SSC Selection Post 2025 26 July 2025 Shift 1 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in 2024. The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2024 was passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024, and received the Governor's assent shortly after. The UCC aims to replace personal laws based on religion (Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim Personal Law, etc.) with a single set of laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens regardless of religion.
Option 1 (Gujarat): Gujarat has expressed intent to implement UCC but had not passed a UCC bill at the time.
Option 3 (Karnataka): No UCC legislation was passed in Karnataka.
Option 4 (Maharashtra): No UCC legislation was passed in Maharashtra.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – 5 years
Under Article 156 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor of a state holds office for a term of 5 years from the date of assuming office. However, the Governor serves at the pleasure of the President (Article 156(1)), meaning the President can remove the Governor before the completion of 5 years. The Governor can also resign before completing the term.
Option 1 (3 years): Not the constitutional tenure; 3 years is the tenure of Panchayat elected members in some states.
Option 3 (6 years): 6 years is the term of Rajya Sabha members; not the Governor's tenure.
Option 4 (Until retirement): The Supreme Court Judges hold office until the age of 65 (retirement); Governors serve a 5-year term (subject to President's pleasure).

Correct Answer: Option 2 – To incentivize states/UTs for reducing chemical fertilizer usage and promoting sustainability
PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth), approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in 2023, aims to incentivize states and UTs to reduce the use of chemical (urea and DAP) fertilizers and promote balanced/alternative fertilizer usage and sustainable farming practices. States that save on fertilizer subsidy will get 50% of the saved subsidy as a grant for promoting organic and natural farming.
Option 1 (Subsidize chemical fertilizers): The scheme actually aims to REDUCE chemical fertilizer use, not subsidize it further.
Option 3 (Distribute organic kits): Distribution of kits is not the mechanism; the scheme works through financial incentives to states.
Option 4 (Enhance production capacity): The scheme targets consumption reduction and sustainability, not production capacity enhancement.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Savings Accounts
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on August 28, 2014, is India's national financial inclusion mission. Under PMJDY, basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) accounts — i.e., Savings Accounts — are opened for unbanked individuals with zero minimum balance. Features include: RuPay debit card, accidental insurance cover of ₹2 lakh, overdraft facility up to ₹10,000, and access to other financial services.
Option 1 (Fixed Deposit): FDs require locking in funds for a fixed period; PMJDY provides flexible savings accounts, not FDs.
Option 3 (Current Accounts): Current accounts are for businesses/organizations with high-frequency transactions; PMJDY is for individual financial inclusion.
Option 4 (Recurring Deposit): RDs require regular fixed deposits each month; PMJDY provides basic savings accounts, not RDs.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – To store excess rainwater for future use
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), launched in 2019, is a time-bound, mission-mode water conservation campaign focused on water- stressed districts across India. Rainwater harvesting is one of its five key interventions, aimed at capturing and storing rainwater during monsoon for future use — recharging groundwater aquifers, filling ponds and tanks, and providing water for agriculture and drinking during dry periods.
Option 1 (Increase groundwater depletion): Rainwater harvesting actually REDUCES groundwater depletion by recharging aquifers.
Option 3 (Promote urbanization): Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a rural water conservation campaign; urbanization is not its objective.
Option 4 (Reduce agricultural activities): The goal is to secure water for agriculture, not reduce it.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Measuring happiness and wellbeing
The World Happiness Report (published annually since 2012 by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network) and its associated Happiness Index measures and ranks countries based on subjective wellbeing and happiness of their citizens. Key factors evaluated include: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, perceptions of corruption, and positive/negative affect (emotional states). Finland has topped the World Happiness Report for several consecutive years.
Option 1 (Population growth): Population statistics are tracked by other indices (World Population Report, Census); not the Happiness Index.
Option 3 (Government income): GDP is one input factor in the Happiness Index but the Index itself measures happiness/wellbeing, not government revenue.
Option 4 (School performance): Educational performance is measured by PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment); not the Happiness Index.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Shortage
A shortage (also called excess demand) occurs when the quantity demanded of a good exceeds the quantity supplied at a given price. This typically happens when the price is set below the equilibrium price (e.g., price ceiling). A shortage leads to queues, rationing, and upward pressure on prices until equilibrium is restored.
Option 1 (Surplus): The opposite — when supply exceeds demand (excess supply), creating downward pressure on prices.
Option 2 (Equilibrium): The state where quantity demanded equals quantity supplied; prices are stable with no tendency to change.
Option 4 (Deflation): A macroeconomic term for a sustained decrease in the general price level; not specifically about demand exceeding supply.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Providing piped drinking water to households
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched on August 15, 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate piped drinking water (Functional Household Tap Connections — FHTC) to every rural household in India by 2024 under the 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative. The mission targets 19 crore rural households with tap water supply at 55 litres per capita per day.
Option 1 (River conservation): River conservation is addressed by Namami Gange (National Mission for Clean Ganga) and Jal Shakti Abhiyan; not the primary goal of JJM.
