NDA — Set 15

Q: The Chola dynasty introduced which administrative innovation at the village level?

Gram Panchayat (elected village councils). The **Chola dynasty** is credited with introducing one of the earliest forms of **local self-governance** through elected **village assemblies (Grama Sabha/Ur)**. The **Uttaramerur inscription (10th century CE)** details the rules for elections to village councils — candidates' qualifications, disqualifications, and procedures. This is considered an early precedent for democratic governance in India.

Q: The Pallava king Mahendravarman I was a multi-talented ruler who authored which famous Sanskrit play?

Mattavilasa Prahasana. **Mahendravarman I** (Pallava king, 600–630 CE) was a polymath — architect, painter, musician, and poet. He authored the **'Mattavilasa Prahasana'** (a Sanskrit comedy/farce), a witty satire on Buddhist monks, Shaivite ascetics, and Jains. He initially followed Jainism but later converted to Shaivism under the influence of the **Nayanar saint Appar**.

Q: The Swadeshi Movement (1905) was primarily a response to which event?

Partition of Bengal. The **Swadeshi Movement (1905)** was a direct response to the **Partition of Bengal** by Lord Curzon. Nationalists called for the **boycott of British goods** and promotion of Indian-made products. The movement involved the singing of **Vande Mataram**, burning of foreign cloth, and national education initiatives. It was the first mass movement of the Indian independence struggle.

Q: The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 effectively ended which international conflict?

Cold War. The **dissolution of the Soviet Union (December 25, 1991)** effectively ended the **Cold War**. The USSR broke up into **15 independent republics**, with Russia as the principal successor state. The fall of the **Berlin Wall (November 9, 1989)** was the symbolic beginning of the end. The Cold War's end transformed global geopolitics and led to the **unipolar moment** of US dominance.

Q: India's EEZ is governed by UNCLOS. India ratified UNCLOS in which year?

1995. India ratified **UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)** in **1995**. UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and entered into force in 1994. India's EEZ of **200 nautical miles** gives it exclusive rights to explore and exploit marine resources. India's total EEZ area is approximately **2.37 million sq km** — larger than its land area.

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The Chola dynasty introduced which administrative innovation at the village level?

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Correct Answer: A. Gram Panchayat (elected village councils)

The **Chola dynasty** is credited with introducing one of the earliest forms of **local self-governance** through elected **village assemblies (Grama Sabha/Ur)**. The **Uttaramerur inscription (10th century CE)** details the rules for elections to village councils — candidates' qualifications, disqualifications, and procedures. This is considered an early precedent for democratic governance in India.

The Pallava king Mahendravarman I was a multi-talented ruler who authored which famous Sanskrit play?

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Correct Answer: B. Mattavilasa Prahasana

**Mahendravarman I** (Pallava king, 600–630 CE) was a polymath — architect, painter, musician, and poet. He authored the **'Mattavilasa Prahasana'** (a Sanskrit comedy/farce), a witty satire on Buddhist monks, Shaivite ascetics, and Jains. He initially followed Jainism but later converted to Shaivism under the influence of the **Nayanar saint Appar**.

The Swadeshi Movement (1905) was primarily a response to which event?

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Correct Answer: B. Partition of Bengal

The **Swadeshi Movement (1905)** was a direct response to the **Partition of Bengal** by Lord Curzon. Nationalists called for the **boycott of British goods** and promotion of Indian-made products. The movement involved the singing of **Vande Mataram**, burning of foreign cloth, and national education initiatives. It was the first mass movement of the Indian independence struggle.

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 effectively ended which international conflict?

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Correct Answer: C. Cold War

The **dissolution of the Soviet Union (December 25, 1991)** effectively ended the **Cold War**. The USSR broke up into **15 independent republics**, with Russia as the principal successor state. The fall of the **Berlin Wall (November 9, 1989)** was the symbolic beginning of the end. The Cold War's end transformed global geopolitics and led to the **unipolar moment** of US dominance.

India's EEZ is governed by UNCLOS. India ratified UNCLOS in which year?

