NDA — Set 13

Correct Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore

**Rabindranath Tagore** renounced his **knighthood** (conferred in 1915) in protest against the **Jallianwala Bagh massacre** of April 1919. In a letter to Viceroy Lord Chelmsford, Tagore described the event as an 'inhuman act'. Tagore was the **first Asian Nobel Laureate** (Literature, 1913) and author of the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh.

Correct Answer: C. 41 battles

**Baji Rao I** (Peshwa 1720–1740) was one of the greatest military commanders in Indian history, remaining **undefeated in all 41 battles** he fought. He expanded Maratha territory from Deccan to the banks of the **Ganga and Yamuna** in the north. His famous campaigns include the **Battle of Delhi (1737)** and the defeat of the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Correct Answer: C. Linguistic lines

The **7th Constitutional Amendment (1956)** reorganised Indian states primarily on **linguistic lines** based on the **States Reorganisation Act (1956)** and the **Fazl Ali Commission** recommendations. It abolished Part A, B, C, and D states, replacing them with **14 states and 6 Union Territories**. This was the most comprehensive reorganisation of Indian states.

Correct Answer: B. Ottoman, German, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian Empires

**World War I (1914–1918)** led to the dissolution of four empires: the **Ottoman Empire** (modern Turkey/Arab Middle East), the **German Empire** (Weimar Republic), the **Austro-Hungarian Empire** (Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia), and the **Russian Empire** (Soviet Union). These changes fundamentally reshaped world geopolitics.

Correct Answer: C. 5,540 m

The **Karakoram Pass** lies at approximately **5,540 metres (18,176 feet)** in the Karakoram mountain range. It connects **Ladakh (India) to the Tarim Basin (Xinjiang, China)**. This ancient route was part of the **Silk Road** and is now strategically important given the India-China border dynamics.

Correct Answer: B. 15%

The **91st Constitutional Amendment (2003)** capped the **Council of Ministers** (including PM/CM) at **15% of the total strength** of the Lok Sabha/Assembly, with a minimum of 12 ministers. This was enacted to prevent oversized cabinets and reduce political patronage. The amendment also strengthened the **anti-defection law**.

Correct Answer: C. 1962

The **Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962)** was the most dangerous confrontation of the Cold War when the USSR placed nuclear missiles in **Cuba**, just 90 miles from the US mainland. President **John F. Kennedy** imposed a naval blockade of Cuba. After 13 days of tension, the Soviets agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for a US pledge not to invade Cuba.

Correct Answer: C. Diffraction

**Diffraction** is the phenomenon where waves (including light) **bend around the edges of obstacles or openings** and spread into the shadow region. It is most pronounced when the size of the obstacle is comparable to the wavelength of light. Diffraction explains why we can hear sound around corners and is the basis of **X-ray crystallography**.

Correct Answer: C. Escherichia coli (E. coli)

**Recombinant human insulin** is produced by inserting the human insulin gene into **Escherichia coli (E. coli)** bacteria using recombinant DNA technology. The bacteria then produce large quantities of human insulin, replacing **pig and cattle-derived insulin**. Eli Lilly's **Humulin (1982)** was the first recombinant human insulin approved for medical use.

Correct Answer: A. The cycle of creation and destruction (Samsara)

The **Prabhamandala** (ring of fire) in the **Nataraja** sculpture symbolises the **cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction** — the cosmic dance of Samsara. Shiva's four arms hold a **drum (creation), fire (destruction)**, grant protection, and point to liberation. The **dwarf demon (Apasmara)** under Shiva's foot represents ignorance being trampled.

Correct Answer: B. Brick to stone (rock-cut and structural)

The **Pallavas** are credited with pioneering the **transition from wooden to stone architecture** in South India. They created **rock-cut cave temples** (mandapas), then **monolithic stone rathas** at Mahabalipuram, and finally **structural stone temples** like the Shore Temple. This transition marked the beginning of the **Dravidian temple style**.

Correct Answer: C. 2013

The **Supreme Court of India** in **PUCL v. Union of India (2013)** directed the Election Commission to introduce the **NOTA (None of the Above)** option on EVMs. NOTA was first used in the **2013 state assembly elections**. It gives voters the right to reject all candidates without abstaining from voting.

Correct Answer: B. Poverty and Un-British Rule in India

Dadabhai Naoroji's seminal work **'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India'** (1901) presented the **Drain Theory** systematically. He calculated the annual drain at **£12–30 million** per year. The book argued that British rule had made India poor through economic exploitation and became the **economic foundation of Indian nationalism**.

