SSC GD 2026 20 May 2026 Shift 1 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: Zoji La — Option (c)
Zoji La (elevation: 3,528 metres / 11,575 feet) is the crucial mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh. It lies on the Srinagar–Leh National Highway (NH-1) in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Zoji La is the only motorable link between Srinagar and Leh during summers; it remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall (typically from November to May). NHIDCL is constructing a tunnel ( Zoji La Tunnel) to provide year-round connectivity. The pass is strategically vital for the Indian Army's logistics to Ladakh. ' Zoji ' means 'blizzard pass' in the local language.
Option (a) Nathu La — Incorrect: Nathu La (4,310 m) is a mountain pass in Sikkim that connects Sikkim (India) to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China; it does not connect Ladakh to Kashmir Valley.
Option (b) Rohtang Pass — Incorrect: Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) connects Manali in Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh; it does not connect Ladakh to the Kashmir Valley.
Option (d) Shipki La — Incorrect: Shipki La (5,669 m) is a pass on the India-China border in Himachal Pradesh where the Sutlej river enters India from Tibet; it does not connect Ladakh to Kashmir Valley.

Correct Answer: Bihar — Option (b)
According to the Census of India 2011, Bihar had the highest population density among all major Indian states at 1,102 persons per square kilometre . Bihar's high population density is due to its large population concentrated in a relatively smaller geographical area. Bihar's total population was about 10.4 crore (104 million) in 2011. For comparison: West Bengal: 1,029 persons/sq.km (2nd highest); Uttar Pradesh: 829 persons/sq.km; Kerala: 859 persons/sq.km. Among Union Territories, Delhi has the highest density at 11,297 persons/sq.km. Bihar's high density reflects the migration pressures, limited industrialization, and high birth rates historically associated with the state.
Option (a) Kerala — Incorrect: Kerala's population density in 2011 was 859 persons per sq.km, significantly lower than Bihar's 1,102 persons per sq.km.
Option (c) Nagaland — Incorrect: Nagaland is a sparsely populated northeastern state with a very low population density (119 persons/sq.km in 2011); it is far from 1,102 persons/sq.km.
Option (d) Haryana — Incorrect: Haryana's population density in 2011 was 573 persons per sq.km, much lower than Bihar's 1,102 persons/sq.km.

Correct Answer: Both I and II — Option (c)
Goa is famous for BOTH manganese ore and iron ore: Iron Ore: Goa was historically one of India's largest iron ore exporters, with major deposits in the Sonshi , Codli , and other mining areas. Goa accounted for a significant share of India's total iron ore exports (especially to Japan, China, and Europe) before the Supreme Court imposed mining bans in 2012. Iron ore mining is a major industry in Goa. Manganese Ore: Goa also has significant deposits of manganese ore. Manganese is used in steel manufacturing and battery production. The mineral-rich districts of North and South Goa have deposits of both these minerals. Goa's mining sector, primarily iron and manganese ore, has been a significant contributor to the state's economy, though environmental concerns have led to regulatory interventions.
Option (a) Only I (Manganese ore) — Incorrect: While Goa does have manganese ore, it is ALSO famous for iron ore, which has been an even larger industry; the correct answer includes both.
Option (b) Only II (Iron ore) — Incorrect: While iron ore is indeed a major mineral resource of Goa, manganese ore is ALSO found in Goa; both minerals are associated with Goa's mining sector.
Option (d) Neither I nor II — Incorrect: Both manganese ore and iron ore are significant mineral resources of Goa; saying neither is completely incorrect.

Correct Answer: UNCLOS — Option (a)
The BBNJ Agreement (Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) is an international treaty under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). It is also known as the 'High Seas Treaty' or 'Ocean Treaty'. The agreement was adopted at the UN in March 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations. It establishes a legal framework for: Protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas (areas beyond national jurisdiction); Creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters; Regulation of Marine Genetic Resources (MGR) and benefit-sharing; Environmental Impact Assessments for activities in the high seas; Capacity building and technology transfer. India signed the BBNJ Agreement in September 2023.
Option (b) WTO — Incorrect: The WTO (World Trade Organization) deals with international trade rules; the BBNJ Agreement is a marine biodiversity treaty under UNCLOS, not WTO.
Option (c) WEO — Incorrect: WEO is not a standard acronym for a major international organization relevant to the BBNJ Agreement; the treaty is under UNCLOS.
Option (d) UNESCO — Incorrect: UNESCO deals with education, science, culture, and communication; while UNESCO has programs related to marine science, the BBNJ Agreement is specifically under the UNCLOS framework.