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Correct Answer: C. 1995

India ratified **UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)** in **1995**. UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and entered into force in 1994. India's EEZ of **200 nautical miles** gives it exclusive rights to explore and exploit marine resources. India's total EEZ area is approximately **2.37 million sq km** — larger than its land area.

The Morley-Minto Reforms' separate electorate provision was later expanded under which legislation?

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Correct Answer: A. Government of India Act, 1919

The **Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)** expanded the **separate electorate principle** of the 1909 Morley-Minto Reforms to include **Sikhs and Europeans** as well. It also introduced **Dyarchy** in provinces. The 1935 Act further widened representation. These provisions institutionalised communal politics and led to the demand for Pakistan.

The phenomenon of radioactivity was discovered by which scientist?

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Correct Answer: C. Henri Becquerel

**Henri Becquerel** discovered **radioactivity** accidentally in 1896 when he found that uranium salts could expose photographic plates even without sunlight. **Marie Curie** and **Pierre Curie** then studied radioactivity systematically, discovering polonium and radium. Becquerel and the Curies shared the **Nobel Prize in Physics (1903)**.

India's defence budget as a percentage of GDP has been approximately:

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Correct Answer: B. 1.5–2.5%

India's **defence budget** is approximately **1.5–2.5% of GDP**, consistently among the largest defence spending nations globally. In absolute terms, India's defence budget (2024–25) is approximately **₹6.21 lakh crore ($75 billion)**. India is the world's **third largest defence spender** and aims to achieve **self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)** in defence manufacturing.

The Mangrove Action Plan of India targets planting mangroves along which coastline?

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Correct Answer: C. Both East and West Coast, plus Andaman and Lakshadweep

India's **Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)** scheme announced in Budget 2023 targets mangrove plantation along **both East and West coasts, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep**. India has approximately **4,921 sq km** of mangrove cover. Major mangrove areas include Sundarbans (West Bengal), Bhitarkanika (Odisha), and the Andaman coast.

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) recognises how many Nuclear Weapon States (NWS)?

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Correct Answer: B. Five (USA, Russia, UK, France, China)

The **Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)** recognises **five Nuclear Weapon States (NWS)**: USA, Russia, UK, France, and China — the **P5 of the UN Security Council**. India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel possess nuclear weapons but are NOT recognised as NWS under the NPT. India has refused to sign the NPT, calling it discriminatory.

The Brihadeeswara Temple's vimana (tower) height is approximately:

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Correct Answer: C. 66 metres

The **Brihadeeswara Temple's vimana** at Thanjavur rises to **approximately 66 metres (216 feet)**, making it the tallest structure in South India for centuries. Built by Rajaraja I around 1010 CE, the temple's **capstone weighs about 80 tonnes**. The entire structure is built from **granite** without mortar, using precisely interlocked stones.

The Industrial Revolution's most significant invention — the steam engine — was improved by which inventor?

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Correct Answer: B. James Watt

**James Watt** (1736–1819) significantly improved Thomas Newcomen's earlier steam engine, making it **efficient, powerful, and practical** for industrial use. Watt's separate condenser (1765) and rotary steam engine revolutionised manufacturing, mining, and transportation. The SI unit of power — the **Watt (W)** — is named in his honour. Watt worked in partnership with Birmingham industrialist **Matthew Boulton**.

The Agni-V missile is capable of carrying what type of warhead?

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Correct Answer: B. Nuclear warhead (up to 1.5 tonnes)

**Agni-V** is designed to carry a **nuclear warhead** of up to **1.5 tonnes** over a range exceeding 5,000 km. It uses a **three-stage solid-propellant** system and can be launched from road-mobile canisterised TELs (Transporter Erector Launchers). The MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) version of Agni-V (tested as Agni-5 MIRV in 2024) carries multiple warheads.

The French Revolution's period of mass executions (1793-94) is known as the:

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Correct Answer: B. Reign of Terror

The **Reign of Terror (September 1793 – July 1794)** was the most violent phase of the French Revolution under the **Committee of Public Safety** led by **Maximilien Robespierre**. Approximately **17,000 people were officially executed** (including by guillotine) and up to 40,000 died in prison. Robespierre himself was arrested and executed on **9 Thermidor** (July 27, 1794).

