Learn 79 questions from SSC GD 2025 Shift  3

SSC GD 2025 Shift  3 Questions

• The Fifth Five-Year Plan, spanning from 1974 to 1979, was a crucial period in India's economic development.

• Its primary objectives revolved around two key pillars: Poverty Alleviation and achieving Self-Reliance.

Poverty alleviation and achieving self-reliance

• Marcelin Berthelot (1827–1907) was a prominent French chemist and politician. He is renowned for his extensive work in thermochemistry, organic chemistry, and the synthesis of organic compounds.

• His experimental work in 1856, involving the reaction of carbon disulfide (CS2) vapour with red-hot copper and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), led to the production of methane (CH4). This was a significant achievement in understanding the synthesis of hydrocarbons.

• Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore secured a silver medal in the men's double trap shooting event at the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece.

• This medal was significant as it was India's first individual silver medal in the sport of shooting at the Olympics.

• Lawn Bowls is a precision sport in which players roll balls (called bowls) towards a small white ball (the jack).

• The objective is to get your bowl as close to the jack as possible.

• The Brahmaputra River originates in the Transhimalaya mountain range in the northern Himalayas.

• Specifically, it begins at the Chema Yungdung Glacier, located near Mount Kailash in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

• Pandit Ravi Shankar (1920-2012) was an Indian composer and sitar virtuoso, widely regarded as the greatest master of the sitar in the 20th century.

• He was instrumental in popularizing Indian classical music in the West.

• Taranjit Singh Sandhu concluded his tenure as India's Ambassador to the United States in January 2024.

• He is a distinguished member of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), belonging to the 1988 batch.

• As per the Census of India 1951, the overall literacy rate of India was recorded at 18.33%.

• This figure represents the proportion of the population aged 5 years and above who could read and write with understanding in any language.

• The partition of Bengal was announced in July 1905 and implemented in October 1905.

• This administrative decision was made by the Viceroy of India at the time, Lord Curzon.

• Guru Chemancheri Kunhiraman Nair was a celebrated figure deeply entwined with the classical Indian dance-drama, Kathakali.

