English & General Awareness - 7 - SSC CGL MCQ

The correct answer is Inedible.

Key Points

• Look at the lines: It uses prominent colours to inform would be predators of its inedibility. In the event that an inexperienced or adventurous bird did eat the caterpillar, it would probably vomit it out soon after, and subsquently desist from attacking similar species in the future. Though this would do the unfortunate victim no good, the species benefits.
• Experienced birds do not attack the Himalayan caterpillars because they are inedible.
• The caterpillar uses prominent colors to warn predators of its inedibility and to deter them from attacking it. Predators that have previously encountered this species of caterpillar will avoid attacking it in the future after tasting or smelling the deterrent.

The correct answer is Warn the predator.

Key Points

• Look at the line: It uses prominent colours to inform would be predators of its inedibility.
• The Himalayan caterpillar uses prominent colors to warn potential predators that it is inedible and defend itself from being eaten.
• The bright colors serve as a warning signal to predators that the caterpillar is toxic or unpalatable, and the predators will avoid attacking it in the future after tasting or smelling the deterrent.

The correct answer is 'Vain'.

Key Points

• The synonym of the given word is 'Uselss' is 'Vain'.
• Let's look at the meaning and examples of the given words: ​

• Therefore, by reading the above explanation we find that the correct answer is Option 1.

आइए दिए गए शब्दों के अर्थ देखें:

The correct answer is- 'Commemorate.'
Key Points

• The correct spelling from the given options is 'Commemorate.'
• Let's understand the meaning of the given word:
  • The word Commemorate is a verb and it means to remember officially and give respect to a great person or event. (आधिकारिक तौर पर याद रखना और किसी महान व्यक्ति या घटना को सम्मान देना।)
    • Example: A statue has been built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the poet's birthday.
• The other given options are misspelt words.

Thus option 2 is the correct answer.
Additional Information

• The synonyms of the given word are:
  • Celebrate, Observe, Remember
• The antonyms of the given word are:
  • Disregard, Overlook, Dishonor

The correct answer is 'Don't change if something is still working'.

Key Points

• The most appropriate meaning of the underlined phrase 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' is 'Don't change if something is still working'.
• The phrase is used to say that one should not try to change something that is working well.
  • Example: You should keep out and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Correct Answer: Don't change if something is still working.

Two cities, in particular, have been excavated at the sites of Mohenjo-Daro on the lower Indus, and at Harappa, further upstream. The evidence suggests they had a highly developed city life; many houses had wells and bathrooms as well as an elaborate underground drainage system. The social conditions of the citizens were comparable to those in Sumeria and superior to the contemporary Babylonians and Egyptians . These cities display a well-planned urbanization system.
It is clear from the reference statement that only Option B is correct.
Option D:
This sentence says terms such as ‘Most of the houses,’ ‘pumps,’ ‘surface drainage,’ and ‘inferior to those in Babylon’ and hence it is incorrect.
The Options A and C are clearly incorrect as they are not mentioned in the passage.
Hence, Option B is the correct answer.

By 1800 BCE, the Indus Valley Civilization saw the beginning of their decline: Writing started to disappear, standardized weights and measures used for trade and taxation purposes fell out of use, the connection with the Near East was interrupted, and some cities were gradually abandoned.
Read the reference statement carefully.
Evidently, Option A is the correct answer.

The Indus Valley Civilization was an ancient civilization located in what is Pakistan and northwest India today, on the fertile flood plain of the Indus River and its vicinity.
This statement says “northeast” and “infertile” which are clearly incorrect.
Thus, the sentence given in Option C is not true.
Option A.
The reasons for this decline are not entirely clear, but it is believed that the drying up of the Saraswati River, a process which had begun around 1900 BCE, was the main cause. Other experts speak of a great flood in the area.
It is clear from the reference statement that Option A is correct.
Option B.
There is evidence of some level of contact between the Indus Valley Civilization and the Near East......recorded in Sumerian documents, where the Indus valley people are referred to as Meluhhaites and the Indus valley is called Meluhha.
It is clear from the reference statement that Option B is correct.
Option D.
The Indus Civilization had a writing system which today still remains a mystery.......of the reasons why the Indus Valley Civilization is one of the least known of the important early civilizations of antiquity.
It is clear from the reference statement that Option D is correct.
Hence, Option C is the correct answer.

