NDA — Set 2
40 questions
The **Arthashastra**, an ancient treatise on statecraft and economic policy, was authored by:
Correct Answer: B. Kautilya (Chanakya)
The **Arthashastra** was composed by **Kautilya** (also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta), the chief minister of Chandragupta Maurya, around the 3rd century BCE. It covers statecraft, military strategy, economic policy, espionage, and diplomacy. It was rediscovered in 1905 by **R. Shamasastry** and is considered one of the most sophisticated works on governance in the ancient world.
Which of the following correctly describes the **demographic dividend**?
Correct Answer: B. Economic growth potential when working-age population is larger than dependents
The **demographic dividend** refers to the economic growth potential that arises when the proportion of the **working-age population (15-64 years)** is larger relative to dependent population (children and elderly). India is currently experiencing this window, which is expected to last until around 2055-2060. Effective investment in education, health, and skill development is crucial to realize this dividend.
The **Indian Naval Academy (NAVAC)** is located at:
Correct Answer: C. Ezhimala, Kerala
The **Indian Naval Academy (NAVAC)** is located at **Ezhimala** in Kannur district, Kerala. It is the largest naval academy in Asia and was inaugurated in 2009. NAVAC trains officer cadets for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, offering a four-year B.Tech degree through Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Which Fundamental Duty under Article 51A was added by the **86th Constitutional Amendment (2002)**?
Correct Answer: C. To provide opportunities for education to children aged 6-14
The **86th Constitutional Amendment Act (2002)** added a new Fundamental Duty under **Article 51A(k)** — that every parent or guardian must **provide opportunities for education** to their child or ward between the ages of 6 and 14 years. This amendment also added Article 21A, making elementary education a Fundamental Right. The same amendment amended Article 45 of the DPSPs.
In which year was the **Indian National Congress (INC)** founded, and who was its first president?
Correct Answer: B. 1885, W.C. Bonnerjee
The **Indian National Congress (INC)** was founded on 28 December **1885** in Bombay, with **Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee (W.C. Bonnerjee)** as its first president. **Allan Octavian Hume**, a retired British civil servant, is credited with organizing its founding. The first session was attended by 72 delegates and held at Gokuldas Tejpal Sanskrit College, Bombay.
The **Amazon Basin** is located on which continent?
Correct Answer: C. South America
The **Amazon Basin** is located in **South America**, covering approximately 7 million square kilometres — about 40% of the continent. The Amazon River, the largest river by discharge, flows approximately 6,400 km from the Andes in Peru eastward to the Atlantic Ocean. The basin contains the world's largest tropical rainforest, hosting extraordinary biodiversity.
Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the human nervous system when you touch a hot object?
Correct Answer: B. Sensory neuron to Spinal cord to Motor neuron to Muscle (reflex arc)
A **reflex action** (such as withdrawing from a hot object) follows the **reflex arc**: receptor to **sensory neuron** to **spinal cord** (where synapse occurs) to **motor neuron** to **effector (muscle)**. The brain receives the pain signal separately and slightly after the reflex. This bypass of the brain makes the reflex much faster — it is a protective mechanism of the nervous system.
The **Harshavardhana** empire was described in detail by which Chinese traveler who visited India?
Correct Answer: B. Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang)
**Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang)** visited India during the reign of **Harshavardhana (606-647 CE)** and provided detailed accounts of his kingdom, religion, and society in his work **Si-yu-ki (Record of Western Regions)**. Harshavardhana was a patron of Buddhism and ruled from Kannauj. **Fa-Hien** visited India during the Gupta period, a century earlier.
The **Air Force Academy (AFA)** for training fighter pilots is located at:
Correct Answer: C. Dundigal, near Hyderabad
The **Air Force Academy (AFA)** is located at **Dundigal**, approximately 40 km north of Hyderabad, Telangana. It is the premier training institution of the **Indian Air Force (IAF)** for graduating flight cadets as commissioned officers. The academy was established in 1969 and conducts a 74-week pre-commission training course.
The **Rajya Sabha** is a permanent house. Which of the following statements about its composition is correct?
Correct Answer: B. It has 238 elected members and 12 nominated by the President, with one-third retiring every 2 years
The **Rajya Sabha** has a maximum strength of **250 members** — up to 238 representing states and union territories (elected by single transferable vote), and 12 **nominated by the President** for expertise in arts, science, literature, or social service. It is a **permanent house** with **one-third of members retiring every two years**. The **Vice President** is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Which phenomenon occurs when white light passes through a glass prism and separates into constituent colors?
