SSC MTS 2025 12 February 2026 Shift 3 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: Option 2 – samantas
By the seventh century, big landlords or warrior chiefs in various regions were acknowledged by existing kings as their 'samantas'. Samantas were subordinate rulers who paid tribute and rendered military service to the overlord king. Over time, many samantas grew powerful and declared independence, which is characteristic of the early medieval political structure in India.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Ratans): This is not a historically recognised term for such subordinate chiefs.
Option 3 (lakras): Not a term used in this historical context.
Option 4 (hiravas): Not a recognised term for vassals or subordinate chiefs in Indian history.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Talwandi
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, was born on 15 April 1469 in Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi, which is now known as Nankana Sahib and is located in present-day Pakistan (Punjab province). The town was renamed Nankana Sahib in his honour.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Kashi): Kashi (Varanasi) is a sacred Hindu city but is not the birthplace of Guru Nanak.
Option 3 (Ayodhya): Ayodhya is associated with Lord Ram, not Guru Nanak.
Option 4 (Pandharpur): Pandharpur is a famous pilgrimage site in Maharashtra associated with Vithoba worship.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – a combination of market forces and government intervention
In a mixed economy like India, all three central economic questions — what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce — are decided jointly by market forces and government intervention. Market forces (demand and supply) determine production for those who can pay, while the government intervenes through subsidies, welfare schemes, and public distribution to ensure basic goods reach lower-income groups.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (market forces alone): This describes a free market (capitalist) economy, not a mixed economy.
Option 3 (GATT): GATT is an international trade agreement, not a mechanism for deciding domestic production allocation.
Option 4 (government alone): This describes a command or socialist economy, not India's mixed economy.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – 1965
India established its first Export Processing Zone (EPZ) at Kandla, Gujarat, in 1965. This was one of the earliest EPZs in Asia, set up to boost export-led growth by providing a special economic environment for export-oriented industries with simplified regulations, tax benefits, and modern infrastructure.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (1969): No EPZ was set up in 1969; Kandla EPZ was established in 1965.
Option 3 (1978): This does not correspond to the first EPZ in India.
Option 4 (1984): Later EPZs were set up in subsequent years, but the first was in 1965.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – 7
The Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 used 7 deprivation criteria to identify poor rural households. A household was considered deprived if it met one or more of these criteria. These included: households with only one room and a kutcha (temporary) roof and walls, households without any adult member between 16–59 years, female-headed households with no adult male member, households with a disabled member, SC/ST households, landless households reliant on manual labour, and households with no literate adult above 25 years.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (5): The actual number is 7, not 5.
Option 3 (11): Incorrect; there were 7 deprivation criteria.
Option 4 (12): Incorrect; 12 is not the correct number.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – 2016
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank proposed by China. It was officially established in December 2015 and commenced its operations in January 2016. AIIB focuses on financing infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond. India is one of the founding members and second-largest shareholder of AIIB.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (1991): 1991 is not associated with AIIB; the concept was proposed in 2013.
Option 2 (1997): 1997 is associated with the Asian financial crisis, not AIIB.
Option 3 (2003): AIIB was not established in 2003; its articles of agreement were signed in 2015.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – 1996
The Disinvestment Commission in India was established in 1996 under the chairmanship of G.V. Ramakrishna. It was set up to advise the government on disinvestment of public sector enterprises. The commission played a key role in formulating the disinvestment policy framework for PSUs in India.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (1998): 1998 is not the year of establishment; the commission was formed in 1996.
Option 2 (1992): While some early disinvestment occurred in 1991–92, the formal Disinvestment Commission was set up in 1996.
Option 3 (1994): Incorrect; the commission was established in 1996, not 1994.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Troposphere
The Troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface to about 12 km altitude. It contains about 75% of the total atmospheric mass and almost all water vapour. All weather phenomena — rainfall, fog, hailstorm, thunder, storms — occur in the troposphere because it has the maximum moisture and temperature variations.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Exosphere): The outermost layer of the atmosphere; contains very little gas and no weather phenomena.
Option 2 (Stratosphere): Contains the ozone layer; very dry and stable — no weather occurs here.
