SSC Selection Post 2025 28 July 2025 Shift 1 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Eclipse
An eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align such that one celestial body passes into the shadow of another. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth comes between the Sun and Moon, casting Earth's shadow on the Moon. Both are characterized by the alignment described in the question.
Option 2 (Transit): A transit is when a smaller body (like Mercury or Venus) passes across the face of the Sun as seen from Earth — a different phenomenon.
Option 3 (Conjunction): Conjunction refers to when two celestial objects appear close together in the sky; does not necessarily cause shadows.
Option 4 (Revolution): Revolution is the orbital movement of a body around another (e.g., Earth around the Sun); it is not a shadow-causing phenomenon.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – High birth rate
The primary driver of India's historically high population growth has been a high birth rate (Total Fertility Rate — TFR). While death rates have fallen significantly due to improved healthcare, the birth rate remained relatively high for decades, creating a wide demographic gap. India's TFR has been declining (now ~2.0, near replacement level) but the large population base continues to add numbers. High birth rate is the main cause of India's population explosion.
Option 2 (Low literacy rate): Low literacy correlates with high birth rates but is a contributing factor, not the main direct cause of population growth.
Option 3 (High death rate): A high death rate would actually reduce population growth; India's success in reducing death rates (not increasing them) contributed to population growth.
Option 4 (High migration): India experiences significant emigration (outward migration); migration is not a net contributor to domestic population growth.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Urbanization rate
The urbanization rate (or level of urbanization) is defined as the proportion of the total population living in urban areas to the total population. It is expressed as a percentage: (Urban Population / Total Population) × 100. According to India's 2011 Census, the urbanization rate was 31.16%. It is a direct demographic measure of the urban-rural population distribution.
Option 2 (Population density): Population density is persons per unit area (per sq km); it does not specifically measure the urban-to-total-population ratio.
Option 3 (Migration rate): Migration rate measures the movement of people; it contributes to urbanization but does not define the proportion itself.
Option 4 (Fertility rate): Total Fertility Rate (TFR) measures births per woman; relevant to population growth but not the urban proportion.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – It recognizes electronic evidence in legal proceedings
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. A landmark feature of the BSA is its comprehensive recognition and treatment of electronic evidence in legal proceedings. It broadens the definition of 'documents' to include electronic records, messages, emails, server logs, digital contracts, etc., making them admissible as primary evidence. The BSA modernizes evidentiary law for the digital age.
Option 1 (Excludes electronic records): Directly opposite — BSA explicitly includes and recognizes electronic records.
Option 2 (Mandates notarization): BSA does not mandate notarization for all digital documents; electronic records are admissible under prescribed conditions.
Option 4 (Limits use): BSA expands, not limits, the use and admissibility of electronic records in legal proceedings.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Chief Minister
The Chief Minister acts as the constitutional link between the Governor and the State Council of Ministers. Under Article 167 of the Constitution, the Chief Minister is duty-bound to: (a) communicate to the Governor all decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to administration and legislation, (b) furnish information regarding administration and legislative proposals that the Governor may call for, and (c) submit for the Council's consideration any matter that the Governor requires. The Chief Minister is the primary channel of communication between the Governor and the Cabinet.
Option 1 (Chief Secretary): The Chief Secretary is the administrative head of the state bureaucracy; acts as a link between the government and bureaucracy, not constitutionally between the Governor and Council of Ministers.
Option 3 (Speaker): The Speaker presides over the Legislative Assembly; has no role as a link between Governor and Council of Ministers.
Option 4 (Advocate General): The Advocate General is the state's chief legal officer under Article 165; not a constitutional link between Governor and Council of Ministers.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Three
India's Gaganyaan mission by ISRO is designed as a three-day crewed spaceflight mission that aims to send a crew of three Indian astronauts ( Gaganauts ) to low-Earth orbit at approximately 400 km altitude and safely return them to Earth. Four astronauts have been trained (including Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Pratap, Ajit Krishnan, and S. Shukla), from which three are selected for the mission.
