Learn 86 questions from SSC MTS 2024 Shift 1

SSC MTS 2024 Shift 1 Questions

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Padma Shri Awardees in Kathak (2022)</h3>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Kamalini and Nalini Asthana</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>Kamalini Asthana and Nalini Asthana, a renowned Kathak dance duo, were conferred the Padma Shri award in 2022.</li>
  <li>This award recognizes their significant contributions to the field of Indian classical dance, particularly Kathak.</li>
  <li>They are known for their distinct style and have played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Kathak tradition.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">About Padma Shri</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, awarded by the Government of India.</li>
  <li>It is one of the highest civilian honours in India, following the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Padma Bhushan.</li>
  <li>The award is given for distinguished service in various fields, including art, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, and public affairs.</li>
  <li>The award ceremony is held annually in March or April at Rashtrapati Bhavan.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Kathak Dance Form</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>Kathak is one of the major forms of Indian classical dance.</li>
  <li>The name Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word <i>'katha'</i>, meaning 'story'.</li>
  <li>Kathak dancers tell a story through their movements, gestures, and expressions.</li>
  <li>It is a North Indian dance form with its origins in the nomadic bards of ancient northern India known as <i>'kathakars'</i> or storytellers.</li>
  <li>The major traditions (gharanas) of Kathak include: <b>Lucknow Gharana</b>, <b>Jaipur Gharana</b>, and <b>Benares Gharana</b>.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Bidar Fort: Architectural and Historical Significance</h3>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Geometric Shape and Construction</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>The Bidar Fort in Karnataka is characterized by its irregular <b>rhomboid</b> shape. This unique geometric form is a testament to the adaptable architectural strategies employed during its construction and subsequent modifications.</li>
  <li>The fort's structure incorporates elements from various dynasties, reflecting a blend of architectural styles.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Historical Background</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>Bidar was once the capital of the Bahmani Sultanate and later became the seat of the Barid Shahi dynasty.</li>
  <li>The fort was initially built by the Kakatiya ruler Pratapa Rudra Deva in the 13th century and was later significantly expanded and fortified by the Bahmani sultans, particularly Ahmad Shah Wali, in the 15th century.</li>
  <li>The famous <b>`Rasoolan Kunda`</b>, a remarkable water supply system, is a notable feature within the fort, showcasing advanced engineering for its time.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Key Features and Structures within the Fort</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li><b>Gumbad Darwaza:</b> The main entrance, known for its impressive dome.</li>
  <li><b>Sola Khamba Masjid (Corridor Mosque):</b> A large mosque with sixteen pillars, an example of Persian architectural influence.</li>
  <li><b>Rangin Mahal:</b> Known for its colorful tile work, showcasing Deccan art.</li>
  <li><b>Tarkash Mahal:</b> Believed to be a royal residence or treasury.</li>
  <li><b>Diwan-e-Am:</b> The hall of public audience.</li>
  <li><b>Kacheri:</b> Administrative buildings.</li>
  <li><b>Military Bunkers and Powder Magazines:</b> Indicating the fort's strategic military importance.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Strategic Importance and Defense</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>The fort is situated on a plateau, offering natural defensive advantages.</li>
  <li>Its robust walls, bastions, and intricate gateways were designed for formidable defense against invasions.</li>
  <li>The irregular rhomboid shape allowed for maximal utilization of the terrain for defensive purposes, creating blind spots for attackers and strategic vantage points for defenders.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Architectural Influences</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>The architecture of Bidar Fort exhibits influences from Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles, reflecting the historical interactions and the composite culture of the Deccan region.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Javagal Srinath: An Esteemed Match Referee</h3>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Background and Career Highlights:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Javagal Srinath, a prominent former Indian fast bowler, has transitioned into a respected cricket administrator and match referee.</li>
<li>He represented India in 67 Tests and 218 One Day Internationals (ODIs) between 1991 and 2003.</li>
<li>Srinath was a key figure in India's pace attack, known for his ability to swing the ball effectively.</li>
<li>After retiring from playing, he took on roles within the International Cricket Council (ICC).</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Role as a Match Referee:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The ICC appoints match referees to oversee the smooth conduct of international cricket matches, ensuring adherence to the Laws of Cricket and the ICC's Code of Conduct.</li>
<li>Match referees play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and spirit of the game.</li>
<li>Javagal Srinath has officiated as a match referee in numerous high-profile international tournaments, including ICC events.</li>
<li>His appointment as the Indian match referee for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 underscored his standing and experience in the field of cricket officiating.</li>
<li>The T20 World Cup 2021 was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">James Prinsep: Decipherer of Brahmi Script</h3>

