SSC MTS 2025 6 February 2026 Shift 2 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: 3 (Cinnabar)
Cinnabar (HgS - mercuric sulphide) is the primary ore of mercury. It is a bright red mineral and the most important source of mercury worldwide.
Option 1 (Bauxite) is incorrect - Bauxite is the primary ore of Aluminium.
Option 2 (Magnetite) is incorrect - Magnetite (Fe3O4) is an ore of Iron.
Option 4 (Malachite) is incorrect - Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral and is an ore of Copper.

Correct Answer: 3 (The sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule)
Molecular mass (also called molecular weight) is defined as the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms present in one molecule of a substance. It is expressed in atomic mass units (amu) or Daltons (Da). For example, the molecular mass of water (H2O) = 2(1) + 16 = 18 amu.
Option 1 (total number of atoms) is incorrect - that is simply the atom count, not the mass.
Option 2 (sum of valencies) is incorrect - valency is the combining capacity of atoms, not their mass.
Option 4 (volume occupied) is incorrect - that refers to molar volume, not molecular mass.

Correct Answer: 2 (United Kingdom)
The Durgapur Steel Plant in West Bengal was established with the collaboration of the United Kingdom (Britain) in 1956. It was set up under the Second Five-Year Plan. Of the three integrated steel plants built in the public sector during this period, Durgapur was built with UK assistance, Bhilai with Soviet (Russian) assistance, and Rourkela with West German assistance.
Option 1 (France) is incorrect - France was not involved in setting up Durgapur.
Option 3 (USA) is incorrect - the USA was not the collaborating country for Durgapur.
Option 4 (Russia) is incorrect - Russia collaborated in setting up the Bhilai Steel Plant, not Durgapur.

Correct Answer: 3 (Manufacturing)
The Primary Sector includes activities that involve the direct extraction and collection of natural resources from the earth. This includes agriculture, fishing, mining, forestry, animal husbandry, and hunting.
Manufacturing belongs to the Secondary Sector, which involves processing and converting raw materials into finished goods.
Option 1 (Fishing) is incorrect - Fishing is a primary sector activity.
Option 2 (Mining) is incorrect - Mining is a primary sector activity (extraction of minerals).
Option 4 (Forestry) is incorrect - Forestry is a primary sector activity.

Correct Answer: 2 (Leather Industry)
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme covers 14 key sectors in India, including: Mobile phones, Pharmaceutical drugs, Medical devices, Automobiles and auto components, Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries, Textile products, Food processing, Telecom & networking products, White goods (ACs & LEDs), Specialty steel, Solar PV modules, Drones and drone components, and others.
The Leather Industry is NOT among the sectors covered under the PLI scheme.
Option 1 (Medical Devices) is incorrect - Medical Devices ARE covered under PLI.
Option 3 (Automobiles and Auto Components) is incorrect - this IS covered under PLI.
Option 4 (Drones and Drone Components) is incorrect - Drones ARE covered under PLI.

Correct Answer: 4 (Aravali)
The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges from north to south:
1. Himadri (Great Himalayas / Inner Himalayas) - the northernmost and highest range
2. Himachal (Middle Himalayas / Lesser Himalayas) - the middle range
3. Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas) - the southernmost foothills
The Aravali range is a completely separate, ancient mountain range located in Rajasthan and is NOT a division of the Himalayas.

Correct Answer: 2 (West Bengal)
As per Census 2011, among the four options given, West Bengal had the highest population of approximately 9.13 crore (91.3 million), making it the 4th most populous state in India overall.
Population comparison (Census 2011):
- West Bengal: ~9.13 crore
- Tamil Nadu: ~7.21 crore
- Rajasthan: ~6.86 crore
- Karnataka: ~6.11 crore
Note: Uttar Pradesh had the highest population overall (19.98 crore) but was not among the given options.

Correct Answer: 2 (less, decrease)
Population change is determined by the difference between birth rate and death rate (natural growth rate):
- If birth rate > death rate: population increases
- If birth rate < death rate: population decreases
- If birth rate = death rate: population remains the same
When birth rate is LESS than death rate, more people are dying than being born, so the population will DECREASE.
Option 1 (less, increase) is incorrect - if births are fewer than deaths, population cannot increase.
Option 3 (more, be same) is incorrect - if birth rate is more than death rate, population grows.
Option 4 (less, be same) is incorrect - population remains the same only when birth rate equals death rate.