Option 2 (Irrigation modernization): Irrigation is addressed by Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY); not JJM.
Option 4 (Groundwater recharge): Groundwater recharge is a focus of Jal Shakti Abhiyan; while JJM may use groundwater sources, its primary goal is piped household water supply.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Stratosphere
The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, approximately 15–35 km above Earth's surface (with peak concentration around 20–25 km). The ozone (O₃) layer absorbs 97–99% of the Sun's harmful high-frequency ultraviolet (UV-B and UV-C) radiation, protecting life on Earth from UV radiation-related damage (skin cancer, cataracts, crop damage). The Montreal Protocol (1987) was adopted to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, HCFCs).
Option 1 (Troposphere): The lowest atmospheric layer (0–12 km); contains weather, clouds, and most water vapour. The ozone layer is NOT here.
Option 3 (Mesosphere): Located 50–85 km above Earth; where meteors burn up. No ozone layer here.
Option 4 (Exosphere): The outermost layer (700 km+); where satellites orbit. No ozone layer here.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Volcanic eruptions
The Deccan Traps (Deccan Plateau, India) are one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, formed approximately 66–68 million years ago (Late Cretaceous period) by massive flood basalt volcanic eruptions. These were not typical volcanic eruptions from a single volcano but enormous fissure eruptions where lava poured out in layers over vast areas. The Deccan Traps cover approximately 500,000 sq km of the western Deccan Plateau and are up to 2,000 meters thick in some places.
Option 1 (Earthquake): Earthquakes do not create lava plateaus; the Deccan Traps are of volcanic/igneous origin.
Option 3 (Glacial movement): Glaciers create erosional landforms (U-valleys, fjords, moraines); the Deccan Traps are volcanic in origin.
Option 4 (Tectonic plate collision): While tectonic activity may have triggered volcanic hotspot activity, it was the volcanic eruptions themselves that formed the Deccan Traps.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Kerala
According to the 2011 Census of India, Kerala has the highest literacy rate among all Indian states at 94.0% (Male: 96.1%, Female: 92.1%). Kerala has consistently maintained the highest literacy rate in India due to its strong emphasis on education, public health, and social development — a model known as the 'Kerala Model of Development.'
Option 2 (Tamil Nadu): Tamil Nadu has a literacy rate of about 80.3% (2011 Census); higher than national average but below Kerala.
Option 3 (Maharashtra): Maharashtra's literacy rate is about 82.9% (2011 Census); higher than national average but below Kerala.
Option 4 (Gujarat): Gujarat's literacy rate is about 79.3% (2011 Census); below Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Demographics
Demographics (or Demography) is the scientific study of human population characteristics including size, growth, density, distribution, and vital statistics (birth rates, death rates, migration), as well as characteristics such as age structure, gender composition, income distribution, ethnicity, and educational attainment. It is used in economics, public policy, marketing, and urban planning.
Option 1 (Sociology): The study of society, social behavior, social structures, and social institutions; broader than just population statistics.
Option 3 (Anthropology): The study of human societies, cultures, and their development across time and place; more holistic than the statistical study of population characteristics.
Option 4 (Geography): The study of Earth's physical features, environments, and human-environment interactions; population geography is a subfield but geography is broader.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – AstroSat
AstroSat, launched on September 28, 2015 by ISRO aboard PSLV-C30, is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. It studies celestial sources in X-ray, UV, and optical wavelengths simultaneously. AstroSat is designed to study black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, stellar coronae, binary star systems, and other high-energy astrophysical phenomena. It has made significant observations of black hole X-ray binaries and neutron stars.
Option 1 (Mangalyaan): India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), launched 2013; studies Mars atmosphere and surface, not black holes.
Option 3 (Chandrayaan-2): India's second lunar mission (2019); a Moon orbiter/lander/rover, not a space observatory for black holes.
Option 4 (RISAT-1): A radar imaging satellite for Earth observation (agriculture, disaster management); not a space observatory.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
The Ranji Trophy is India's premier domestic first-class cricket tournament, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It was first played in 1934–35 and is named after Ranjitsinhji (K.S. Ranjitsinhji), the legendary Indian-born cricketer. Teams represent Indian states and regions; Mumbai holds the record for most Ranji Trophy titles.
Option 2 (IOA): The Indian Olympic Association governs the Olympic movement in India and sends athletes to the Olympics; it has no role in cricket tournaments.
Option 3 (SAI): The Sports Authority of India is a government body for sports infrastructure and training; it does not organize cricket tournaments.
Option 4 (AIFF): The All India Football Federation governs football in India; it has no role in cricket.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL)
Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL), a wholly-owned Government of India company under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is managing the operations of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port in Iran. India signed a 10-year contract with Iran in May 2024 for operating the port. Chabahar is strategically important as it provides India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan.
Option 1 (Adani Ports): India's largest private port operator; not involved in Chabahar Port operations.
Option 2 (JNPT): JNPT manages Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Mumbai; not involved in Chabahar.