Correct Answer: B. Heavy nuclei (uranium, plutonium)

**Nuclear fission** involves splitting of **heavy nuclei** (like uranium-235 or plutonium-239) when bombarded with neutrons, releasing enormous energy. The reaction can be self-sustaining (chain reaction) once critical mass is achieved. **Nuclear fusion** involves combining **light nuclei** (hydrogen isotopes). Fission is used in **nuclear power plants and atomic bombs**.

Correct Answer: B. Sikkim

**Sikkim** is NOT one of the original 'Seven Sisters' of Northeast India. The **Seven Sisters** are: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Sikkim became a state in 1975 and is sometimes called the 'eighth sister' but is officially not part of the 'Seven Sisters' designation.

Correct Answer: C. Nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missiles

The **Agni missile series** consists of **nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missiles** developed by DRDO under India's IGMDP. Agni-I (700 km) to Agni-V (5,000+ km) form the series. These missiles form India's **nuclear deterrence triad** (land, sea, air). Agni-V's MIRV (multiple warhead) version is under development.

Correct Answer: C. October 16, 1905

The **Partition of Bengal** was officially implemented on **October 16, 1905**. Indian nationalists led by **Rabindranath Tagore** organised **Rakhi Bandhan** ceremonies on that day as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity against colonial divide. The Swadeshi movement and mass protests forced the British to annul the partition in **1911**.

Correct Answer: D. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆)

**Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆)** has a **GWP of approximately 23,500** over 100 years, making it the most potent greenhouse gas. **CO₂** has a GWP of 1 (the reference). **Methane** has a GWP of about 28–86, and **N₂O** about 265–298. SF₆ is used in electrical switchgear and is regulated under the Kyoto Protocol.

Correct Answer: B. UNEP and WMO

The **IPCC** was established in **1988** jointly by the **United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)** and the **World Meteorological Organization (WMO)**. It assesses scientific information on climate change and its impacts. The IPCC's **Assessment Reports** form the authoritative scientific basis for climate policy, including the **Paris Agreement (2015)**.

Correct Answer: A. ITAR

The **Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)** was used by the USA to threaten India with sanctions for purchasing the **S-400 system from Russia**. CAATSA was enacted in 2017 to penalise countries dealing with Russia's defence sector. India argued for a **waiver** citing its strategic autonomy, and the USA has not formally imposed CAATSA sanctions on India.

Correct Answer: B. 1982

**EVMs** were first used on a **trial basis in Kerala in 1982** (North Paravur assembly bye-election). However, the Supreme Court halted their use due to legal challenges. EVMs were reintroduced with proper legislation in **1998** and used in five state assembly elections. They have been used in all **general elections since 1999**.

Correct Answer: C. Dwight D. Eisenhower

**General Dwight D. Eisenhower** served as **Supreme Allied Commander** for Operation Overlord. He coordinated the massive Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944, across five beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword). Eisenhower later became the **34th President of the United States** (1953–1961). Field Marshal Montgomery commanded Allied ground forces.

Correct Answer: A. Brahmaputra

**BrahMos** gets its name from **Brahmaputra (India)** and **Moskva/Moscow River (Russia)**. BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited is the joint venture company. The missile can be launched from **land, sea, submarine, and air platforms**, giving India multi-domain strike capability at Mach 2.8–3.0 speeds.

Correct Answer: C. Kanchipuram

The **Pallava dynasty** (4th–9th century CE) had its capital at **Kanchipuram** (Kanchi), a major centre of religion, art, and learning. Kanchipuram is home to **Kailasanathar Temple** (built by Rajasimha/Narasimhavarman II). The city is renowned as the **Silk City of South India** and one of the seven sacred Hindu cities.

Correct Answer: C. 41%

The **15th Finance Commission** (chaired by N.K. Singh, 2020–2026) recommended **41% vertical devolution** of central taxes to states (42% from 14th FC, minus 1% for the newly created J&K and Ladakh UTs). **Horizontal devolution** among states uses criteria like population, area, forest cover, and fiscal effort.

Correct Answer: B. Srivijaya Empire

The Chola navy under **Rajendra I** attacked the **Srivijaya Empire** (based in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula) in 1025 CE to control **maritime trade routes** of the Indian Ocean. The campaign against Srivijaya is the most well-documented Chola naval expedition. This established Chola dominance over **Southeast Asian sea trade**.

Correct Answer: B. Arid conditions with ancient Tethys Sea sediments

The **Trans-Himalaya (Tethys/Tibetan Himalaya)** is characterised by **arid conditions** as it lies in the rain shadow zone. The region contains sediments from the ancient **Tethys Sea** (which preceded the Indian plate-Eurasia collision). It includes the **Zanskar Range, Ladakh Range, and Karakoram** and has significant fossil deposits.