Option 3 (Mesosphere): The layer above the stratosphere; meteorites burn up here but weather phenomena do not occur.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Mumbai
Mumbai is one of India's most densely populated cities primarily because it is the country's financial and industrial capital. It hosts a vast concentration of industries — textile mills (historically), financial institutions, film industry, ports, and manufacturing units — all of which attract large numbers of workers seeking employment, leading to very high population density.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Varanasi): Varanasi's dense population is due to religious, tourism, and trade reasons, not primarily industry.
Option 3 (Puri): Puri is a religious tourist city; its population density is not driven by industrial employment.
Option 4 (Leh): Leh is a high-altitude town with sparse population; it is not a major industrial centre.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Assam
Naharkatiya and Moran are major oil-producing fields located in Dibrugarh district of Assam. Assam has been the oldest oil-producing region in India — the first oil well in India was drilled at Digboi, Assam, in 1889. Naharkatiya and Moran fields significantly contribute to Assam's oil output.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Rajasthan): Rajasthan has oil fields like Barmer (Mangala field), but Naharkatiya and Moran are not in Rajasthan.
Option 2 (Maharashtra): Maharashtra does not have major onshore oil fields named Naharkatiya or Moran.
Option 3 (Kerala): Kerala does not have significant oil-producing areas by these names.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Ayodhya
The ancient city of Saket, mentioned in early Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu texts, is identified with modern-day Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. During the Gupta period (including Chandragupta I's rule), Saket was an important city and served as a significant urban centre in northern India.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Ujjain): Ujjain was known as Ujjayini in ancient times, not Saket.
Option 3 (Patna): Patna was known as Pataliputra in ancient times.
Option 4 (Nashik): Nashik was known as Nasik or Janasthana in ancient texts, not Saket.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Only II
Statement II is correct: 'War and Peace' (Entry 1 of the Union List) is exclusively a Union subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Defence, foreign affairs, and matters relating to war and peace are handled solely by the Central Government.
Statement I is incorrect: 'Prisons, reformatories, Borstal institutions and other institutions of a like nature' (Entry 4) are in the State List, not the Union List. States have jurisdiction over prisons.
Hence, Only II is correct.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Karnataka
Bolak-aat is a traditional folk dance form of Karnataka. It is a form of street theatre and dance that was historically performed by wandering communities. The dance involves storytelling through expressive movements and is part of Karnataka's rich folk cultural heritage.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Gujarat): Gujarat has folk dances like Garba and Dandiya; Bolak-aat is not from Gujarat.
Option 3 (Punjab): Punjab is known for Bhangra and Giddha; Bolak-aat is not associated with Punjab.
Option 4 (West Bengal): West Bengal is known for Baul and Chhau; Bolak-aat is not from West Bengal.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Meghalaya
Agalmaka is a traditional festival celebrated by the Garo tribe of Meghalaya. It is a harvest festival where the Garo people express gratitude for a good harvest and pray for continued prosperity. The festival reflects the rich tribal cultural heritage of the Northeast India.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Kerala): Kerala has its own festivals like Onam and Thrissur Pooram; Agalmaka is not from Kerala.
Option 2 (Gujarat): Gujarat is known for Navratri and Uttarayan; Agalmaka is not associated with Gujarat.
Option 4 (Andhra Pradesh): Andhra Pradesh celebrates festivals like Ugadi and Sankranti; Agalmaka is not from there.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – 1500
NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), developed by ISRO, is India's own regional satellite navigation system. Its coverage area includes the entire Indian territory and a region extending up to 1500 km beyond India's boundary. This gives NavIC coverage over much of South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (4000 km): Incorrect figure for NavIC's coverage range beyond India.
Option 3 (6500 km): Incorrect; this would cover a much larger international area.
Option 4 (7000 km): Incorrect; the official coverage is 1500 km beyond the Indian boundary.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Judo
Ippon is a term used in Judo (and also in other Japanese martial arts such as Karate and Kendo). In Judo, an Ippon is the highest score a player can achieve in a bout — it immediately ends the match and grants full victory to the player who scores it. An Ippon can be scored through a perfect throw, a submission hold, or a pin lasting 20 seconds.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Badminton): Badminton uses terms like 'rally', 'deuce', and 'smash'; Ippon is not used in badminton.
Option 2 (Kabaddi): Kabaddi uses terms like 'raid', 'tackle', and 'super tackle'; not Ippon.