Decipher (verb) – It means to convert (a text written in code, or a coded signal) into normal language.
Encrypt (verb) – It means to convert (information or data) into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. It is an antonym of ‘decipher.’
Indiscernible (adjective) – It refers to something impossible to see or clearly distinguish.
Farce (noun) – It refers to an event or situation that is absurd or disorganized.
Decrypt (verb) – It means to make (a coded or unclear message) intelligible.
It is clear that only Option C i.e. Decrypt has the similar meaning as ‘Decipher.’
Hence, Option C is the correct answer. 

Shambles: a state of total disorder
Lacunae: gaps
The blank demands a negative word. ‘Decision’ is a neutral word. It gets eliminated first.
“Potholes” and “shambles” are also not appropriate in blank 3. They don’t add proper meaning to the sentence.
Only ‘lacunae’ fits in the blank meaningfully.
Hence, option C is the correct answer.

“For the last decade” indicates certain duration of time and the ‘past tense’.
Therefore, only ‘have been asking’ fits in the blank appropriately and meaningfully.
The other expressions contained in the other options are erroneous in the context of the sentence.
Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Straightforward (adjective): uncomplicated and easy to do or understand.
knotty (adjective): extremely difficult or complex.
undemanding (adjective): an easy task.
effortless (adjective): requiring no physical or mental exertion.
forthright (adjective): (of a person or their manner or speech) direct and outspoken.
Clearly, option A is the correct answer.

A temporary gap, pause, break, or absence can be called a hiatus. When your favorite TV show is on hiatus, that means there are no new episodes - not forever, just for a little while.
Ex. Selena Gomez returns to Instagram after brief hiatus.
The Express Tribune
Common synonyms to the word 'hiatus' are abatement, reprieve, respite, suspension, break, interval, interruption, etc.

Only the word ‘access’ fits in the blank meaningfully and appropriately.
The other words given in the other options are inappropriate in the given context.
Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Disdain: the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect
Discretion: the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offence or revealing confidential information
Discord: lack of harmony between notes sounding together / disagreement between people
Disquiet: a feeling of worry or unease
Obviously, ‘discord’ means the same as the group of words given.
Hence, option C is the correct answer.

If we read all the sentences, we can infer that they are not in a correct order.
If we go through all the sentences once, we can observe that B is the opening statement because it introduces the artist which is followed by A as it gives a glimpse of his profession.
Further, A will be followed by D specifying his work and C will end the passage with additional information of his work.
Thus, we get the final arrangement: BADC
Hence, option D is the correct answer.

If we read all the sentences, we can infer that they are not in a correct order.
If we observe all the sentences carefully, we can understand that 'C' is the opening statement of the passage.
Further, 'C' is followed by 'A' A is providing a solution to the problem which is continued in 'D' and lastly, 'B' will end the passage on a positive note.
Thus, we get the final arrangement: CADB
Hence, option B is the correct answer.

In the given sentence, error is in option D.
‘In time’ means ‘before it is too late’ whereas ‘on time’ means ‘at the arranged or correct time.’
The sentence here would mean that we thought that you would be late because you never come on correct time.
Hence, option D is the correct answer.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

Indian Mahogany:

• Indian mahogany trees can grow to be 30-40 feet tall.
• It is a fast-growing upright tree with an outwardly rounded symmetrical crown.
• The species is well-known for its dense, redwood.
• Its wood is used to make furniture, fixtures, musical instruments, inlay, boats, caskets, and many other items.
• Its wood is a popular material for making drums.
• This species is found in Moist Evergreen Forests.
• It is commonly found in the Shola forests of the Western Ghats. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.

