NDA — Set 11

Q: Which Chola king launched the famous naval expedition to Southeast Asia, conquering parts of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra?

Rajendra I. **Rajendra I** (1014–1044 CE) launched the celebrated naval expedition that extended Chola influence to Southeast Asia. He conquered the **Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and the Andaman Islands**. This was one of the most remarkable naval operations in ancient Indian history.

Q: The Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur was built by which Chola ruler?

Rajaraja I. **Rajaraja I** (985–1014 CE) built the magnificent **Brihadeeswara Temple** at Thanjavur around 1010 CE. The temple is a supreme example of **Dravidian architecture** with its vimana rising to 66 metres. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q: The rock-cut shore temples at Mahabalipuram were constructed under which dynasty?

Pandya. The **Pallava dynasty**, particularly under **Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)**, constructed the famous **rock-cut temples and rathas at Mahabalipuram** in the 7th century CE. These monuments are carved from single granite rocks. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Q: The 'drain theory' of British economic exploitation was propounded by which nationalist leader?

Dadabhai Naoroji. **Dadabhai Naoroji** first articulated the **Drain Theory** in his work 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (1901). He argued that Britain was systematically extracting wealth from India without return, leading to India's poverty. This **economic drain** became a central argument of the Indian nationalist movement.

Q: The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) resulted in the defeat of the Maratha Confederacy by whom?

Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali). The **Third Battle of Panipat** (January 14, 1761) saw the **Maratha Confederacy** suffer a devastating defeat at the hands of **Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali)**. The Maratha commander Vishwasrao Bhau was killed in the battle. This battle halted Maratha expansion northward and permanently weakened the Confederacy.

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Which Chola king launched the famous naval expedition to Southeast Asia, conquering parts of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra?

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Correct Answer: A. Rajendra I

**Rajendra I** (1014–1044 CE) launched the celebrated naval expedition that extended Chola influence to Southeast Asia. He conquered the **Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and the Andaman Islands**. This was one of the most remarkable naval operations in ancient Indian history.

The Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur was built by which Chola ruler?

💡

Correct Answer: B. Rajaraja I

**Rajaraja I** (985–1014 CE) built the magnificent **Brihadeeswara Temple** at Thanjavur around 1010 CE. The temple is a supreme example of **Dravidian architecture** with its vimana rising to 66 metres. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The rock-cut shore temples at Mahabalipuram were constructed under which dynasty?

💡

Correct Answer: C. Pandya

The **Pallava dynasty**, particularly under **Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)**, constructed the famous **rock-cut temples and rathas at Mahabalipuram** in the 7th century CE. These monuments are carved from single granite rocks. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The 'drain theory' of British economic exploitation was propounded by which nationalist leader?

💡

Correct Answer: D. Dadabhai Naoroji

**Dadabhai Naoroji** first articulated the **Drain Theory** in his work 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (1901). He argued that Britain was systematically extracting wealth from India without return, leading to India's poverty. This **economic drain** became a central argument of the Indian nationalist movement.

The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) resulted in the defeat of the Maratha Confederacy by whom?

💡

Correct Answer: A. Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali)

The **Third Battle of Panipat** (January 14, 1761) saw the **Maratha Confederacy** suffer a devastating defeat at the hands of **Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali)**. The Maratha commander Vishwasrao Bhau was killed in the battle. This battle halted Maratha expansion northward and permanently weakened the Confederacy.

Which zone of the Himalayas is represented by the Siwalik Hills?

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Correct Answer: B. Greater Himalaya (Himadri)

The **Siwalik Hills** (also called **Outer Himalaya or Sub-Himalaya**) form the southernmost and youngest zone of the Himalayan ranges with an average elevation of 900–1,200 metres. The Siwaliks are composed of soft sedimentary rocks and contain important fossil deposits. The **Duns** (valleys like Dehradun) lie between Siwaliks and the Lesser Himalayas.

Article 352 of the Indian Constitution deals with which type of Emergency?

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Correct Answer: D. National Emergency

**Article 352** of the Constitution provides for the proclamation of **National Emergency** on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. **Article 356** deals with **State Emergency (President's Rule)**, and **Article 360** deals with **Financial Emergency**. National Emergency has been proclaimed three times in India: 1962, 1971, and 1975.

