SSC Selection Post 2025 29 August 2025 Shift 3 GK Questions – with answers & solutions

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Jagdeep Dhankhar
Jagdeep Dhankhar was elected as the 14th Vice President of India on August 6, 2022, succeeding M. Venkaiah Naidu (13th VP, 2017–2022). Dhankhar, a lawyer and former Governor of West Bengal (2019–2022), was the NDA's candidate and won with a decisive majority in the electoral college comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament. He assumed office on August 11, 2022.
Option 2 (Hamid Ansari): 12th Vice President of India (2007–2017); served two consecutive terms before M. Venkaiah Naidu.
Option 3 (Rajnath Singh): Union Home Minister (2014–2019) and Defence Minister (2019–present); has never held the Vice President's office.
Option 4 (Piyush Goyal): Union Cabinet Minister; has held portfolios such as Railways, Commerce & Industry; not Vice President.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Provision for capital punishment in cases of gang rape of a woman under 18 years
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (which replaced the IPC) introduced — for the first time — the provision of capital punishment (death penalty) for gang rape of a woman under 18 years of age (Section 70(2) BNS). Under the IPC, gang rape carried a minimum of 20 years' rigorous imprisonment extendable to life; the BNS now adds death penalty as an option for the aggravated form involving a minor victim.
Option 1 (Community service for domestic violence): Community service was introduced as a general alternative punishment in BNS for certain offences, but it is not specifically a new provision for domestic violence under BNS.
Option 3 (Legalization of marital rape): Neither the IPC nor the BNS legalizes marital rape; marital rape remains an exception to the rape provisions in Indian law (though debated constitutionally).
Option 4 (Age of consent reduced to 16): The age of consent for sexual activities in India remains 18 years under the BNS and POCSO Act; it has not been reduced.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was appointed Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly of India on August 29, 1947. He is revered as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. The Drafting Committee had 7 members and was tasked with preparing the draft constitution. Dr. Ambedkar submitted the final draft on February 21, 1948. The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 and came into force on January 26, 1950.
Option 2 (Jawaharlal Nehru): Nehru chaired the Objectives Resolution and the Union Powers Committee; he was India's first Prime Minister but not the chairman of the Drafting Committee.
Option 3 (Dr. K. M. Munshi): K. M. Munshi was a member of the Drafting Committee, not its chairman.
Option 4 (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel): Patel chaired the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Minorities; he was not the Drafting Committee chairman.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Population
Article 81 of the Indian Constitution specifies that seats in the Lok Sabha are allocated to states on the basis of population, so that the ratio of seats to population is as uniform as possible across states. The allocation was frozen at 1971 Census figures (by the 42nd Amendment, extended by the 84th Amendment until 2026/2031) to avoid penalizing states that successfully implemented family planning. After the next delimitation (post-2026), seats will be reallocated based on updated population data.
Option 1 (Geographical area): Area does not determine Lok Sabha seats — a large but sparsely populated state like Rajasthan gets fewer seats than a smaller but densely populated state like UP.
Option 3 (Economic contribution): GDP or economic output has no role in parliamentary seat allocation in India.
Option 4 (Literacy rate): Literacy rate is not a criterion for Lok Sabha seat allocation.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Canada
The first Commonwealth Games (then called the British Empire Games) were held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1930. Eleven nations and 400 athletes participated. The games were organized by Melville Marks Robinson. They were subsequently called the British Empire and Commonwealth Games (1954–1966), then British Commonwealth Games (1970–1974), and finally Commonwealth Games (from 1978 onwards.
Option 1 (Australia): Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games multiple times (1938 Sydney, 1962 Perth, 1982 Brisbane, 2006 Melbourne, 2018 Gold Coast) but was NOT the first host.
Option 3 (England): England hosted in 1934 (London) and 2002 (Manchester) but not the inaugural 1930 games.
Option 4 (India): India hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010 (New Delhi) but not the first games.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Alappuzha, Kerala
Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala is the boat racing capital of India. It is most famous for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race — one of the most spectacular water sports events in India, held annually on the second Saturday of August on Punnamada Lake. The race features traditional snake boats ( Chundan Vallams ) with over 100 oarsmen each, competing in a relay format. Alappuzha is known as the 'Venice of the East' for its network of canals and backwaters.
Option 1 (Cochin, Kerala): Kochi is Kerala's commercial capital and a major port city; while it hosts some water events, it is not synonymous with the International Boat Racing Championship.
Option 2 (Guwahati, Assam): Guwahati hosts river boat races on the Brahmaputra during Bihu festivals, but is not the primary host of the International Boat Racing Championship.
Option 4 (Mumbai, Maharashtra): Mumbai is known for its sea-facing coast and sailing clubs, but not for the traditional snake boat racing championship.

