Static General Knowledge (Static GK) forms a high-scoring foundational pillar for major competitive examinations in India, including SSC (CGL, CHSL), UPSC, Banking (IBPS, SBI), Railways, and State PSCs. Unlike dynamic current affairs, static GK encompasses unchangeable facts spanning Indian and world geography, historical monuments, national parks, international headquarters, classical dances, awards, and important organizations. Mastering these persistent factual concepts is essential for aspirants aiming to clear the general awareness and general studies tiers of public sector recruitment tests.
1. In which year did the First Battle of Panipat take place?
Correct Answer: a) 1526
Explanation:
The First Battle of Panipat was fought in 1526 between the invading forces of Babur and the Lodi Empire, marking the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
2. Who was the founder of the Maurya Empire?
Correct Answer: b) Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation:
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 322 BCE with the help of his mentor Chanakya.
3. In which year was the Quit India Movement launched?
Correct Answer: c) 1942
Explanation:
The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, during World War II, demanding an end to British rule in India.
4. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
Correct Answer: b) Lord Mountbatten
Explanation:
Lord Mountbatten served as the last Viceroy of India and the first Governor-General of independent India.
5. Who is the author of the ancient Indian political treatise 'Arthashastra'?
Correct Answer: c) Chanakya
Explanation:
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, authored the Arthashastra, a comprehensive text on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.
6. Which Harappan site is known for having an artificial brick dockyard?
Correct Answer: c) Lothal
Explanation:
Lothal, located in present-day Gujarat, is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, famous for its large dockyard.
7. Who among the following Mughal Emperors founded a new religion called 'Din-i-Ilahi'?
Correct Answer: b) Akbar
Explanation:
Akbar founded Din-i-Ilahi in 1582, a syncretic religion intended to merge the best elements of the religions of his empire.
8. Who was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress?
Correct Answer: b) Annie Besant
Explanation:
Annie Besant became the first woman President of the Indian National Congress in 1917.
9. In which year did the Partition of Bengal take place?
Correct Answer: b) 1905
Explanation:
The Partition of Bengal was announced in 1905 by Lord Curzon, leading to widespread protests and the Swadeshi Movement.
10. Who introduced the Permanent Settlement of Bengal in 1793?
Correct Answer: a) Lord Cornwallis
Explanation:
The Permanent Settlement, a land revenue system that fixed the land tax in perpetuity, was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793.
11. What was the capital of the Pallava dynasty?
Correct Answer: c) Kanchipuram
Explanation:
Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled a large portion of southern India from the 3rd to the 9th centuries.
12. Which Gupta ruler is often referred to as the 'Napoleon of India'?
Correct Answer: b) Samudragupta
Explanation:
Samudragupta is referred to as the 'Napoleon of India' due to his extensive military conquests, as recorded on the Allahabad Pillar inscription.
13. In which year was the Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed?
Correct Answer: c) 1931
Explanation:
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and the then Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin.
14. The Battle of Buxar was fought in which year?
Correct Answer: b) 1764
Explanation:
The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764, establishing the British East India Company's firm control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.
15. Who was the first Indian to pass the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination?
Correct Answer: b) Satyendranath Tagore
Explanation:
Satyendranath Tagore, elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore, became the first Indian to clear the ICS examination in 1863.
16. Who founded the Brahmo Samaj?
Correct Answer: c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 to reform Hindu society and eradicate practices like Sati.
17. Who gave the title 'Mahatma' to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi?
Correct Answer: b) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation:
Rabindranath Tagore bestowed the title 'Mahatma' (Great Soul) on Gandhi in 1915 after his return from South Africa.
18. Which ruler started the Saka Era in 78 AD?
Correct Answer: c) Kanishka
Explanation:
The Saka Era was established in 78 AD by the Kushan emperor Kanishka.
19. Who was the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate?
Correct Answer: b) Qutb al-Din Aibak
Explanation:
Qutb al-Din Aibak, a former slave of Muhammad Ghori, founded the Mamluk dynasty and became the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206.
20. Who was the last Mughal Emperor of India?
Correct Answer: d) Bahadur Shah II
Explanation:
Bahadur Shah II (Bahadur Shah Zafar) was the last Mughal Emperor, deposed by the British after the Revolt of 1857 and exiled to Rangoon.
21. Which is the longest river entirely in India?
Correct Answer: c) Ganga
Explanation:
The Ganga is the longest river in India, flowing entirely within the Indian subcontinent with a length of approximately 2,525 km.
22. What is the highest peak in South India?
Correct Answer: b) Anamudi
Explanation:
Anamudi, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is the highest peak in South India with an elevation of 2,695 meters.