• He was instrumental in popularizing and preserving the rich traditions of Kathakali, particularly in his native region of North Malabar in Kerala.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Article 42 of the Indian Constitution</h3>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Key Provisions:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Just and Humane Conditions of Work: This article mandates the State to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work for all individuals. This includes ensuring a safe working environment, reasonable working hours, and adequate rest periods.</li>
 <li>Maternity Relief: It specifically provides for maternity relief, aiming to protect the health and well-being of women during pregnancy and after childbirth. This provision has been instrumental in the enactment of various laws related to maternity benefits.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Context within the Constitution:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Article 42 falls under Part IV of the Constitution of India, which deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs).</li>
 <li>DPSPs are guidelines and principles that the State should consider while formulating policies and enacting laws. Although they are not enforceable by any court, they are fundamental in the governance of the country and are expected to be applied by the State in making laws.</li>
 <li>The inclusion of provisions for just working conditions and maternity relief reflects the State's commitment to social justice and welfare, as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Evolution and Implementation:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The principles enshrined in Article 42 have influenced the formulation of several labor laws in India, such as the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which provides for maternity leave and benefits to female employees.</li>
 <li>Various judicial pronouncements have also reinforced the importance of humane working conditions, often citing Article 42.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Exam Relevance:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Questions related to Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly those concerning labor rights, social security, and women's welfare, are frequently asked in competitive examinations.</li>
 <li>Understanding the scope and significance of Article 42 is crucial for candidates preparing for exams like the Kerala PSC.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Planning Commission of India: First Deputy Chairman</h3>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>The first Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India was Gulzarilal Nanda.</li>
<li>He assumed office in 1950.</li>
<li>The Planning Commission was established in March 1950 by an executive resolution of the Government of India.</li>
<li>It was an advisory body responsible for formulating five-year plans for the economic and social development of India.</li>
<li>Gulzarilal Nanda served as the first Deputy Chairman until 1951.</li>
<li>He also served as the interim Prime Minister of India on two occasions: in 1964 after Jawaharlal Nehru's death and in 1966 after Lal Bahadur Shastri's death.</li>
<li>The Planning Commission was replaced by the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in 2015.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Powers of the Governor</h4>
The Governor of a State in India is the constitutional head, appointed by the President. While the Governor exercises many significant powers, there are certain limitations:
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>Executive Powers: The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers. All executive actions of the state government are taken in their name. They also appoint the Advocate General and the State Election Commissioner.</li>
<li>Legislative Powers: The Governor summons and prorogues the State Legislature and can dissolve the Legislative Assembly. They can also issue ordinances when the legislature is not in session. The Governor addresses the State Legislature at the beginning of each year and after each general election. They can also reserve certain bills passed by the State Legislature for the consideration of the President.</li>
<li>Financial Powers: Money Bills can only be introduced in the State Legislature with the Governor's prior recommendation. The Governor ensures the annual financial statement (budget) is laid before the State Legislature. They can also make advances from the Contingency Fund of India to meet unforeseen expenditure.</li>
<li>Discretionary Powers: While the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, there are certain situations where they can act in their discretion, such as when appointing a Chief Minister in case of a hung assembly, or recommending President's Rule.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Limitations on Governor's Powers</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
<li>No Vote in No-Confidence Motion: The Governor is a constitutional dignitary and does not participate in the day-to-day functioning of the legislature. Therefore, they do not have the power to vote during a no-confidence motion. This power rests solely with the elected members of the Legislative Assembly.</li>
<li>Acting on Advice: In most matters, the Governor must act on the advice of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers. The extent of their discretionary powers is limited and often subject to judicial review.</li>
</ul>
Article 163 of the Constitution states that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as the head to aid and advise the Governor, except in cases where the Governor is required to act in their discretion.

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Kaushambi: A Glimpse into Middle Iron Age Urban Planning</h3>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Evidence of Early Urbanism</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Kaushambi, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, is a significant archaeological site that offers crucial evidence of urban planning during the middle Iron Age in India (circa 600 BCE - 200 BCE).</li>
 <li>Excavations at Kaushambi have revealed a well-organized city layout, indicating sophisticated civic administration and town planning principles were in practice.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Urban Planning Features</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>City Walls: The presence of massive, well-constructed city walls suggests a focus on defense and the demarcation of urban boundaries. These walls often enclosed a substantial area, protecting inhabitants and resources.</li>
 <li>Road Networks: Evidence points to a planned network of roads, including main thoroughfares and smaller by-lanes, facilitating internal movement and trade within the city. The grid-like pattern, though not always perfect, indicates deliberate design.</li>
 <li>Drainage Systems: Remains of drainage systems, including covered drains, highlight an understanding of sanitation and public health, a hallmark of advanced urban settlements.</li>
 <li>Residential Areas: Differentiated areas for housing, workshops, and public spaces suggest a structured social and economic organization.</li>
 <li>Public Structures: Findings of public buildings and structures imply a centralized authority responsible for urban development and maintenance.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Historical Context and Significance</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Kaushambi was a prominent city during the Mahajanapada period, serving as the capital of the Vatsa kingdom.</li>
 <li>Its strategic location on trade routes contributed to its prosperity and growth as an urban center.</li>
 <li>The urban planning evident at Kaushambi predates many similar developments in other parts of India, making it a vital site for understanding the evolution of urbanism in the subcontinent.</li>
 <li>Archaeological discoveries here provide concrete examples of the civic engineering and organizational capabilities of societies during the middle Iron Age.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and the Second Five Year Plan</h3>

