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SSC MTS 2025 16 February 2026 Shift 2 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

All 23 GK / GS questions asked in SSC MTS 2025 on 16 February 2026 Shift 2, with correct answers and short solutions, subject-wise: Economics, Medieval History, Ancient History, Static GK, Geography, Modern History.

📚 23 questions🗓️ 16 February 2026⏰ Shift 2
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Subjects: Economics (2) · Medieval History (2) · Ancient History (2) · Static GK (10) · Geography (2) · Modern History (1) · Physics (1) · Chemistry (2) · Biology (1)

Economics (2)

Planning and NITI Aayog · Indian economy at independence and the 1950-90 phase

Q1. What was meant by the term 'commanding heights of the economy' in the second five year plan of India?

  1. (a) Complete control over the vital industries by government which are important for economy.
  2. (b) Complete control on the economy by the private players.
  3. (c) Promotion of free trade agreement.
  4. (d) Promotion of foreign direct investment in vital industries.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Complete control over the vital industries by government which are important for economy.

'Commanding heights of the economy' referred to the state's complete control over key/strategic industries — such as steel, coal, power, transport, and heavy industries — that are vital to the economy. In the Second Five Year Plan (1956–1961), which followed the Nehru-Mahalanobis model, the government took control of these critical industries to guide industrial development and prevent private monopolies.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Complete control by private players: This is the opposite; the concept involved state, not private, control over vital industries.
- Promotion of free trade agreement: Unrelated to this concept; the Second Plan focused on import substitution, not free trade.
- Promotion of FDI in vital industries: The concept emphasised state ownership, not foreign investment, in key sectors.
External Sector and International Economic Organisations · Balance of payments and current account

Q2. In the context of Balance of Payment, which of the following statement is correct regarding Balance of Trade (BOT)?

  1. (a) It is the difference between the value of exports and value of imports of a country in a given period of time.
  2. (b) Export of goods is entered as a debit item in BOT.
  3. (c) Imports of goods is entered as a credit item in BOT.
  4. (d) BOT is said to be in surplus when exports of goods are equal to the imports of goods.
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) It is the difference between the value of exports and value of imports of a country in a given period of time.

Balance of Trade (BOT) is defined as the difference between the monetary value of a country's exports and imports of goods (visible trade) in a given time period. If exports exceed imports, it is a trade surplus; if imports exceed exports, it is a trade deficit.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Exports as debit items: Exports are CREDIT items in BOT (they bring foreign exchange in); imports are debit items.
- Imports as credit items: Imports are DEBIT items (they lead to outflow of foreign exchange); exports are credit items.
- BOT surplus when exports equal imports: Equal exports and imports result in a balanced trade, not a surplus. A surplus occurs only when exports exceed imports.

Medieval History (2)

South Indian Kingdoms · Cholas - rulers and administration

Q3. The Muttaraiyars of Cauvery delta was subordinate to whom?

  1. (a) Chalukyas of Kalyani
  2. (b) Pallava kings of Kanchipuram
  3. (c) Pandyas of Madurai
  4. (d) Chola kings of Uraiyar
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Pallava kings of Kanchipuram

The Muttaraiyars were local chieftains who controlled the Cauvery delta region and were subordinate to the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. When the Chola power revived under Vijayalaya Chola in the 9th century, he defeated the Muttaraiyars and took control of Thanjavur, ending their feudatory status under the Pallavas.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Chalukyas of Kalyani: They were a Deccan power; the Muttaraiyars of the Cauvery delta were not under them.
- Pandyas of Madurai: The Pandyas were rivals of both the Pallavas and later the Cholas; the Muttaraiyars were under the Pallavas.
- Chola kings of Uraiyar: The early Cholas were a predecessor dynasty; the Muttaraiyars were contemporaries who were subordinate to the Pallavas, not the early Cholas.
Mughal Empire · Akbar - conquests and policies

Q4. In 1565, the Mughal forces under Asaf Khan attacked ____.

