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BSSC Office Attendant practice questions

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Question 1General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which body frames the Constitution of India?

  1. The Constituent Assembly Correct answer.
  2. The Election Commission of India
  3. The Supreme Court of India
  4. The Parliament of India

Explanation

The Constitution was drafted and adopted by the Constituent Assembly, which first met in December 1946 and adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949. Parliament came into being only after the Constitution took effect on 26 January 1950, so it could not have framed the document.

Question 2General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Who is the constitutional head of the Indian Union?

  1. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
  2. The Prime Minister
  3. The President Correct answer.
  4. The Chief Justice of India

Explanation

The President of India is the constitutional head of the Union and acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister heads the real executive, while the Chief Justice heads the judiciary and the Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha.

Question 3General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Tropic of Cancer passes through which Indian state?

  1. Punjab
  2. Kerala
  3. Rajasthan Correct answer.
  4. Tamil Nadu

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer crosses India roughly through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. Rajasthan lies on this line, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu lie well to the south and Punjab to the north.

Question 4General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which river is known as the Sorrow of Bihar?

  1. The Damodar
  2. The Gandak
  3. The Son
  4. The Kosi Correct answer.

Explanation

The Kosi shifts its course frequently and causes severe floods in north Bihar, which earned it the name Sorrow of Bihar. The Damodar carries the similar title Sorrow of Bengal, while the Gandak and Son do not bear this name.

Question 5General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Who wrote the national song Vande Mataram?

  1. Sarojini Naidu
  2. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee Correct answer.
  3. Rabindranath Tagore
  4. Subramania Bharati

Explanation

Vande Mataram was written in Sanskritised Bengali by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and appears in his novel Anandamath. Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, so the two are often confused.

Question 6General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The headquarters of the Reserve Bank of India is located in which city?

  1. Mumbai Correct answer.
  2. Chennai
  3. Kolkata
  4. New Delhi

Explanation

The RBI was established in 1935 with its central office in Kolkata, but the office was shifted to Mumbai in 1937, where the headquarters remains. New Delhi is the seat of the central government, not the RBI head office.

Question 7General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which vitamin is synthesised in the human skin on exposure to sunlight?

  1. Vitamin D Correct answer.
  2. Vitamin C
  3. Vitamin K
  4. Vitamin A

Explanation

Ultraviolet-B rays convert a cholesterol derivative in the skin into vitamin D, which is then activated in the liver and kidneys. Vitamin C must come from the diet, and vitamins A and K are obtained mainly through food.

Question 8General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala?

  1. Kuchipudi
  2. Kathakali Correct answer.
  3. Odissi
  4. Bharatanatyam

Explanation

Kathakali is a classical dance-drama tradition of Kerala known for elaborate make-up and costumes. Bharatanatyam belongs to Tamil Nadu, Odissi to Odisha and Kuchipudi to Andhra Pradesh.

Question 9General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution of India by which amendment?

  1. The 52nd Amendment
  2. The 42nd Amendment Correct answer.
  3. The 24th Amendment
  4. The 44th Amendment

Explanation

The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 inserted Part IVA on Fundamental Duties on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. The 44th Amendment later reversed several other changes made by the 42nd Amendment but retained the duties.

Question 10General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which schedule of the Constitution of India lists the recognised languages of the Republic?

  1. The Sixth Schedule
  2. The Ninth Schedule
  3. The Seventh Schedule
  4. The Eighth Schedule Correct answer.

Explanation

The Eighth Schedule lists the languages recognised by the Constitution, beginning with fourteen in 1950 and now twenty-two. The Seventh Schedule divides powers through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists, while the Sixth deals with tribal areas.

Question 11General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A money bill can be introduced in the Indian Parliament only in which House?

  1. A joint sitting of both Houses
  2. The Rajya Sabha
  3. Either House, with the President's prior approval
  4. The Lok Sabha Correct answer.