Correct Answer: 1 (Iron)
Iron was unknown to the Harappan (Indus Valley Civilisation) people. They were unaware of iron and did not use it in any of their tools, weapons, or artifacts. The Harappans used copper and bronze extensively (hence the Bronze Age civilisation), as well as gold and silver for ornamental purposes.
Option 2 (Gold) is incorrect - Gold was known and used by Harappans for ornaments.
Option 3 (Silver) is incorrect - Silver was also known and used by Harappans.
Option 4 (Copper) is incorrect - Copper was extensively used by Harappans for making tools, weapons, and utensils.

Correct Answer: 1 (By transpiration)
Plants primarily get rid of excess water through the process of Transpiration. In transpiration, water is released as water vapour through tiny pores called stomata (mainly on leaves), as well as through the cuticle and lenticels. This process helps in maintaining water balance in the plant.
Option 2 (By shedding their roots) is incorrect - plants do not shed roots to release excess water.
Option 3 (By secreting through the stems) is incorrect - stems are not the primary site of water release.
Option 4 (By storing water in fruits) is incorrect - fruits store water as part of their development but this is not how plants eliminate excess water.

Correct Answer: 4 (Neither I Nor II)
Both statements have the articles swapped:
- Article 26 actually deals with: Freedom to manage religious affairs (right to establish/maintain institutions for religious purposes, manage their own affairs in matters of religion).
- Article 27 actually deals with: Freedom from payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion.
Statement I incorrectly assigns Article 26 to 'Freedom from Taxation' (which is Article 27).
Statement II incorrectly assigns Article 27 to 'freedom to manage religious affairs' (which is Article 26).
Therefore, Neither I nor II is correct.

Correct Answer: 3 (47)
The Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution originally contained 47 subjects. The last subject (Entry 47) is 'Fees in respect of any of the matters in this List, but not including fees taken in any court.' The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) added some new entries, bringing the total to 52, but the original last entry numbered is 47.
Option 1 (34) is incorrect - the Union List has more entries; 34 is not the last in the Concurrent List.
Option 2 (42) is incorrect.
Option 4 (41) is incorrect.

Correct Answer: 1 (Mizoram)
Chawng Laizawn (also known as Cheraw or bamboo dance) is a traditional and popular folk dance of Mizoram. It is performed using bamboo staves and is considered one of the most graceful folk dances of Northeast India. It is also listed as one of the oldest dances of the Mizos.
Option 2 (Assam) is incorrect - Assam's popular dances include Bihu and Sattriya.
Option 3 (Ladakh) is incorrect - Ladakh's traditional dances include Shondol and Jabro.
Option 4 (Chhattisgarh) is incorrect - Chhattisgarh is known for Pandwani and Raut Nacha dances.

Correct Answer: 4 (Uttar Pradesh)
Kajri (also spelled Kajari) is a traditional folk song and dance form of Uttar Pradesh, associated mainly with the monsoon season. It is especially popular in eastern UP, particularly in Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Allahabad regions. Kajri songs celebrate the joy of rains and the longing of women for their husbands.
Option 1 (Assam) is incorrect - Assam's folk dances include Bihu.
Option 2 (Punjab) is incorrect - Punjab is known for Bhangra and Gidda.
Option 3 (Maharashtra) is incorrect - Maharashtra is known for Lavani and Tamasha.

Correct Answer: 4 (June)
Ganga Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated on the 10th day (Dashami) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, which corresponds to May-June in the Gregorian calendar. It celebrates the descent of the River Ganga from heaven to earth. Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga believing it cleanses ten types of sins.
Option 1 (January) is incorrect.
Option 2 (October) is incorrect.
Option 3 (November) is incorrect.

Correct Answer: 2 (study Earth's spectral and polarimetric properties from lunar orbit)
SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth) was a payload aboard the Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module. Its purpose was to study the spectral and polarimetric properties of Earth as seen from lunar orbit, helping scientists understand what signatures to look for when studying exoplanets that might be habitable.
Option 1 (detect moonquakes) is incorrect - that was the purpose of ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity) on the Vikram lander.
Option 3 (measure thermal conductivity) is incorrect - that was done by ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment).
Option 4 (study plasma density) is incorrect - that was done by RAMBHA (Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere).

Correct Answer: 2 (Preeti Shenoy)
'When Love Came Calling' is a novel written by Preeti Shenoy, one of India's most popular contemporary authors. Preeti Shenoy is well known for her bestselling novels including 'Life is What You Make It', 'It Happens for a Reason', 'The Rule Breakers', and many others.
Option 1 (Aruni Kashyap) is incorrect - Aruni Kashyap is known for works like 'The House with a Thousand Stories'.
Option 3 (Chetan Bhagat) is incorrect - Chetan Bhagat is known for novels like '2 States', 'Five Point Someone', etc.
Option 4 (Tanya Selvaratnam) is incorrect - Tanya Selvaratnam is an American author known for 'The Big Lie'.