​Rosewood:

• It is native to the foothills of the Himalayas.
• It is primarily found growing along river banks below 900 metres (3,000 ft) elevation but can range naturally up to 1,300 m (4,300 ft).
• It is used as firewood, timber, poles, posts, tool handles, fodder, erosion control and as a windbreak.
• Oil is extracted from the seed and tannin is from the bark.
• Dalbergia sissoo is commonly known as Rosewood, or Shisham and is a medium to large deciduous tree, native to India, with a slight crown.
• It is found in Tropical evergreen forests. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.

Neem:

• Azadirachta indica is commonly known as the neem tree.
• It is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae.
• Neem trees can grow up to 30 m tall and 2.5 m in girth.
• Neem leaf has various properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and immune upregulation.
• It is used in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Neem Tree is found in tropical Thorn forests. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.

Rhododendrons:

• It is commonly known as burans in Uttarakhand and is the state’s official tree.
• The collection of rhododendron flowers is linked to the livelihood of the locals, who sell them either as flowers or processed juice.
• The rhododendron is also sought after by the pharmaceutical industry.
• It is found in Montane forests. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.

The correct answer is Muhammad bin Tughlaq.

Key Points

• Muhammad bin Tughlaq (1325-1351):
  • Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the most learned Sultan of Delhi, but he lacked practical judgment.
  • He created the department of agriculture which was called Diwan-i-Kohi.
  • He is known for his experiments which failed miserably. They are:
    • Transfer of capital from Delhi to Devagiri (in 1326-27) which was renamed as Daulatabad.
    • Introduction of token currency in 1329-30.
    • Enhancement of land revenue in the doab region up to 50% of the produce.
  • Muhammad bin Tughlaq issued the maximum number of coins among the Delhi Sultans. Hence, he has been called a prince of moneyers.
  • After he moved his capital to Daulatabad, in 1329, Tughlaq introduced representative or token money.
  • These were coins of copper and brass that could be exchanged for fixed amounts of gold and silver from the Delhi Sultanate.

Additional Information

• Akbar:
  • ​Dahsala system or Zabti System was introduced by Akbar as a system of revenue assessment, in which the revenue collected from the peasants would be the average of last 10 years.
  • He abolished the Jizya and pilgrimage tax and forceful conversions of prisoners of wars.
  • To curb the dominance of the Muslim Ulemas, he introduced the new Khutba, written by Faizi.
    • He declared himself as the Mujtahid Imam-i-Adil (the Final interpreter of Islamic laws).
    • The new Khutba made him Amir-ul-Momin (Leader of the faithful) and Amir-i-Adil (Only a ruler).
  • He built Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri to discuss religious matters.
• Nadir Shah:​
  • He was born on 22 October 1688, Dargaz, Iran.
  • He was one of the most powerful Iranian rulers in the history of the Nation.
  • In 1738-39, Nadir Shah descended upon the plains of Northern India.
  • He was attracted to India by the fabulous wealth for which it was always famous.
  • He marched on to Delhi and Emperor Muhammad Shah was taken as prisoner.
  • Nadir Shah also carried away the famous Koh-i-nur diamond and the Jewelstudded Peacock Throne of Shahjahan.
  • The greedy invader Nadir Shah took possession of the royal treasury and other royal property and plundered Delhi.
  • He compelled Muhammad Shah to cede to him all the provinces of the Empire falling west of the river Indus.
• Shahjahan:​
  • Shah Jahan - Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, better known by his regnal name Shah Jahan.
  • He was the fifth Mughal emperor, who reigned from 1628 to 1658.
  • Before becoming king, as a prince, he had been the governor of the Deccan, Bihar, Bengal, Gujarat, and Delhi.
  • His reign ushered in the golden age of Mughal architecture.
  • Shah Jahan commissioned many monuments, the best known of which is the Taj Mahal in Agra, which entombs his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
  • Important Monuments Built By Shah Jahan Other than Taj Mahal are Red Fort or Lal Quila, Jama Masjid (Delhi), Jama Masjid in Agra, the Rang Mahal or Palace of Colour, and Moti Masjid.