23. Which is the largest freshwater lake in India?
Correct Answer: b) Wular Lake
Explanation:
Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia and the largest in India.
24. Which Indian state has the longest coastline?
Correct Answer: d) Gujarat
Explanation:
Gujarat has the longest coastline in India, extending for about 1,600 kilometers along the Arabian Sea.
25. The boundary line between India and China is known as?
Correct Answer: b) McMahon Line
Explanation:
The McMahon Line is the effective boundary between China and India, negotiated at the 1914 Simla Convention.
26. Kaziranga National Park is famous for which animal?
Correct Answer: c) One-horned Rhinoceros
Explanation:
Kaziranga National Park in Assam holds the world's largest population of the Great One-horned Rhinoceros.
27. Which river is often referred to as the 'Sorrow of Bihar'?
Correct Answer: c) Kosi
Explanation:
The Kosi River is known as the 'Sorrow of Bihar' due to its frequent and devastating floods in the region.
28. Majuli, the world's largest river island, is located in which river?
Correct Answer: d) Brahmaputra
Explanation:
Majuli is a large river island situated in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam.
29. Which is the highest tiered waterfall in India?
Correct Answer: c) Kunchikal Falls
Explanation:
Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka, formed by the Varahi River, is the highest tiered waterfall in India with a height of 455 meters.
30. Which is the deepest ocean in the world?
Correct Answer: d) Pacific Ocean
Explanation:
The Pacific Ocean is the deepest and largest ocean on Earth, home to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point in the world.
31. Which planet is known as the 'Red Planet'?
Correct Answer: c) Mars
Explanation:
Mars is known as the Red Planet because iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance.
32. What is the capital of Australia?
Correct Answer: c) Canberra
Explanation:
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, chosen as a compromise location between Sydney and Melbourne.
33. Which is the largest hot desert in the world?
Correct Answer: b) Sahara Desert
Explanation:
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, covering a significant portion of North Africa.
34. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to which other body of water?
Correct Answer: c) Red Sea
Explanation:
The Suez Canal is a major artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
35. What is the official currency of Japan?
Correct Answer: d) Yen
Explanation:
The Japanese Yen (JPY) is the official currency of Japan.
36. Which country is known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun'?
Correct Answer: b) Japan
Explanation:
Japan is known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun' because from China's perspective, the sun appears to rise from the direction of Japan.
37. Which is the largest continent in the world by land area?
Correct Answer: c) Asia
Explanation:
Asia is the largest continent on Earth by both land area and population.
38. Which is the longest continental mountain range in the world?
Correct Answer: b) Andes
Explanation:
The Andes, located in South America, is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 km.
39. Which is the smallest state in India by geographical area?
Correct Answer: c) Goa
Explanation:
Goa is the smallest state in India by area, covering only 3,702 square kilometers.
40. Which Indian state is commonly known as the 'Sugar Bowl of India'?
Correct Answer: b) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
Uttar Pradesh is known as the 'Sugar Bowl of India' due to its massive sugarcane production.
41. Which Article of the Indian Constitution deals with the imposition of President's Rule in a state?
Correct Answer: b) Article 356
Explanation:
Article 356 allows the President to impose President's Rule in a state if the state's constitutional machinery breaks down.
42. Who is considered the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'?
Correct Answer: c) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Explanation:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, is regarded as the chief architect and Father of the Indian Constitution.
43. What is the minimum age required to become the President of India?
Correct Answer: c) 35 years
Explanation:
Article 58 of the Constitution mandates that a candidate must have completed 35 years of age to be eligible for the President's office.
44. From which country's constitution did India borrow the concept of Fundamental Rights?
Correct Answer: b) USA
Explanation:
The concept of Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution was heavily inspired by the United States Bill of Rights.
45. How many schedules are currently there in the Constitution of India?
Correct Answer: c) 12
Explanation:
Originally, the Constitution had 8 schedules. Through various amendments, the number of schedules has increased to 12.
46. Who presides over a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Indian Parliament?
Correct Answer: d) Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Explanation:
While the President summons the joint sitting, it is presided over by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
47. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Correct Answer: b) Vice President
Explanation:
According to Article 64 of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
48. How many Fundamental Duties are listed in Part IVA of the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: c) 11
Explanation:
Originally 10 Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The 11th duty was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002.
49. Who was the first Chief Election Commissioner of independent India?
Correct Answer: b) Sukumar Sen
Explanation:
Sukumar Sen served as India's first Chief Election Commissioner, overseeing the country's massive first general elections in 1951-52.
50. Which Article of the Constitution did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar call the 'Heart and Soul of the Constitution'?
Correct Answer: d) Article 32
Explanation:
Article 32, which grants the Right to Constitutional Remedies, was described by Dr. Ambedkar as the heart and soul of the Constitution.