Correct Answer: Minimize the cascading effect of indirect taxation — Option (b)
The primary objective of implementing VAT (Value Added Tax) by Indian states (starting April 1, 2005) was to minimize the cascading effect (also called the 'tax-on-tax' effect) of the earlier sales tax system. Under the old sales tax regime, tax was levied at multiple stages of the production and distribution chain on goods that had already been taxed, leading to a cascading or pyramiding effect that artificially inflated prices. VAT replaced the earlier sales tax with a system where tax is levied only on the value added at each stage of production/distribution, with input tax credit (ITC) available for taxes already paid. This eliminated the cascading effect and made the tax system more efficient and transparent.
Option (a) Replace all direct taxes with a single tax — Incorrect: VAT is an indirect tax on goods; it does not replace direct taxes. The objective was to replace multiple indirect taxes (sales tax, turnover tax, etc.) and eliminate their cascading effect.
Option (c) Increase fiscal deficit through higher tax expenditure — Incorrect: VAT was implemented to improve tax efficiency and compliance, not to increase fiscal deficits; the intent was to broaden the tax base and reduce tax evasion.
Option (d) Protect domestic producers by raising tariffs — Incorrect: Tariffs are customs duties on imports, unrelated to VAT; VAT is a domestic consumption tax, not a trade protection instrument.

Correct Answer: Poverty eradication (" Garibi Hatao") — Option (b)
The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-79) was formulated under PM Indira Gandhi with the primary emphasis on poverty eradication (' Garibi Hatao') and self-reliance ( Swaavalamban ). Key features of the Fifth Plan included: The 20-Point Economic Programme of PM Indira Gandhi aimed at removing poverty; The Minimum Needs Programme (MNP) to ensure basic amenities for the poor; Land reforms and agricultural development; Emphasis on removal of poverty and attainment of self-reliance. The ' Garibi Hatao' slogan became closely associated with the Fifth Plan. The plan was terminated one year early in 1978 when the Janata Party government came to power after the Emergency.
Option (a) Export-based development — Incorrect: Export-based development was not the primary emphasis of the Fifth Plan; the focus was on domestic poverty reduction and self-reliance.
Option (c) Banking reforms — Incorrect: Major banking reforms (bank nationalization) occurred in 1969 under the Fourth Plan; the Fifth Plan's emphasis was on poverty eradication.
Option (d) Heavy industry — Incorrect: Heavy industry was the primary focus of the Second Five-Year Plan (1956-61), based on the Mahalanobis model; the Fifth Plan focused on poverty alleviation.

Correct Answer: Agriculture sector — Option (a)
Disguised unemployment (also called hidden unemployment or underemployment) is most commonly found in the agriculture sector, especially in developing countries like India. It refers to a situation where more people are employed in a job than are actually needed — the marginal productivity of labour is zero or near-zero. For example, if a family farm requires only 3 workers but 6 family members work on it, the additional 3 workers are 'disguisedly unemployed' — removing them would not reduce total output. Characteristics of disguised unemployment: workers appear employed but are economically redundant; it is an invisible form of unemployment; it is characteristic of labour -surplus economies; it is prevalent in subsistence agriculture where family labour is used without proper wages.
Option (b) IT sector — Incorrect: The IT sector is a high-skill, organized sector where labour productivity is relatively easy to measure; disguised unemployment is not characteristic of the IT sector.
Option (c) Industrial sector — Incorrect: The industrial/manufacturing sector has clearer measures of productivity and output per worker; disguised unemployment is more characteristic of the agriculture sector.
Option (d) Service sector — Incorrect: While the informal service sector may have underemployment, disguised unemployment in its classic form is most associated with the agriculture sector in developing countries.

