NDA — Set 14

Q: The 'Drain Theory' estimated that Britain drained India of how much annually, according to Dadabhai Naoroji?

£1–5 million. **Dadabhai Naoroji** calculated the annual economic drain from India at approximately **£12–30 million** per year in the 19th century. He presented this estimate in various papers from the 1860s and formally in his book **'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (1901)**. This systematic transfer of wealth stunted India's economic development.

Q: The Pallava temple architecture at Mahabalipuram is classified under which style?

Dravidian style. The **Pallava** temples at Mahabalipuram represent the early development of the **Dravidian (South Indian) style** of temple architecture. Key features include **pyramidal vimana (tower), carved gopurams (gateways), mandapas (halls), and use of granite**. The Dravidian style later reached its zenith in the great **Chola, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka** temples.

Q: NATO's mutual defence clause is contained in which Article of the North Atlantic Treaty?

Article 5. **Article 5** of the **North Atlantic Treaty (1949)** is NATO's collective defence clause — it states that an armed attack against one or more members shall be considered an attack against all. Article 5 has been **invoked only once** in NATO history, following the **September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks** on the USA.

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The Maratha confederacy's defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was primarily due to which failure?

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Correct Answer: B. Diplomatic isolation — no support from Rajputs, Jats, or Sikhs

The Marathas' defeat in the **Third Battle of Panipat (1761)** was largely due to **diplomatic isolation** — Peshwa Vishwasrao Bhau failed to secure alliances with the **Rajputs, Jats, and Sikhs**, who remained neutral or hostile. Their extended supply lines from Pune also created logistical problems. Ahmad Shah Abdali's **Afghan cavalry** proved decisive in the battle.

The 'Drain Theory' estimated that Britain drained India of how much annually, according to Dadabhai Naoroji?

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Correct Answer: A. £1–5 million

**Dadabhai Naoroji** calculated the annual economic drain from India at approximately **£12–30 million** per year in the 19th century. He presented this estimate in various papers from the 1860s and formally in his book **'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' (1901)**. This systematic transfer of wealth stunted India's economic development.

The Pallava temple architecture at Mahabalipuram is classified under which style?

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Correct Answer: B. Dravidian style

The **Pallava** temples at Mahabalipuram represent the early development of the **Dravidian (South Indian) style** of temple architecture. Key features include **pyramidal vimana (tower), carved gopurams (gateways), mandapas (halls), and use of granite**. The Dravidian style later reached its zenith in the great **Chola, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka** temples.

NATO's mutual defence clause is contained in which Article of the North Atlantic Treaty?

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Correct Answer: B. Article 5

**Article 5** of the **North Atlantic Treaty (1949)** is NATO's collective defence clause — it states that an armed attack against one or more members shall be considered an attack against all. Article 5 has been **invoked only once** in NATO history, following the **September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks** on the USA.

India's coral reef systems are found along the Gulf of Mannar and which island group?

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Correct Answer: C. Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar, Gulf of Mannar, and Gulf of Kutch

India's **coral reef systems** are found in four major locations: **Lakshadweep Islands** (atolls), **Andaman & Nicobar Islands**, **Gulf of Mannar** (fringing reefs), and **Gulf of Kutch** (patch reefs). **Lakshadweep** has the best-developed coral reefs in India. Coral reefs are threatened by ocean warming, acidification, and coastal pollution.

The 104th Constitutional Amendment (2019-20) abolished which provisions?

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Correct Answer: B. Reservation of seats for Anglo-Indians in Parliament and State Legislatures

The **104th Constitutional Amendment (2020)** abolished the **reservation of seats for Anglo-Indians** in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies (Articles 331 and 333). This provision had been extended every 10 years since 1950 but was allowed to lapse. Simultaneously, it extended the **reservation of seats for SC and ST** by another 10 years (up to 2030).

Which Indian satellite programme provides GPS-like positioning services for South Asia?

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Correct Answer: C. NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)

**NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)**, formerly called **IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System)**, is India's own **satellite navigation system** developed by ISRO. It provides **accurate real-time positioning services** for civil and strategic applications. NavIC covers India and a region extending **1,500 km** around it. It is used by **Indian Navy, fishing vessels, and disaster management agencies**.

The United Nations Security Council has five permanent members (P5). Which country is NOT a P5 member?

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Correct Answer: B. Germany

The **five permanent members (P5)** of the UN Security Council are: **USA, UK, France, Russia (replacing USSR in 1991), and China**. **Germany** is NOT a permanent member. P5 members have **veto power** over UNSC resolutions. India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil form the **G4** countries seeking permanent membership reform.

Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty sent ambassadors to China. This dynasty maintained trade with which ancient civilisation?