  1. (a) Malwa
  2. (b) Garha Katanga
  3. (c) Deccan
  4. (d) Chittorgarh
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Garha Katanga

The Mughal forces under Asaf Khan (also known as Khwaja Abdul Majid Asaf Khan) attacked and conquered the kingdom of Garha Katanga, ruled by the brave queen Rani Durgavati. She died defending her kingdom. Garha Katanga (in present-day Madhya Pradesh) was then incorporated into the Mughal Empire.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Malwa: Malwa was already conquered by the Mughals in 1561 under Akbar.
- Deccan: Mughal campaigns into the Deccan started much later under Akbar and were more prominent under Aurangzeb.
- Chittorgarh: The Mughal siege of Chittorgarh took place in 1567–68 under Akbar himself, not under Asaf Khan.

Ancient History (2)

Vedic Period · Vedic literature (Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads)

Q5. Which Veda contains magical spells and charms?

  1. (a) Rigveda
  2. (b) Samaveda
  3. (c) Yajurveda
  4. (d) Atharvaveda
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda is the fourth Veda and is distinct from the other three in that it contains magical spells, charms, incantations, and prayers for healing, protection, prosperity, and warding off evil. It reflects the folk religious traditions of the Vedic period and includes hymns for everyday rituals.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Rigveda: Contains hymns of praise (suktas) addressed to deities; it is primarily liturgical, not focused on magic.
- Samaveda: Contains melodies and chants (samans); it is a musical rendition of Rigvedic hymns.
- Yajurveda: Contains prose formulas and rituals for sacrificial ceremonies (yajnas); not focused on magical spells.
Mauryan Empire · Mauryan administration and economy

Q6. The city administration of Patliputra, according to Megasthenes, was conducted by six committees of ____ members each.

  1. (a) 3
  2. (b) 4
  3. (c) 5
  4. (d) 6
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) 5

According to Megasthenes' account in 'Indica', the city administration of Patliputra was managed by six committees, each consisting of 5 members (total of 30 members). These committees handled functions like industrial arts, care of foreigners, births and deaths registration, trade and commerce, manufacture and sale of goods, and collection of taxes on articles sold.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 3: Incorrect; Megasthenes specifically mentions 5 members per committee.
- 4: Incorrect; the committees had 5 members, not 4.
- 6: Incorrect; the number 6 refers to the total committees, not the members in each committee.

Static GK (10)

Dances · Folk dances by state

Q7. Which Indian state is known for the folk dance 'Chohara'?

  1. (a) Maharashtra
  2. (b) Andhra Pradesh
  3. (c) Karnataka
  4. (d) Himachal Pradesh
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Himachal Pradesh

Chohara is a traditional folk dance from Himachal Pradesh, performed primarily in the hilly regions of the state. It is associated with local festivals and celebrations and reflects the cultural heritage of the mountain communities of Himachal Pradesh.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Maharashtra: Known for folk dances like Lavani, Tamasha, and Koli dance; Chohara is not from Maharashtra.
- Andhra Pradesh: Known for Kuchipudi, Kolattam, and Lambadi dance; Chohara belongs to Himachal Pradesh.
- Karnataka: Known for Yakshagana and Dollu Kunitha; Chohara is not a Karnataka folk dance.
Dances · Folk dances by state

Q8. 'Thiruvathirakali' is a popular dance of which of the following Indian state?

  1. (a) Odisha
  2. (b) Kerala
  3. (c) Maharashtra
  4. (d) Telangana
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Kerala

Thiruvathirakali (also called Kaikottikali) is a traditional group dance performed by women in Kerala, especially during the Onam festival and Thiruvathira (a festival in the Malayalam month of Dhanu). Dancers move in a circle around a lamp, clapping their hands to the rhythm of songs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Odisha: Known for Odissi dance, Gotipua, and Chhau; Thiruvathirakali is not from Odisha.
- Maharashtra: Known for Lavani and Tamasha; Thiruvathirakali belongs to Kerala.
- Telangana: Known for Perini Shivatandavam and Lambadi dance; Thiruvathirakali is not associated with Telangana.
Festivals, Fairs, Paintings and Crafts · Festivals by state

Q9. 'Indra Jatra' festival is celebrated in which of the following Indian state?