Correct Answer: 22nd — Option (a)
According to the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023, India achieved the 22nd rank in the international shipment category in the global ranking. This is a significant improvement from India's previous rankings in the LPI. The World Bank's LPI measures logistics performance of countries across 6 components: Customs efficiency; Infrastructure quality; Ease of arranging international shipments; Logistics services quality; Tracking and tracing of shipments; Timeliness of shipments. India's improved ranking in the international shipment category reflects better trade facilitation, digitization of customs processes, improvements in port infrastructure, and growth of dedicated freight corridors. The LPI 2023 covered 139 countries.
Option (b) 12th — Incorrect: India's rank in the international shipment category of the World Bank's LPI 2023 was 22nd, not 12th.
Option (c) 44th — Incorrect: India ranked 22nd in international shipment in the LPI 2023, significantly better than 44th; India has been improving its logistics performance consistently.
Option (d) 31st — Incorrect: The correct rank for India in the international shipment category of the World Bank's LPI 2023 is 22nd, not 31st.

Correct Answer: Court of Harshavardhan — Option (b)
Xuanzang (also written as Hiuen Tsang or Hsuan- tsang ), the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who visited India during 629-645 CE, left invaluable records about India in his travel account 'Si- yu -ki' (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions). His accounts are particularly valuable for studying the court of Emperor Harsha (Harshavardhan) of Kanauj (606-647 CE), providing detailed information about: Harsha's administration and governance; the social, religious, and economic conditions of 7th century India; the famous Nalanda University (where Xuanzang studied for several years); the religious practices, especially Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism; and court life and diplomatic relations. Xuanzang was warmly received by Harsha, who hosted the famous Kanauj assembly in his honour .
Option (a) Harappan cities — Incorrect: Harappan civilization (c. 2600-1900 BCE) ended about 2,500 years before Xuanzang's visit to India (629-645 CE); his accounts cannot be used for studying Harappan cities.
Option (c) Mauryan politics — Incorrect: The Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE) predated Xuanzang by nearly 900 years; for Mauryan politics, sources like Megasthenes ' Indica, Kautilya's Arthashastra , and Ashokan edicts are valuable.
Option (d) Chola naval expeditions — Incorrect: The Imperial Chola period known for naval expeditions (9th-13th centuries CE) came several centuries after Xuanzang's visit; his accounts focus on 7th century North India, particularly Harsha's kingdom.

Correct Answer: Trade with India except tea and China trade — Option (d)
The Charter Act of 1813 (renewal of the East India Company's charter) ended the East India Company's monopoly on trade with India, EXCEPT for the trade in tea and trade with China. This was a landmark development as it opened up Indian trade to all British merchants, allowing free trade with India (other than the excepted items). The Act also: Allowed Christian missionaries to enter India for proaching ; Provided for education in India with an allocation of one lakh rupees annually; Asserted British sovereignty over the Company's Indian territories. The tea trade monopoly with China was abolished later by the Charter Act of 1833.
Option (a) Opium trade — Incorrect: The 1813 Act did not specifically target the opium trade; it ended the Company's general trading monopoly with India (except tea and China trade).
Option (b) Trade with China — Incorrect: The Charter Act of 1813 maintained the Company's monopoly on trade with China (and tea trade); it was the Charter Act of 1833 that ended the China trade monopoly.
Option (c) Trade with Europe — Incorrect: The Company's monopoly was on trade with India and China, not specifically with Europe; the 1813 Act opened trade with India (excluding tea and China) to all British subjects.

Correct Answer: Tripura — Option (b)
The ' Mukhyamantri Balika Samridhi Yojana' was launched by the Tripura state government in 2025. This scheme is aimed at the welfare and empowerment of the girl child in Tripura. Such schemes typically provide financial assistance, educational support, and social security benefits to girls from economically weaker sections to promote their education, health, and overall development. The scheme is part of Tripura's broader initiatives to improve the status of girls and women in the state, reduce gender disparity, and ensure that girls have equal opportunities in education and life.
Option (a) Mizoram — Incorrect: The Mukhyamantri Balika Samridhi Yojana was launched by Tripura, not Mizoram in 2025.
Option (c) Assam — Incorrect: Assam has its own girl child welfare schemes, but the Mukhyamantri Balika Samridhi Yojana of 2025 belongs to Tripura.
Option (d) Manipur — Incorrect: Manipur has various welfare schemes for women and girls, but the Mukhyamantri Balika Samridhi Yojana launched in 2025 is a scheme of the Tripura government.