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Key Points

Jet Stream

• The Jet Stream is a geostrophic wind blowing horizontally through the upper layers of the troposphere, generally, from west to east, it is also known as high altitude westerly winds which blow at an altitude of 20,000 - 50,000 feet. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• Jet Streams develop where air masses of differing temperatures meet. So, usually surface temperatures determine where the Jet Stream will form.
• The greater the difference in temperature, the faster the wind velocity inside the jet stream.
• Jet Streams extend from 20 degrees latitude to the poles in both hemispheres.

El Nino

• El Nino, meaning "Child Christ'' is a warm ocean current appearing along the Peru coast, generally in December. Hence statements 2 and 3 are correct.
• It is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• It is the “warm phase” of a larger phenomenon called the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
• It occurs more frequently than La Nina.

The correct answer is The promotion of financial stability and monetary cooperation.
Key Points

• International Monetary Fund came into existence on 27th December 1945 and has its headquarters located in Washington DC, United States.
• It has 190 countries as its members as of December 2022. Its board is constituted of members from as many as more than 180 countries worldwide, thus each representing its own nation.
• Such representation is congruent to the level of importance a particular nation holds as regards to its financial position in the world.
• The major idea underlying the setting up of IMF is to evolve an orderly international monetary system, thereby facilitating a system of international payments and adjustments in exchange rates among national currencies.
• Furthermore, its policies and practices aimed at bringing down the global poverty rate and promoting international trade, thus supporting the economies worldwide.
• The primary objectives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) include
  • fostering international monetary cooperation
  • stabilizing foreign exchange rates
  • eliminating exchange controls
  • promoting international trade
  • facilitating capital investment in developing countries
  • reducing balance of payments disequilibria
• The key functions of the IMF encompass promoting
  • stable foreign exchange rates
  • serving as a currency reservoir
  • providing policy advice and technical assistance
  • supporting low-income countries
  • establishing a monetary reserve fund
  • creating a multilateral trade and payment system
  • preventing competitive currency devaluation

Therefore, the primary objective of IMF is to promote overall financial stability and monetary cooperation to all 190 members of IMF.

The Correct Answer is Mohammed Shami.

In News

• Mohammed Shami Was Honoured With Arjuna Award By President Droupadi Murmu.

Key Points

• Mohammed Shami ended as the leading wicket-taker in last year's ICC Cricket World Cup in India with 24 scalps and broke several records.
• The Arjuna Award, India's second-highest athletic honour, is given for good performance over a period of the previous four years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and a sense of discipline.
• List of Arjun Awardees: Mohammed Shami (cricket), Ajay Reddy (blind cricket) Ojas Pravin Deotale (archery), Aditi Gopichand Swami (archery), Sheetal Devi (para archery), Parul Chaudhary and Murali Sreeshankar (athletics), Mohd Hussamuddin (boxing), R Vaishali (chess), Divyakriti Singh and Anush Agarwalla (equestrian), Diksha Dagar (golf), Krishan Bahadur Pathak (hockey), Sushila Chanu (hockey), Pinky (lawn ball), Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (shooting), Antim Panghal (wrestling), Ayhika Mukherjee (table tennis).

The correct answer is 1951-1956.

Key Points

• First Five Year Plan
  • The first Five-year plan was for the period of 1951 to 1956.
  • The target growth was 2.1% and the actual growth was 3.6%.
  • It was based on the Harrod-Domar modal.
  • The influx of refugees, severe food shortage & mounting inflation confronted the country at the onset of the first five years plan.
  • The primary aim of the first five-year plan was to improve the living standards of the people of India.
  • This could be done by making judicious use of India's natural resources.
  • The Plan focussed on agriculture, price stability, power, and transport.