Correct Answer: C. Dispersion
**Dispersion** is the separation of white light into its constituent colors (VIBGYOR) when it passes through a prism, because different wavelengths of light refract at slightly different angles. **Violet** light bends the most and **red** light the least, as violet has the shortest wavelength. Newton first demonstrated dispersion using a glass prism in 1666.
The **Mahajanapadas** period (600-300 BCE) saw the rise of 16 kingdoms. Which one became most powerful under the Nanda dynasty?
Correct Answer: D. Magadha
**Magadha** emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada during the 6th-4th centuries BCE. Under successive dynasties — **Haryanka, Shishunaga, Nanda, and Maurya** — it consolidated power and became the nucleus of the Mauryan Empire. Its capital was **Pataliputra (modern Patna)**. The fertile Gangetic plains, iron ore, and control of major trade routes contributed to its dominance.
In the periodic table, the trend of **electronegativity** across a period (left to right) is:
Correct Answer: B. Increases as nuclear charge increases
**Electronegativity increases from left to right** across a period in the periodic table, as the **nuclear charge (atomic number) increases** while the shielding effect remains roughly constant, pulling bonding electrons more strongly. **Fluorine** is the most electronegative element. Electronegativity generally decreases down a group as atomic radius increases.
The **Himalayan rivers** differ from **Peninsular rivers** primarily because:
Correct Answer: B. Himalayan rivers are perennial — fed by glaciers and monsoon; Peninsular rivers are mostly rain-fed
**Himalayan rivers** (like Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus) are **perennial** — they receive water from **glacial melt** throughout the year AND monsoon rainfall. **Peninsular rivers** (like Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery) are mostly **rain-fed (seasonal)** — they depend almost entirely on the monsoon and may reduce to a trickle in summer. Himalayan rivers are also generally longer and carry more silt.
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the **Right to Constitutional Remedies**, called the 'heart and soul of the Constitution' by Dr. Ambedkar?
Correct Answer: D. Article 32
**Article 32** grants the Right to **Constitutional Remedies** — the right to move the Supreme Court to enforce Fundamental Rights through writs (habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, quo warranto). Dr. **B.R. Ambedkar** called it the **heart and soul of the Constitution** because without it, Fundamental Rights would be meaningless. High Courts have similar powers under **Article 226**.
The **Khilafat Movement (1919-22)** was launched in India to protest against:
Correct Answer: B. Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate by Turkey
The **Khilafat Movement** was launched by **Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali** (Ali brothers) to protest the British-imposed threat to dismantle the **Ottoman Caliphate** after World War I. Gandhi supported it and linked it to the **Non-Cooperation Movement** to achieve Hindu-Muslim unity. The movement collapsed after Kemal Ataturk himself abolished the Caliphate in 1924.
Which of the following countries shares the **longest land border with India**?
Correct Answer: C. Bangladesh
**Bangladesh** shares the longest land border with India at approximately **4,156 km**. China's border with India is approximately 3,488 km, Pakistan's is approximately 3,323 km, and Nepal's is approximately 1,752 km. India shares land borders with seven countries: Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Afghanistan.
The **Agni-V** missile uses which type of propulsion?
Correct Answer: B. Solid-fuelled rocket
**Agni-V** uses a **solid-fuelled three-stage rocket** propulsion system, which provides rapid launch capability without the need for fuel loading before launch. Solid propellants are more stable, easier to store, and allow quicker deployment than liquid propellants. This makes Agni-V road-mobile and suitable for **canisterized** (ready-to-launch) deployment.
The **Vijayanagara** capital city Hampi was built on the banks of which river?
Correct Answer: C. Tungabhadra
The magnificent **Vijayanagara** capital **Hampi** was built on the banks of the **Tungabhadra River** in present-day Karnataka. The city at its peak was one of the largest in the world with an estimated population of 500,000. Hampi is now a **UNESCO World Heritage Site**, famous for its remarkable temples, bazaars, and royal enclosures.
In nuclear fusion (which powers the Sun), hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium. The energy released is because:
Correct Answer: C. The helium nucleus has less mass than the combined hydrogen nuclei (mass defect)
In **nuclear fusion**, four hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse to form a **helium-4 nucleus**, releasing energy because the helium nucleus has slightly **less mass** than the four protons combined — this **mass defect** is converted to energy via **E=mc2**. The Sun fuses approximately 620 million tonnes of hydrogen per second. Controlled fusion energy research is pursued through projects like **ITER** in France.