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to which institution?

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Correct Answer: D. Panchayati Raj Institutions

The **73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992)** gave constitutional status to **Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)** by adding the **11th Schedule** with 29 subjects. It mandated reservation for **SC/ST and women (one-third)** in Panchayats. The **74th Amendment** simultaneously gave constitutional status to **Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities)**.

India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to how many nautical miles from the baseline?

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Correct Answer: C. 200 nautical miles

India's **Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)** extends **200 nautical miles** from the baseline as per **UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)**. Within this zone, India has exclusive rights for exploration and exploitation of natural resources. India's EEZ covers approximately **2.37 million square kilometres**.

The Non-Aligned Movement was formally founded in which city in 1961?

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Correct Answer: B. Belgrade

The **Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)** was formally founded at the **Belgrade Conference in 1961** by leaders including **Nehru, Tito, Nasser, Sukarno, and Nkrumah**. The **Bandung Conference (1955)** was its precursor. NAM was formed as a bloc of nations not formally aligned with either the USA or the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The Pala dynasty of Bengal was a great patron of Buddhism and established which famous learning centre?

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Correct Answer: C. Vikramashila

The **Pala dynasty** (8th–12th century CE) was a staunch patron of **Buddhism**. Pala kings like Dharmapala established **Vikramashila Monastery**, which became a premier centre of Buddhist learning. The Palas also patronised **Nalanda University** and produced exquisite Buddhist bronze sculptures.

The Partition of Bengal in 1905 was ordered by which British Viceroy?

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Correct Answer: A. Lord Curzon

**Lord Curzon**, the Viceroy of India, partitioned Bengal in **1905** on ostensibly administrative grounds. The real motive was to **divide Bengali Hindus and Muslims** and weaken the nationalist movement. The partition triggered the **Swadeshi Movement** and was annulled in 1911 during the Delhi Durbar.

World War I was triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in which year?

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Correct Answer: B. 1914

**Archduke Franz Ferdinand**, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated on **June 28, 1914** in Sarajevo by Bosnian-Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip. This event triggered a chain reaction among European alliances, leading to the outbreak of **World War I** (1914–1918). It exposed the fragile nature of pre-war European diplomatic alignments.

The Sundarbans mangrove forest, the world's largest contiguous mangrove ecosystem, is shared between India and which country?

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Correct Answer: C. Bangladesh

The **Sundarbans** delta mangrove forest is shared between **India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh**. It is the world's **largest contiguous mangrove forest**, spanning about 10,000 sq km. It is home to the **Royal Bengal Tiger** and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland.

The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 introduced which controversial provision that later contributed to communal politics?

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Correct Answer: C. Separate electorates for Muslims

The **Morley-Minto Reforms (Indian Councils Act 1909)** introduced **separate electorates for Muslims**, meaning Muslims could only vote for Muslim candidates in reserved seats. This was a **divide-and-rule policy** that institutionalised communal representation. It is considered one of the seeds that eventually led to the **Partition of India in 1947**.

Tipu Sultan's iron-cased rockets influenced later military rocketry. Who studied and adapted them after the Anglo-Mysore Wars?

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Correct Answer: B. William Congreve

**Tipu Sultan's Mysore rockets** (late 18th century) were the first iron-cased rockets deployed in warfare. **William Congreve** studied these rockets after the Anglo-Mysore Wars and developed the **Congreve rockets** used in the Napoleonic Wars. This technology represented a major advance in military rocketry that influenced modern rocketry development.

The French Revolution began in which year with the storming of the Bastille?

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Correct Answer: C. 1789

The **French Revolution** began in **1789** with events like the storming of the **Bastille** (July 14, 1789) and the Declaration of the Rights of Man. It led to the execution of **King Louis XVI** in 1793. The revolution spread ideals of **Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity** across Europe.

In nuclear physics, which type of radiation has the highest penetrating power?

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Correct Answer: C. Gamma radiation

**Gamma radiation** consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves and has the **highest penetrating power** among the three types, requiring thick lead or concrete to stop it. **Alpha particles** have the lowest penetrating power (stopped by paper). Gamma radiation is used in **cancer treatment (radiotherapy)** and food sterilisation.