Additional Information

• Second Five year Plan (1956-1961)
  • The second five-year plan is based on the Mahalanobis model.
  • This was the USSR model Indianized by PC Mahalanobis, the founder of the Indian Statistical Institute.
• Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966)
  • The Third five-year plan focused on agriculture & enhancement in the production of wheat, but the succinct Sino - Indian War in the year 1962 exposed flaws in the economy and shifted the spotlight towards the Defence industry.
• Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-1974)
  • The fourth five Year Plan was the first plan launched by the Indira Gandhi government amid the pressure of drought, devaluation, and inflationary recession.
  • The country was fighting with population explosion, increased unemployment, poverty, and a shackling economy. In addition, the situation in East Pakistan was becoming dire as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and Bangladesh Liberation War took place.

The correct answer is Al-Biruni.

Key Points

Kitab-ul-Hind-

• It was written Al-Biruni. Hence option 3 is correct.
• It was written in Arabic.
• It is a voluminous text, divided into 80 chapters on subjects such as religion and philosophy, festivals, astronomy, alchemy, manners and customs, social life, weights and measures, iconography, laws, and metrology.
• Al-Biruni adopted a distinctive structure in each chapter, beginning with a question, following this up with a description based on Sanskritic traditions, and concluding with a comparison with other cultures.

Important Points

Al-Biruni-

• He was born in 973, in Khwarizm in present-day Uzbekistan.
• Al-Biruni received the best education available at the time.
• He was well versed in several languages: Syriac, Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, and Sanskrit. Although he did not know Greek, he was familiar with the works of Plato and other Greek philosophers, having read them in Arabic translations.
• In 1017, when Sultan Mahmud invaded Khwarizm, he took several scholars and poets back to his capital, Ghazni; Al-Biruni was one of them.
• He arrived in Ghazni as a hostage, but gradually developed a liking for the city, where he spent the rest of his life until his death at the age of 70.

On December 1, Farmkart’s founder and CEO Atul Patidar received the prestigious ‘Pride of Central India 2022’ award for transforming the lives of lakhs of rural farmers in the region. Union Minister of Civil Aviation of India Jyotiraditya Scindia handed over the award to Farmkart CEO Atul Patidar at a ceremony held in New Delhi. Dainik Bhaskar Group’s ‘Pride of Central India’ honours people with exceptional and inspirational work in education, health, art, business, and social work. Also, Farmkart was chosen by Startup Grind, powered by Google for Entrepreneurs, as one of the Top 50 Global Innovative Startups in 2018.
Key Points:
Atul Patidar – received the prestigious ‘Pride of Central India 2022’ award of Dainik Bhaskar Group
HQs of Farmkart – Indore, Madhya Pradesh  |  Founder & CEO – Atul Patidar
Hence, Option D is correct.

Public Accounts Committee is normally chaired by a prominent member of the Opposition. The Chairman of Public Accounts Committee is appointed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Since 1967, the chairman of the committee is selected from the opposition.

Hence, Option D is correct.

A rocket works by expelling gases from one end at a very high velocity. The escaping gases have a very high speed and this with their mass translates to a very large momentum. Due to the principle of conservation f momentum the body of the rocket is pushed forward. If both the momentum of the gases as well as that of the rocket are added the sum is zero.
Hence option B is correct.

Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus).

Hence option B is correct.

Taiwan announced to extend its compulsory military service from four months to a year starting in 2024. The longer military service applies to men born after 2005, and will start Jan. 1, 2024. Those born before 2005 will continue to serve four months. Of Taiwan’s 188,000-person military, 90% are volunteers and 10% are men doing their required four months of service. Taiwan, which split from the mainland in 1949 during a civil war, is claimed by China.
Smart Points:
Taiwan – to extend its compulsory military service from 4 months to 1 year starting in 2024
Taiwan – Taipei – New Taiwan dollar | President – Tsai Ing-wen
Hence, Option D is correct.