Explanation

Under Article 110, a money bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha and only on the recommendation of the President. The Rajya Sabha may make recommendations within fourteen days but cannot amend or reject a money bill.

Question 12General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of the following is a Kharif crop in India?

  1. Wheat
  2. Rice Correct answer.
  3. Gram
  4. Mustard

Explanation

Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the monsoon and harvested in autumn, and rice is the leading example. Wheat, mustard and gram are rabi crops sown in winter and harvested in spring.

Question 13General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Indian Monsoon is primarily caused by which phenomenon?

  1. Formation of ocean currents
  2. Differential heating of land and sea Correct answer.
  3. Rotation of the Earth on its axis
  4. Movement of tectonic plates

Explanation

Seasonal reversal of winds arises because land heats and cools faster than the sea, creating low pressure over land in summer and drawing moist air from the Indian Ocean. Earth's rotation deflects these winds but does not create the pressure difference itself.

Question 14General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which Article of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability?

  1. Article 15
  2. Article 17 Correct answer.
  3. Article 14
  4. Article 21

Explanation

Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act gives it effect. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law and Article 15 prohibits discrimination on specified grounds.

Question 15General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is appointed by whom?

  1. The President Correct answer.
  2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
  3. The Prime Minister
  4. The Chief Justice of India

Explanation

Under Article 148, the CAG is appointed by the President and holds office for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The CAG can be removed only in the same manner as a Supreme Court judge.

Question 16General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is the largest gland in the human body?

  1. The adrenal gland
  2. The thyroid gland
  3. The liver Correct answer.
  4. The pancreas

Explanation

The liver is the largest gland and the largest internal organ, weighing roughly 1.5 kilograms in adults. It performs functions including bile production, detoxification and storage of glycogen.

Question 17General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Who was the first woman to become the Chief Minister of an Indian state?

  1. Sucheta Kripalani Correct answer.
  2. Sarojini Naidu
  3. Indira Gandhi
  4. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Explanation

Sucheta Kripalani became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1963, making her the first woman to head an Indian state government. Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister in 1966, and Sarojini Naidu and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit held governorships and diplomatic posts.

Question 18General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was fought between the British East India Company and the forces of which ruler?

  1. Siraj-ud-Daulah Correct answer.
  2. Tipu Sultan
  3. Shah Alam II
  4. Hyder Ali

Explanation

At Plassey, Robert Clive defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, aided by the defection of Mir Jafar. This victory gave the Company political control over Bengal and marked the start of its territorial power in India.

Question 19General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which Indian institution is responsible for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies?

  1. The NITI Aayog
  2. The Ministry of Home Affairs
  3. The Election Commission of India Correct answer.
  4. The Union Public Service Commission

Explanation

The Election Commission of India, a constitutional body under Article 324, conducts elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President. The UPSC handles recruitment to civil services, and NITI Aayog is a policy think tank.

Question 20General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these Indian states has a bicameral legislature?

  1. Odisha
  2. Rajasthan
  3. Telangana Correct answer.
  4. Punjab

Explanation

Telangana has a Legislative Assembly and a Legislative Council, making its legislature bicameral. Rajasthan, Punjab and Odisha each have a single Legislative Assembly and no Council.

Question 21General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Preamble to the Constitution of India as originally adopted declared India to be which kind of state?

  1. A secular, socialist republic
  2. A sovereign socialist secular democratic republic
  3. A sovereign democratic republic Correct answer.
  4. A federal democratic monarchy

Explanation

The original Preamble described India as a sovereign democratic republic. The words socialist and secular were inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, and India has always been a republic, not a monarchy.

Question 22General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is the correct order of the layers of the atmosphere from the Earth's surface upward?

  1. Troposphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere
  2. Stratosphere, troposphere, thermosphere, mesosphere
  3. Mesosphere, troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere
  4. Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere Correct answer.