Anshu Malikis the correct answer; she won a Silver medal in the women's 57kg freestyle wrestling event, while the other three athletes listed all won Gold medals.
Here is the breakdown of the medals won by these athletes at the 2022 Commonwealth Games:
Anshu Malik:Silver (Wrestling)
Mirabai Chanu:Gold (Weightlifting)
P. V. Sindhu:Gold (Badminton)
Vinesh Phogat:Gold (Wrestling)

The correct answer isThree-pointer. This refers to a field goal made by a player whose feet are completely behind the designated three-point arc when they release the ball. Successful attempts are worth three points.
Here is a quick breakdown of your other options:
Slam dunk:A shot where a player jumps and forcefully slams the ball directly into the hoop.
Free throw:An uncontested shot awarded after a foul, taken from the free-throw line and worth one point.
Layup:A close-range shot made near the basket, where a player banks the ball off the backboard.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Indian Ocean
The world's oceans ranked by size: 1st — Pacific Ocean (~165 million km²), the largest; 2nd — Atlantic Ocean (~106 million km²); 3rd — Indian Ocean (~70 million km²); 4th — Southern Ocean (~20 million km²); 5th — Arctic Ocean (~14 million km²). The Indian Ocean is bounded by Africa to the west, Asia to the north, Australia to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south.
Option 1 (Pacific Ocean): The largest ocean, covering about 46% of Earth's water surface.
Option 2 (Atlantic Ocean): The second-largest ocean.
Option 4 (Arctic Ocean): The smallest of the five oceans, fifth in size.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun
Tides are caused primarily by the differential gravitational pull of the Moon (and to a lesser extent, the Sun) on Earth's oceans. The Moon's gravity pulls the water on the near side of Earth more strongly than the Earth's center, and pulls the Earth's center more strongly than the water on the far side — creating two tidal bulges (high tides) simultaneously on opposite sides of Earth. The Moon contributes about 2/3 of the tidal force; the Sun about 1/3. Spring tides (highest) occur during new and full moon when Moon-Sun-Earth align; neap tides (lowest) occur during quarter moons.
Option 1 (Solar energy): Solar energy drives atmospheric circulation and ocean surface heating, but is not the primary cause of tides.
Option 2 (Ocean currents): Ocean currents (thermohaline circulation, wind-driven surface currents) are distinct from tides and have different driving mechanisms.
Option 4 (Wind patterns): Wind creates surface waves and can affect local sea levels (storm surge), but is not the primary cause of regular tidal cycles.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Indo-Aryan
The Indo-Aryan language family is by far the largest linguistic group in India, spoken by approximately 75% of India's population. Major Indo-Aryan languages include Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Odia, Urdu, Assamese, Sindhi, Maithili, and Sanskrit. These are derived from Sanskrit and belong to the broader Indo-European language family.
Option 1 (Sino-Tibetan): Spoken by about 0.8% of India's population — languages like Bodo, Meitei (Manipuri), and various northeastern tribal languages. A small minority group.
Option 3 ( Austric ): Includes Austroasiatic (Munda languages like Santali, Mundari) and Austronesian families; spoken by tribal communities, roughly 1.5% of population.
Option 4 (Dravidian): Second largest family in India — includes Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and others. Spoken by approximately 20% of India's population, predominantly in South India.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Haryana
As per Census 2011, Haryana recorded the lowest Child Sex Ratio (CSR) for the 0–6 age group in India at 834 girls per 1000 boys. This reflects the severe problem of sex-selective abortions and female infanticide in the state. The national CSR in 2011 was 919. Haryana's alarmingly low CSR led to intensified focus on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign, which was notably launched from Panipat, Haryana in January 2015.
Option 2 (Punjab): Punjab had a CSR of 846 (2011) — second lowest nationally, but still higher than Haryana's 834.
Option 3 (Uttar Pradesh): UP had a CSR of 902 (2011) — below national average but significantly higher than Haryana.
Option 4 (Jharkhand): Jharkhand had a CSR of 948 (2011) — above the national average, indicating a relatively better sex ratio at birth.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Karnataka
Karnataka is India's leading coffee producing state, accounting for approximately 70–71% of India's total coffee production. Coffee is primarily grown in the districts of Coorg (Kodagu), Chikkamagaluru , and Hassan in Karnataka. The Arabica and Robusta varieties are both grown here. India is among the world's top 10 coffee producers and exporters.
Option 1 (Kerala): Second largest coffee producer in India (~23% share), primarily Robusta coffee in the Wayanad, Idukki, and Palakkad districts.
Option 2 (Tamil Nadu): Third largest coffee producer (~5% share), grown in the Nilgiris district.
Option 4 (Andhra Pradesh): A minor coffee producer with negligible share compared to Karnataka.