Correct Answer: B. Pokhran-II tests (Operation Shakti), 1998

India officially declared itself a **nuclear-armed state** after the **Pokhran-II nuclear tests (Operation Shakti)** in May 1998. The earlier **Pokhran-I test (Smiling Buddha, 1974)** was described as a 'peaceful nuclear explosion'. After Pokhran-II, India adopted a **'No First Use'** nuclear doctrine and established the **Nuclear Command Authority**.

Correct Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

The **Chola kingdom** was located in the **Kaveri delta region of Tamil Nadu**, with major centres at **Uraiyur** (early capital) and **Thanjavur** (medieval Chola capital). At their height, the medieval Cholas ruled an empire extending from **Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia**. The Kaveri Delta's fertile lands supported their powerful economy.

Correct Answer: C. 29 countries

The **Bandung Conference (April 1955)** was attended by representatives of **29 Asian and African countries** representing about half the world's population. It was hosted by **Indonesia** and co-organised by Nehru, Sukarno, Nasser, Nkrumah, and Zhou Enlai. The conference produced the **'Ten Principles of Bandung'** (Dasasila Bandung) on world peace.

Correct Answer: B. Electric currents in molten outer core (dynamo theory)

The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the **geodynamo mechanism** — convective movements of **electrically conducting molten iron and nickel in Earth's outer core** produce electric currents, which generate the magnetic field. The magnetic field protects Earth from harmful **solar radiation and cosmic rays**.

Correct Answer: B. Well below 2°C (with 1.5°C aspiration)

The **Paris Agreement (2015)** aims to limit global temperature increase to **well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels**, with efforts to limit it to **1.5°C**. It was adopted at COP21 and entered into force in **November 2016**. As of 2025, current pledges are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target.

Correct Answer: B. Internal strife and rise of Sena dynasty

The **Pala dynasty's decline** (from 11th century CE) was primarily due to **internal strife, weak rulers, and the rise of the Sena dynasty** in Bengal. The **Senas** (Vijaya Sena, Ballala Sena) overthrew the Palas. Later, **Bakhtiyar Khilji's invasion (1203 CE)** and destruction of **Nalanda** ended Pala-era Buddhist institutions.

Correct Answer: B. Inactivated virus

**Covaxin** (by Bharat Biotech) uses an **inactivated (killed) SARS-CoV-2 virus** platform. **Covishield** (Serum Institute of India) uses an **adenoviral vector** (Oxford-AstraZeneca technology). **mRNA technology** was used by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. India also developed the world's first **DNA-based vaccine (Zycov-D)** for COVID-19.

Correct Answer: B. Non-avian dinosaur extinction (K-Pg boundary)

The **Deccan Trap** volcanic eruptions (~66 million years ago) contributed to the **Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction**, wiping out **non-avian dinosaurs** and ~75% of all species. The eruptions released massive CO₂ and SO₂ causing volcanic winter and acid rain. The simultaneous **Chicxulub asteroid impact** may have been the final trigger.

Correct Answer: D. Financial Emergency

**Article 360** deals with **Financial Emergency**, which can be proclaimed when the financial stability or credit of India or any part thereof is threatened. A Financial Emergency has **never been proclaimed** in India. It requires ratification by both Houses of Parliament and the President can direct states to observe canons of financial propriety.

Correct Answer: C. Ladakh

The **Karakoram mountain range** lies in **Ladakh (Union Territory)**, stretching between India, Pakistan, and China. **K2 (8,611 m)**, the world's second highest peak, is in the Pakistan-administered Karakoram. The Indian side contains **Siachen Glacier** (the world's highest battlefield) and the strategic **Karakoram Pass**.

Correct Answer: B. 1892

**Dadabhai Naoroji** was elected to the **British House of Commons in 1892** as a Liberal Party MP from Finsbury Central, London, becoming the **first Indian to serve in British Parliament**. His election gave him a platform to voice India's grievances. He was also a founding member of the **Indian National Congress (1885)**.

Correct Answer: C. USA

**Exercise Vajra Prahar** is a joint **Special Forces** exercise between the **Indian Army and the United States Army Special Forces**. It is held alternately in India and the USA. The exercise focuses on **counter-terrorism, combat free-fall, and special operations** in various terrains. It reflects the growing India–US defence partnership.

Correct Answer: B. Validate land reform laws by adding the Ninth Schedule

The **1st Constitutional Amendment (1951)** was enacted to validate **zamindari abolition and land reform laws** challenged in courts as violating Fundamental Rights. It added the **Ninth Schedule** to protect such laws from judicial review. It also added reasonable restrictions to **freedom of speech (Article 19(2))** to prohibit incitement and threats to public order.