Option 1 (Two): Incorrect — Gaganyaan is designed for a 3-member crew.
Option 2 (Four): Four astronauts were trained as candidates, but the actual crew size per mission is three.
Option 4 (Five): Incorrect — the planned crew is three astronauts.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – It grants India operational control over the port
In May 2024, India (through India Ports Global Ltd.) signed a 10-year long-term contract with Iran for the operation and development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port. This agreement grants India operational control over the port, enabling it to manage cargo handling, develop infrastructure, and invest in port expansion. Chabahar serves as India's strategic gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia, bypassing Pakistan.
Option 2 (Export oil from Iran): The agreement is about port operations and trade connectivity, not oil exports from Iran.
Option 3 (Restricts Iran-China trade): The agreement has no provisions restricting Iran's trade with China; it is a bilateral operational arrangement.
Option 4 (Merges with Gwadar Port): Chabahar (Indian-developed, Iranian port) and Gwadar (Chinese-developed, Pakistani port) are rival strategic ports; there is no merging.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – 2 years
The National Games of India are a multi-sport event organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and are typically held every two years, though scheduling has been irregular due to various reasons. The National Games were first held in 1924 (as Indian Olympic Games) and have been hosted in various states. The 37th National Games were held in Goa (2023) and the 38th were held in Uttarakhand (2025).
Option 2 (4 years): The Olympic Games follow a 4-year cycle; National Games traditionally follow a 2-year cycle.
Option 3 (1 year): Annual frequency does not match the National Games schedule.
Option 4 (3 years): Not the standard scheduled frequency for National Games.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Rabindranath Tagore
Gitanjali (Song Offerings) is a collection of 103 English prose poems translated by Rabindranath Tagore from his own Bengali poems. It was published in 1910 (Bengali original) and 1912 (English translation). Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for Gitanjali — making him the first non-European and first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. W. B. Yeats wrote the preface to the English edition.
Option 2 (C. Rajagopalachari): A prominent Indian statesman, lawyer, and writer; authored works in Tamil and English but not Gitanjali.
Option 3 (R. K. Narayan): Famous for the Malgudi Days series (The Guide, Swami and Friends, etc.) — not Gitanjali.
Option 4 (Sarojini Naidu): The 'Nightingale of India' was a poet and freedom fighter; known for collections like The Golden Threshold, not Gitanjali.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Southern India
Carnatic music (also Karnatic /Karnataka Sangita) is one of the two main subgenres of Indian classical music. It is predominantly practiced in the five southern states: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Key composers (Trinity of Carnatic Music) include Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri — all from South India. Major performances occur at festivals like the Margazhi Music Season in Chennai.
Option 1 (Western India): Hindustani classical music and folk traditions like Garba/Lavani characterize western India; not Carnatic.
Option 2 (Northern India): Hindustani classical music (with ragas, khyal , thumri, dhrupad) is the classical tradition of North India.
Option 4 (Eastern India): Rabindra Sangeet (Tagore songs) and folk traditions of West Bengal, Odisha etc. characterize eastern India; not Carnatic.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – 1951
The first Asian Games were held in New Delhi, India in March 1951. They were organized by the Asian Games Federation (now Olympic Council of Asia). India's Guru Dutt Sondhi was instrumental in establishing the Games. 11 nations and 489 athletes participated in the inaugural edition. The Asian Games are held every four years.
Option 1 (1948): 1948 was the year of the London Olympics (first post-WWII Olympics); the Asian Games had not yet begun.
Option 3 (1954): The 2nd Asian Games were held in Manila, Philippines in 1954.
Option 4 (1960): The 3rd Asian Games were held in Tokyo, Japan in 1958 (not 1960); 1960 was the Rome Olympics.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – The God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy won the Booker Prize in 1997 for her debut novel 'The God of Small Things.' The novel is set in Kerala and explores the lives of fraternal twins Rahel and Estha, touching on themes of caste, love, and social norms. It was an international bestseller and remains her most celebrated work. Roy was the first Indian woman to win the Booker Prize.