India's Siachen Glacier control is maintained through which military operation?

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Correct Answer: A. Operation Meghdoot

**Operation Meghdoot (April 13, 1984)** was India's military operation to occupy and control the **Siachen Glacier** before Pakistan could do so. India's **102nd Infantry Battalion** airlanded troops at **Bilafond La and Sia La** passes. India now controls about **2,500 sq km** of the Siachen region. The operation was named after the Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa.

The 52nd Constitutional Amendment introduced the anti-defection law. Under which circumstances can a legislator be exempted from disqualification?

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Correct Answer: B. If at least two-thirds of the party's legislature members merge with another party

Under the **Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law, 1985)**, a legislator can avoid disqualification only if **at least two-thirds of the party's legislature party members merge with another political party**. A simple majority split (as was the case before 1985) is NOT sufficient. This provision discourages small-scale defections while permitting genuine party mergers.

The Sundarbans delta is formed by the confluence of which rivers?

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Correct Answer: B. Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers

The **Sundarbans** delta is formed by the confluence of the **Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers** as they flow into the **Bay of Bengal**. This is the world's largest river delta (**Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta**), covering approximately 105,000 sq km. The Indian portion contains approximately 9,630 sq km including the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.

The UN Security Council can issue which types of resolutions?

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Correct Answer: B. Binding resolutions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter

The **UN Security Council** can issue **binding resolutions under Chapter VII** of the UN Charter, which deal with 'Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression'. Such resolutions can mandate **sanctions, peacekeeping deployments, or military action**. All UN member states are legally obligated to comply with Chapter VII resolutions.

The Deltas formed by the Ganga-Brahmaputra system are part of which biogeographic zone?

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Correct Answer: C. Gangetic Plain

The **Ganga-Brahmaputra delta** (including Sundarbans) is part of the **Gangetic Plain biogeographic zone** but extends into the **Coasts biogeographic zone** where it meets the Bay of Bengal. India's biogeographic classification (Wildlife Institute of India) recognises **10 biogeographic zones**. The delta is a **biodiversity hotspot** supporting diverse wildlife including Royal Bengal Tigers.

The Peshwa system began to decline after which defeat?

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Correct Answer: B. Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

The **Third Battle of Panipat (1761)** was the turning point of Maratha decline. The **Peshwa Vishwasrao Bhau** and hundreds of Maratha commanders were killed. Peshwa **Balaji Baji Rao** (Nanasaheb) died of shock on hearing the news. The defeat shattered Maratha prestige and military strength. The **Anglo-Maratha Wars** (1775–1818) then further weakened and ultimately ended the Peshwa system.

The Uttaramerur inscription (Chola period) is famous for documenting which governance system?

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Correct Answer: B. Village self-governance and local elections

The **Uttaramerur inscription** (Tamil Nadu, dated 920 CE, reign of Parantaka I of the Chola dynasty) details the rules for elections to **village assemblies (Uttaramerur Sabhas)**. It specifies **qualifications and disqualifications** for candidates, lottery-based selection, and terms of service. It is the earliest known evidence of **structured democratic elections** in India.

Climate change impacts India's Himalayan glaciers. How many glaciers does the Himalayas contain approximately?

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Correct Answer: C. 9,575 glaciers

The **Himalayas** contain approximately **9,575 glaciers** covering about 40,000 sq km, forming the world's largest freshwater reserve outside the polar regions. These are called the **'Third Pole'**. Studies show that Himalayan glaciers are retreating at alarming rates due to **climate change**, threatening water security for hundreds of millions downstream.

India-China border dispute involves which Line of Actual Control (LAC) sectors?

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Correct Answer: C. Western, Middle, and Eastern Sectors

The **India-China LAC** dispute spans three sectors: **Western Sector** (Ladakh — around Aksai Chin, Depsang, Galwan Valley, Pangong Lake), **Middle Sector** (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand — relatively calm), and **Eastern Sector** (Arunachal Pradesh — China claims the entire state as 'Zangnan'). The **Galwan Valley clash (June 2020)** was the deadliest confrontation since 1967.