Option 4 (Kho-Kho): Kho-Kho is an Indian tag sport using terms like 'chase' and 'turn'; Ippon is not used.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Only II
Statement I: Pole Vault IS a jumping event in athletics. The athlete uses a long pole to vault over a bar at great height. It is part of the track and field jumping events.
Statement II: Discus Throw is NOT a jumping event. It is a throwing event in athletics where a heavy disc (discus) is thrown as far as possible. Throwing events include shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, and javelin throw.
Therefore, Only II (Discus Throw) is NOT a jumping event.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Rajasthan
Pankhida is a traditional folk song of Rajasthan, sung by peasants and workers while working in fields. The songs typically express themes of nature, love, longing, and daily rural life. Rajasthan has a rich folk music tradition including Mand, Ghoomar, and Pankhida songs.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Karnataka): Karnataka has its own folk traditions; Pankhida is not associated with Karnataka.
Option 3 (Telangana): Telangana has folk traditions like Bathukamma; Pankhida is not from Telangana.
Option 4 (Manipur): Manipur has a distinct cultural tradition including classical Manipuri dance; Pankhida is not from Manipur.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by high blood glucose levels. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, so insulin injections are required. In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly. Both types require reduced sugar intake. Insulin injections are prescribed when the body cannot regulate blood sugar naturally.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Goitre): Caused by iodine deficiency or thyroid disorders; not related to sugar or insulin.
Option 2 (Dwarfism): Caused by growth hormone deficiency; not related to insulin or sugar intake.
Option 4 (Scurvy): Caused by Vitamin C deficiency; treated with Vitamin C supplementation, not insulin.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Both I and II
Statement I is correct: Fluid friction (drag) opposes the motion of objects moving through fluids (liquids or gases). Objects lose energy due to this friction, which is why energy must be continuously supplied to maintain motion through a fluid.
Statement II is correct: Fluid friction can be minimised by giving streamlined (aerodynamic or hydrodynamic) shapes to objects. This is why ships, aircraft, and fish have tapered shapes — to reduce the drag force and energy loss while moving through fluids.
Both statements are correct, so the answer is Both I and II.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Ironwood
Google announced its seventh-generation TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) chip named 'Ironwood' in April 2025. Ironwood is designed primarily for AI inference tasks and represents a significant leap in performance and efficiency over its predecessor, Trillium (6th generation). Ironwood offers improved performance per watt for large-scale AI model deployment.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Trillium): Trillium is Google's sixth-generation TPU, not the seventh.
Option 3 (Gemini TPU): Gemini is the name of Google's AI model series; it is not a chip name.
Option 4 (AlphaCore): Not a real Google chip product.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – The Discovery of India
The Discovery of India was written by Jawaharlal Nehru while he was imprisoned at Ahmadnagar Fort during 1942–1946. The book provides a sweeping view of India's history, culture, philosophy, and civilisation from ancient times to the modern era. It remains one of the most important works on Indian heritage.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (The Ancient Wisdom): This is a book by Annie Besant, not Jawaharlal Nehru.
Option 2 (Indian Struggle): This is an autobiography by Subhas Chandra Bose, not Nehru.
Option 4 (History of Indian Philosophy): This is a scholarly work by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, not Nehru.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Mumbai
Elphinstone College is one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in India, located in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Maharashtra. It was established in 1856 and is named after Mountstuart Elphinstone, a former Governor of Bombay. The college is affiliated with the University of Mumbai.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 (Delhi): Elphinstone College is not in Delhi.
Option 3 (Mysore): Mysore has its own historic educational institutions but not Elphinstone College.
Option 4 (Shimla): Elphinstone College is not located in Shimla.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Lala Lajpat Rai
Lala Lajpat Rai, popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari' (Lion of Punjab), was one of the key leaders of the Swadeshi Movement (1905–1908) triggered by the Partition of Bengal. He was part of the 'Lal-Bal-Pal' trio (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal) who advocated extremist methods including Swadeshi and boycott of British goods.
Why other options are wrong:
Option 2 (Rani Lakshmibai): She is associated with the 1857 revolt, not the Swadeshi Movement.
Option 3 (Dayanand Saraswati): He was a social reformer and founder of Arya Samaj; not directly associated with the Swadeshi Movement.
Option 4 (Rabindranath Tagore): Tagore initially supported the Swadeshi Movement but later withdrew due to differences in approach; he is not primarily known as 'Punjab Kesari'.