  1. (a) Sikkim
  2. (b) Goa
  3. (c) Gujarat
  4. (d) Maharashtra
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Sikkim

Indra Jatra is celebrated in Sikkim, India, as a significant Buddhist and Hindu festival. It involves the worship of Lord Indra, masked dances, and the display of religious effigies. While Indra Jatra is more widely known in Nepal (Kathmandu), it is also celebrated as an important festival in Sikkim due to its shared Himalayan cultural heritage.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Goa: Known for festivals like Carnival and Shigmo; Indra Jatra is not particularly associated with Goa.
- Gujarat: Known for Navratri, Uttarayan, and Rann Utsav; not associated with Indra Jatra.
- Maharashtra: Known for Ganesh Chaturthi and Gudi Padwa; Indra Jatra is not a key festival here.
Festivals, Fairs, Paintings and Crafts · Festivals by state

Q10. In which state of India is the festival of 'Chikalkalo' celebrated?

  1. (a) Sikkim
  2. (b) Haryana
  3. (c) Goa
  4. (d) Odisha
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Goa

Chikalkalo (literally 'mud festival' from 'chikal' meaning mud) is a traditional festival celebrated in Goa. It is associated with the monsoon season and involves playful activities with mud, symbolising the fertility of the earth. It is part of the vibrant Konkani-Goan cultural tradition.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Sikkim: Has its own Buddhist and Hindu festivals; Chikalkalo is not associated with Sikkim.
- Haryana: Known for festivals like Teej and Baisakhi; Chikalkalo belongs to Goa.
- Odisha: Known for Rath Yatra and Durga Puja; Chikalkalo is a Goan tradition.
Music and Musical Instruments · Hindustani music (ragas, gharanas)

Q11. Which Gharana is the classical singer Shruti Sadolikar associated with?

  1. (a) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
  2. (b) Bhendibazaar Gharana
  3. (c) Agra Gharana
  4. (d) Patiala Gharana
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana

Dr. Shruti Sadolikar is a renowned Hindustani classical vocalist associated with the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana (also known as Jaipur Gharana). She was a disciple of Kesarbai Kerkar and is one of the most prominent exponents of this gharana, known for its complex and intricate compositions (bandishes) and emphasis on ragas.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Bhendibazaar Gharana: Associated with vocalists like Ustad Aman Ali Khan; Shruti Sadolikar belongs to Jaipur-Atrauli.
- Agra Gharana: Known for its forceful dhrupad-influenced style; Shruti Sadolikar is not associated with it.
- Patiala Gharana: Known for its ornate, thumri-influenced style; not associated with Shruti Sadolikar.
Books and Authors · Modern Indian books and authors

Q12. 'The Rediscovery of India' has been authored by ____.

  1. (a) Meghnad Desai
  2. (b) Pavan K. Varma
  3. (c) Tabish Khair
  4. (d) Meera Syal
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Meghnad Desai

'The Rediscovery of India' (2009) is authored by Lord Meghnad Desai, a British-Indian economist and Labour peer. In this book, he traces the history of India from ancient times to the post-liberalisation era, examining economic and political developments that shaped modern India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Pavan K. Varma: An Indian author and diplomat known for 'Being Indian' and 'The Great Indian Middle Class'; not the author of this book.
- Tabish Khair: An Indian-Danish author and academic; not associated with 'The Rediscovery of India'.
- Meera Syal: A British-Indian author and comedian known for 'Anita and Me'; not the author of this work.
Awards and Honours · Literary awards (Jnanpith, Sahitya Akademi)

Q13. Who won the AutHer Awards 2023 in the Best Fiction category for the novel 'Everything the Light Touches'?

  1. (a) Avni Doshi
  2. (b) Janice Pariat
  3. (c) Arundhati Roy
  4. (d) Anuja Chauhan
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) Janice Pariat

Janice Pariat won the AutHer Award 2023 in the Best Fiction category for her novel 'Everything the Light Touches'. The book is a multi-layered novel that weaves together four narrative strands across different time periods and geographies, exploring themes of nature, knowledge, and connection. The AutHer Awards recognise outstanding women writers from India.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Avni Doshi: Known for 'Burnt Sugar' (Booker Prize shortlisted); did not win the 2023 AutHer Award for this specific work.
- Arundhati Roy: Known for 'The God of Small Things'; did not win the 2023 AutHer Award for Best Fiction.
- Anuja Chauhan: Known for popular fiction like 'The Zoya Factor'; not associated with this particular award in 2023.
Monuments and Heritage · UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Q14. Which of the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites is located in Gujarat?