Explanation

Weather occurs in the troposphere, the ozone layer lies in the stratosphere, meteors burn in the mesosphere, and the thermosphere hosts the ionosphere. Temperature trends reverse at each boundary, which helps in remembering the order.

Question 23General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Governor of a state can reserve a bill passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President under which Article?

  1. Article 161
  2. Article 213
  3. Article 356
  4. Article 200 Correct answer.

Explanation

Article 200 deals with assent to bills and allows the Governor to withhold assent or reserve a bill for the President's consideration. Article 161 covers pardoning powers and Article 213 covers ordinance-making by the Governor.

Question 24General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these pairs of Indian river and its tributary is correctly matched?

  1. Narmada and Tungabhadra
  2. Ganga and Godavari
  3. Brahmaputra and Chambal
  4. Godavari and Indravati Correct answer.

Explanation

The Indravati is a major tributary of the Godavari, rising in Odisha and joining the Godavari in Telangana. The Chambal joins the Yamuna, and the Tungabhadra is a tributary of the Krishna, so the other pairs are wrong.

Question 25General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is a correct statement about the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)?

  1. It refers to the seasonal reversal of winds over the Arabian Sea
  2. It is a measure of monsoon rainfall over the Ganga plain
  3. It describes a difference in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern tropical Indian Ocean Correct answer.
  4. It is the name given to the ocean current flowing along the Coromandel coast

Explanation

The IOD is defined by the difference in sea surface temperature between the western and eastern tropical Indian Ocean, and a positive phase usually strengthens the Indian monsoon. It is distinct from El Nino, which forms over the Pacific.

Question 26General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was originally erected at which site?

  1. Sanchi
  2. Sarnath Correct answer.
  3. Bodh Gaya
  4. Kushinagar

Explanation

The Lion Capital that forms the basis of the National Emblem was erected by Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath, near Varanasi, where he delivered his first sermon after enlightenment. The emblem was adopted on 26 January 1950, the day India became a republic.

Question 27General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which Indian city is known as the 'Silicon Valley of India' because of its concentration of information technology firms?

  1. Hyderabad
  2. Bengaluru Correct answer.
  3. Pune
  4. Chennai

Explanation

Bengaluru earned the nickname because of the dense cluster of software and IT services companies that grew there from the 1980s onward, supported by institutions such as IISc and the public-sector electronics units. Hyderabad is often called Cyberabad but does not carry the Silicon Valley title.

Question 28General Knowledge and Current Affairs

In the Indian fiscal year, the Union Budget is normally presented on which date?

  1. 28 February
  2. 1 February Correct answer.
  3. 31 March
  4. 15 March

Explanation

Since 2017 the Union Budget has been presented on 1 February, advancing the earlier practice of presenting it on the last working day of February. The earlier date gives ministries more time to plan spending before the financial year begins on 1 April.

Question 29General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which country hosted the 2023 G20 Leaders' Summit at which the African Union was admitted as a permanent member?

  1. Italy
  2. Brazil
  3. India Correct answer.
  4. Indonesia

Explanation

India hosted the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, where the African Union was welcomed as a permanent member alongside the European Union. The presidency then passed to Brazil for 2024.

Question 30General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Tropic of Cancer passes through which of these Indian states?

  1. Kerala
  2. Odisha
  3. Rajasthan Correct answer.
  4. Karnataka

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer crosses eight Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. Rajasthan is the only state in the list that lies on this line.

Question 31General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is the currency of Japan, a major trade partner of India?

  1. Won
  2. Yuan
  3. Yen Correct answer.
  4. Ringgit

Explanation

Japan's currency is the yen, issued by the Bank of Japan. The won belongs to South Korea, the yuan to China and the ringgit to Malaysia.

Question 32General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which day is observed in India as National Sports Day to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand?

  1. 15 August
  2. 5 September
  3. 2 October
  4. 29 August Correct answer.

Explanation

National Sports Day is observed on 29 August, the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand, in recognition of his contribution to Indian hockey. The day is used to confer national sports awards.

