SSC GD 2026 9 May 2026 Shift 1 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: 2000 — Option (c)
Sattriya dance was granted the status of a classical dance form by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in the year 2000. Sattriya originated in Assam, founded by the Vaishnava saint-scholar Srimanta Shankaradeva in the 15th century as part of the neo-Vaishnavite movement. It was traditionally performed in Sattras (Vaishnavite monasteries) of Assam. With this recognition in 2000, Sattriya became the eighth classical dance form of India, joining the list that includes Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam , Odissi, and Kathakali.
Option (a) 1980 — Incorrect: In 1980, no new classical dance was added; the Sangeet Natak Akademi had recognised other forms earlier.
Option (b) 1990 — Incorrect: Sattriya was not given classical status in 1990.
Option (d) 2010 — Incorrect: Sattriya received classical dance status in 2000, not 2010.

Correct Answer: Ramayana — Option (b)
Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami) celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the Ramayana. The Ramayana, composed by sage Valmiki, tells the story of Ram's fourteen-year exile, the abduction of Sita by Ravana, and Ram's eventual victory over Ravana with the help of Hanuman and the Vanara army. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of Navratri (Ashwin Shukla Dashami) and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. In many parts of India, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanada are burned on this day.
Option (a) Mahabharata — Incorrect: The Mahabharata narrates the Kurukshetra war between the Pandavas and Kauravas; it is not the source of the Dussehra story.
Option (c) Bhagavad Gita — Incorrect: The Bhagavad Gita is a philosophical dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the Kurukshetra battlefield; it is not related to Dussehra.
Option (d) Vedas — Incorrect: The Vedas are the oldest sacred scriptures of Hinduism containing hymns, rituals, and philosophy; they do not contain the narrative of Ram and Ravana related to Dussehra.

Correct Answer: 2009 — Option (a)
India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, was launched by ISRO on October 22, 2008. Contact with the spacecraft was lost on August 29, 2009, after it had operated for 312 days (about 10 months) in lunar orbit — achieving most of its scientific objectives. Despite the premature end, Chandrayaan-1 was a great success: it confirmed the presence of water molecules on the Moon's surface (a major discovery in collaboration with NASA's Moon Mineralogy Mapper — M3 instrument), produced the first complete map of the Moon's chemical composition, and demonstrated India's capabilities in space exploration.
Option (b) 2013 — Incorrect: Chandrayaan-1 lost contact in 2009, not 2013. India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was launched in 2013.
Option (c) 2017 — Incorrect: Contact with Chandrayaan-1 was lost in 2009, not 2017.
Option (d) 2014 — Incorrect: The mission ended in 2009 when contact was lost; 2014 is not the correct year.

Correct Answer: Russia — Option (a)
The S-400 Triumf (NATO designation: SA-21 Growler) is a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system developed by Russia's Almaz-Antey defence corporation. It is one of the most advanced and capable air defence systems in the world, capable of engaging aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 km and altitudes up to 30 km. India signed a ₹35,000 crore deal with Russia to purchase five S-400 regiments in 2018, despite pressure from the US (CAATSA sanctions). India started receiving S-400 deliveries from Russia in 2021–22.
Option (b) USA — Incorrect: The US equivalent is the Patriot missile system (PAC-3); the S-400 is a Russian-made system.
Option (c) China — Incorrect: China has developed its own HQ-9 system and has purchased S-400 from Russia, but China did not develop the S-400.
Option (d) Germany — Incorrect: Germany is not the developer of the S-400; it is a Russian-developed surface-to-air missile defence system.

Correct Answer: Shanghai — Option (d)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in Shanghai, China on June 15, 2001, making it named after the city of its founding. The founding members were China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The SCO evolved from the 'Shanghai Five' group (formed in 1996) to address security, political, economic, and cultural cooperation among member states. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017. Iran joined in 2023. Belarus became a member in 2024. The SCO is headquartered in Beijing, China.
Option (a) New Delhi — Incorrect: New Delhi is India's capital; the SCO was not established there. India joined as a full member only in 2017.
Option (b) Tehran — Incorrect: Tehran is Iran's capital; Iran joined SCO as a full member in 2023. The SCO was established in Shanghai in 2001.
Option (c) Islamabad — Incorrect: Islamabad is Pakistan's capital; Pakistan became a full SCO member in 2017. The SCO was not established in Islamabad.