  1. (a) Khajuraho Group of Monuments
  2. (b) Group of Monuments at Hampi
  3. (c) Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
  4. (d) Ajanta caves
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is located in Panchmahal district of Gujarat. It contains a wealth of unexcavated archaeological, historic, and living cultural heritage, including the Jama Masjid, Pavagadh Hill (a pilgrimage site), and well-preserved 15th-16th century monuments.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Khajuraho Group of Monuments: Located in Madhya Pradesh; famous for its medieval temples with erotic sculptures.
- Group of Monuments at Hampi: Located in Karnataka; the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Ajanta caves: Located in Maharashtra; ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with murals and sculptures.
Monuments and Heritage · Monuments - builders and locations

Q15. Who built the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula in Agra?

  1. (a) Nur Jahan
  2. (b) Mumtaz Mahal
  3. (c) Akbar
  4. (d) Shah Jahan
Answer & solution

Answer: (a) Nur Jahan

The tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula (Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father of Nur Jahan) in Agra was built by Nur Jahan, the chief wife of Emperor Jahangir, between 1622 and 1628. It is considered one of the most beautiful Mughal structures and the first Mughal tomb to be built entirely in white marble with pietra dura (inlaid precious stone) work. It is sometimes called the 'Baby Taj' or 'Jewel Box'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Mumtaz Mahal: The Taj Mahal was built in her memory by Shah Jahan; she did not build Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb.
- Akbar: Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb was built after Akbar's reign (Akbar died in 1605); it was built during Jahangir's era.
- Shah Jahan: He built the Taj Mahal; the Itmad-ud-Daula tomb was built by Nur Jahan, not Shah Jahan.
Music and Musical Instruments · Musical instruments and exponents

Q16. Which of the following group of musical instruments are known as Aerophones?

  1. (a) Ghan Vadya
  2. (b) Tat Vadya
  3. (c) Avanaddha Vadya
  4. (d) Sushir Vadya
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Sushir Vadya

Aerophones are wind instruments — instruments that produce sound primarily through the vibration of a column of air. In Indian classical music classification, wind instruments are called Sushir Vadya (e.g., flute/bansuri, shehnai, nadaswaram, pungi). The term 'Sushir' means hollow/wind.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ghan Vadya: Solid/idiophone instruments that produce sound by striking (e.g., cymbals, ghungroo, manjira); not aerophones.
- Tat Vadya: String instruments (chordophones) like veena, sitar, sarod, and sarangi; not aerophones.
- Avanaddha Vadya: Membranophone/percussion instruments covered with skin (e.g., tabla, mridangam, dholak); not aerophones.

Geography (2)

India - Population and Census · Workforce composition and work participation

Q17. Marginal Worker in India is a person who works for less than ____ days in a year.

  1. (a) 83
  2. (b) 90
  3. (c) 100
  4. (d) 183
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) 183

According to the Census of India definition, a Marginal Worker is a person who has worked for less than 183 days (approximately 6 months) in the reference year. A Main Worker, in contrast, is one who has worked for 183 days or more in the year. This classification is used to measure labour force participation and employment patterns.
Why other options are incorrect:
- 83: Not the threshold used in the Census definition for Marginal Workers.
- 90: Not the defined cut-off; the threshold is 183 days.
- 100: Incorrect; the Census specifically uses 183 days as the dividing line.
India - Agriculture · Horticulture and plantation crops

Q18. Which of the following is NOT an example of Plantation crop?

  1. (a) Tea
  2. (b) Rubber
  3. (c) Coffee
  4. (d) Bajra
Answer & solution

Answer: (d) Bajra

Bajra (Pearl millet) is a coarse cereal food crop, not a plantation crop. Plantation crops are those grown on large estates (plantations) for commercial purposes and require significant capital investment and processing. Examples include Tea, Coffee, Rubber, Sugarcane, Coconut, and Jute.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Tea: A classic plantation crop grown on hillside estates in Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiris.
- Rubber: A plantation crop grown extensively in Kerala; requires large-scale commercial farming.
- Coffee: Grown on estates (plantations) in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu; a major plantation crop.

Modern History (1)

Socio-Religious Reform Movements · Arya Samaj and Dayananda Saraswati

Q19. Who among the following founded the reform association called Arya Samaj?