The BrahMos missile is a joint venture between India and which country?

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Correct Answer: D. Russia

**BrahMos** is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by **India (DRDO) and Russia (NPO Mashinostroyeniya)**. The name is derived from **Brahmaputra and Moskva** rivers. BrahMos can travel at speeds of **Mach 2.8–3.0** and has a range of approximately 290–450 km. Its hypersonic version (BrahMos-II) is under development.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919 was carried out by orders of which British officer?

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Correct Answer: A. General Dyer

**General Reginald Dyer** ordered his troops to open fire on a peaceful gathering at **Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar** on April 13, 1919 (Baisakhi day). Hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed and thousands were wounded. The massacre sparked nationwide outrage and gave a powerful impetus to the **Non-Cooperation Movement**.

The Deccan Trap is a large igneous province composed mainly of which rock type?

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Correct Answer: B. Sandstone

The **Deccan Traps** are one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, covering western and central India. They are composed mainly of **flood basalt** formed by massive volcanic eruptions around 66 million years ago, coinciding with the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. The basaltic soil derived from Deccan Traps is the **black cotton soil (regur)**, highly fertile for cotton cultivation.

The United Nations Organisation was formally established in which year?

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Correct Answer: C. 1945

The **United Nations (UN)** was formally established on **October 24, 1945** when the UN Charter came into force after ratification by the required number of countries. The Charter had been signed on **June 26, 1945 in San Francisco**. The UN replaced the **League of Nations** and currently has 193 member states.

In optics, a convex lens is also called a:

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Correct Answer: B. Converging lens

A **convex lens** converges parallel rays of light at a point called the **principal focus**, which is why it is called a **converging lens**. Convex lenses are used in **magnifying glasses, cameras, telescopes, and to correct hypermetropia (far-sightedness)**. A concave (diverging) lens is used to correct myopia.

Exercise Shakti is a bilateral military exercise conducted between India and which country?

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Correct Answer: C. France

**Exercise Shakti** is a bilateral joint military exercise conducted between the **Indian Army and the French Army**. It is held alternately in India and France. The exercise focuses on **counter-terrorism operations** in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. France is an important defence partner supplying **Rafale jets and Scorpene submarines** to India.

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) did NOT introduce which of the following?

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Correct Answer: D. NOTA provision in elections

The **42nd Amendment (1976)** added **Fundamental Duties**, inserted 'Socialist', 'Secular', and 'Integrity' in the Preamble, and curtailed judicial review. **NOTA (None of the Above)** was introduced by the **Supreme Court** direction in 2013, not by any constitutional amendment. It is implemented through the Representation of the People Act.

The American Declaration of Independence was adopted on which date?

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Correct Answer: A. July 4, 1776

The **American Declaration of Independence** was adopted on **July 4, 1776** by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. It was primarily drafted by **Thomas Jefferson**. The declaration proclaimed the 13 American colonies free from **British rule** and established principles of individual liberty and self-governance.

The Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) bronze sculpture reached its artistic peak under which dynasty?

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Correct Answer: B. Chola

The iconic **Nataraja** (Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer) bronze sculpture reached its pinnacle under the **Chola dynasty** (9th–13th century CE). The Chola Nataraja was cast using the **lost-wax (cire-perdue) technique** and depicts Shiva performing the **Tandava dance** within a ring of fire. These sculptures are celebrated worldwide as masterpieces of Indian art.

Which greenhouse gas is NOT responsible for climate change?

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Correct Answer: D. Nitrogen (N₂)

**Nitrogen (N₂)** constitutes about 78% of the atmosphere but is **NOT a greenhouse gas** because its molecule does not absorb infrared radiation. **Greenhouse gases** include CO₂, CH₄ (methane), N₂O, water vapour, and ozone. The **IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)** monitors global warming caused by these gases.

The Agni-V ballistic missile is classified as an ICBM (range > 5,500 km). What is its approximate range?

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Correct Answer: C. 5,000+ km

**Agni-V** is India's most advanced surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of over **5,000 km**, qualifying it as an **ICBM**. It can carry a **1.5-tonne nuclear warhead** and uses a three-stage solid-propellant system. Agni-V brings all of China within India's nuclear strike range and enhances strategic deterrence.