Question 33General Knowledge and Current Affairs

In the context of Indian administration, the term 'e-Governance' most directly refers to which practice?

  1. Delivering government services and information using information and communication technology Correct answer.
  2. Auditing government accounts with computer software
  3. Recruiting civil servants through online examinations
  4. Holding elections through electronic voting machines

Explanation

E-governance means using information and communication technology to deliver public services, share information and improve interaction between citizens and government. It is broader than any single administrative task such as recruitment or audit.

Question 34General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which body prepares and publishes the Economic Survey of India before the Union Budget?

  1. Department of Economic Affairs Correct answer.
  2. NITI Aayog
  3. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
  4. Reserve Bank of India

Explanation

The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance and is tabled in Parliament before the Budget. It reviews the year's economic performance and outlook.

Question 35General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Right to Education under Article 21A of the Constitution applies to children of which age group?

  1. Six to fourteen years Correct answer.
  2. Three to twelve years
  3. Five to fourteen years
  4. Six to eighteen years

Explanation

Article 21A, inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment, guarantees free and compulsory education to children aged six to fourteen years. This is implemented through the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

Question 36General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these Indian states was formed on the basis of language following the States Reorganisation Act, 1956?

  1. Haryana
  2. Andhra Pradesh
  3. Kerala Correct answer.
  4. Gujarat

Explanation

Kerala was created on 1 November 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act by merging Travancore-Cochin with the Malayalam-speaking Malabar region. Gujarat and Haryana were formed later, in 1960 and 1966 respectively.

Question 37General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A candidate appearing for a government examination in India reads that a 'money bill' is certified by which authority?

  1. The President of India
  2. The Finance Minister
  3. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha Correct answer.
  4. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha

Explanation

Under Article 110, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha certifies whether a bill is a money bill, and that decision is final. The Rajya Sabha can only recommend changes to a money bill and cannot amend or reject it.

Question 38General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is the correct expansion of the abbreviation 'NITI' in NITI Aayog?

  1. National Institute for Trade and Industry
  2. National Integration Trust of India
  3. National Institution for Transforming India Correct answer.
  4. National Initiative for Technology and Innovation

Explanation

NITI Aayog stands for National Institution for Transforming India, set up in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It functions as a policy think tank advising the Union and state governments.

Question 39General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The 'Green Revolution' in India is most closely associated with which crop?

  1. Sugarcane
  2. Wheat Correct answer.
  3. Cotton
  4. Rice

Explanation

The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s in India centred on high-yielding wheat varieties, particularly in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. The programme combined improved seeds, irrigation and fertiliser use.

Question 40General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these Indian states shares a border with Nepal?

  1. West Bengal
  2. Jharkhand
  3. Assam
  4. Bihar Correct answer.

Explanation

Bihar shares a border with Nepal to its north. The other Indian states bordering Nepal are Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal, so West Bengal is also correct in geography but was not among the intended answer choices here.

Question 41General Knowledge and Current Affairs

In Indian constitutional practice, the 'Doctrine of Basic Structure' was laid down in which case?

  1. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
  2. Minerva Mills v. Union of India
  3. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala Correct answer.
  4. Golaknath v. State of Punjab

Explanation

The basic structure doctrine was established in Kesavananda Bharati (1973), where the Supreme Court held that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in a way that destroys its essential features. Later cases applied and expanded the doctrine.

Question 42General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is a scheme aimed at providing financial inclusion by opening bank accounts for unbanked households in India?

  1. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
  2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
  3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Correct answer.
  4. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Explanation

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, launched in 2014, aims to bring unbanked households into the formal banking system with zero-balance accounts, RuPay cards and overdraft facilities. The other schemes address crop insurance, housing and cooking gas connections.

Question 43General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Indian Standard Time is based on the longitude of which place?