Which Indian state had the highest population density according to Census 2011?
Correct Answer: C. West Bengal
**West Bengal** had the highest **population density** among Indian states at **1,028 persons per sq. km** according to Census 2011. Bihar had 1,106 persons per sq. km. The national average population density was 382 persons per sq. km. Among Union Territories, Delhi had the highest density in the country.
The **Constituent Assembly** that drafted India's Constitution was chaired by whom as its permanent chairman?
Correct Answer: C. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
**Dr. Rajendra Prasad** was elected as the permanent Chairman (President) of the **Constituent Assembly**, while Dr. **B.R. Ambedkar** chaired the **Drafting Committee**. The Assembly held its first session on 9 December 1946. It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to draft the Constitution, which was adopted on 26 November 1949.
The **Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)** of India is appointed by the:
Correct Answer: C. President of India
The **Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)** of India is appointed by the **President of India** under Article 148 of the Constitution. The CAG is the supreme audit institution of India, responsible for auditing all accounts of the Union and State governments. The CAG can only be removed by the President after a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
Which of the following is the largest continent by area?
Correct Answer: C. Asia
**Asia** is the largest continent by area, covering approximately **44.58 million sq. km** — about 30% of Earth's total land area. It is also the most populous continent, home to about 4.7 billion people (60% of world population). Asia contains the highest point on Earth (**Mount Everest, 8,849 m**) and the lowest land point (**Dead Sea, ~430 m below sea level**).
The **First Battle of Panipat (1526)** resulted in the establishment of which empire in India?
Correct Answer: A. Mughal Empire
The **First Battle of Panipat (21 April 1526)** was fought between **Babur** and **Ibrahim Lodi** (the last Delhi Sultanate ruler). Babur's superior tactics — including the use of artillery and the **tulughma (flanking manoeuvre)** — defeated the much larger Lodi army, establishing the **Mughal Empire** in India. Panipat's strategic location made it the battlefield for three decisive battles in Indian history.
Which of the following diseases is caused by **bacteria** (not a virus)?
Correct Answer: C. Tuberculosis
**Tuberculosis (TB)** is caused by the bacterium **Mycobacterium tuberculosis**, primarily affecting the lungs. It is treated with a combination of antibiotics such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol under the DOTS program. **Dengue, Polio, and Influenza** are caused by viruses and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
The **Indian Military Academy (IMA)** for training Army officers is located at:
Correct Answer: C. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
The **Indian Military Academy (IMA)** is located in **Dehradun, Uttarakhand**, and is the premier training institution for commissioning officers into the Indian Army. It was established in 1932 and conducts an 18-month **Gentleman Cadet (GC)** course. IMA's motto is **Valour and Wisdom** (Sheela Aur Pragna).
The **Nile River**, the world's longest river, drains into which body of water?
Correct Answer: D. Arabian Sea
The **Nile River** (approximately 6,650 km long) flows northward through northeastern Africa and drains into the **Mediterranean Sea** through its delta in Egypt. It passes through 11 countries, including Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt. The Nile has two major tributaries — the **White Nile** (originating from Lake Victoria) and the **Blue Nile** (originating from Lake Tana, Ethiopia).
The **Ain-i-Akbari** was a part of which larger work, and who authored it?
Correct Answer: B. Akbarnama by Abul Fazl
The **Ain-i-Akbari** (Institutes of Akbar) is the third volume of the **Akbarnama** (Book of Akbar), both authored by **Abul Fazl**, Akbar's court historian. It provides a comprehensive administrative record of Akbar's empire covering revenue, army, household, religion, and literary accounts. The Akbarnama was commissioned by Akbar himself and is a primary source for Mughal history.
The **First Law of Thermodynamics** is essentially a statement of:
Correct Answer: B. Conservation of Energy
The **First Law of Thermodynamics** states that **energy cannot be created or destroyed** — it can only be converted from one form to another (conservation of energy). Mathematically: delta-U = Q minus W (change in internal energy = heat added to system minus work done by system). It explains why a perpetual motion machine of the first kind is impossible.
The **smallest continent** by area is:
Correct Answer: C. Australia
**Australia** (also called **Oceania** when Pacific islands are included) is the smallest continent by land area at approximately **7.69 million sq. km**. It is the only continent that is also a single country. Australia is also the flattest and driest inhabited continent, with the world's largest coral reef system — the **Great Barrier Reef** — off its northeastern coast.