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Correct Answer: B. China and Southeast Asia

The **Chola dynasty** maintained extensive maritime trade relations with **China and Southeast Asia**. They sent diplomatic missions to the **Song Dynasty China**, traded in silk, spices, and gold, and their naval campaigns established commercial dominance in the **Indian Ocean trading network**. The Cholas are often called the first **true naval power of ancient India**.

The Emergency Provisions in the Indian Constitution are derived from which country's constitution?

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Correct Answer: C. Germany (Weimar Constitution)

The **Emergency Provisions** in the Indian Constitution (Articles 352, 356, 360) are borrowed from the **German Weimar Constitution**. The concept of declaring emergency during armed rebellion, external aggression, or financial crisis drew inspiration from Germany's experience with emergency rule. India's Constituent Assembly incorporated these provisions with safeguards.

The Karakoram range in Ladakh contains which of the world's highest battlefields?

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Correct Answer: B. Siachen Glacier

The **Siachen Glacier** (altitude 5,400–6,700 m), located in the **Karakoram range in Ladakh**, is the **world's highest battlefield**. India controls the Siachen Glacier following **Operation Meghdoot (April 13, 1984)**. The glacier is strategically vital as it dominates the passes connecting Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan to China's Aksai Chin.

In optics, the speed of light is maximum in which medium?

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Correct Answer: D. Vacuum

The speed of light is maximum in **vacuum (free space)** at approximately **3 × 10⁸ m/s**. When light travels through any medium (water, glass, diamond), it slows down. The refractive index (n) of a medium equals c/v (where c is speed in vacuum, v is speed in medium). **Diamond** has the highest refractive index (~2.42) among common substances, so light is slowest in diamond.

The Pala dynasty's art is most noted for which distinctive sculptural style?

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Correct Answer: B. Bronze Buddhist sculptures and illustrated manuscripts

The **Pala dynasty** is celebrated for its distinctive **Buddhist bronze sculptures** (images of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas) cast in the **lost-wax technique**. Pala-era **illustrated palm leaf manuscripts** of Buddhist texts are treasured artefacts in museums worldwide. The Pala style heavily influenced Buddhist art in **Nepal, Tibet, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia**.

The Partition of India (1947) was based on the boundary drawn by which British lawyer?

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Correct Answer: B. Cyril Radcliffe

**Sir Cyril Radcliffe** was appointed to demarcate the boundary between India and Pakistan in just **36 days** (announced on August 17, 1947). The **Radcliffe Line** divided Punjab and Bengal. Radcliffe had never visited India before and drew the line based on population data and maps. The **rushed demarcation** led to massive confusion, communal violence, and displacement.

World War II formally ended on which date with Japan's formal surrender?

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Correct Answer: C. September 2, 1945

**World War II** formally ended on **September 2, 1945 (V-J Day)** when Japan signed the **Instrument of Surrender** aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Japan had announced its intention to surrender on **August 15, 1945** (following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki). The war in Europe had already ended on **May 8, 1945 (V-E Day)** with Germany's surrender.

The Delimitation Commission of India functions under which Act?

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Correct Answer: B. Delimitation Act, 2002

The **Delimitation Commission** functions under the **Delimitation Act (2002)** and is constituted by the President of India. It determines the number of seats and boundaries of constituencies for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. The commission's orders have the **force of law** and cannot be challenged in any court. The next major delimitation will be based on **2026 census data**.

The Chola kingdom at its peak controlled which island nation to its south?

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Correct Answer: B. Sri Lanka (Lanka)

The **Chola Empire** at its peak controlled **Sri Lanka (called Lanka)**, which was repeatedly invaded and temporarily held by Chola rulers including **Rajaraja I** and **Rajendra I**. Sri Lanka's **Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa** cities were centres of Chola administration. The Chola-Sri Lanka conflict spanned several centuries.

Genetic engineering uses which process to amplify specific DNA sequences millions of times?

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Correct Answer: C. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

**Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)** is a technique that amplifies specific **DNA sequences millions of times** in a laboratory setting. Developed by **Kary Mullis** (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1993), PCR is fundamental to **genetic testing, forensic science, disease diagnosis (including COVID-19 RT-PCR tests), and DNA fingerprinting**.

The French Revolutionary Wars eventually gave rise to the empire of which military leader?

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Correct Answer: C. Napoleon Bonaparte

The **French Revolution (1789)** and the subsequent **Revolutionary Wars** ultimately gave rise to the empire of **Napoleon Bonaparte**, who crowned himself Emperor in 1804. Napoleon spread Revolutionary ideals across Europe while conquering vast territories. His defeat at **Waterloo (1815)** ended his empire and led to the **Congress of Vienna**, which redrew European borders.

Exercise Surya Kiran is conducted between India's Army and the army of which neighbouring country?