Ladakh (Option C)is most commonly and officially referred to as the 'Land of High Passes' — 'Ladakh' itself is derived from the Tibetan 'La- dvags ' meaning 'land of high passes.'
Ladakh has some of the world's highest mountain passes includingKhardung La, Chang La, and Tanglang La.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Gangotri Glacier
The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The actual source is the Gaumukh ('cow's mouth') snout of the Gangotri Glacier at an altitude of 3,892 m. The river emerges as the Bhagirathi at Gaumukh and is joined by the Alaknanda at Devprayag (one of the Panch Prayag), after which it is called the Ganga. The Gangotri Glacier is approximately 30 km long and is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas.
Option 2 (Siachen Glacier): Siachen Glacier (Karakoram Range) is the source of the Nubra River, a tributary of the Shyok River, which eventually joins the Indus. It is the world's second-longest non-polar glacier.
Option 3 ( Zemu Glacier): Located in North Sikkim, Zemu Glacier is the source of the Teesta River — the longest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas.
Option 4 ( Pindari Glacier): Located in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, Pindari Glacier is the source of the Pindari River (a tributary of the Alaknanda) — not the Ganga's main source.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Goods and Services Tax (GST)
An indirect tax is one where the tax burden can be shifted to another person — typically the final consumer. GST is levied on the supply of goods and services; businesses collect it from consumers and remit it to the government. The tax burden is thus borne by the consumer, not the taxpayer (business). GST replaced multiple indirect taxes (VAT, Service Tax, Central Excise, etc.) in India on July 1, 2017.
Option 1 (Income Tax): A direct tax — levied directly on the income of individuals and cannot be shifted to another person. Taxpayer and tax-bearer are the same.
Option 2 (Corporate Tax): A direct tax — levied directly on the profits of companies; cannot be shifted (though it may influence pricing decisions).
Option 4 (Wealth Tax): A direct tax — levied on the net wealth of individuals above a threshold; abolished in India in 2015. Was a direct, non-shiftable tax.

Correct Answer: Option 1 – Decline in private investment due to high government borrowing
Crowding out is an economic phenomenon where increased government borrowing (to finance fiscal deficits) leads to a rise in interest rates, which in turn reduces private sector investment. The mechanism: Government borrows heavily → demand for loanable funds rises → interest rates increase → cost of borrowing for private firms rises → private investment falls. This is classical/financial crowding out. It is a key argument used by fiscal conservatives against large government deficits.
Option 2 (Increase in competition among businesses): This describes market competition, not the crowding out effect.
Option 3 (Reduction in export demand): Reduced export demand relates to trade economics (exchange rate effects, global demand) — not crowding out.
Option 4 (Rise in inflation due to excessive money printing): This describes monetization of deficit or seigniorage-driven inflation — a different economic concept.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – Twenty Point Program
The Twenty Point Program (TPP) was launched by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on July 1, 1975 (during the Emergency period) to address rural poverty, social inequality, and economic backwardness. It covered 20 priority areas including land reforms, abolition of bonded labour , weaker sections upliftment, provision of drinking water, family planning, literacy, housing for landless, and improvement of rural infrastructure. It was revised in 1982 and again in 1986 (expanded to include more points).
Option 1 (IRDP): The Integrated Rural Development Programme was launched in 1978–79 (not 1975) to provide self-employment to rural poor through asset transfer and skill development.
Option 2 (Minimum Needs Program): The Minimum Needs Programme was introduced in the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974–79) but as a planning category, not launched as a specific program in 1975.
Option 4 (Employment Guarantee Scheme): The Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme was a state-level initiative; the national NREGA (now MGNREGS) was launched only in 2005.

