SSC CHSL Tier-1 2025 20 November 2025 Shift 1 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Gurjara-Pratihara Harichandra was a Brahmin who gave up the traditional priestly profession and established a kingdom in Rajasthan. He is considered the founder of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. His descendants went on to become powerful rulers in northern India. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Dantidurga: He was the founder of the Rashtrakuta dynasty and was not a Brahmin who established a kingdom in Rajasthan. Option 3 - Nagabhata: He was a later Gurjara-Pratihara ruler (Nagabhata I), not the original Brahmin founder. Option 4 - Dharmapala Deva: He was the second ruler of the Pala dynasty of Bengal, not associated with Rajasthan.

Emperor Akbar made Kamal Khan, the chief of the Gakkhar tribe, a Mansabdar (a rank holder in the Mughal military-administrative system). Akbar extended the Mansabdari system to incorporate tribal chiefs and local rulers, integrating them into the Mughal administrative structure. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Babur: The Mansabdari system was not yet formalized during Babur's reign. Option 3 - Shah Jahan: The Gakkhars were brought under the Mughal system during Akbar's time, not Shah Jahan's. Option 4 - Aurangzeb: By Aurangzeb's reign, the Gakkhars were already part of the Mughal system; the specific appointment of Kamal Khan as Mansabdar is attributed to Akbar.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, secured the top position in India in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Rankings 2025. IISc is India's premier research institution and consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia for research output and academic excellence. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 - IIT Lucknow: Although a reputed institution, it did not secure the top position in India in the THE Asia Rankings 2025. Option 3 - IIT Bombay: IIT Bombay is a leading IIT but ranked below IISc in the THE Asia Rankings 2025. Option 4 - IIT Kanpur: Similarly a prestigious IIT, but ranked below IISc in this ranking.

The Mumbai Marathon 2025 was held in January 2025. The Tata Mumbai Marathon is one of the largest marathons in Asia and is traditionally held in the month of January each year. It attracts thousands of runners from across India and the world. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 - March: The Mumbai Marathon is traditionally held in January, not March. Option 3 - July: July is during the monsoon season in Mumbai, which is not suitable for a marathon. Option 4 - February: The marathon is held in January, not February.

SSI Mantra, developed by SS Innovations (an Indian company), became India's first indigenous surgical robotic system to perform telesurgery. In January 2025, it successfully performed two cardiac surgeries over a distance of 286 km via telesurgery. This was a landmark achievement in Indian medical technology. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Da Vinci: Da Vinci is an American surgical robot developed by Intuitive Surgical, not indigenous to India. Option 2 - Mitra: Mitra is an Indian cardiac assist device but not a robotic telesurgery system. Option 4 - Robonaut: Robonaut is a NASA robot designed for space exploration, not a surgical telesurgery system.

In Kabaddi, a 'Raider' is the player who crosses into the opponent's half, attempts to tag one or more defenders, and returns to their own half in a single breath while chanting 'kabaddi'. The raider scores points for each defender they touch before returning safely. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 - Badminton: No position called 'Raider' in badminton. Option 3 - Lawn tennis: No such term used in tennis. Option 4 - Cricket: Cricket does not have a position or term called 'Raider'.

'The Ground Beneath Her Feet' is a novel written by Salman Rushdie (published in 1999), NOT by Amitav Ghosh. All the other options are works by Amitav Ghosh. Amitav Ghosh's notable works include: The Glass Palace (2000) - a historical novel. The Imam and the Indian (2002) - a collection of essays. The Hungry Tide (2004) - set in the Sundarbans. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - The Glass Palace: Written by Amitav Ghosh. Option 2 - The Imam and the Indian: Written by Amitav Ghosh. Option 3 - The Hungry Tide: Written by Amitav Ghosh.

V. S. Naipaul (Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul), the Nobel Prize-winning Trinidad-born British author of Indian descent, wrote the novel 'Guerrillas' published in 1975. The novel deals with political and social upheaval in a Caribbean island nation and is considered one of his most powerful works. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Novoneel Chakraborty: A contemporary Indian author, he did not write 'Guerrillas'. Option 3 - Bapsi Sidhwa: A Pakistani author known for 'Cracking India' (Ice-Candy Man), not 'Guerrillas'. Option 4 - Mohsin Hamid: A Pakistani author known for 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist', not 'Guerrillas'.