  1. (a) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
  2. (b) Raja Rammohun Roy
  3. (c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
  4. (d) Radhakanta Deb
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1875. It was a Hindu reform movement based on the authority of the Vedas. The Arya Samaj opposed idol worship, caste discrimination, child marriage, and promoted education, especially for women. Its motto was 'Go back to the Vedas'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: A Bengal-based social reformer known for promoting widow remarriage and women's education; he founded the Brahmo-oriented reform movements, not Arya Samaj.
- Raja Rammohun Roy: Founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828; not the Arya Samaj.
- Radhakanta Deb: A conservative Hindu leader who opposed Rammohun Roy's reforms; not the founder of Arya Samaj.

Physics (1)

Sound and Waves · Reflection of sound, echo and reverberation

Q20. What is reverberation?

  1. (a) The initial sound heard before reflection
  2. (b) The persistence of sound due to repeated reflections from walls
  3. (c) The absorption of sound by materials
  4. (d) The amplification of sound in a small space
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) The persistence of sound due to repeated reflections from walls

Reverberation is the phenomenon of persistence (continuation) of sound in an enclosed space after the original sound source has stopped, caused by multiple reflections of sound waves from the walls, ceiling, and floor. Concert halls and auditoriums are designed to control reverberation time for optimal sound quality.
Why other options are incorrect:
- The initial sound before reflection: This describes the direct sound, not reverberation.
- Absorption of sound by materials: Acoustic absorption reduces reverberation; it is the opposite of the reverberation phenomenon.
- Amplification of sound in a small space: Sound amplification involves increasing sound intensity; reverberation is about persistence of sound due to reflections.

Chemistry (2)

Environmental Chemistry · Greenhouse effect and greenhouse gases

Q21. How does the increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to global warming?

  1. (a) By increasing cloud cover
  2. (b) By trapping heat rays reflected by the earth
  3. (c) By causing more snowfall
  4. (d) By cooling the earth's surface
Answer & solution

Answer: (b) By trapping heat rays reflected by the earth

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that absorbs and re-emits infrared (heat) radiation reflected from the earth's surface. This trapping of heat prevents it from escaping into space, causing the temperature of the earth's atmosphere to rise — a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming.
Why other options are incorrect:
- By increasing cloud cover: CO2 does not directly increase cloud cover; this is a separate atmospheric process.
- By causing more snowfall: Increased CO2 leads to warming, which generally reduces snowfall and causes glacial melting.
- By cooling the earth's surface: The opposite is true; CO2 increases global temperatures by trapping outgoing heat.
Everyday and Industrial Chemistry · Fuels and calorific value (LPG, CNG, coal, petroleum)

Q22. Which of the following is the use of kerosene, a constituent of petroleum?
I. Fuel for stoves
II. Fuel for lamps

  1. (a) Only I
  2. (b) Only II
  3. (c) Both I and II
  4. (d) Neither I nor II
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) Both I and II

Kerosene (also known as mitti ka tel in India) is a liquid fuel derived from petroleum and is used both as fuel for stoves (kerosene stoves/primus stoves) and as fuel for lamps (kerosene lanterns/hurricane lamps). Both uses have been historically significant, especially in rural areas.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Only I: Kerosene is also widely used as fuel for lamps; only saying 'Only I' is incomplete.
- Only II: Kerosene is equally used as fuel for stoves; only saying 'Only II' is incomplete.
- Neither I nor II: Both uses are well-established and practical applications of kerosene.

Biology (1)

Cell - Structure and Function · Endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes

Q23. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum looks rough under a microscope because it has particles called ____ attached to its surface.

  1. (a) plastid
  2. (b) chromosomes
  3. (c) ribosomes
  4. (d) cytoplasm
Answer & solution

Answer: (c) ribosomes

The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) appears rough or granular under a microscope because of the numerous ribosomes attached to its outer surface. These ribosomes are involved in the synthesis of proteins that are destined for secretion, incorporation into cell membranes, or packaging in lysosomes.
Why other options are incorrect:
- Plastid: Organelles found in plant cells (e.g., chloroplasts); they are not found on the surface of the RER.
- Chromosomes: Found in the nucleus; they do not attach to the endoplasmic reticulum.
- Cytoplasm: The fluid matrix of the cell; it is not a particle that attaches to the RER surface.
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