Correct Answer: London — Option (a)
The 2012 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad) were held in London, United Kingdom, from July 27 to August 12, 2012. London became the first city to host the Summer Olympics three times — having previously hosted in 1908 and 1948. The main venue was the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, East London. India won 6 medals at the London 2012 Olympics — the most by India at any Olympics up to that point — including a Silver by Sushil Kumar (wrestling) and a Bronze by Mary Kom (boxing).
Option (b) Paris — Incorrect: Paris hosted the Summer Olympics in 1900, 1924, and most recently in 2024; not in 2012.
Option (c) Sydney — Incorrect: Sydney hosted the 2000 Summer Olympics, not the 2012 Games.
Option (d) Beijing — Incorrect: Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics; the 2012 Olympics were in London.

Correct Answer: 3000 m Steeplechase — Option (b)
The 3000 m Steeplechase is a track event conducted INSIDE the stadium on the running track. Athletes run 3000 metres with 28 regular barriers and 7 water jumps placed on the track. In contrast, road/distance events like Marathon (42.195 km), 50 km Race Walking, and 20 km Race Walking are all conducted OUTSIDE the stadium on public roads — they typically start and finish inside the stadium or at a designated point, but most of the distance is covered on public roads. The 3000 m Steeplechase, being a shorter track event with specialized barriers, is entirely conducted within the athletics stadium.
Option (a) Marathon — Incorrect: The Marathon is conducted on public roads outside the stadium (42.195 km); only the finish is typically inside the stadium.
Option (c) 50 km Walking — Incorrect: The 50 km Race Walk is conducted on public roads outside the stadium (note: it was removed from Olympic programme after Tokyo 2020, replaced by 35 km Race Walk).
Option (d) 20 km Walking — Incorrect: The 20 km Race Walk is conducted on public roads outside the stadium, not on the stadium track.

Correct Answer: Uttarakhand — Option (c)
Hurkiya Baul is a traditional folk song form from Uttarakhand, specifically associated with the Kumaon region. It is performed by folk singers (called Hurkiya ) who accompany themselves on the Hurki — a small, traditional double-headed drum (also called Hurak or Hurka). The Hurkiya singer traditionally performs these folk songs at social, religious, and agricultural gatherings to narrate stories from mythology, local legends, and everyday life. This oral tradition has been an important part of Kumaoni cultural heritage for centuries.
Option (a) Bihar — Incorrect: Bihar has its own rich folk music traditions (such as Sohar, Birha , Jat-Jatin) but Hurkiya Baul is not a Bihar folk form.
Option (b) Mizoram — Incorrect: Mizoram has its own folk music traditions associated with Mizo culture; Hurkiya Baul belongs to Uttarakhand (Kumaon region).
Option (d) West Bengal — Incorrect: West Bengal has its famous Baul music tradition (mystic minstrels), but ' Hurkiya Baul' from Uttarakhand is a different folk tradition from the Kumaon region, unrelated to West Bengal's Baul.

Correct Answer: Shashi Tharoor — Option (c)
In 2025, Shashi Tharoor, a senior Congress MP and former Union Minister, led India's diplomatic outreach regarding Operation Sindoor to countries including the United States and Panama. Operation Sindoor was India's military operation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir ( PoK ) following the Pahalgam terror attack. As part of India's all-party diplomatic effort to brief foreign nations about the operation and India's stance, Shashi Tharoor — known for his international profile and fluency in diplomacy — headed the delegation to these countries to present India's case to the international community.
Option (a) Rahul Gandhi — Incorrect: Rahul Gandhi was involved in other aspects of the political discourse around Operation Sindoor , but it was Shashi Tharoor who led the specific diplomatic outreach to America and Panama.
Option (b) P. Chidambaram — Incorrect: P. Chidambaram is a senior Congress leader but did not lead the diplomatic outreach to America and Panama regarding Operation Sindoor .
Option (d) Sonia Gandhi — Incorrect: Sonia Gandhi, former Congress president, was not the member who led the diplomatic outreach mission to America and Panama regarding Operation Sindoor .

Correct Answer: Shweta Menon — Option (d)
Shweta Menon was elected as the President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in 2025. Her election was a historic milestone as she became one of the prominent women leaders of AMMA, marking a significant step for women's leadership in the Malayalam film industry's main professional body. AMMA is one of the major film industry associations in Kerala, representing actors and other film professionals. Shweta Menon is a well-known Malayalam actress who has also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films.
Option (a) Ansiba Hassan — Incorrect: Ansiba Hassan is a Malayalam actress but was not elected as AMMA president in 2025.
Option (b) Kuku Parameswaran — Incorrect: Kuku Parameswaran is an actor associated with the Malayalam film industry but did not become AMMA president in 2025.
Option (c) Lakshmipriyan — Incorrect: Lakshmipriyan was not elected as AMMA president in 2025; it was Shweta Menon who took this position.