The Battle of Plassey (1757), which established British supremacy in India, was fought between the British East India Company and the Nawab of:

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Correct Answer: C. Bengal (Siraj ud-Daulah)

The **Battle of Plassey (June 23, 1757)** was fought between the **British East India Company** under Robert Clive and the **Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah**. The Battle was decided more by **treachery** (Mir Jafar betraying Siraj) than military prowess. It established British dominance over Bengal and marked the **beginning of British political control** over India.

The Mahabalipuram group of monuments includes which UNESCO World Heritage Site structures?

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Correct Answer: C. Both Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas (plus cave temples and bas-reliefs)

The **Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments** (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1984) includes: **Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas** (five monolithic temples named after the Pandavas), **cave temples (mandapas)**, and the massive bas-relief **'Descent of the Ganges' (Arjuna's Penance)**. These 7th–8th century Pallava structures represent the earliest development of **Dravidian temple architecture**.

In the context of vaccines, 'herd immunity' is achieved when what percentage of a population is immune?

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Correct Answer: C. Varies by disease (e.g., 95% for measles, 80% for COVID-19)

**Herd immunity** threshold varies by disease based on its **basic reproduction number (R₀)**. For **measles** (R₀ ~12–18), approximately **95%** of the population must be immune. For **COVID-19** (R₀ ~2–3 for original strain), approximately 60–70% is needed. For **polio**, 80–85%. When herd immunity is achieved, the disease cannot sustain transmission even among unvaccinated individuals.

The Battle of Waterloo (1815) ended the Napoleonic Wars. Where is Waterloo located?

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Correct Answer: B. Belgium

The **Battle of Waterloo** was fought on **June 18, 1815 near Waterloo** in present-day **Belgium** (then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands). Napoleon's **French Army** was decisively defeated by the **Duke of Wellington's Anglo-allied army** and **Field Marshal Blücher's Prussian army**. Napoleon was subsequently exiled to **Saint Helena** where he died in 1821.

The Finance Commission's function under Article 280 includes recommending distribution of proceeds of which taxes?

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Correct Answer: C. Net proceeds of taxes other than surcharges and cesses

The **Finance Commission (Article 280)** recommends the distribution of the **net proceeds of taxes** between the Centre and States (excluding surcharges and cesses on Union taxes). Key taxes shared include **income tax and central GST (CGST)**. Surcharges like **health and education cess** are NOT shared with states. The 15th Finance Commission recommended **41% devolution** to states.

India's defence sector indigenisation programme includes the 'Positive Indigenisation List'. What does this list specify?

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Correct Answer: B. Items that India will NOT import — must be domestically produced

The **Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)** specifies defence items that **will NOT be imported** and must be procured from **domestic manufacturers**. The Ministry of Defence has issued multiple PIL batches covering over 500 items — from simple spare parts to complex systems like **artillery guns, radars, helicopters, and warships**. This is part of India's **Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)** in defence.

The Battle of Plassey (1757) was preceded by the 'Black Hole of Calcutta' incident in which year?

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Correct Answer: B. 1756

The **'Black Hole of Calcutta' incident** occurred in **1756** when Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah captured **Fort William, Calcutta**. It is claimed (disputed by historians) that British prisoners were locked in a small dungeon (Black Hole), and many died overnight. This incident was used as a pretext for **Robert Clive's expedition** that led to the **Battle of Plassey (1757)**.

The Pallava dynasty fell to which dynasty in the late 9th century CE?

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Correct Answer: B. Cholas (under Aditya I)

The **Pallava dynasty** was overthrown by the **Chola dynasty** under **Aditya I** around 900 CE. Aditya I defeated and killed the last Pallava king **Aparajita** in the **Battle of Sripurambiyam (around 890 CE)**. The Cholas then emerged as the dominant power in South India, building the great medieval Chola Empire. The Pallavas' capital Kanchipuram came under Chola control.

The Pancha Rathas at Mahabalipuram are carved from single granite rocks and named after the five Pandavas. Which ratha is the largest?