Correct Answer: Only I — Option (a)
The Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha in August 2025, aims to create a regulatory framework for the online gaming sector in India. Statement I is CORRECT: The Bill promotes e-sports (competitive video gaming) and online social games (games played for entertainment/social interaction), recognizing their economic and cultural value. Statement II is INCORRECT: The Bill does NOT promote online money gaming services (games where players wager real money). In fact, the regulatory framework distinguishes between permissible games of skill and restricted/prohibited games of chance involving money, with strict regulations on real-money gaming to protect consumers from addiction and financial harm.
Option (b) Only II — Incorrect: Statement II (the Bill promotes online money gaming) is incorrect; the Bill regulates and restricts money gaming, it does not promote it.
Option (c) Both I and II — Incorrect: While Statement I is correct (e-sports and social games are promoted), Statement II is incorrect (money gaming services are regulated/restricted, not promoted).
Option (d) Neither I nor II — Incorrect: Statement I is correct — the Bill does promote e-sports and online social games as legitimate forms of entertainment and economic activity.

Correct Answer: Masali — Option (b)
Masali village in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand was declared India's first Border Solar Village in December 2024. The village, located near the India-China border in the high-altitude Himalayan region, was equipped with solar power infrastructure as part of the government's initiative to provide clean, reliable energy to remote border villages. The 'Border Solar Village' initiative aims to bring solar energy to strategically important border settlements, improving quality of life for residents while also strengthening India's border infrastructure. Masali's recognition as the first such village marks a significant step in India's renewable energy outreach to remote border areas.
Option (a) Man (Mana) — Incorrect: Mana village in Chamoli district is known as India's last village before the Tibet border and has tourist significance; it was not declared India's first Border Solar Village.
Option (c) Mawlynnong — Incorrect: Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya is known as 'Asia's Cleanest Village'; it is not on the border with China and was not declared India's first Border Solar Village.
Option (d) Khonoma — Incorrect: Khonoma village in Nagaland is known as India's first green village; it is not a border village and was not declared India's first Border Solar Village.

Correct Answer: 13th — Option (a)
The International IP (Intellectual Property) Index 2025 is the 13th edition of the index. The International IP Index is published annually by the Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The index benchmarks intellectual property frameworks in major economies around the world across 50 unique indicators covering patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and IP enforcement. The index assesses how well countries' IP systems create an environment that supports innovation, creativity, and investment. The first edition of the International IP Index was published in 2012, and since then it has been published annually. Countries are scored and ranked based on the strength and effectiveness of their IP protection regimes.
Option (b) 18th — Incorrect: The International IP Index 2025 is the 13th edition, not the 18th; the index has been published annually since 2012.
Option (c) 21st — Incorrect: The 13th edition of the International IP Index was published in 2025; reaching the 21st edition would require publication until 2032.
Option (d) 25th — Incorrect: The International IP Index 2025 is the 13th edition; the 25th edition would not be published until around 2036 (if the annual cadence continues).

Correct Answer: Madhya Pradesh — Option (d)
Matki (also written as Matki or Matka dance) is a popular solo folk dance from the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. The dance is primarily performed by women and is named after the ' matki ' (a small earthen pot), which the performer balances gracefully on her head while dancing. The dance is typically performed at social gatherings, weddings, and festivals. The dancer performs with fluid, graceful hip movements and footwork while maintaining balance of the matki on the head. Matki dance expresses the daily life, emotions, and traditions of the women of the Malwa region of MP. It is one of the important folk dance forms recognized as part of Madhya Pradesh's cultural heritage.
Option (a) Andhra Pradesh — Incorrect: Andhra Pradesh is known for folk dances like Kuchipudi, Lambadi, and Dhimsa ; Matki dance belongs to Madhya Pradesh.
Option (b) Lakshadweep — Incorrect: Lakshadweep is known for folk dances like Lava, Kolkali , and Parichakali ; Matki dance is a tradition of Madhya Pradesh, specifically the Malwa region.
Option (c) West Bengal — Incorrect: West Bengal is known for folk dances like Chhau , Gambhira, and Baul; Matki is the folk dance of Madhya Pradesh.