51. Who appoints the Prime Minister of India?
Correct Answer: b) President of India
Explanation:
Under Article 75, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President, who invites the leader of the majority party in the Lok Sabha to form the government.
52. What is the maximum permissible strength of the Lok Sabha (after the 104th Amendment Act)?
Correct Answer: b) 550
Explanation:
With the 104th Amendment abolishing the 2 nominated Anglo-Indian seats, the maximum structural strength of the Lok Sabha is 550.
53. Which was the first state in India to adopt the Panchayati Raj system?
Correct Answer: c) Rajasthan
Explanation:
Rajasthan was the first state to establish Panchayati Raj on October 2, 1959, in the Nagaur district.
54. The concept of the 'Concurrent List' in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from?
Correct Answer: b) Australia
Explanation:
The Concurrent List, which includes subjects of common interest to both the Union and the States, was borrowed from the Australian Constitution.
55. What is the standard tenure of a member of the Rajya Sabha?
Correct Answer: c) 6 years
Explanation:
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for a term of six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.
56. Who was the first female Governor of an Indian state?
Correct Answer: b) Sarojini Naidu
Explanation:
Sarojini Naidu became the first female Governor of an Indian state, serving as the Governor of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).
57. Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the Anti-Defection Law?
Correct Answer: c) 10th Schedule
Explanation:
The 10th Schedule, inserted by the 52nd Amendment Act in 1985, contains provisions regarding disqualification on grounds of defection.
58. In which year was the Right to Information (RTI) Act enacted in India?
Correct Answer: c) 2005
Explanation:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act was passed by the Parliament in June 2005 and came fully into force in October 2005.
59. What is the minimum age prescribed to become a member of the Lok Sabha?
Correct Answer: b) 25 years
Explanation:
A person must be at least 25 years old to be eligible to become a member of the Lok Sabha.
60. Who appoints the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India?
Correct Answer: c) President of India
Explanation:
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
61. The standard financial year in India runs from?
Correct Answer: b) April 1 to March 31
Explanation:
The financial and accounting year for the Indian government and corporate sectors operates from April 1 to March 31.
62. In which year was the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) nationalized?
Correct Answer: c) 1949
Explanation:
The RBI was established in 1935 as a private entity and was subsequently nationalized on January 1, 1949.
63. Who is recognized as the Father of the Green Revolution in India?
Correct Answer: c) M.S. Swaminathan
Explanation:
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is known as the Father of the Green Revolution in India for his role in introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
64. On which date did the Goods and Services Tax (GST) come into effect in India?
Correct Answer: c) July 1, 2017
Explanation:
The GST, an indirect tax replacing multiple cascading taxes, was launched at midnight on July 1, 2017.
65. The First Five-Year Plan of India was based on which economic model?
Correct Answer: b) Harrod-Domar Model
Explanation:
The First Five-Year Plan (1951-56) was largely based on the Harrod-Domar model with modifications, focusing on agriculture.
66. In which year was the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) established as a statutory body?
Correct Answer: b) 1992
Explanation:
SEBI was initially formed in 1988 but acquired statutory powers on January 30, 1992, through the SEBI Act.
67. Which institution was replaced by the NITI Aayog in 2015?
Correct Answer: c) Planning Commission
Explanation:
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, adopting a bottom-up approach.
68. Where is the headquarters of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) located?
Correct Answer: d) Mumbai
Explanation:
The headquarters of RBI was initially established in Kolkata but was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937.
69. Which is the largest public sector bank in India?
Correct Answer: c) State Bank of India
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest commercial bank in India in terms of assets, deposits, and branches.
70. What is the defining characteristic of a 'Mixed Economy'?
Correct Answer: b) Coexistence of public and private sectors
Explanation:
A mixed economy refers to a system that blends elements of market economies with elements of planned economies, meaning public and private sectors coexist.
71. Who is known as the Father of the White Revolution in India?
Correct Answer: c) Verghese Kurien
Explanation:
Dr. Verghese Kurien is known as the Father of the White Revolution for launching Operation Flood, making India the largest milk producer.
72. The first synchronous census in India was held in the year?
Correct Answer: b) 1881
Explanation:
While the first census occurred in 1872 under Lord Mayo, the first complete synchronous census was taken in 1881 under Lord Ripon.
73. Which committee is famously associated with the estimation of the poverty line in India?
Correct Answer: c) Tendulkar Committee
Explanation:
The Suresh Tendulkar Committee was formed in 2005 to review methodology for poverty estimation and brought out a new poverty line calculation.
74. The 'Blue Revolution' in India is related to the increase in production of?
Correct Answer: b) Fish and aquaculture
Explanation:
The Blue Revolution refers to the significant growth and intensification of aquaculture and fish production in India.