Correct Answer: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy — Option (b)
The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in April 2025. The GHCI is designed to provide a credible and transparent certification framework for green hydrogen produced in India — verifying that the hydrogen meets the required emissions threshold (greenhouse gas emissions ≤ 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen) to be classified as 'green'. The scheme supports India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen, with a target of 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production by 2030.
Option (a) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas — Incorrect: This ministry handles fossil fuel-based petroleum and gas; the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme falls under MNRE, not the petroleum ministry.
Option (c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Incorrect: While this ministry deals with climate-related matters, the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme specifically falls under the MNRE.
Option (d) Ministry of Power — Incorrect: The Ministry of Power deals with electricity generation and distribution; the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Correct Answer: Jitendra Singh — Option (b)
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, launched India's first indigenous automated biomedical waste treatment plant named ' Srijanam ' in February 2025. The plant was developed indigenously in India and represents a significant step in managing biomedical waste (waste generated from hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities) through automated, environment-friendly treatment processes. ' Srijanam ' (meaning 'creation') symbolises India's capability in developing homegrown solutions for healthcare waste management, contributing to Swachh Bharat and healthcare sustainability goals.
Option (a) Narendra Modi — Incorrect: PM Narendra Modi did not launch the ' Srijanam ' biomedical waste treatment plant; it was launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Option (c) Rajnath Singh — Incorrect: Rajnath Singh is the Defence Minister; he was not involved in launching the ' Srijanam ' biomedical waste plant.
Option (d) Manoj Sinha — Incorrect: Manoj Sinha served as the Lieutenant Governor of J&K; he was not responsible for launching the ' Srijanam ' plant in February 2025.

Correct Answer: 6000 — Option (a)
As per NASA's Exoplanet Archive data available up to 2025, NASA had confirmed approximately 6,000 exoplanets (planets outside our solar system). The milestone of 5,000 confirmed exoplanets was announced by NASA in March 2022, and the number continued to grow steadily — reaching approximately 5,500+ by 2023–24 and approaching 6,000 by 2025. Exoplanets are detected using various methods including the Transit Method (Kepler, TESS telescopes), Radial Velocity method, Direct Imaging, and Gravitational Microlensing. The search for exoplanets, especially Earth-like planets in habitable zones, is a key objective of modern astronomy.
Option (b) 10000 — Incorrect: NASA had not confirmed 10,000 exoplanets as of 2025; the confirmed count was approximately 6,000.
Option (c) 12000 — Incorrect: 12,000 confirmed exoplanets is well beyond the actual count as of 2025.
Option (d) 9800 — Incorrect: The confirmed exoplanet count was approximately 6,000, not 9,800, as of the information available up to August 2025.

Correct Answer: Guwahati — Option (b)
In February 2025, a 5G laboratory developed by C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) — India's premier telecom research and development centre — was inaugurated at Guwahati University ( Gauhati University) in Assam. C-DOT has been developing indigenous 5G technology as part of India's push for ' Atmanirbhar Bharat' in the telecom sector. The inauguration of the 5G lab at Guwahati University aimed to facilitate research in next-generation telecommunications, provide hands-on 5G technology experience to students and researchers, and support the development of indigenous 5G applications and use cases in Northeast India.
Option (a) Berhampur — Incorrect: The C-DOT 5G lab inauguration in February 2025 was at Guwahati University, not Berhampur University.
Option (c) Mumbai — Incorrect: The 5G lab was inaugurated at Guwahati University, not at a Mumbai university.
Option (d) Jadavpur — Incorrect: Jadavpur University (in Kolkata, West Bengal) was not the location of the C-DOT 5G lab inauguration in February 2025.

Correct Answer: Igneous and metamorphic rocks — Option (d)
The Indian Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau) is mainly composed of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, making it one of the oldest landmasses in the world — part of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent. The plateau was formed by volcanic activity (Deccan Traps — basaltic lava flows from ~66 million years ago) and ancient crystalline rocks. The rocks here include granite, gneiss, schist (metamorphic), and basalt (igneous/volcanic). The Eastern and Western Ghats on its margins are formed of ancient crystalline metamorphic rocks. These hard, ancient rocks have resulted in a relatively flat and stable plateau.
Option (a) Sedimentary rocks — Incorrect: Sedimentary rocks are found mainly in river plains and coastal areas; the Peninsular Plateau is dominated by igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Option (b) Limestone — Incorrect: Limestone is a sedimentary rock found in some parts of India but is not the dominant rock type of the Peninsular Plateau.
Option (c) Volcanic rocks — Incorrect: While the Deccan Traps (basaltic volcanic rocks) are part of the Peninsular Plateau in Maharashtra and surrounding areas, the complete plateau is more broadly characterised by igneous AND metamorphic rocks, making option (d) more comprehensive and correct.