Correct Answer: 3 (Both I and II)
In volleyball, there are several types of services (serves):
- Jump Serve (Jump and Serve): The server tosses the ball high and jumps to hit it with great power and topspin. It is one of the most difficult and effective serves.
- Float Serve (Floating service): The ball is hit with minimal or no spin, causing it to move unpredictably in the air, making it difficult for the receiver.
Both Jump and Serve AND Floating service are valid and recognized types of service in volleyball.
Therefore, Both I and II is correct.

Correct Answer: 3 (5)
The Dilwara Temples complex, located at Mount Abu in Rajasthan, consists of 5 distinct Jain temples. These are:
1. Vimal Vasahi (dedicated to Rishabhanatha / Adinath) - built in 1031 AD
2. Luna Vasahi (dedicated to Neminatha) - built in 1230 AD
3. Pittalhar (dedicated to Rishabhanatha) - built in the 15th century
4. Parshvanath - built in the 15th-16th century
5. Mahavir Swami - built in the 15th century
Option 1 (2) is incorrect.
Option 2 (3) is incorrect.
Option 4 (7) is incorrect.

Correct Answer: 3 (Both I and II)
Gitam is a classical vocal form in Carnatic music. It is considered the simplest type of composition and is typically taught to beginners in Carnatic music.
Statement I is CORRECT: Gitam is indeed the simplest type of composition in Carnatic music.
Statement II is CORRECT: Gitam is very simple in construction, has straightforward lyrics and melody, and features an easy, melodious, and smooth flow of music without complex ornamentations.
Therefore, Both I and II are correct.

Correct Answer: 3 (1000)
The prefix 'kilo' (k) means 1000. Therefore, 1 kilojoule (kJ) = 1000 joules (J). This is a standard SI unit conversion: 1 kJ = 10^3 J = 1000 J.
Option 1 (10) is incorrect - that would be the conversion for 'deca' prefix.
Option 2 (100) is incorrect - that would be the conversion for 'hecto' prefix.
Option 4 (10000) is incorrect.

Correct Answer: 4 (Mahatma Gandhi)
Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule) was written by Mahatma Gandhi in 1909, while he was on a ship returning from London to South Africa. It was originally written in Gujarati and later translated into English. In this pamphlet, Gandhi outlined his vision of Indian self-rule (Swaraj) and critiqued modern civilization, railways, lawyers, and doctors.
Option 1 (Ravindra Nath Tagore) is incorrect - Tagore is known for works like Gitanjali, Gora, etc.
Option 2 (Gopal Krishna Gokhale) is incorrect - Gokhale was a moderate leader and Gandhi's political mentor but did not write Hind Swaraj.
Option 3 (Bal Gangadher Tilak) is incorrect - Tilak is known for writings like 'Gita Rahasya'.

Correct Answer: 3 (Digantara)
Digantara, an Indian space situational awareness startup, developed the SCOT (Space Commerce Operations and Technology) mission in January 2025. Digantara is known for building sensors and satellites for tracking space objects and providing space weather data.
Option 1 (Skyroot Aerospace) is incorrect - Skyroot is known for its Vikram rocket series.
Option 2 (Agnikul Cosmos) is incorrect - Agnikul developed the Agnibaan rocket with a 3D-printed engine.
Option 4 (Pixxel) is incorrect - Pixxel is a hyperspectral satellite imaging company.

Correct Answer: 3 (BharatGPT)
BharatGPT is the Large Language Model (LLM) developed by CoRover.ai, an Indian conversational AI company. CoRover.ai is known for its AI-powered chatbot platform and developed BharatGPT as a multilingual AI model tailored for Indian languages and use cases.
Option 1 (IndiaGPT) is incorrect - IndiaGPT is not the name of CoRover.ai's LLM.
Option 2 (BharatAI) is incorrect.
Option 4 (DeshGPT) is incorrect.

Correct Answer: 1 (Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation)
EnviStats India 2025: Environment Statistics was released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI). MoSPI publishes this report periodically to provide a comprehensive database of environmental statistics covering areas like land, water, biodiversity, atmosphere, and human settlements.
Option 2 (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) is incorrect - though this ministry deals with environmental policy, EnviStats is published by MoSPI.
Option 3 (Ministry of Home Affairs) is incorrect - this ministry is not involved in publishing environment statistics.
Option 4 (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) is incorrect - this ministry deals with social welfare, not environmental statistics.