75. What is the official currency of China?
Correct Answer: c) Renminbi (Yuan)
Explanation:
The Renminbi is the official currency of the People's Republic of China, and its basic unit is the Yuan.
76. Which cell organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'?
Correct Answer: c) Mitochondria
Explanation:
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of ATP used as chemical energy.
77. What is the chemical formula for 'Laughing Gas'?
Correct Answer: b) N2O
Explanation:
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is commonly known as laughing gas due to its euphoric effects upon inhaling.
78. Which is the lightest gas in the periodic table?
Correct Answer: d) Hydrogen
Explanation:
Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element and gas, with an atomic number of 1.
79. What is the SI unit of force?
Correct Answer: c) Newton
Explanation:
The SI unit of force is the Newton (N), named after Sir Isaac Newton for his laws of motion.
80. Which vitamin is crucial for the clotting of blood?
Correct Answer: c) Vitamin K
Explanation:
Vitamin K plays a vital role in helping the blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding.
81. Which of the following is considered the purest form of natural carbon?
Correct Answer: d) Diamond
Explanation:
Diamond is an allotrope of carbon where atoms are arranged in a strict crystalline lattice, making it the purest and hardest natural form of carbon.
82. A deficiency of insulin in the human body leads to which disease?
Correct Answer: c) Diabetes Mellitus
Explanation:
Insulin regulates blood sugar levels. Its deficiency or dysfunction results in elevated blood glucose, known as Diabetes Mellitus.
83. What is the approximate speed of light in a vacuum?
Correct Answer: b) 3 x 10^8 m/s
Explanation:
The speed of light in a vacuum is exactly 299,792,458 meters per second, generally approximated as 3 x 10^8 m/s.
84. Which instrument is used by doctors to measure human blood pressure?
Correct Answer: c) Sphygmomanometer
Explanation:
A sphygmomanometer is the medical device routinely used to measure a patient's blood pressure.
85. What is the common chemical name for baking soda?
Correct Answer: d) Sodium Bicarbonate
Explanation:
Baking soda is chemically known as Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3), widely used in baking and as an antacid.
86. Who was the first Indian citizen to travel into space?
Correct Answer: c) Rakesh Sharma
Explanation:
Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space when he flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 in 1984.
87. In which year were the Nobel Prizes first awarded?
Correct Answer: b) 1901
Explanation:
The Nobel Prizes were first awarded in 1901 according to the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel.
88. Who was the first Indian (and Asian) to win a Nobel Prize?
Correct Answer: b) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation:
Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems 'Gitanjali', becoming the first Asian laureate.
89. Where are the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) located?
Correct Answer: c) New York City
Explanation:
The official headquarters of the United Nations is situated in New York City, USA.
90. International Women's Day is celebrated globally on which date?
Correct Answer: b) March 8
Explanation:
International Women's Day is commemorated every year on March 8 to celebrate women's achievements and advocate for gender equality.
91. World Environment Day is observed every year on?
Correct Answer: c) June 5
Explanation:
World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 annually to encourage awareness and environmental protection.
92. Who authored the autobiography 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth'?
Correct Answer: d) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation:
The book is the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi, covering his life from early childhood through to 1921.
93. Kathakali is a major classical dance form of which Indian state?
Correct Answer: b) Kerala
Explanation:
Kathakali is a traditional, highly stylized classical dance-drama originating from the southern state of Kerala.
94. What was the name of the first artificial satellite launched by India?
Correct Answer: c) Aryabhata
Explanation:
Aryabhata was India's first satellite, named after the ancient Indian astronomer, launched on April 19, 1975.
95. Which is the highest civilian award in the Republic of India?
Correct Answer: b) Bharat Ratna
Explanation:
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, conferred for exceptional service or performance of the highest order.
96. Which is the largest gland in the human body?
Correct Answer: c) Liver
Explanation:
The liver is the largest solid organ and the largest gland in the human body, performing crucial metabolic functions.
97. Who is credited with the invention of the first practical telephone?
Correct Answer: c) Alexander Graham Bell
Explanation:
Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the first US patent for the telephone in 1876.
98. What is the National Tree of India?
Correct Answer: b) Banyan tree
Explanation:
The Indian Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) is the National Tree of India, symbolizing eternal life due to its expanding branches.
99. How many players are there on one side in a standard game of Kabaddi?
Correct Answer: b) 7
Explanation:
In standard Kabaddi, each team has seven players actively participating on the field at one time.
100. Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
Correct Answer: d) Indira Gandhi
Explanation:
Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, became the first (and to date, the only) female Prime Minister of India in 1966.
