SSC MTS 2025 12 February 2026 Shift 1 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: Option 2 – As an oxidising agent in many chemical industries.
Bleaching powder (Ca( OCl )Cl) is widely used as an oxidising agent in chemical industries. Its oxidising property makes it useful for bleaching fabrics, paper pulp, and also for disinfecting water.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1: Soda-acid fire extinguishers use sodium bicarbonate and sulphuric acid — bleaching powder is not involved.
Option 3: Permanent hardness of water is removed by washing soda (sodium carbonate), not bleaching powder.
Option 4: Borax is a sodium compound manufactured through different processes; bleaching powder is not used in its production.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – 14
In 1969, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, 14 major commercial banks were nationalised . This was a landmark economic decision to direct bank credit towards priority sectors like agriculture and small industries.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (28): Incorrect number — no such nationalisation event involved 28 banks.
Option 3 (9): In 1980, 6 more banks were nationalised (not 9), making the total 20 nationalised banks.
Option 4 (35): This number has no historical basis in Indian banking nationalisation .

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank
In the mega bank consolidation effective from April 1, 2020, the Government of India merged Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India, making Union Bank a larger entity. This was part of a broader consolidation exercise that reduced the number of public sector banks.
Other mergers in 2020 for reference:
- Oriental Bank of Commerce + United Bank of India → Punjab National Bank
- Syndicate Bank → Canara Bank
- Allahabad Bank → Indian Bank
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1: OBC and United Bank were merged into Punjab National Bank, not Union Bank.
Option 2: Syndicate Bank was merged into Canara Bank.
Option 4: Allahabad Bank was merged into Indian Bank, not Union Bank.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Mahanadi
Peninsular rivers are those that originate from the peninsular plateau of India. The Mahanadi originates in Chhattisgarh and flows eastward through Odisha to drain into the Bay of Bengal — it is a classic peninsular river.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Brahmaputra): A Himalayan river originating in Tibet; it is a trans-boundary river, not peninsular.
Option 3 (Ganga): A Himalayan river originating from Gangotri glacier; it belongs to the Himalayan river system.
Option 4 (Indus): A Himalayan river originating in Tibet near Lake Mansarovar ; not a peninsular river.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Only I
Statement I is correct: Westerlies are planetary winds that blow from the sub-tropical high pressure belt (around 30° latitude) towards the sub-polar low pressure belt (around 60° latitude), in both hemispheres.
Statement II is incorrect: Westerlies are not local winds. Local winds are confined to small geographic areas (e.g., Loo, Foehn, Mistral). Westerlies are planetary/permanent winds that blow at a global scale.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – 1948
The Census of India is governed by the Census Act, 1948, and the Census Rules, 1990. The Census Act, 1948 provides the statutory framework for the collection, compilation, and publication of census data. It empowers the government to appoint census officers and makes it compulsory for citizens to provide correct information.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (1958): No such Census Act was enacted in 1958.
Option 3 (1951): 1951 was the year India conducted its first post-independence census, not when the Act was passed.
Option 4 (1955): No relevant census legislation was passed in 1955.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Both I and II
Statement I is correct: Jharkhand is known to have cobalt deposits along with other minerals. India's cobalt resources are found in certain states including Jharkhand.
Statement II is correct: Cobalt is a key component in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, particularly in cathodes (as lithium cobalt oxide). It is widely used in batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices.
Since both statements are factually correct, the answer is Both I and II.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Brain
The brain is the main coordinating centre of the human body. It receives sensory information from various parts of the body, processes it, and sends appropriate response signals. It controls voluntary and involuntary actions, thinking, memory, and regulates all body functions through the nervous system.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Spleen): The spleen is part of the lymphatic system; it filters blood but does not coordinate body functions.
Option 3 (Liver): The liver performs metabolic functions such as detoxification and bile production; it is not a coordinating centre .
Option 4 (Lung): The lung is a respiratory organ involved in gas exchange; it has no coordinating role.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – An ascetic, who appeared to be happy and at peace.