Option 4 (Shipping Corporation of India): SCI is India's government shipping line; not the operator of Chabahar Port.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Asia and Europe
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced at the G20 Summit in New Delhi (September 2023), aims to create a connectivity corridor linking Asia (India) to Europe through the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel) via rail and shipping routes. The corridor is designed to facilitate trade, reduce transit times, and provide an alternative to the Suez Canal route, connecting the Asian and European economies.
Option 1 (Asia and Africa): IMEC does not aim to connect Africa; it specifically targets the Asia–Europe corridor through the Middle East.
Option 3 (Europe and South America): No connection to South America in IMEC's scope.
Option 4 (North America and Asia): North America is not part of IMEC's primary connectivity scope; USA is a supporting partner but the corridor itself connects India (Asia) to Europe.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Assam
Bihu is the traditional folk music and dance of Assam, associated with the three Bihu festivals: Rongali/Bohag Bihu (April, spring harvest), Kongali/Kati Bihu (October), and Bhogali/Magh Bihu (January). Bihu songs (Husori) are sung in Assamese and celebrate agricultural cycles, nature, and human emotions. The Bihu dance is performed by young men and women in colorful traditional attire. In 2023, UNESCO recognized Bihu dance and music as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Option 2 (Punjab): Punjab's folk music/dance traditions include Bhangra, Giddha, and Punjabi folk songs; not Bihu.
Option 3 (Gujarat): Gujarat's folk tradition includes Garba, Dandiya Raas, and related folk music; not Bihu.
Option 4 (Odisha): Odisha's folk traditions include Odissi dance, Gotipua, and Sambalpuri music/dance; not Bihu.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Point
In basketball, scores are measured in Points. A successful field goal (basket) scores 2 points if taken from inside the three-point arc, or 3 points if from beyond the arc. A successful free throw scores 1 point. The team with the most points at the end wins.
Option 1 (Goal): 'Goal' is the scoring term in football (soccer), field hockey, and similar sports; not used in basketball.
Option 3 (Run): 'Run' is the scoring term in cricket, baseball, and athletics; not used in basketball.
Option 4 (Touchdown): 'Touchdown' is the scoring term in American football; not used in basketball.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Indian rural life and social issues
Mulk Raj Anand (1905–2004) was one of the pioneers of English-language Indian literature. He is best known for his realistic portrayals of Indian rural life, the caste system, poverty, and social injustice. His major works include 'Untouchable' (1935, about a sweeper facing caste discrimination in one day), 'Coolie' (1936, about a factory worker's exploitation), 'Two Leaves and a Bud' (1937, about tea plantation workers), and 'The Village' trilogy. He was a committed socialist and humanist.
Option 2 (Science fiction): Mulk Raj Anand wrote social realism, not science fiction.
Option 3 (Mythology): While Hindu culture appears in his works, his primary focus was social critique and realism, not mythology.
Option 4 (Historical fiction): His works are set in contemporary (early 20th century) India; they are social realist novels, not primarily historical fiction.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Heating water on a stove
Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas). When water is heated on a stove, the water at the bottom gets hot, becomes less dense, rises to the top, and the cooler denser water from the top sinks to the bottom — creating convection currents that eventually heat the entire water. This is a classic example of convective heat transfer.
Option 1 (Warming hands by a fire): This is primarily radiation — infrared radiation from the fire travels through air to warm the hands.
Option 2 (Heat through vacuum): Only radiation can travel through a vacuum (no medium needed); conduction and convection require a medium.
Option 3 (Heat transfer in metal): Heat transfer through a solid metal (from atom to atom without bulk movement) is conduction, not convection.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Nightingale of India
Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949), the renowned poet, freedom fighter, and first woman Governor of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh), is popularly known as the 'Nightingale of India' (Bharat Kokila) for her lyrical and melodious poetry. Her famous works include 'The Golden Threshold' (1905), 'The Bird of Time' (1912), and 'The Broken Wing' (1917). She was also the first woman President of the Indian National Congress (1925).
Option 2 (Queen of Hearts): Not a known title for Sarojini Naidu.
Option 3 (Poet of Peace): Not a recognized title for Sarojini Naidu.
Option 4 (Voice of Freedom): While she was a freedom fighter, this is not her famous title.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Temples and monasteries
The Katra mound (Katra Keshavdeva) in Mathura is the site traditionally identified as the birthplace of Lord Krishna (Krishna Janmabhoomi). Archaeological excavations at Katra have revealed remains of ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries, including structures from the Kushan period (1st–3rd century CE) onwards. The mound has yielded numerous Buddhist and Jain sculptures, votive tablets, terracotta figurines, and architectural remains of religious structures spanning several centuries.
Option 2 (Forts and palaces): Forts and palaces are typically associated with Mughal/Rajput heritage sites; Katra mound contains religious structures.
Option 3 (Modern buildings): The Katra mound contains ancient archaeological remains, not modern constructions.
Option 4 (Colonial structures): Colonial-era structures are found in cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi; Katra mound contains pre-colonial ancient religious remains.