<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li><b>James Prinsep</b> (1799–1840) was an English antiquarian and colonial administrator in India.</li>
  <li>He is most famous for his role in deciphering the <b>Brahmi script</b>, an ancient Indian abugida used in the earliest decipherable inscriptions and manuscripts of India, dating from the 3rd century BCE.</li>
  <li>Prinsep's work was crucial in understanding the inscriptions found on the pillars and edicts of <b>Emperor Ashoka</b>, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty.</li>
  <li>In <b>1837</b>, James Prinsep successfully deciphered the Brahmi script, unlocking the secrets of Ashoka's edicts, which provided invaluable historical information about the Mauryan Empire, its administration, religious policies, and the spread of Buddhism.</li>
  <li>His groundbreaking work allowed historians to gain a much clearer picture of ancient Indian history and society during the Mauryan period.</li>
  <li>Prinsep also contributed significantly to numismatics (the study of coins) and archaeology in India.</li>
  <li>The <b>Prinsep Ghat</b> in Kolkata, a memorial built in his honor, stands as a testament to his contributions to Indian heritage and history.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Lord Mountbatten's Appointment</h3>
<p style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">In February 1947, <b>Lord Mountbatten</b> was appointed as the Viceroy of India. He succeeded <b>Lord Wavell</b>.</p>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Key Responsibilities and Context:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>Lord Mountbatten's primary and most significant responsibility was to oversee the transfer of power from British to Indian hands.</li>
  <li>His appointment came at a crucial juncture in Indian history, with the Indian independence movement reaching its peak.</li>
  <li>He was tasked with the immense challenge of partitioning British India into two independent nations: India and Pakistan.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Background Information:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li><b>Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma</b>, was a British statesman, naval officer, and the last Viceroy of India.</li>
  <li>He was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and the former Commander of the Allied Forces in South East Asia during World War II.</li>
  <li>His tenure as Viceroy was notably short, lasting only from February 1947 until August 1947, when India gained independence.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Significance in Indian History:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>Lord Mountbatten played a pivotal role in the final stages of British rule in India.</li>
  <li>The Mountbatten Plan, announced in June 1947, laid out the framework for the partition and independence of India.</li>
  <li>His decisions and actions significantly shaped the course of the subcontinent's partition, leading to widespread communal violence and displacement.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Working Population in India</h4>
<p style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">The working population, also referred to as the <b>working-age population</b>, in India is generally defined as individuals between the ages of <b>15 to 59 years</b>.</p>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Significance of Working Age</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>This demographic segment is crucial for economic productivity as they are considered the primary contributors to the labor force.</li>
  <li>They are the ones who are typically employed or actively seeking employment.</li>
  <li>The size and characteristics of this group have a direct impact on a nation's economic growth and development.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Classification of Population</h4>
<p style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">India's population is broadly classified into three groups based on age:</p>
<ol style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li><b>Children (0-14 years):</b> Dependents who are not yet of working age.</li>
  <li><b>Working Age (15-59 years):</b> The productive segment of the population.</li>
  <li><b>Elderly (60 years and above):</b> Those who are typically beyond the conventional working age, though many may continue to work.</li>
</ol>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Data and Definitions</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
  <li>This age bracket (15-59 years) is used by various governmental and international organizations, including the <b>National Statistical Office (NSO)</b> and the <b>International Labour Organization (ILO)</b>, for demographic and economic analyses.</li>
  <li>The definition is important for policy-making related to employment, education, healthcare, and social security.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Indian Railway Gauge Standards</h3>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Broad Gauge (BG)</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The Indian railway network primarily operates on the <b>Broad Gauge (BG)</b>.</li>
<li>The standard width of the Broad Gauge track in India is <b>1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in)</b>. This is wider than the standard gauge used in many other parts of the world.</li>
<li>This wider gauge allows for greater stability, higher speeds, and increased carrying capacity, making it suitable for the vast and diverse terrain of India.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Historical Context</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The adoption of Broad Gauge was decided during the British colonial era, with the first Broad Gauge line being laid in 1853.</li>
<li>This gauge was chosen to facilitate the movement of goods and troops efficiently across the subcontinent.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Other Gauges in India</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>While Broad Gauge is predominant, India also has:</li>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li><b>Metre Gauge (MG)</b>: with a width of 1,000 mm (3 ft 3 <sup>3</sup>⁄<sub>8</sub> in).</li>
<li><b>Narrow Gauge (NG)</b>: with widths of 610 mm (2 ft) and 762 mm (2 ft 6 in). These are typically found on heritage lines or in difficult mountainous terrain.</li>
</ul>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Gauge Conversion Projects</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Indian Railways has undertaken extensive gauge conversion projects over the years to convert Metre Gauge and Narrow Gauge lines to Broad Gauge, aiming for a uniform network.</li>
<li>This standardization improves operational efficiency and connectivity across the country.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Approximate Network Width</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The <b>Broad Gauge network</b> constitutes the vast majority of the Indian railway system.</li>
<li>As of recent data, approximately <b>95%</b> of Indian Railways' network operates on Broad Gauge.</li>
</ul>