'Where Shall We Go This Summer' (1975) is a novel authored by Anita Desai, one of India's most distinguished novelists. The story depicts a pregnant woman's existential crisis and her retreat to Manori Island. Anita Desai has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Book of Humour: Not authored by Anita Desai. Option 2 - I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale: This novel was written by Khushwant Singh, not Anita Desai. Option 4 - The Struggle for India's Soul: Not a work by Anita Desai.

'Shad Suk Mynsiem' (meaning 'Dance of the Joyful Heart') is a spring harvest festival of the Khasi community of Meghalaya. It is celebrated in April each year at Smit, near Shillong. The festival involves elaborate traditional dances performed by young men and women in traditional Khasi attire. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Ladakh: Ladakh has its own festivals like Hemis Festival; Shad Suk Mynsiem is not associated with Ladakh. Option 3 - Assam: Assam celebrates festivals like Bihu; Shad Suk Mynsiem is specific to the Khasi community of Meghalaya. Option 4 - Gujarat: Gujarat has festivals like Navratri and Uttarayan; not associated with this festival.

The Qutb Minar in Delhi, built by Qutb ud-Din Aibak (begun in 1193), has a base diameter of approximately 14.32 meters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands at a height of about 72.5 meters. The tower has five distinct storeys and tapers from the base to the top. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 (16.32 m): Overstates the base diameter of the Qutb Minar. Option 3 (10.32 m): Understates the base diameter. Option 4 (12.32 m): Also understates the actual base diameter of 14.32 m.

Karakattam is a traditional folk dance of Tamil Nadu, performed in front of the image of Goddess Mariamman (the rain goddess and guardian deity). In this dance, performers balance a decorated pot (Karak) on their heads while performing acrobatic movements to the beat of music. It is performed both as a ritual offering and as entertainment. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 - Villu Pattu: A musical storytelling form from Tamil Nadu using a bow instrument; not specifically performed before Mariamman. Option 3 - Sevai Attam: Not the dance specifically associated with Goddess Mariamman. Option 4 - Kolattam: A stick dance performed during festivals, but not specifically associated with Goddess Mariamman.

India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, was launched on November 5, 2013, by ISRO using the PSLV-C25 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. It made India the first country to successfully reach Mars orbit on its maiden attempt and the first Asian nation to do so. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 (2006): Mangalyaan was not launched in 2006. Option 2 (2009): Chandrayaan-1 (Moon mission) was launched in 2008; Mangalyaan was launched later in 2013. Option 4 (2019): Chandrayaan-2 was launched in 2019; Mangalyaan was launched 6 years earlier in 2013.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is used in homes for cooking. LPG is primarily composed of propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10). It is stored under pressure in cylinders and when released, it vaporizes and burns cleanly, making it ideal for cooking purposes. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Argon gas: An inert (noble) gas, used in welding and lighting, not for cooking. Option 2 - Nitrogen gas: An inert gas used in food packaging and industrial purposes, not for cooking. Option 4 - Oxygen gas: Used in medical and industrial applications; pure oxygen is dangerous and is not used as cooking fuel.

In solids, particles are very closely packed and the intermolecular forces of attraction are maximum. In gases, particles are far apart from each other, so the forces of attraction between particles are minimum. This explains why solids have a definite shape and volume, while gases have neither. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 (gases, liquid): Incorrect; gases have minimum forces of attraction, and liquids have intermediate forces. Option 3 (solids, liquid): Solids have maximum forces, but liquids do not have minimum forces — gases have minimum forces. Option 4 (gases, solids): Completely reversed; solids have maximum attraction, not gases.

The Finance Bill contains all proposals related to tax changes (direct and indirect taxes). When the Union Budget is presented, the Finance Bill outlines new tax proposals or changes to existing taxes, which directly affect the estimates of revenue receipts for the government. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 - Appropriation Bill: This authorizes the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund of India for government expenditure; it does not deal with tax proposals. Option 3 - Constitution amendment bill: This is used to amend the Constitution and is not related to annual revenue receipt estimates. Option 4 - Demand for grant bill: This deals with the expenditure side of the budget, not with tax proposals affecting revenue receipts.

The Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) was launched in 2015 as part of India's Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. It was introduced to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and costs, making Indian merchandise exports more competitive in global markets. MEIS was later replaced by the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 (1998): MEIS did not exist in 1998. Option 2 (2002): Incorrect; MEIS was launched as part of the 2015-20 Foreign Trade Policy. Option 3 (2019): MEIS was already operational from 2015; it was not launched in 2019.

