and Godavari. These are all east-flowing rivers in Peninsular India with Gondwana coal deposits:
- Damodar Valley: Jharkhand and West Bengal (Jharia, Raniganj - largest coalfields)
- Sone Valley: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh ( Singrauli , Korba)
- Mahanadi Valley: Odisha and Chhattisgarh (IB Valley, Talcher)
- Godavari Valley: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ( Singareni )
Why other options are wrong:
- Ganga and Yamuna: These are perennial Himalayan rivers; no significant coal deposits.
- Narmada and Tapi: West-flowing rivers; not known for major coal reserves.
- Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej: Himalayan rivers in the northwest; not coal-bearing.

Correct Answer: Newton's third law of motion
The operation of a satellite launch vehicle (rocket) is based on Newton's Third Law of Motion: 'For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.' In a rocket, hot gases are expelled downward (action) at high speed, which creates an equal and opposite reaction force that propels the rocket upward (reaction). This is the principle of rocket propulsion.
Why other options are wrong:
- Newton's first law (Law of Inertia): An object at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by a net force; describes inertia, not rocket propulsion.
- Newton's second law (F = ma): Relates force, mass, and acceleration; while relevant to rocket dynamics, it is not the fundamental operating principle.
- Archimedes' principle: Relates to buoyancy of objects in fluids; not applicable to rocket operation.

Correct Answer: Both I and II
Evaporative cooling occurs when a liquid evaporates and absorbs latent heat from the surroundings, causing a cooling effect.
Statement I: Pouring acetone on the palm - CORRECT. Acetone has a very low boiling point and evaporates rapidly, absorbing heat from the palm and causing a cooling sensation.
Statement II: Sprinkling water on the roof after a sunny day - CORRECT. Water evaporates from the hot roof, absorbing heat from the surface and cooling it down. This is a common practice in summer.
Both are valid examples of cooling due to evaporation.
Why 'Only I', 'Only II', and 'Neither' are wrong: Both statements correctly describe cooling due to evaporation.

Correct Answer: Ignorance and Attachment
According to Buddhist philosophy, the Buddha identified Ignorance (Avidya) and Attachment/Craving (Tanha/Moha) as the two root causes of human suffering (Dukkha). These are part of the concept of the Twelve Nidanas (chain of dependent origination). Ignorance leads to craving and attachment, which in turn lead to suffering. The Buddha's Second Noble Truth (Samudaya) explains that desire/craving is the origin of suffering.
Why other options are wrong:
- Hunger and Thirst: Physical needs; not the philosophical roots of suffering in Buddhist teaching.
- War and Poverty: Social conditions; not what Buddha identified as root causes.
- Violence and Disease: External conditions; Buddha identified internal mental factors as the roots.

Correct Answer: Mahapadma Nanda
Mahapadma Nanda was the founder of the Nanda Dynasty (c. 345-322 BCE). He is described in ancient texts as a man of low birth who rose to power and established the Nanda empire. He was the first non-Kshatriya ruler to establish a major empire in India. Mahapadma Nanda conquered most of northern India and established a powerful centralised state with a large army.
Why other options are wrong:
- Ashoka: A Maurya emperor (grandson of Chandragupta Maurya); not a Nanda ruler.
- Dhanananda : The last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty (not the founder), who was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya.
- Chandragupta Maurya: Founded the Maurya Dynasty after defeating Dhanananda ; not the founder of Nandas .

Correct Answer: Mesopotamian Civilization
Mesopotamian Civilization is NOT a name used for the Indus-Sarasvati Civilization. Mesopotamia was a separate ancient civilisation located in present-day Iraq (between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers). It is a completely different civilisation from the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation .
Names used to refer to the Indus-Sarasvati Civilisation include:
- Harappan Civilization: Named after Harappa, the first major site discovered.
- Sindhu-Sarasvati Civilization: Named after the Indus (Sindhu) and Sarasvati rivers.
- Indus Valley Civilization / Indus Civilization: Named after the Indus river.
Why Harappan, Sindhu-Sarasvati, and Indus Civilization are wrong: All three are valid names for the same civilisation .

Correct Answer: Vishnu
During the Gupta period (4th-6th century CE), ' Bhagavatism ' or 'Vaishnavism' was a major religious movement that centred on the worship of Vishnu (also called Bhagavat or Narayana). It emphasised bhakti (devotion) and ahimsa (non-violence). The Gupta emperors were Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu) and adopted the title 'Param Bhagavata.' The Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana are key texts of this tradition.
Why other options are wrong:
- Shiva: Shaivism is the tradition centred on Shiva worship; distinct from Bhagavatism .
- Brahma: Has limited devotional tradition; not the focus of Bhagavatism .
- Indra: A Vedic deity who declined in importance in the Puranic period; not the centre of Bhagavatism .