• The sentence suffers from a tense mismatch. You are describing two actions that happened at the same time in the past, but the verbs are pointing in different directions:

"When she called me" is in the simple past, establishing that the event already happened.

"I am" is in the present continuous, which implies the action is happening right now.

To fix this, the auxiliary verb needs to be changed to the past continuous to match the timing of the phone call.

• The phrase "of the our place" is grammatically redundant.

The Problem: You cannot use a definite article ("the") and a possessive adjective ("our") back-to-back before the same noun.

The Rule: Both "the" and "our" are determiners. In English, we generally use only one determiner to introduce a noun. Using both creates a "double determiner" error.

The Fix: Simply remove the word "the."

Correct Sentence: "The society of our place is good."

• The underlined word contemplating means to think deeply, meditate, or reflect on something for a long period.

D). Chewing the cud: This idiom literally refers to cows regesting food to grind it down further, but figuratively, it means to ponder or meditate over something at length. It perfectly substitutes "contemplating."

Why it fits: The sentence describes Sonali in a state of deep thought ("contemplating") because she is not yet ready to decide. She is "chewing" on the facts of the offer.

• This error involves a very common confusion between two similar-sounding words: Affect vs. Effect.

Affect (Verb): To influence or produce a change in something. Since the news changed her emotional state, the verb form "affected" is required.

Effect (Noun): The result or outcome of a cause. (e.g., "The medicine had a good effect").

The Preposition: In English, we use the preposition "by" after "affected" to indicate the cause (the news). "Affected from" or "affected of" are grammatically incorrect constructions.

Quick Tip: Remember RAVEN — Really Affect is a Verb, Effect is a Noun.

• The idiom "on cloud nine" is used to describe a state of extreme happiness, euphoria, or elation.

The Meaning: When someone is "on cloud nine," they feel like they are floating on air because something wonderful has happened (e.g., getting a promotion, winning a prize, or falling in love).

Why the others are wrong:

A). Often absent: This is sometimes confused with being "away," but doesn't fit this phrase.

C). Frequently daydreaming: This is better described by the idiom "head in the clouds."

D). Always busy: This would be described as "having your hands full."

• This sentence fails to follow the correct rules for Degrees of Comparison.

The Problem: When we use the structure as... as to compare two things of equal quality, we must use the positive degree (the base form) of the adjective.

The Error: "More intelligent" is a comparative degree, which is used with "than" (e.g., more intelligent than). You cannot mix the "as... as" structure with a comparative word like "more."

The Fix: Change "more intelligent" to "intelligent."

Correct Sentence: "She is as intelligent as her brothers are."

• The error involves the incorrect use of a phrasal verb.

The Problem: The phrasal verb "dropped out" means to quit or withdraw from something (like school, a race, or a group). It does not make sense in the context of visiting someone's house.

The Fix: You should use the phrasal verb "dropped in" or "dropped by," which means to pay a casual, unannounced visit.

Correct Sentence: "He dropped in at his friend's house on his way home..."

• This question tests your understanding of prepositions and common English collocations (words that naturally go together).

The Context: The sentence describes the cove being covered or coated in "hoar-frost."

The Rule: In English, when describing a surface covered by a natural substance (like snow, frost, or dust), we use the preposition "with." * Example: "The mountains were white with snow."

Why others are wrong: * Among/Amongst: These are used when something is in the middle of a group of distinct items (e.g., "among the trees").

About: This usually indicates "around" or "concerning," which does not fit a description of a surface coating.

• This question is about contextual vocabulary and the correct use of verb forms in the past perfect tense.

The Context: The passage describes an early morning scene. The captain "set out down the beach," which means he had to get out of bed and wake up first.

The Meaning: In English, "risen" is the past participle of "rise." To rise is a formal or literary way to say someone got out of bed or woke up (e.g., "The sun has risen" or "He had risen at dawn").