The main goals of India's Five Year Plans were: Growth (increasing national income), Modernisation (adopting new technology), Self-reliance (reducing dependency on foreign aid), and Equity (reducing inequality). 'Dependency on foreign aid' was NOT a goal — in fact, achieving self-reliance by reducing foreign aid dependency was the actual goal. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Growth: This WAS a core goal of the five year plans — to increase GDP and per capita income. Option 3 - Modernisation: This WAS a goal — to adopt modern technology in agriculture, industry, etc. Option 4 - Equity: This WAS a goal — to reduce income inequality and ensure benefits reach all sections of society.

The Third Five Year Plan (1961-1966) was a complete failure. It was severely disrupted by unforeseen events: the Sino-Indian War (1962), the Indo-Pakistan War (1965), severe droughts, and food shortages. The plan could not achieve its targets and the government had to implement Three Annual Plans (1966-69) (also called 'Plan Holiday') instead of the Fourth Five Year Plan. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - First Plan (1951-56): Considered largely successful in achieving its targets. Option 2 - Second Plan (1956-61): Though ambitious, it was not derailed by Chinese aggression (which occurred in 1962). Option 4 - Fifth Plan (1974-79): Was terminated early by the Janata government in 1978, but the reason was political, not Chinese aggression.

The Battle of Buxar was fought on October 22-23, 1764, at Buxar (in present-day Bihar) between the British East India Company and the combined forces of the Nawab of Awadh (Shuja-ud-Daula), Nawab of Bengal (Mir Qasim), and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The British victory led to the Treaty of Allahabad (1765) and consolidated British power in India. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 (1757): The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 (not Buxar). Option 3 (1773): The Regulating Act was passed in 1773; the Battle of Buxar was 9 years earlier. Option 4 (1785): Incorrect; the Battle of Buxar was in 1764.

After the Indigo Revolt (Blue Mutiny) of 1859-60 in Bengal, where indigo cultivators (ryots) successfully resisted the coercive practices of British planters, the indigo planters shifted their operations to Bihar (especially the Champaran district). This exploitation of Bihar's farmers by indigo planters later led to Mahatma Gandhi's famous Champaran Satyagraha in 1917. Why other options are wrong: Option 2 - Maharashtra: Indigo cultivation and the revolt were associated with Bengal-Bihar belt, not Maharashtra. Option 3 - Karnataka: Not the region where indigo planters relocated after the Bengal revolt. Option 4 - Andhra Pradesh: Not historically linked to indigo plantation relocation after the Bengal revolt.

Pyruvate (pyruvic acid, chemical formula: CH3COCOO- or C3H4O3) contains 3 carbon atoms. Pyruvate is the end product of glycolysis (breakdown of glucose) and serves as a key metabolic intermediate. It can be converted to acetyl-CoA (entering the Krebs cycle), lactate (during anaerobic respiration), or ethanol (in fermentation). Why other options are wrong: Option 2 (4 carbons): 4-carbon compounds include oxaloacetate and malate in the Krebs cycle. Option 3 (5 carbons): 5-carbon compounds include ribose and ribulose in metabolism. Option 4 (6 carbons): Glucose has 6 carbon atoms; pyruvate is formed when glucose is split into two 3-carbon pyruvate molecules.

Daimabad is a significant Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization) archaeological site located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. It is notable for being the southernmost Harappan site discovered to date. Important bronze artefacts were found here, including figures of a chariot with a driver and bulls. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Haryana: Haryana has other Harappan sites like Rakhigarhi (the largest Harappan site in India), but Daimabad is in Maharashtra. Option 2 - Punjab: Punjab has Harappan sites like Ropar, but Daimabad is not in Punjab. Option 3 - Gujarat: Gujarat has major sites like Lothal and Dholavira, but Daimabad is in Maharashtra.

Harisena was the court poet, minister (Mahadandanayaka), and chief panegyrist of Emperor Samudragupta. He composed the famous Allahabad Pillar Inscription (also known as the Prayagraj Prasasti), which is engraved on the Ashokan pillar at Prayagraj (Allahabad). This inscription is one of the most important historical documents of the Gupta period, detailing Samudragupta's military campaigns and his status as a great warrior and patron of arts. Why other options are wrong: Option 1 - Simuka: He was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, not a court poet of Samudragupta. Option 2 - Kalidasa: The great Sanskrit playwright and poet, but he did not compose the Allahabad pillar inscription. Option 4 - Simhavishnu: He was a Pallava king, not a court poet of the Guptas.