<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>The Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961) in India was significantly influenced by the economic ideas and statistical models developed by Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.</li>
 <li>Mahalanobis, a renowned Indian statistician and scientist, is considered the father of statistics in India.</li>
 <li>He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata, which became a premier institution for statistical research and training.</li>
 <li>The core of Mahalanobis's model, often referred to as the Mahalanobis Model or the Two-Sector Model, focused on rapid industrialization, particularly in the heavy industries sector.</li>
 <li>This model emphasized maximizing long-term economic growth through investment in capital goods and infrastructure. It advocated for a large increase in the proportion of investment in capital goods.</li>
 <li>The Second Five Year Plan aimed at increasing national income by 25%, accelerating industrialization, and creating a larger number of employment opportunities.</li>
 <li>Key objectives included a substantial expansion of basic and heavy industries, as well as the promotion of village and small-scale industries.</li>
 <li>The plan's emphasis on heavy industries led to the establishment of major industrial projects, such as the Bhilai, Durgapur, and Rourkela steel plants.</li>
 <li>Mahalanobis's contribution was crucial in shaping India's post-independence economic development strategy, shifting the focus from agriculture to industrial growth.</li>
</ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Factors Contributing to Obesity</h3><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">High-Calorie, Low-Nutrient Foods</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast food often leads to an excessive intake of calories with minimal nutritional value.</li><li>These foods are typically high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium, which contribute significantly to weight gain and obesity.</li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Sedentary Lifestyle</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Lack of physical activity is a major contributor to obesity.</li><li>Modern lifestyles often involve prolonged sitting, such as desk jobs and excessive screen time, reducing the body's calorie expenditure.</li><li>Insufficient physical activity means the body stores more fat than it burns.</li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Genetics and Metabolism</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Genetic factors can influence an individual's susceptibility to weight gain and the way their body stores fat.</li><li>Metabolic rate, the speed at which the body burns calories at rest, can vary among individuals and may be influenced by genetics.</li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Hormonal Imbalances</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can slow down metabolism, leading to weight gain.</li><li>Other hormonal issues, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute to obesity.</li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Certain Medications</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Some medications, including certain antidepressants, steroids, and medications for diabetes or high blood pressure, can have side effects that include weight gain.</li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Overconsumption of Green Vegetables</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>Green vegetables are generally low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients.</li><li>The fiber content helps in promoting satiety, making individuals feel fuller for longer, which can aid in weight management.</li><li>They are essential components of a balanced diet and are highly unlikely to cause obesity when consumed as part of a healthy eating pattern.</li><li>In fact, they are often recommended for weight loss and overall health.</li></ul>

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)</h3><h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">New Guidelines for Coaching Sector</h4><ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);"><li>In November 2024, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness within the coaching sector.</li><li>These guidelines address several key areas, including misleading advertisements, unjust fees, and unrealistic promises made by coaching centers.</li><li>The CCPA has mandated that coaching institutes must provide accurate information regarding the success rate, number of students, and faculty qualifications.</li><li>Institutes are now required to clearly state their registration details and the duration of courses.</li><li>A significant aspect of the new rules is the prohibition of charging fees for more than one year in advance.</li><li>Institutes are also barred from making misleading claims about the guarantee of job placements or ranks.</li><li>These measures are intended to protect students from unfair trade practices and ensure they receive accurate information before enrolling in coaching programs.</li><li>The CCPA, established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, is tasked with protecting the rights of consumers and regulating matters related to consumer interests.</li></ul>

The Central Consumer Protection Authority

The Central Customer Protection Authority

<h3 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">India's Independence Day 2023 Theme</h3>
The theme for India's Independence Day celebrations in 2023 was 'Nation First, Always First'.