  1. 68 degrees East, passing near Dwarka
  2. 82 degrees 30 minutes East, passing near Mirzapur Correct answer.
  3. 75 degrees East, passing near Ahmedabad
  4. 90 degrees East, passing near Kolkata

Explanation

IST is calculated from the standard meridian of 82 degrees 30 minutes East, which passes near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. This gives a time of UTC plus five and a half hours.

Question 44General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these is the correct description of the 'Zero Hour' in Indian parliamentary proceedings?

  1. The period reserved for the Speaker's rulings
  2. The interval between the two Houses' sittings
  3. The time fixed for the formal introduction of government bills
  4. The period immediately after Question Hour when members raise matters without prior notice Correct answer.

Explanation

Zero Hour is the informal device that begins immediately after Question Hour, when members raise urgent matters without prior notice. It is not mentioned in the rules of procedure and derives its name from the fact that it starts at about noon, the zero point between the morning and afternoon sittings.

Question 45General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these Indian institutions is responsible for the collection and publication of the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

  1. National Statistical Office Correct answer.
  2. Securities and Exchange Board of India
  3. NITI Aayog
  4. Reserve Bank of India

Explanation

The National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation compiles and releases the Consumer Price Index, which measures retail inflation. The RBI uses CPI data to frame monetary policy but does not produce the index.

Question 46General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Consider a situation where the President of India resigns before completing the term. Who discharges the functions of the President until a new President is elected?

  1. The Vice-President Correct answer.
  2. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha
  3. The Chief Justice of India
  4. The senior-most Governor

Explanation

Under Article 65, the Vice-President acts as President when the office falls vacant due to resignation, removal, death or otherwise, and can act for a maximum of six months while an election is held. The Chief Justice administers the oath but does not take over the office.

Question 47General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A bill passed by a state legislature is reserved by the Governor for the President's consideration. Which of these is the correct constitutional position on the President's action?

  1. The President must give assent within three months
  2. The President may give assent, withhold assent or direct the Governor to return the bill for reconsideration Correct answer.
  3. The President must refer the bill to the Supreme Court
  4. The President has no option but to give assent

Explanation

Under Article 201, when a bill is reserved for consideration, the President may assent to it, withhold assent, or direct the Governor to return it to the state legislature for reconsideration. If the legislature passes it again, the President is still not bound to assent.

Question 48General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Which of these statements about the Finance Commission of India is correct?

  1. It has the power to impose taxes on the states
  2. It is appointed by the RBI Governor
  3. It is constituted every five years to recommend devolution of taxes between the Union and the states Correct answer.
  4. It is a permanent body that meets every year

Explanation

Article 280 requires the President to constitute a Finance Commission every five years to recommend the distribution of net tax proceeds between the Union and the states and the principles governing grants-in-aid. It is an advisory body and does not levy taxes.

Question 49General Knowledge and Current Affairs

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is best described by which of these statements?

  1. It is a wind pattern that reverses direction with the seasons
  2. It is a measure of the salinity difference between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal
  3. It is the periodic warming of the central Pacific Ocean
  4. It is a difference in sea-surface temperatures between the western and eastern tropical Indian Ocean that influences monsoon rainfall Correct answer.

Explanation

The IOD is defined by the difference in sea-surface temperatures between the western and eastern tropical Indian Ocean. A positive IOD, with warmer western waters, is generally associated with better monsoon rainfall over India, while a negative phase tends to suppress it.

Question 50General Knowledge and Current Affairs

A government office must dispose of a large volume of routine public grievances within a fixed time limit. Which principle of administrative reform is most directly relevant?

  1. Delegation of routine decision-making to lower levels with clear accountability Correct answer.
  2. Extending the time limit for every category of grievance
  3. Centralising all decisions with the head of department
  4. Increasing the number of appellate authorities

Explanation

Delegating routine decisions to lower levels while retaining clear accountability speeds up disposal and frees senior officers for complex matters. Centralisation or simply extending deadlines does not address the volume problem and can worsen delays.