Correct Answer: 4 days — Option (b)
Pongal is the most important harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, celebrated over 4 days during the Tamil month of Thai (typically January 13-16): Day 1 — Bhogi Pongal: Dedicated to Lord Indra (god of clouds and rains); old items are discarded and bonfires are lit; Day 2 — Thai Pongal (Main Day): The most important day; sweet rice dish called 'Pongal' is prepared and offered to the Sun God (Surya); Day 3 — Mattu Pongal: Dedicated to cattle (cows and bulls) who help in agriculture; cattle are decorated and worshipped; Day 4 — Kaanum Pongal (also called Kanum Pongal): A day for family gatherings and outings; younger members seek blessings from elders. Pongal is one of the oldest harvest festivals and has been celebrated for over 2,000 years.
Option (a) 2 days — Incorrect: Pongal is celebrated over 4 days ( Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal), not 2 days.
Option (c) 7 days — Incorrect: Pongal is a 4-day festival; 7 days is not the correct duration of the Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu.
Option (d) 10 days — Incorrect: Pongal is celebrated for 4 days, not 10 days; 10-day festivals include Navratri (9 nights) and Ganesh Chaturthi (10 days in some traditions).

Correct Answer: 2014 — Option (a)
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was launched on July 26, 2014. It was co-founded by Mashal Sports and Star Sports India. The inaugural Season 1 of PKL was held from July 26 to August 31, 2014, and was won by the Jaipur Pink Panthers (coached by Srinivas Reddy, with Rahul Chaudhari as the star raider). The Pro Kabaddi League revolutionized kabaddi in India, bringing it to a professional format modelled on the IPL (Indian Premier League). It features franchise-based teams competing in a round-robin format followed by playoffs. PKL has significantly increased the popularity of kabaddi, making it the second most-watched sports league in India after the IPL.
Option (b) 2017 — Incorrect: 2017 was not when the Pro Kabaddi League started; PKL was launched in 2014. By 2017, PKL was already in its fifth season.
Option (c) 2012 — Incorrect: The Pro Kabaddi League was not started in 2012; it was established and launched in 2014.
Option (d) 2011 — Incorrect: 2011 was three years before the Pro Kabaddi League was launched; PKL started in July 2014.

Correct Answer: 2010 — Option (c)
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, hosted the South Asian Games (South Asian Federation Games) in 2010. The 11th South Asian Games were held in Dhaka from January 29 to February 8, 2010. Over 2,000 athletes from the SAARC nations (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan) participated across multiple sports. India dominated the medal tally as is customary in the South Asian Games. The South Asian Games are a multi-sport event organized by the South Asian Sports Council (SASC) and are held every two years (with some variations).
Option (a) 2004 — Incorrect: The South Asian Games in 2004 were held in Islamabad, Pakistan (10th edition); Dhaka hosted in 2010.
Option (b) 2006 — Incorrect: The South Asian Games in 2006 were held in Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dhaka hosted the games in 2010.
Option (d) 2016 — Incorrect: The South Asian Games in 2016 were held in Guwahati and Shillong, India (12th edition); Dhaka hosted the 11th South Asian Games in 2010.

Correct Answer: 273.15 K — Option (c)
The melting point of ice (pure water at standard atmospheric pressure) is 0°C (Celsius) or 32°F (Fahrenheit). Converting to Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15, so 0°C = 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale where 0 K (absolute zero) represents the theoretical absence of all thermal energy. Key temperature conversions: Melting point of ice: 0°C = 273.15 K; Boiling point of water: 100°C = 373.15 K; Absolute zero: −273.15°C = 0 K. Note that 373.15 K is the boiling point of water, not the melting point of ice.
Option (a) 373.15 — Incorrect: 373.15 K is the boiling point of water (100°C = 373.15 K), not the melting point of ice; the melting point of ice is 273.15 K.
Option (b) 0 — Incorrect: 0 K is absolute zero (−273.15°C), the lowest possible temperature; the melting point of ice is 0°C, which equals 273.15 K, not 0 K.
Option (d) 100 — Incorrect: 100°C is the boiling point of water, not the melting point of ice; the melting point of ice is 0°C = 273.15 K.