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Significance of the Theme:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>This theme underscored the paramount importance of prioritizing the nation's interests above all else.</li>
 <li>It emphasized a commitment to placing India's progress, security, and welfare as the top priority for every citizen.</li>
 <li>The 'Always First' aspect highlights a continuous and unwavering dedication to national advancement.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Background:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>India celebrated its 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023.</li>
 <li>The celebrations, often led by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort in Delhi, showcase national pride and achievements.</li>
 <li>Each year, a theme is often chosen to guide the national discourse and focus of the celebrations, reflecting the contemporary aspirations and challenges facing the country.</li>
</ul>

<h4 style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">Exam-Related Points:</h4>
<ul style="color: rgb(255,255,255);">
 <li>Questions related to the themes of significant national events like Independence Day are common in competitive exams.</li>
 <li>Memorizing the official theme is crucial for answering such questions accurately.</li>
 <li>Understanding the underlying message of the theme can also help in answering analytical questions about national priorities.</li>
</ul>

To find the correct antonym, we must first define the root word:

Insightful: Having or showing an accurate and deep understanding of a complex situation; being perceptive or "sharp."

Unperceptive (Antonym): Lacking the ability to notice or understand things quickly or deeply. If an insightful person sees the "big picture," an unperceptive person misses the obvious details.

The word metamorphosis refers to a profound change in form, nature, or structure. It is most commonly used in biology to describe the process of an animal physically developing after birth or hatching.

Change (D): This is the closest synonym. Whether it is a caterpillar becoming a butterfly or a person undergoing a major life transformation, the core of the word is "change."

Consistency (A), Stagnation (B), and Stability (C): These all imply staying the same, lack of movement, or staying fixed in one state. They are actually antonyms (opposites) of metamorphosis.

This sentence is an example of the Second Conditional, which is used to talk about hypothetical or imaginary situations.

The Rule of "Were": In formal English, when we use the "if" clause to express a situation that is contrary to fact (like imagining you are another person), we use were regardless of the subject (I, he, she, it).

The Subjunctive Mood: This specific use of "were" is called the subjunctive mood. It indicates that the statement is a wish or a hypothetical possibility, not a reality.

Incorrect: "If I am you" (This implies it is possible for me to be you).

Incorrect: "If I was you" (While common in casual conversation, "was" is considered grammatically incorrect in formal exams).

The Result Clause: You can identify a Second Conditional sentence by the use of would + verb (e.g., "would take") in the second half of the sentence.

To find the correct verb tense for blank (1), we need to look at the timeline and the subject of the sentence:

Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject is "Erosion" (singular). Even though it mentions "wind and water," those are just describing how the erosion happens. Since "Erosion" is singular, we must use a singular verb (has), not a plural one (have).

Tense (Present Perfect): The sentence uses the word "since," which indicates an action that started in the past (19th century) and continues up to the present day.

Has been is the Present Perfect tense, used for ongoing situations.

Had been (B) would imply the problem ended a long time ago.

Was been (C) is grammatically incorrect in English.

To find the correct word for blank (2), we need to understand the idiomatic expression related to farming and history:

The Idiom: The phrase "to put land under the plow" is a common expression in English. It means to start using land for farming or agriculture by plowing it.

Why "Under" (D): The plow (or plough) is a tool that cuts into the soil. When land is "under the plow," it signifies that the soil is being actively turned over for cultivation.

Why the others don't fit:

Besides (A): Means "next to" or "in addition to," which doesn't make sense in a farming context.

On top (B): This would imply the land is sitting on top of the tool, which is physically impossible.

Above (C): Similar to "on top," this does not describe the relationship between the land and the act of plowing.

To find the correct word for blank (3), we must look at the cause-and-effect relationship described in the sentence:

Contextual Logic: The sentence discusses "erosion," which is the wearing away of topsoil by natural forces. In an agricultural context, erosion is a negative process that destroys the quality and usability of the land.

Why "Damaged" (B): Since erosion is a destructive force, it "damages" the farmland. By the 1930s (the era of the famous "Dust Bowl"), millions of acres had been rendered unproductive because of this physical harm.

Why the others don't fit:

Improved (A): This means to make something better. Erosion does not make farmland better.