According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) encountered the 'Four Sights' — an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a wandering ascetic. The ascetic, who appeared calm and at peace despite having nothing, inspired Siddhartha to renounce his royal life and seek liberation from suffering.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1: No specific teacher explaining suffering triggered his renunciation — it was the sight of an ascetic.
Option 3: A conversation with a king is not mentioned in Buddhist texts as the cause of his renunciation.
Option 4: Dreams and visions did not directly cause his renunciation; it was the four physical sights.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Punjab
Sammi is a traditional folk dance of Punjab, performed exclusively by women during festive occasions such as harvests and weddings. Dancers form a circle and clap their hands while singing folk songs.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Jharkhand): Known for Chhau and Jhumair dances, not Sammi.
Option 2 (Maharashtra): Known for Lavani and Tamasha; Sammi is not from Maharashtra.
Option 3 (Assam): Known for Bihu dance; Sammi does not originate from Assam.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Arunachal Pradesh
Ajhi Lhamu is a traditional dance performed by the Monpa tribe, who predominantly inhabit the Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The dance is associated with Buddhist festivals and traditions of the Monpa community.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Andhra Pradesh): The Monpa tribe does not belong to Andhra Pradesh.
Option 3 (Madhya Pradesh): The Monpa tribe is not found in Madhya Pradesh.
Option 4 (Himachal Pradesh): The Monpa are native to the northeastern Himalayan region, not Himachal Pradesh.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – December
The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated on December 3 every year in Goa. It commemorates the death anniversary of St. Francis Xavier, a patron saint of Goa. The celebration at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa draws large numbers of pilgrims and tourists. Every ten years, the body of St. Francis Xavier is also placed on public display (called the 'Exposition').
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (January): No major feast of St. Francis Xavier is held in January.
Option 2 (August): August is not associated with this feast.
Option 4 (May): The feast is not celebrated in May.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – detect moonquakes
ILSA stands for Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity. It was one of the payloads on the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3. ILSA was designed to detect seismic activity (moonquakes) on the lunar surface and study the structure of the Moon's crust. It successfully recorded the first-ever seismic event on the Moon by the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2: Studying Earth's spectral properties from lunar orbit was the purpose of a different payload (SHAPE — Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth), not ILSA.
Option 3: Thermal conductivity was measured by ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment), not ILSA.
Option 4: Plasma density was studied by RAMBHA-LP (Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere), not ILSA.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Skyroot Aerospace
Vikram-S is India's first privately developed rocket, built by Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based space start-up. It was successfully launched on 18 November 2022 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota , under the mission name 'Prarambh'. This marked a historic milestone in India's private space sector.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 ( Agnikul Cosmos): Agnikul is another Indian space start-up but their rocket is called ' Agnibaan ', not Vikram-S.
Option 3 (Bellatrix Aerospace): Bellatrix focuses on satellite propulsion systems and is not associated with Vikram-S.
Option 4 ( Pixxel ): Pixxel is a satellite imaging company and is not a launch vehicle manufacturer.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – West Bengal
Padavali Kirtans are devotional songs sung in praise of Radha and Krishna, deeply rooted in the Vaishnava tradition of Bengal. They originated from the poetry ( Padavali ) of medieval Vaishnava poets like Chandidas and Vidyapati. This musical tradition is an integral part of the religious and cultural heritage of West Bengal.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Haryana): Haryana has its own folk music traditions like Ragini and Saang , but not Padavali Kirtans.
Option 3 (Karnataka): Known for Carnatic music and Yakshagana ; Padavali Kirtans are not from Karnataka.
Option 4 (Telangana): Known for Perini Sivatandavam and Lambadi folk traditions; not associated with Padavali Kirtans.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – 1966
The first National Judo Championship in India was held in 1966. The Judo Federation of India was established to promote and regulate the sport across the country. This championship marked the beginning of organised judo competition at the national level in India.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (1988): 1988 is associated with the Seoul Olympics, not the first national judo championship in India.