Correct Answer: Option 3 – H₂O
Water (H₂O) is a molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. Its molecular formula is H₂O. Water has a bent/V-shaped molecular geometry with a bond angle of approximately 104.5°. It is a polar molecule due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen, giving water its unique properties: high surface tension, high specific heat capacity, universal solvent, and ability to form hydrogen bonds.
Option 1 (CO₂): Carbon dioxide — one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. A greenhouse gas, not water.
Option 2 (O₂): Molecular oxygen — two oxygen atoms. Essential for respiration, not the formula for water.
Option 4 (NaCl): Sodium chloride (common salt) — an ionic compound of sodium and chlorine. Not water.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Vijayanagara Empire
The Battle of Talikota (January 23, 1565) — also called the Battle of Rakshasi -Tangadi — was fought between the Vijayanagara Empire (under Aliya Rama Raya) and a confederacy of four Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Ahmadnagar , Bidar, and Golconda). Aliya Rama Raya was captured and beheaded during the battle; the Vijayanagara army was routed. The victorious Sultanates then sacked and destroyed the magnificent capital city Hampi ( Vijayanagara ), one of the largest cities in the medieval world. This battle effectively ended the Vijayanagara Empire as a major power.
Option 1 (Mughal Empire): The Mughal Empire was not involved in the Battle of Talikota ; Mughal expansion was concentrated in North India during this period.
Option 3 (Chola Dynasty): The Chola Dynasty had already declined by the 14th century — well before the 1565 Battle of Talikota .
Option 4 (Maratha Empire): The Maratha Empire rose to prominence in the 17th century under Chhatrapati Shivaji — about a century after the Battle of Talikota .

Correct Answer: Option 3 – They generate electricity using sunlight
Solar panels (photovoltaic cells) convert sunlight (solar radiation) directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Silicon-based solar cells absorb photons from sunlight, which knock electrons free and create an electric current. Key advantages: renewable/inexhaustible energy source, zero emissions during operation, low operating costs, minimal maintenance, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and can be deployed at any scale (rooftop to utility). India's solar capacity has grown from ~3.7 GW (2014) to over 85 GW (2024).
Option 1 (They cause air pollution): The opposite is true — solar panels produce no air pollutants during operation. Manufacturing involves some carbon footprint, but operational emissions are zero.
Option 2 (They require fuel to operate): Solar panels require only sunlight to operate — no fuel costs. This is one of their major economic advantages.
Option 4 (They use coal for energy): Solar panels use solar radiation, not coal. Coal is a fossil fuel used in thermal power plants — the opposite of solar energy.

Correct Answer: Option 2 – Thermometer
A thermometer is the standard instrument for measuring temperature. It works on the principle that physical properties of matter (volume of liquid mercury/alcohol, electrical resistance, infrared radiation) change predictably with temperature. Common types: mercury thermometer (clinical), digital thermometer (electronic), infrared thermometer (non-contact), thermocouple (industrial). Temperature scales: Celsius (°C), Fahrenheit (°F), and Kelvin (K).
Option 1 (Barometer): Measures atmospheric pressure (invented by Evangelista Torricelli, 1643). Used in weather forecasting. Not for temperature.
Option 3 (Speedometer): Measures the speed of a vehicle (typically in km/h or mph). Found in dashboards of automobiles. Not for temperature.
Option 4 (Altimeter): Measures altitude (height above sea level), typically using atmospheric pressure or GPS. Used in aircraft and mountaineering. Not for temperature.

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Leaf
Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the leaves of plants. Leaves contain chloroplasts — organelles with chlorophyll (green pigment) that absorbs sunlight. The process: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) + 6O₂. Leaves are specially adapted for photosynthesis with: flat, broad surface (maximizing light absorption), thin structure (facilitating CO₂ diffusion), stomata (gas exchange pores), and a network of veins (supplying water and removing sugars). Some stems (green stems) and unripe fruits also photosynthesize but at much lower rates.
Option 1 (Root): Roots absorb water and minerals from soil and anchor the plant. They are usually underground and lack chlorophyll — cannot photosynthesize.
Option 2 (Stem): The stem primarily transports water, minerals, and sugars between roots and leaves (through xylem and phloem). Green stems can photosynthesize slightly, but the leaf is the primary site.
Option 3 (Flower): Flowers are reproductive organs (petals, stamens, pistil). They are generally not the primary site of photosynthesis.