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Correct Answer: C. Dharmaraja Ratha

The **Dharmaraja Ratha** (named after Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava) is the **largest of the Pancha Rathas** at Mahabalipuram. It has three storeys and is about 18 metres tall. The rathas are **unfinished monolithic structures** carved in the 7th century CE under the Pallava kings. The **Draupadi Ratha** (named after the Pandava wife) is the smallest.

India's naval exercise with Australia and the USA is called:

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Correct Answer: A. Exercise Malabar

**Exercise Malabar** is a naval exercise that originally began as a **bilateral India-USA exercise** (1992) and became **trilateral (India-USA-Japan)** in 2015. Australia joined in 2020. Malabar focuses on **anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, and carrier operations**. It is considered a key element of the **Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)** countries' maritime cooperation.

The Indian Constitution's 'Emergency Provisions' have been criticised for which of the following?

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Correct Answer: D. All of the above

India's **Emergency Provisions** have been criticised on multiple fronts: the **1975–77 Emergency** (declared by PM Indira Gandhi) was widely seen as suppressing **political opposition and press freedom**. The 42nd Amendment during the Emergency further weakened judicial review. The **44th Amendment (1978)** added safeguards. Critics argue the provisions can be misused to **undermine democracy**.

The Rajasthan Channel (Indira Gandhi Canal), crucial for water supply in the Thar Desert, draws water from which river?

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Correct Answer: C. Sutlej River (via Harike Barrage)

The **Indira Gandhi Canal (previously Rajasthan Canal)** draws water from the **Sutlej River at Harike Barrage** (Punjab, where the Sutlej and Beas meet). At 649 km, it is the **longest irrigation canal in India**. The canal transformed the barren Thar Desert of Rajasthan into farmland. It was crucial in preventing desertification and supporting the **Green Revolution in Rajasthan**.

Global warming is primarily caused by the enhanced greenhouse effect. The largest contributor to this enhanced effect is:

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Correct Answer: B. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from human activities

While **water vapour** is the most abundant natural greenhouse gas, the **enhanced (anthropogenic) greenhouse effect** is primarily driven by **CO₂ from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and cement production**. CO₂ concentrations have risen from ~280 ppm (pre-industrial) to **425 ppm (2024)**. CO₂ persists in the atmosphere for **centuries to millennia**, unlike water vapour which cycles rapidly.

The Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, is located in which country?

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Correct Answer: B. Australia

The **Great Barrier Reef** is located along the **northeast coast of Australia** (Queensland) in the Coral Sea. It spans approximately **2,300 km** and is the world's largest coral reef system, visible from outer space. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site facing severe threats from **climate change (bleaching events), pollution, and crown-of-thorns starfish**.

What was the key demand of India at the UN that it has consistently pushed for since the 1950s?

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Correct Answer: B. Permanent membership in the UN Security Council

India has consistently pushed for **Permanent Membership in the UN Security Council** as part of the **G4 group** (India, Germany, Japan, Brazil) seeking UNSC reform. India argues that the current UNSC structure (created in 1945) doesn't reflect **21st-century geopolitical realities**. India served as a **non-permanent member** eight times and is seeking permanent membership with veto rights.

The Rajendra I's Gangaikondacholapuram Temple has how many storeys in its vimana?

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Correct Answer: C. 11 storeys

The **Gangaikondacholapuram Temple's vimana** has **11 storeys (prakaras)** and rises to about 55 metres — slightly smaller than Thanjavur's Brihadeeswara (which has 13 storeys and 66 metres). The Gangaikondacholapuram temple's vimana has a characteristic **concave curvature** that gives it a more elegant appearance. The temple was built to celebrate Rajendra I's northern military victories.

India's DRDO successfully tested the hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV) in which year?

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Correct Answer: C. 2020

India's **DRDO** successfully tested the **Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)** on **September 7, 2020**, using an Agni-I ballistic missile as the carrier. The test demonstrated a **scramjet engine** flying at **Mach 6 (six times the speed of sound)** for approximately 20 seconds. This made India the **fourth country** (after USA, Russia, China) to demonstrate hypersonic cruise vehicle technology.