Option 3 (1976): The national championship was already in existence before 1976.
Option 4 (1956): The first national championship was held in 1966, not 1956.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra
The autobiography of veteran Bollywood actor Prem Chopra is titled 'Prem Naam Hai Mera, Prem Chopra'. The title is a play on his iconic dialogue from Hindi films. The book was co-written with journalist Rakita Nanda and covers his personal and professional life over decades in Indian cinema.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Prem Katha): This is not the title of Prem Chopra's autobiography.
Option 2 (Bollywood Diary of Prem Chopra): This is a fabricated title; the actual title is different.
Option 3 (Life and Times of Prem Chopra): This is not the correct title of his autobiography.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Both I and II
According to the rules of wrestling (as per United World Wrestling regulations), the officiating panel for each bout consists of:
I. Mat Chairman – who oversees the bout from ringside and has authority over disputed decisions.
II. Referee – who is on the mat with the wrestlers and enforces the rules in real time.
Both the Mat Chairman and the Referee are essential parts of the officiating team for each wrestling bout. Hence, both statements I and II are correct.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Lord Krishna
Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and was designed in the shape of the crown of Lord Krishna. The structure is built in red and pink sandstone and has 953 small windows ( jharokhas ) to allow cool air to circulate.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Lord Indra): Hawa Mahal is not dedicated to Lord Indra.
Option 3 (Lord Buddha): Hawa Mahal has no association with Buddhism.
Option 4 (Lord Shiva): The monument is associated with Lord Krishna, not Lord Shiva.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Devika Rani
Devika Rani was the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which was instituted in 1969 by the Government of India to honour outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. She was a pioneering actress of early Indian cinema and was known as the 'First Lady of Indian Cinema'. The award is named after Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 ( Ashapoorna Devi): She was a famous Bengali novelist and received the Jnanpith Award, but not the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Option 3 (Madhubala): Madhubala was a celebrated actress but passed away in 1969 and did not receive this award.
Option 4 (Bindu): Bindu is a film actress but was not the first recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Both I and II
Non-contact forces act between objects without physical contact.
Statement I: Magnetic force is a non-contact force — a magnet attracts iron objects from a distance without touching them.
Statement II: Gravitational force is a non-contact force — the Earth pulls objects towards it without direct contact.
Both magnetic force and gravitational force are classic examples of non-contact forces. Other examples include electrostatic force.
Why 'Only I' or 'Only II' are wrong: Both forces are non-contact in nature, so selecting only one is incorrect.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – 1782
The Treaty of Salbai was signed in 1782 between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy, ending the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782). Under this treaty, the British restored most of the territories captured during the war and a 20-year peace was established. The treaty was negotiated through Mahadaji Scindia.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (1792): 1792 is associated with the Treaty of Seringapatam (Third Anglo-Mysore War), not Marathas.
Option 3 (1803): 1803 is associated with events of the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
Option 4 (1817): 1817 marks the beginning of the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Iran
Iran launched the Chamran-1 satellite in September 2024. It was placed into orbit using a Qaem-100 rocket. Chamran-1 is a research satellite developed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The satellite is named after Mostafa Chamran, an Iranian scientist and military commander.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Israel): Israel has its own satellite programme but did not launch Chamran-1.
Option 2 (India): India did not launch the Chamran-1 satellite.
Option 3 (China): China is a major space power but Chamran-1 is specifically an Iranian satellite.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Odisha
VLSRSAM stands for Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile. It was successfully tested by DRDO and the Indian Navy in March 2025 off the coast of Odisha (from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur ). The missile is designed for close-range air defence of naval ships against aerial threats.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Gujarat): The test was not conducted off the coast of Gujarat.
Option 3 (Kerala): Kerala is not associated with this missile test.
Option 4 (Tamil Nadu): The test was conducted at the Chandipur test range, which is in Odisha, not Tamil Nadu.