Correct Answer: Rudramadevi — Option (b)
Rudramadevi (c. 1262–1289 CE) of the Kakatiya dynasty of the Deccan is famous for issuing royal inscriptions using a masculine name — ' Rudradeva Maharaja' — to present herself as a male ruler in order to gain political legitimacy and command respect in a patriarchal medieval society. She disguised her gender identity on official records and coins. She was a powerful and effective ruler who defended her kingdom against the Yadavas, Cholas, and other enemies. The Venetian traveller Marco Polo visited her kingdom and recorded her rule. Rudramadevi is considered one of the most notable female rulers of medieval India.
Option (a) Kittur Chennamma — Incorrect: Kittur Chennamma (1778–1829), Queen of Kittur in present-day Karnataka, is famous for fighting against the British East India Company, but she did not disguise her gender on inscriptions.
Option (c) Chand Bibi — Incorrect: Chand Bibi (1550–1599), regent of Bijapur and Ahmednagar, was known for her bravery and diplomatic skills but did not change her name on inscriptions to appear male.
Option (d) Durgavati — Incorrect: Rani Durgavati (1524–1564), ruler of the Gondwana kingdom, is celebrated for her valour in battle, but she did not disguise her gender through inscriptions or a male name.

Correct Answer: Jharkhand — Option (a)
The Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana was launched by the Jharkhand state government under Chief Minister Hemant Soren in August 2024. Under this scheme, eligible women in Jharkhand receive a financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month (i.e., ₹12,000 annually) directly transferred to their bank accounts. 'Maiya' means 'mother/woman' in the local dialect. The scheme aimed to support women's financial independence and welfare, particularly targeting women from economically weaker sections. It was a flagship welfare scheme of the JMM-led government in Jharkhand.
Option (b) Haryana — Incorrect: Haryana did not launch the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana; this scheme was specific to Jharkhand.
Option (c) Odisha — Incorrect: Odisha has its own women welfare schemes (such as Subhadra Yojana) but the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana was launched by Jharkhand.
Option (d) Bihar — Incorrect: Bihar has various welfare schemes for women but the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana was a Jharkhand government initiative launched in August 2024.

Correct Answer: 15A — Option (d)
In Indian household electrical wiring, appliances are categorized by their power consumption and current requirements. High power-rated appliances such as geysers (water heaters), air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, and air coolers require a higher current and are connected to 15A (ampere) rated sockets, plugs, and circuit breakers/MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) on the meter board. Low power appliances (fans, lights, televisions, mobile chargers) use 5A rated circuits. The Indian Standard IS 1293 specifies 5A and 15A as the two standard current ratings for domestic plugs and sockets, with 15A being the higher-capacity rating for heavy-duty/high-power appliances.
Option (a) 4A — Incorrect: 4A is not a standard current rating used in Indian household circuits; the standard ratings are 5A (low power) and 15A (high power).
Option (b) 8A — Incorrect: 8A is not a standard rating in Indian domestic circuits for this purpose; high-power appliances use 15A rated connections.
Option (c) 11A — Incorrect: 11A is not a standard current rating in Indian household electrical systems; the correct higher current rating for heavy appliances is 15A.

Correct Answer: Neither I nor II — Option (d)
Both Cerium (Ce, atomic number 58) and Europium (Eu, atomic number 63) ARE rare earth elements (REEs). Rare earth elements consist of 17 elements — the 15 lanthanides (lanthanum to lutetium, atomic numbers 57–71), plus scandium (21) and yttrium (39). Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element and is used in catalytic converters, glass polishing, and lighting. Europium is used in fluorescent lamps, LED lighting, and as a red phosphor in TV screens. Since both Cerium and Europium are indeed rare earth elements, neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct when claiming them to be 'not a rare earth element'. Hence, 'Neither I nor II' (i.e., neither is a non-rare-earth element — both ARE rare earths) is correct.
Option (a) Only I — Incorrect: Cerium IS a rare earth element (lanthanide), so Statement I (that Cerium is not a rare earth) is wrong; both I and II are rare earth elements.
Option (b) Only II — Incorrect: Europium IS a rare earth element (lanthanide, atomic number 63), so Statement II (that Europium is not a rare earth) is wrong.
Option (c) Both I and II — Incorrect: Both Cerium and Europium are rare earth elements; the question asks which is NOT a rare earth, and the answer is that neither of them is 'not a rare earth' — both ARE rare earth elements.