The Seven Sisters of Northeast India refers to how many states?

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Correct Answer: C. Seven

The **Seven Sisters** is a colloquial term for the **seven northeastern states** of India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Sikkim is sometimes included to make it the 'Eight Sisters'. The region shares international borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

The Industrial Revolution began in which country during the late 18th century?

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Correct Answer: C. Great Britain

The **Industrial Revolution** began in **Great Britain** around the 1760s–1780s, driven by inventions like **James Watt's steam engine**, mechanised textile production (Spinning Jenny), and advances in iron production. Britain's coal resources, colonial markets, and entrepreneurial class created ideal conditions. The revolution later spread to Europe and North America.

The D-Day (Operation Overlord) Allied landings in World War II took place on which date and location?

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Correct Answer: A. June 6, 1944, Normandy, France

**D-Day (June 6, 1944)** was the largest seaborne invasion in history, when Allied forces landed on **five beaches in Normandy, France** (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword). **Operation Overlord** opened the **Western Front** against Nazi Germany. It led to the liberation of Western Europe and Germany's defeat in May 1945.

India's S-400 Triumf air defence system can simultaneously engage targets at ranges up to:

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Correct Answer: D. 400 km

The **S-400 Triumf** is Russia's most advanced **long-range surface-to-air missile system**, capable of simultaneously engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and ballistic missiles at ranges up to **400 km**. India signed a **$5.43 billion deal** in 2018 despite US CAATSA threats. The first squadron was delivered in **2021**.

The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) was sent to India by the British government under which Prime Minister?

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Correct Answer: B. Clement Attlee

The **Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)** was sent to India under British Prime Minister **Clement Attlee**. The mission consisted of **Lord Pethick-Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander**. It proposed a three-tier federal structure with an All-India Union handling defence, foreign affairs, and communications.

The Finance Commission of India is constituted under which Article of the Constitution?

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Correct Answer: C. Article 280

The **Finance Commission** is constituted under **Article 280** of the Indian Constitution by the President every five years (or earlier). It recommends the **distribution of tax revenues** between the Centre and States and principles governing grants-in-aid. The **15th Finance Commission** (2020–2026) was chaired by **N.K. Singh**.

The gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 was developed by scientists who received which Nobel Prize?

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Correct Answer: B. Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2020)

**CRISPR-Cas9** is a revolutionary **gene editing tool** allowing precise modification of DNA sequences in living organisms. It was developed by **Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier**, who won the **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2020)**. CRISPR stands for **Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats** and has applications in treating genetic diseases.

The first nuclear bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on which date?

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Correct Answer: B. August 6, 1945

The USA dropped the **'Little Boy' atomic bomb** on **Hiroshima on August 6, 1945**. A second bomb ('Fat Man') was dropped on **Nagasaki on August 9, 1945**. These remain the only nuclear weapons used in warfare. Japan announced its surrender on **August 15, 1945**, marking the end of World War II.

India's coral reefs are found along all of the following EXCEPT:

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Correct Answer: D. Chilika Lake

**Chilika Lake** (Odisha) is India's largest coastal lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland but does NOT have coral reefs. India's coral reefs are found in the **Lakshadweep Islands, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, and Gulf of Kutch**. Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots threatened by **bleaching due to ocean warming**.

Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air force exercise between India and which country?

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Correct Answer: C. France

**Exercise Garuda** is a bilateral air force exercise between the **Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF)**. It is held alternately in India and France. The exercise involves the **Rafale jets** of both air forces and focuses on air superiority and dissimilar air combat training. France is one of India's key defence partners.

The Zoji La pass connects which two regions of India?

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Correct Answer: B. Kashmir Valley to Ladakh

**Zoji La** (altitude ~3,528 m) is a crucial mountain pass connecting the **Kashmir Valley to Ladakh**. It lies on National Highway 1 (Srinagar–Leh highway). Zoji La remains the only road link between Kashmir and Ladakh and is of great **strategic military importance**. The NHIDCL is building the **Zoji La Tunnel** to provide year-round connectivity.