Developed (C): This implies growth or intentional construction. Erosion is an uncontrolled natural degradation.

Purified (D): This means to make something clean or pure. Erosion actually strips away the nutrient-rich layers of soil.

To find the correct word for blank (4), we need to look at the cause-and-effect relationship in the final sentence.

Contextual Logic: The passage mentions that despite "40 years of conservation efforts," there are now "new demands" placed on the land by "heavy crop production."

Why "Accelerated" (C): When you increase demand and intensify farming (heavy production), the process of soil wearing away naturally speeds up. Therefore, the erosion has accelerated (moved faster or increased in intensity).

Why the others don't fit:

Delayed (A): This means to slow down or postpone. Heavy crop production would not delay erosion; it would cause it.

Discouraged (B): This usually refers to a person's mood or a behavior. Soil erosion is a physical process that cannot be "discouraged."

Hindered (D): This means to create an obstacle or to slow something down. Heavy production is an aid to erosion, not a hindrance.

To find the correct word for blank (5), we need to identify the correct prepositional phrase used with the verb "placed."

The Rule of Prepositions: In English, when you impose a requirement, a burden, or a physical object onto something else, the standard preposition is "on" or "upon."

Why "On" (A): The sentence speaks about "new demands placed on the land." This indicates that the land is the recipient of the pressure or the requirements of heavy crop production.

Why the others don't fit:

By (B): This would suggest the land itself is placing the demands, which is the opposite of the sentence's meaning.

Of (C): "Demands of the land" would mean the land needs something, but here the farmers are the ones needing more from the land.

In (D): This implies something is located inside the land, whereas a "demand" is an external pressure applied to it.

• This is a test of homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings).

• Flour: A powder obtained by grinding grain (used to make bread/wheat products).

• Flower: The seed-bearing part of a plant.

• Floor: The lower surface of a room.

• Follower: Someone who supports or admires a person/cause.

• Since the sentence mentions "wheat," flour is the only logical choice.

• You must place the words where they make the most sense grammatically and logically:

• "The modern office building" (Noun identifying the structure).

• "...featured sleek designs" (Adjective 'sleek' typically describes design or appearance).

• "...and large windows" (Adjective describing the physical size of windows).

• A collocation is a pair or group of words that are habitually juxtaposed. 
• In English, we do not "see" or "hold" precautions; the standard expression is always to "take precautions."

• Generous means showing a readiness to give more of something than is necessary.

• Lavish is a close synonym meaning sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious (often used for large donations).

• Meagre is the opposite (small/insufficient). Senseless and Sensible refer to logic/wisdom, not the amount of a donation.

• The correct spelling is Delicious. 
• It requires an ‘i’ after the ‘c’ (from the Latin deliciosus).

• While "most" is sometimes used to mean "to the greatest extent," in this context, the sentence sounds awkward. 
• A more natural and grammatically precise phrasing would be "She knows the city best."

• The adverb form of "delight" is Delightfully. 
• When adding the suffix "-ly" to a word ending in "l" (delightful), you must keep both 'l's.

• This follows the rule of Inversion. When a sentence starts with "No sooner," it must be followed by an auxiliary verb (did or had) before the subject.

If you use did, the main verb must be in the base form (arrive).

If you use had, the main verb must be in the third form (arrived).

Since option B uses "had... arrived" and option C uses "did... arrive," both are technically grammatically correct in isolation, but "did... arrive" is the standard correction for the specific error in the bracketed text.

• * Consequently means "as a result."

• Accordingly also means "in a way that is appropriate to the particular circumstances" or "therefore."

• Naturally implies it was expected; Genuinely means truly; Superficially means on the surface only.

• In negative sentences, we generally use anywhere instead of everywhere.

• Incorrect: I cannot find it everywhere. (This implies you found it in some places but not all).

• Correct: I cannot find it anywhere. (This implies it is completely missing).

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