Why the others are wrong: * Danced/Waltzed: These refer to dancing. There is no reason for the captain to dance or waltz before heading to the beach in this serious, gloomy setting.

Written: While he could have written something, the sentence structure "written earlier... and set out" implies a physical movement related to the morning routine, making "risen" the most logical fit.

• This question tests your ability to distinguish between two commonly confused verbs: Lie and Lay.

The Context: The narrator is preparing the table (putting down plates, cutlery, etc.) in anticipation of the captain's return.

The Rule: * To Lay: Means to put or set something down. It requires an object (in this case, "the breakfast table"). The present participle is laying.

To Lie: Means to be in a horizontal position or to rest. It does not take an object. The present participle is lying.

• This question tests your understanding of conjunctions and the logical relationship between two parts of a sentence.

The Context: The sentence points out a contrast. The man "wore a cutlass" (a short, heavy sword used by sailors/pirates), but "he did not look much like a fighter."

The Logic: You would expect someone carrying a sword to look like a fighter. Since the reality is the opposite, you need a concessive conjunction to show contrast.

"Though" (and its synonym "although") is used to introduce a statement that makes the main part of the sentence seem surprising.

Sentence Logic: Though he had the weapon of a fighter, he lacked the appearance of one.

• This question tests contextual logic and reading comprehension.

The Context: The passage describes a seafaring (nautical) setting involving a "captain" and a "man" who stepped into a parlour wearing a "cutlass" (a sword).

The Logic: The narrator mentions looking for "seafaring ______ with one leg or two." Since plants, birds, and flowers do not wear cutlasses, walk on one or two legs, or operate ships, the only logical choice is men.

Clue: This passage is actually from the opening of the famous novel Treasure Island, where the young narrator is specifically watching out for a "seafaring man with one leg."

• The phrase "at present" indicates an action happening right now. We use the Present Continuous (is/am/are + verb-ing) for ongoing actions.

• Hazardous: This means involving risk or danger. Synonym: Dangerous.

 "Belligerent" means aggressive; "Benign" means harmless.

•Subject + has/have + past\ participle\ (V3)
• "Alex" is a singular subject, so we use has. The past participle of study is studied.

• The word "each" is a singular distributive pronoun. 
• Even though "them" is plural, the verb must agree with "each." 
• Therefore, "have" should be replaced with "has"

• Scanty: Small or insufficient in quantity.
• "Deficient" rainfall means a lack of or insufficient amount.

• You bake a cake with flour (powdered grain). You put a flower (bloom) in a vase.

• "Vibrent" is wrong. The correct spelling is Vibrant (ending in -ant).

• Sink (Noun): A fixed basin with a water supply and a drain, typically used for washing dishes or hands. This is the only logical place for "dishes" in the sentence.

Shrink (Verb): To become smaller in size or amount. (e.g., "The shirt will shrink if washed in hot water.")

Cinque (Noun): This is a less common word referring to the number five, specifically on dice or playing cards.

Sync (Noun/Verb): Short for "synchronize." It means to operate at the same time or rate. (e.g., "I need to sync my phone with my laptop.")

• "Perepharal" is wrong. The correct spelling is Peripheral (relating to the edge).

• Inspire: To fill someone with the urge or ability to do something. Synonym: Stimulate.

"Daunt" means to intimidate (the opposite).

• "Exellent" is missing a 'c'. The correct spelling is Excellent.

• If the "validity of results" is being questioned, it means the experiment wasn't clear.

• Ambiguity: The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; lack of decisiveness.

• In English, we "enter politics" when starting a career in that field. "Jumped politics" or "gathered politics" are not standard idioms.

• Aravind Adiga (born 23 October 1974)[3][4] is an Indian writer and journalist. 
His debut novel, The White Tiger, won the 2008 Man Booker Prize.

• The PM SVANidhi scheme, launched on June 1, 2020, provides collateral-free loans to street vendors in India to help them recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Government of India Act, 1858 marked a significant shift in governance, transferring control from the East India Company to the British Crown following the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

• The Hornbill Festival, celebrated annually from December 1 to 10 in Nagaland, India, is a vibrant cultural event that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the state's diverse tribes.

• TK Rangarajan received the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sansad Ratna Awards 2023 for his significant contributions to Indian politics and public service. He is a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and has served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.

• The National Judicial Commission Bill, which is a private member bill aimed at regulating the appointment of judges through the National Judicial Commission, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on December 1, 2022.

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