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Correct Answer: B. Nepal

**Exercise Surya Kiran** is a bilateral joint military training exercise between the **Indian Army and Nepal Army**. It focuses on **counter-terrorism operations in jungle and mountain terrain**. The exercise is held alternately in India and Nepal. India-Nepal military cooperation is governed by the **1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship**.

The Rajendra Chola inscription (1025 CE) about his naval expedition is found in which language?

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Correct Answer: B. Tamil

The **Rajendra Chola inscriptions** documenting his naval expedition to Southeast Asia are in **Tamil** (the Tiruvalangadu copper plates and Manimangalam inscriptions). Tamil was the court language of the Chola Empire. These inscriptions provide valuable historical evidence of **Chola maritime power and Southeast Asian connections**.

India's first defence satellite launched by ISRO for the Indian Air Force was:

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Correct Answer: A. GSAT-7 (Rukmini)

**GSAT-7 (codenamed Rukmini)** is India's first dedicated **military communication satellite**, launched in 2013 for the **Indian Navy** (not the Air Force). The **Indian Air Force** uses **GSAT-7A** (launched 2018, codenamed Angry Bird) for communication. **RISAT** satellites serve military reconnaissance needs. These satellites form the backbone of India's **net-centric warfare capability**.

Which organisation administers Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections for determining seats?

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Correct Answer: B. Election Commission of India

The **Election Commission of India (ECI)** is the constitutional body (Article 324) that **superintends, directs, and controls** the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures. It also administers elections for the President and Vice President. The ECI is headed by the **Chief Election Commissioner** and two Election Commissioners.

The Brihadeeswara Temple's 'Pushkarini' (sacred tank) plays what role in Hindu temple tradition?

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Correct Answer: B. Used for temple rituals and purification (ritual bathing by devotees)

The **Pushkarini** (sacred tank) in Hindu temple complexes, including the **Brihadeeswara Temple**, serves as a place for **ritual purification (bathing by devotees)** before entering the temple. They are also used for **temple festivals** where deities are taken in procession on boats (**theertham festivals**). The tanks also served historical irrigation and community water supply needs.

In beta decay (β-), which particle is emitted from the nucleus?

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Correct Answer: B. An electron and an anti-neutrino

In **beta-minus decay (β-)**, a **neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton**, emitting an **electron (beta particle) and an electron anti-neutrino**. This increases the atomic number by 1 while keeping mass number constant. Beta-minus decay is used in **nuclear medicine (e.g., Iodine-131 for thyroid treatment)** and is detected in beta radiation safety monitoring.

The 'Cabinet Mission' of 1946 was sent by British PM Clement Attlee. The mission's primary proposal was to:

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Correct Answer: B. Propose a Three-Tier Federal structure avoiding Pakistan

The **Cabinet Mission (1946)** proposed a **Three-Tier Federal structure**: an All-India Union handling defence, foreign affairs, and communications; three **groups of provinces** (A: Hindu-majority; B: Muslim-majority northwest; C: Muslim-majority northeast); and provinces with residual powers. The plan rejected immediate Pakistan but tried to give Muslims virtual autonomy within a united India.

The Himalayan passes of Zoji La, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La lie on which strategic highway?

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Correct Answer: B. Manali-Leh Highway (NH-3)

**Zoji La, Baralacha La, Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La** are the five major passes on the **Manali-Leh Highway (NH-3)**. This 479-km highway connects **Manali (Himachal Pradesh) to Leh (Ladakh)** and is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The highway is used by the **Indian Army** to supply the Ladakh sector and is closed in winter.

The Berlin Blockade (1948-49) during the Cold War was the USSR's attempt to cut off supplies to which zone?

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Correct Answer: B. West Berlin

The **Berlin Blockade (June 1948 – May 1949)** was the Soviet Union's attempt to cut off **Western Allied access to West Berlin** (occupied by USA, UK, and France). The Western Allies responded with the **Berlin Airlift**, flying in supplies for 11 months. The blockade failed and the USSR lifted it in May 1949. It led to the formation of **NATO (April 1949)**.

India's ASAT (Anti-Satellite Weapon) test in 2019 — Mission Shakti — successfully destroyed which satellite?

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Correct Answer: C. India's own test satellite (Microsat-R)

**Mission Shakti (March 27, 2019)** was India's **Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test** in which the **A-SAT missile** launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island (Odisha) successfully destroyed **Microsat-R**, India's own low-Earth orbit test satellite at an altitude of ~300 km. India became only the **4th country** after USA, Russia, and China to demonstrate ASAT capability.

The Pala dynasty's patronage of Buddhism is best exemplified by which famous monastery?

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Correct Answer: B. Vikramashila Monastery

The **Pala dynasty's** greatest contribution to Buddhism was establishing and patronising **Vikramashila Monastery** (modern Bihar) — founded by **Dharmapala** (c. 8th century). Vikramashila became a leading centre of **Vajrayana Buddhist learning**, comparable to Nalanda. The monastery produced scholars like **Atisha Dipankara** who helped establish Buddhism in Tibet.