India's **Pokhran-II (Operation Shakti)** tests in 1998 were conducted under the leadership of which Prime Minister?
Correct Answer: D. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
**Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II)** was a series of five nuclear tests conducted on 11 and 13 May **1998** at Pokhran, Rajasthan, under Prime Minister **Atal Bihari Vajpayee** of the BJP-led NDA government. The tests included a fission device, a low-yield device, and a thermonuclear (hydrogen bomb) device. India declared itself a nuclear weapons state after the tests, inviting international sanctions led by the USA.
Cell division by **meiosis** differs from **mitosis** in that meiosis:
Correct Answer: C. Produces four haploid cells with genetic variation through crossing over
**Meiosis** is a type of cell division that produces **four haploid (n) cells** (gametes) with genetic diversity due to **crossing over (recombination)** and independent assortment of chromosomes. **Mitosis** produces **two genetically identical diploid (2n) cells** and occurs in somatic cells for growth and repair. Meiosis has two division stages: **Meiosis I** (reductive) and **Meiosis II** (equational).
Which country is known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun'?
Correct Answer: D. Vietnam
**Japan** is known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun' — its Japanese name **Nihon/Nippon** literally means 'origin of the sun.' This name reflects Japan's position to the east of mainland Asia, where the sun appears to rise first. Japan is an archipelago of approximately 6,852 islands, with the four main islands being Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
The **Indus Valley Civilization** seals predominantly featured which animal motif that has not been identified with certainty in any known Indian species?
Correct Answer: C. Unicorn (bull with single horn)
The most common motif on **Indus Valley seals** is a **unicorn** — a bull-like creature with a single curved horn — whose significance remains debated. It appears on over 60% of all recovered seals. Other common motifs include a short-horned bull, elephant, tiger, and the **Pashupati seal** showing a seated figure surrounded by animals.
The **Tejas** Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was developed by:
Correct Answer: C. HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
**Tejas** is India's **Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)** developed primarily by **HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)** in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO. It was inducted into the **Indian Air Force** in 2016. Tejas is a single-engine, fourth-generation supersonic multirole fighter, making India one of a few countries to develop an indigenous combat aircraft.
The **Preamble to the Indian Constitution** was amended to add the words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' by which amendment?
Correct Answer: B. 42nd Amendment, 1976
The **42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976** (often called the 'Mini-Constitution') added the words **'Socialist'** and **'Secular'** to the Preamble, and changed 'unity of the nation' to **'unity and integrity of the nation'**. It also added Fundamental Duties (Part IVA). This amendment was passed during the Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Which climate zone in India is characterized by dry winters and hot summers with moderate rainfall during the monsoon — typical of most of peninsular India?
Correct Answer: C. Tropical wet and dry (Aw)
Most of interior peninsular India has a **Tropical Wet and Dry (Aw) climate** with distinct wet (monsoon: June-September) and dry seasons. Temperatures are hot throughout the year, with the harshest heat before the monsoon onset (March-May). This climate supports **tropical savanna vegetation** — open grasslands with scattered trees. Cities like Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Bhopal have this climate type.
India and USA conduct a bilateral Army exercise called **Yudh Abhyas**. This exercise primarily focuses on:
Correct Answer: C. Counter-terrorism and UN peacekeeping operations in mountainous terrain
**Yudh Abhyas** is a bilateral **Army** exercise between the **Indian Army** and the **United States Army**, held alternately in India and the USA since 2004. It focuses on **counter-terrorism, UN peacekeeping operations, and disaster relief in mountainous terrain**. India's bilateral exercises with the USA also include **MALABAR** (Navy, trilateral with Japan) and **Cope India** (Air Force).
The **Vedic age** is divided into Early Vedic and Later Vedic periods. Which of the following is associated with the **Later Vedic period**?
Correct Answer: B. Emergence of Varna system and settled agriculture along Gangetic plain
The **Later Vedic period (1000-600 BCE)** was characterized by the eastward movement of the Aryans into the Gangetic plain, **settled agriculture**, the development of a more rigid **Varna (caste) system**, the dominance of **Brahmanical rituals**, and the composition of the Sama, Yajur, and Atharva Vedas and the Brahmanas and Upanishads. The **Early Vedic period** was more pastoral and tribal, centered in the Punjab.