Option 2 (Midnight's Children): Written by Salman Rushdie; won the Booker Prize in 1981 and the 'Booker of Bookers' twice (1993, 2008).
Option 3 (White Tiger): Written by Aravind Adiga; won the Booker Prize in 2008.
Option 4 (The Guide): Written by R. K. Narayan; won the Sahitya Akademi Award (1960) and was the basis for a famous film — not the Booker Prize.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.
Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (a Pune-based company, part of Emcure Pharmaceuticals) developed GEMCOVAC-OM, India's first indigenous mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, with financial and technical support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the COVID Suraksha programme . It received Emergency Use Authorization from DCGI in 2022.
Option 1 (Bharat Biotech): Developed Covaxin — an inactivated virus vaccine, not an mRNA vaccine.
Option 3 (Serum Institute of India): Produced Covishield (AstraZeneca's viral vector vaccine) and Covovax (Novavax's protein subunit vaccine) — neither is an indigenous mRNA vaccine.
Option 4 (Panacea Biotec): Did not develop an mRNA COVID vaccine; worked on traditional vaccine platforms.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Pressure
A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric (air) pressure. The mercury barometer was invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643. The aneroid barometer (portable, no liquid) is also widely used. Barometric pressure readings are fundamental to weather forecasting — falling pressure indicates approaching storms; rising pressure indicates fair weather.
Option 1 (Distance): Distance is measured by odometers, rangefinders, or rulers — not barometers.
Option 3 (Speed): Speed is measured by speedometers, anemometers (wind speed), or tachometers — not barometers.
Option 4 (Temperature): Temperature is measured by thermometers — not barometers.

The correct organization is theUnited Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).
Explanation:
Publisher:The World Happiness Report is published by theWellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxfordin partnership withGallup, theUN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and an independent editorial board.
Data Source:The rankings are based on data from theGallup World Poll, specifically using the " Cantril Ladder" (a 0–10 scale where respondents rate their own current life).
Release Timing:It is traditionally released annually onMarch 20th, coinciding with the UN's International Day of Happiness.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), launched in 2015, aimed to provide 'Housing for All' by 2022 — coinciding with India's 75th Independence anniversary. It has two components: PMAY-Urban (for urban poor/EWS/LIG/MIG) and PMAY-Gramin/Rural (for rural BPL families). The mission focused on building affordable pucca houses with basic amenities for all eligible beneficiaries.
Option 2 (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana): Provides free LPG connections to BPL women for clean cooking fuel; not a housing scheme.
Option 3 (Jan Dhan Yojana): A financial inclusion scheme for universal banking access; not related to housing.
Option 4 (Skill India): A skill development initiative to enhance employability of youth; not a housing scheme.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Ministry of Commerce and Industry
PM Gati Shakti — National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity was launched on October 13, 2021. It is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (DPIIT — Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade). The plan integrates 16 ministries for holistic infrastructure planning using a GIS-based digital platform. It aims to reduce logistics costs, improve multimodal connectivity, and boost economic competitiveness.
Option 1 (Ministry of Finance): Handles fiscal policy; not the nodal ministry for PM Gati Shakti.
Option 2 (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways): A participating ministry in PM Gati Shakti (one of the 16) but not the implementing ministry.
Option 4 (Ministry of Railways): Also a key participant in PM Gati Shakti but not the nodal/implementing authority.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – New Development Bank
The New Development Bank (NDB) was established by BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) in 2014 (Fortaleza Summit) and became operational in 2015, with headquarters in Shanghai, China. The NDB finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies and developing countries. It was designed as an alternative/complement to traditional institutions like the World Bank and IMF.
Option 1 (BRICS Development Bank): This was an informal early name used before the official name 'New Development Bank' was adopted at the 6th BRICS Summit (2014).
Option 3 (Global Economic Bank): No such official institution exists.
Option 4 (Emerging Nations Bank): No such official institution exists.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – National unemployment rate
Macroeconomics studies the economy as a whole. Macroeconomic indicators measure aggregate (economy-wide) performance. The national unemployment rate measures the percentage of the total labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment — a key macroeconomic indicator alongside GDP, inflation rate, balance of payments, and national income.
Option 1 (Price of a specific product): This is a microeconomic concept — price theory studies individual markets.
Option 3 (Demand for a particular brand): Brand-level demand is a microeconomic/firm-level concept.
Option 4 (Cost of production for a company): This is a microeconomic/firm-level concept — part of production theory and cost analysis at the individual firm level.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Financial inclusion for all citizens
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on August 28, 2014, is the world's largest financial inclusion initiative. Its primary objective is to ensure universal access to banking and financial services — every unbanked household gets a zero-balance savings account, RuPay debit card, accident insurance (₹2 lakh), life insurance (₹30,000), and access to credit, remittances, and pension facilities.
Option 1 (Free healthcare): Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY provides free healthcare; PMJDY addresses banking access.
Option 3 (Employment generation): MGNREGS, PM Mudra Yojana, and Skill India focus on employment; PMJDY's focus is banking/financial access.
Option 4 (Rural electrification): Saubhagya (PM Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana) targets rural electrification; not PMJDY.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Urban infrastructure
AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), launched in June 2015 (upgraded to AMRUT 2.0 in 2021), targets improvements in urban infrastructure in 500 cities/towns. Focus areas include: water supply (tap water to every household), sewerage and septage management, stormwater drainage, non-motorized urban transport (cycling tracks, pathways), and development of green spaces/parks. AMRUT 2.0 additionally focuses on making cities 'water secure.'
Option 1 (Rural employment): MGNREGS focuses on rural employment; AMRUT is exclusively for urban areas.
Option 3 (Agricultural productivity): Agricultural schemes (PM-KISAN, RKVY) handle farm productivity; AMRUT addresses urban services.
Option 4 (Renewable energy): National Solar Mission and KUSUM scheme target renewable energy; AMRUT targets urban civic infrastructure.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Overhanging Balcony
A Jharokha is a type of overhanging enclosed balcony or bay window projecting from the main wall of a building, characteristic of Rajput and Mughal architecture in India. Jharokhas are prominently seen in Rajasthani havelis, forts (e.g., Jaisalmer, Jodhpur), and palaces. They served both decorative and functional purposes — allowing residents (especially royal women in purdah) to observe public proceedings without being seen. The famous 'Jharokha Darshan' was a Mughal practice where the emperor appeared at a jharokha for public viewing.
Option 1 (Dome structure): Domes ( gumbad ) are a distinct architectural element; not a jharokha .
Option 3 (Decorative pillar): Pillars/columns ( stambha ) are separate architectural features.
Option 4 (Open courtyard): A courtyard is called a 'chowk' or ' aangan ' in Indian architecture; not a jharokha .

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Indian indigenous themes with some Hellenistic influence
The Mathura School of Art (1st–3rd century CE) developed under the Kushana period at Mathura (Uttar Pradesh). It is primarily rooted in Indian indigenous traditions — using spotted red sandstone, depicting Buddha with thin muslin robes clinging to the body, shaven head with ushnisha , and lotus throne. However, it also shows some Hellenistic influence through contact with the Gandhara School (wavy hair, idealized facial features). Mathura is considered more Indian in character than Gandhara.
Option 1 (Greek influence only): The Gandhara School shows predominant Greek/Hellenistic influence; Mathura is primarily Indian.
Option 3 (Purely Indian, no outside influence): Mathura does show some Hellenistic influence (though less than Gandhara), so 'no outside influence' is inaccurate.
Option 4 (Persian influence only): Persian influence is seen in Mauryan art (polished pillars, animal capitals); not specifically associated with Mathura School.