The Non-Aligned Movement's founding principle was to stay out of the military blocs of the Cold War. India's policy is called:

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Correct Answer: B. Non-Alignment

**Non-Alignment** was India's foreign policy framework established by **Jawaharlal Nehru** during the Cold War. It meant staying outside the military blocs of both **NATO (USA) and Warsaw Pact (USSR)** while maintaining friendly relations with both. Non-Alignment was distinct from **neutrality** (which implies passivity) — India actively participated in world affairs. Today this has evolved into **Strategic Autonomy**.

The Rajendra Chola's naval expedition is often called 'Gangaikonda' because he:

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Correct Answer: D. Both A and B

After his northern campaigns reaching the **Ganga river**, Rajendra I took the title **'Gangaikonda' (He who seized the Ganga)**. He **brought water from the sacred Ganga** to his new capital **Gangaikondacholapuram** (present Tamil Nadu) in a golden pot, symbolically establishing Chola power over the entire subcontinent. He built the **Gangaikondacholapuram Temple** to commemorate this victory.

In which year did the Non-Aligned Movement have its first summit?

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Correct Answer: B. 1961 (Belgrade)

The **first Non-Aligned Movement Summit** was held in **Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1961**, with 25 founding member states. The conference was convened by **Josip Broz Tito** of Yugoslavia and attended by **Nehru, Nasser, Sukarno, Nkrumah** and other leaders. The summit affirmed the principles of non-alignment and disarmament during the height of the Cold War.

Climate change causes coral bleaching when ocean temperature rises by as little as:

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Correct Answer: A. 0.5°C above seasonal maximum

**Coral bleaching** occurs when ocean temperature rises by as little as **1–2°C above the seasonal maximum** for extended periods (4+ weeks). The corals expel their symbiotic **zooxanthellae** algae (which provide 90% of coral's energy), turning white (bleached). Prolonged bleaching leads to **coral death**. Mass bleaching events have increased in frequency due to **climate change** since the 1980s.

The 86th Amendment (2002) made education a Fundamental Right. It applies to children in which age group?

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Correct Answer: C. 6 to 14 years

The **86th Constitutional Amendment (2002)** inserted Article 21A making **free and compulsory education** a Fundamental Right for children aged **6 to 14 years**. The **Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009** operationalised this right. As of 2019, the RTE Act's protection has been extended to children under **Article 21A** through interpretation.

The Siachen Glacier dispute between India and Pakistan stems from which agreement that left the glacier's ownership ambiguous?

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Correct Answer: C. Karachi Agreement (1949)

The **Karachi Agreement (1949)**, which defined the Ceasefire Line (CFL) after the First Kashmir War, left the boundary **north of point NJ9842 undefined** (terrain was considered too inhospitable to inhabit). Both India and Pakistan later claimed the **Siachen Glacier** lay in their territory. India pre-empted Pakistan's anticipated move by launching **Operation Meghdoot (1984)** and occupying the glacier.

Biotechnology-derived vaccines that use pathogen proteins (not the whole pathogen) are called:

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Correct Answer: C. Subunit vaccines

**Subunit vaccines** use specific **proteins or polysaccharides from the pathogen** (not the whole organism) to trigger immunity. Examples include **Hepatitis B vaccine, HPV vaccine, and recombinant COVID-19 vaccines**. They are safer than live vaccines as they cannot cause disease. Subunit vaccines are produced using **recombinant DNA technology** in yeast or bacteria.

The Rajendra Chola I's new capital, Gangaikondacholapuram, was located in which present-day Indian state?

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Correct Answer: C. Tamil Nadu

**Gangaikondacholapuram** (meaning 'the city of the Chola who conquered the Ganga') is located in the **Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu**. Rajendra I built the city and the **Gangaikondacholapuram Temple** to rival his father's Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur. The temple's vimana is slightly shorter than Thanjavur but considered more elegant architecturally.

The Morley-Minto Reforms introduced separate electorates. Which Act implemented these reforms?

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Correct Answer: B. Indian Councils Act, 1909

The **Morley-Minto Reforms** were implemented through the **Indian Councils Act, 1909**. Key provisions included: expansion of legislative councils, introduction of some elected members, and the controversial **separate electorates for Muslims** (Muslims could only vote in separate Muslim constituencies). The act increased Indian participation in governance while deepening communal divisions.

India's peacekeeping troops have served in which African nation for the longest continuous period?

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Correct Answer: C. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

India has had a significant and long-term presence in the **Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)** as part of **MONUSCO (UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC)**, which began as MONUC in 1999. India has contributed thousands of troops to this mission. The **Indian Battalion (INDBATT)** has played a crucial role in **peacekeeping and humanitarian operations** in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC.