NDA — Set 4
40 questions
The **Indus Valley Civilization** is also called the **Harappan Civilization**. Which of the following statements about its town planning is CORRECT?
Correct Answer: C. Cities used a grid-iron pattern with streets intersecting at right angles
The **Indus Valley Civilization** is remarkable for its advanced **urban planning** — cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa were laid out in a **grid-iron pattern** with streets intersecting at right angles, an efficient drainage system, and standardized **burnt brick** buildings. The **Great Bath** at Mohenjo-daro and the **Granary** at Harappa demonstrate civic sophistication. The civilization had a **Citadel (acropolis)** and a **Lower Town** layout.
Which country lies at the intersection of Europe and Asia and has territory in both continents?
Correct Answer: C. Russia
**Russia** is the world's largest country by area and straddles both **Europe and Asia** — the Ural Mountains form the traditional boundary between the two continents within Russia. Russia has territory in both **Eastern Europe** (west of the Urals) and **North Asia/Siberia** (east of the Urals). **Turkey** also straddles Europe and Asia, with its small European portion (East Thrace) separated from Asia Minor by the Bosphorus.
The **Photoelectric Effect** — for which Einstein won the Nobel Prize — demonstrates that light behaves as:
Correct Answer: B. Packets of energy called photons (particle nature of light)
The **Photoelectric Effect** (explained by **Albert Einstein** in 1905) demonstrates the **particle nature of light** — light consists of **photons** (packets of energy, E = hf, where h is Planck's constant and f is frequency). When photons of sufficient energy hit a metal surface, they eject electrons. This experiment proved that light has both wave and particle properties (**wave-particle duality**). Einstein received the **Nobel Prize in Physics (1921)** for this.
Under the Indian Constitution, which body resolves disputes between states regarding river water sharing?
Correct Answer: C. River Water Tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956
**Inter-State River Water Tribunals** are set up under the **Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956** (empowered by Article 262 of the Constitution) to adjudicate disputes between states over river water sharing. Famous tribunals include the **Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal** (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry) and the **Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal**. The **Supreme Court** has original jurisdiction in inter-state disputes under Article 131.
Which gas is responsible for the **greenhouse effect** contributing most significantly to global warming?
Correct Answer: C. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
**Carbon Dioxide (CO2)** is the primary anthropogenic greenhouse gas responsible for the **greenhouse effect** and global warming. CO2 absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Since the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric CO2 has risen from ~280 ppm to over 420 ppm (2024). Other greenhouse gases include methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor — but CO2 has the highest cumulative warming impact.
The **Battle of Haldighati (1576)** was fought between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal forces led by:
Correct Answer: B. Man Singh I of Amber on behalf of Akbar
The **Battle of Haldighati (18 June 1576)** was fought between **Maharana Pratap Singh** of Mewar (Rajputana) and the Mughal forces commanded by **Man Singh I of Amber** (Jaipur), acting on Emperor Akbar's behalf. Although the battle was inconclusive, Maharana Pratap's horse **Chetak** became legendary. Pratap refused to submit to Mughal authority and continued resistance until his death in 1597.
The **Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005** falls under which category of rights?
Correct Answer: B. A Statutory Right enacted by Parliament
The **Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005** is a **Statutory Right** — a right created by an Act of Parliament. However, the Supreme Court has held that the right to information is implicitly protected as part of **Article 19(1)(a)** (freedom of speech and expression). The RTI Act empowers citizens to request information from public authorities within 30 days.
**Project Tiger**, India's flagship wildlife conservation program, was launched in which year?
Correct Answer: C. 1973
**Project Tiger** was launched on 1 April **1973** under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Jim Corbett National Park as the first tiger reserve. It was a response to the sharp decline in tiger population (from ~40,000 in early 1900s to ~1,827 in 1972). India now has 54 tiger reserves. According to the 2022 census, India has approximately **3,167 tigers** — about 75% of the world's wild tiger population.
Which of the following correctly describes **Bernoulli's theorem** applied to fluid flow?
Correct Answer: B. In a steady fluid flow, the sum of pressure energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy per unit volume remains constant
**Bernoulli's Theorem** states that for an ideal, incompressible fluid in **steady flow**: P + (1/2)pv2 + pgh = constant (where P = pressure, p = density, v = velocity, g = gravitational acceleration, h = height). This means as velocity increases, pressure decreases. It is the basis for aircraft lift, the Venturi meter, and the spray atomizer.
India's **Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)** is primarily aimed at:
Correct Answer: B. Financial inclusion by ensuring every household has a bank account
**Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)** launched on 28 August 2014 is the world's largest **financial inclusion** program, aimed at ensuring every household has a **bank account** with zero balance requirement, access to credit, insurance, and pension. It has significantly increased banking penetration in rural India. The scheme also provides **RuPay debit cards** and accident insurance cover.
The **Vedic period** is primarily known through which texts?
Correct Answer: A. The four Vedas — Rig, Sama, Yajur, Atharva
The **Vedic period (approximately 1500-600 BCE)** is known primarily through the **four Vedas** — **Rig Veda** (hymns to gods), **Sama Veda** (melodies), **Yajur Veda** (ritual formulas), and **Atharva Veda** (magical formulas and folk religion). The **Rig Veda** is the oldest of the four. Together with the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, they form the corpus of **Vedic literature**.
The **Suez Canal** connects which two water bodies?
Correct Answer: B. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
The **Suez Canal** connects the **Mediterranean Sea** (north) with the **Red Sea** (south) through Egypt, eliminating the need for ships to navigate around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. It was opened in **1869** under Ferdinand de Lesseps and nationalized by Egypt in **1956**. The canal is approximately 193 km long and is crucial for global trade — about 12-15% of global shipping passes through it.
The **human immune system** produces which type of proteins to specifically neutralize pathogens?
Correct Answer: C. Antibodies (Immunoglobulins)
The **immune system** produces **antibodies (immunoglobulins)** — Y-shaped proteins made by **B-lymphocytes (B-cells)** — that specifically bind to **antigens** (foreign substances) on pathogens, neutralizing them or marking them for destruction by other immune cells. There are five classes of immunoglobulins: IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE. **Vaccines** work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies without causing the actual disease.
The **Bofors Scandal** in India during the late 1980s involved allegations of:
Correct Answer: B. Kickbacks in the purchase of Swedish artillery guns
The **Bofors Scandal** involved alleged **kickbacks paid during the purchase of 155mm howitzers from the Swedish company Bofors AB** for the Indian Army, worth approximately Rs. 1,437 crore. The scandal implicated the Rajiv Gandhi government (1986-87) and became a major political controversy. Despite the controversy, the **Bofors FH-77B** howitzers proved highly effective during the **Kargil War (1999)**.
The **Pashupati seal** found at Mohenjo-daro shows a figure seated in a yoga-like posture surrounded by animals. This is significant because:
Correct Answer: B. It suggests proto-Shiva worship and may indicate an early form of Hinduism
The **Pashupati seal** is one of the most famous seals of the Indus Valley Civilization, showing a three-faced figure in a **yogic posture**, surrounded by animals (elephant, tiger, buffalo, rhinoceros). Scholars like John Marshall interpreted it as a proto-**Shiva** figure (Shiva = Pashupati, Lord of Animals), suggesting early roots of **Shaivism**. This link is debated but the seal indicates an early form of **Yogic practice** and animal-related worship.
The **Second Law of Motion** by Newton states that force is equal to:
Correct Answer: D. Both B and C (which are equivalent statements)
Newton's **Second Law of Motion** can be expressed as **F = ma** (force = mass x acceleration) OR as **F = dp/dt** (force = rate of change of momentum), and these are **equivalent statements**. The second form (F = dp/dt) is the more general and fundamental form. Both describe how an applied force changes the motion of a body.
The **Subansiri River**, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra, originates from which country?
Correct Answer: A. China (Tibet)
The **Subansiri River** originates from **Tibet (China)** and flows southward into Arunachal Pradesh before joining the Brahmaputra in Assam. It is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra in India. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (2000 MW) is under construction on this river. The river is important for the Adi and Nishi tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh.
The **Constituent Assembly** of India was elected/selected in what manner?
Correct Answer: B. By indirect election from provincial legislative assemblies
The **Constituent Assembly** was constituted in 1946 based on the **Cabinet Mission Plan**. Members were **indirectly elected** by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies (from the 1946 elections). It had 389 members originally (including princely state representatives); after Partition, the membership became 299. It was not a directly elected body — only those who could vote in the 1946 elections (limited franchise) could choose its members.
Which Indian river is known as the 'Dakshina Ganga' (Ganga of the South) due to its religious significance and length?
Correct Answer: B. Godavari
The **Godavari River** is called **'Dakshina Ganga'** (Ganga of the South) because it is the longest peninsular river (approximately 1,465 km) and has immense religious significance, similar to the Ganga in North India. It originates at **Trimbakeshwar** near Nashik, Maharashtra, and flows eastward to the Bay of Bengal. The **Kumbh Mela** at Nashik (Simhastha) is held on its banks.
India's ballistic missile submarine programme is called:
Correct Answer: B. Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)
India's ballistic missile nuclear submarine programme is called the **Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV)** programme. The first submarine under this programme, **INS Arihant**, was launched in 2009 and commissioned in 2016. It is armed with **K-15 Sagarika** submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 km. INS Arihant completes India's **nuclear triad** — land, air, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems.
The **Tibetan Plateau** is known as the 'Roof of the World' because it is the world's highest and largest plateau. What is its average elevation?
Correct Answer: C. 4,500 metres
The **Tibetan Plateau** has an average elevation of approximately **4,500 metres (14,800 feet)** above sea level, earning it the title 'Roof of the World.' It covers approximately 2.5 million sq. km. Many of Asia's major rivers — including the Yangtze, Yellow, Mekong, Salween, Brahmaputra (Tsangpo), and Indus — originate from this plateau. Climate change is causing rapid glacial retreat there.
The **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)** successfully landed a rover on the Moon's south polar region in 2023. This mission was called:
Correct Answer: C. Chandrayaan-3
**Chandrayaan-3** successfully soft-landed its **Vikram lander** near the Moon's south polar region on **23 August 2023**, making India the **first country** to land near the lunar south pole and the **fourth country** to achieve a soft lunar landing. The **Pragyan rover** subsequently explored the surface. The mission detected sulphur, oxygen, iron, and other elements in the lunar soil near the south pole.
The **Param Vir Chakra** was instituted on which date?
Correct Answer: B. 26 January 1950
The **Param Vir Chakra (PVC)** was instituted on **26 January 1950** — the same day India became a Republic. It is India's highest military honour, awarded for **most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice** in the presence of the enemy. The name means 'Wheel of the Ultimate Brave.' It was designed by **Savitri Khanolkar (née Eva Yvonne Maday de Maday)** of Swiss origin.
The **South Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam** originated in the temples of which state?
Correct Answer: D. Tamil Nadu
**Bharatanatyam** is the oldest classical dance form of India, originating from the **Devadasi tradition** in the temples of **Tamil Nadu**. It was performed by **Devadasis** (temple dancers) dedicated to deities. It was revived in the 20th century by **Rukmini Devi Arundale** and **E. Krishna Iyer**. The dance is characterized by its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and foot movements, and is based on the **Natya Shastra** of Bharata Muni.
In the Indian parliamentary system, the **President of India** acts on the advice of the:
Correct Answer: C. Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister
Under the **44th Constitutional Amendment (1978)**, the President of India is **bound to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers** headed by the Prime Minister. If the President refers advice back once, the Cabinet's decision on the referred matter is binding. India's President is a **constitutional head** — real executive power vests in the Council of Ministers (Article 74). The President is the **ceremonial head of state**.
The **Ozone layer** in the stratosphere absorbs which type of radiation from the Sun, protecting life on Earth?
Correct Answer: C. Ultraviolet (UV-B and UV-C) radiation
The **Ozone (O3) layer** in the stratosphere (approximately 15-35 km altitude) absorbs most of the Sun's **ultraviolet (UV-B and UV-C) radiation**, which is harmful to DNA and living cells. Depletion of the ozone layer — primarily by **chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)** — increases UV radiation reaching Earth, causing skin cancer, cataracts, and ecosystem damage. The **Montreal Protocol (1987)** successfully phased out CFC production.
The **Durand Line** is the border between which two countries?
Correct Answer: B. Afghanistan and Pakistan
The **Durand Line** is the international border between **Afghanistan and Pakistan**, demarcated in 1893 by British India's Foreign Secretary **Sir Mortimer Durand** and Afghan ruler **Amir Abdur Rahman Khan**. It runs approximately 2,670 km and is disputed by Afghanistan (which has never formally accepted it). The line divided Pashtun tribal areas between the two countries, creating a complex border security situation.
The **Thar Desert** (Great Indian Desert) receives very low annual rainfall. What is the approximate annual rainfall in the western Thar region?
Correct Answer: A. Less than 100 mm
The western **Thar Desert** receives **less than 100 mm of annual rainfall** — in some areas like Jaisalmer and Barmer, it can be as low as 25-50 mm. This extreme aridity is caused by the **rain shadow effect** of the Aravalli hills and the reversal of air circulation at the tropics. Despite this, the Thar supports a surprisingly large population (the world's most densely populated desert region) due to its groundwater and agriculture.
The **Seventh Schedule** of the Indian Constitution divides legislative subjects between the Union and States through three lists. Which list contains subjects on which both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws?
Correct Answer: C. Concurrent List (List III)
The **Concurrent List (List III)** of the Seventh Schedule contains **52 subjects** on which **both Parliament and State Legislatures** can make laws (e.g., education, marriage, bankruptcy, forests, trade unions). In case of conflict, **Parliament's law prevails**. The **Union List (List I)** has 100 subjects on which only Parliament legislates, and the **State List (List II)** has 61 subjects for state legislation.
India conducted its **first military operation beyond its borders** in which country in 1988?
Correct Answer: B. Maldives (Operation Cactus)
**Operation Cactus (3-4 November 1988)** was India's military operation in the **Maldives**, launched to thwart a coup attempt by mercenaries (led by the PLOTE — People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam) against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. India airlifted and dropped paratroopers within hours of the request. The operation was a success and demonstrated India's rapid power projection capability in the Indian Ocean region.
The velocity of light in a vacuum is approximately:
Correct Answer: B. 3 x 10^8 m/s
The **velocity of light in a vacuum (c)** is approximately **3 x 10^8 m/s** (exactly 299,792,458 m/s). This is one of the fundamental constants of physics and forms the basis of **Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity** — no object with mass can reach or exceed this speed. The SI meter is defined based on the speed of light.
The **Ashtadhyayi**, a foundational text on Sanskrit grammar, was composed by:
Correct Answer: B. Panini
The **Ashtadhyayi** (Eight Chapters) is a descriptive grammar of Sanskrit composed by **Panini**, a linguist from Gandhara (present-day Pakistan/Afghanistan) around 4th century BCE. It contains approximately 4,000 sutras (rules) and is considered one of the greatest grammatical works in any language. It systematically describes Sanskrit phonology, morphology, and syntax. **Patanjali** wrote the **Mahabhashya** (Great Commentary) on Panini's Ashtadhyayi.
In the context of Indian geography, **Laterite soils** are found predominantly in which region?
Correct Answer: B. High rainfall areas of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of Deccan
**Laterite soils** are formed by intensive leaching under **high rainfall and high temperature** conditions, common in the **Western Ghats, parts of Eastern Ghats, Deccan Plateau, and northeastern India**. They are red due to high iron and aluminum oxide content but low in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter. Despite being infertile when dry, they are used for growing **tea, coffee, rubber, and coconut** with proper management.
The **Battle of Plassey (1757)** established British supremacy in Bengal. The British commander was:
Correct Answer: B. Robert Clive
The **Battle of Plassey (23 June 1757)** was fought between the **British East India Company** under **Robert Clive** and the Nawab of Bengal **Siraj ud-Daulah**, who was betrayed by his general **Mir Jafar**. The British victory established the foundation of British political power in India. Clive became the first British Governor of Bengal and the word 'loot' (from Hindi) entered English due to the plunder of Bengal's treasury.
The **Hubble Space Telescope**, launched in 1990, orbits Earth at what altitude?
Correct Answer: C. 547 km
The **Hubble Space Telescope (HST)** orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately **547 km** in low Earth orbit, completing one orbit approximately every 95 minutes. Launched in April 1990 by the Space Shuttle Discovery, it has transformed our understanding of the universe, capturing images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and determining the expansion rate of the universe. It operates across ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light.
Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution prohibits traffic in human beings and forced labour?
Correct Answer: C. Article 23
**Article 23** prohibits **traffic in human beings, begar (forced labour without payment), and other similar forms of forced labour**. Violation of this article is a criminal offence punishable by law. **Article 24** prohibits employment of children below 14 years in factories, mines, or hazardous occupations. Together, Articles 23-24 form the **Right against Exploitation** — one of the six categories of Fundamental Rights.
The **Treaty of Westphalia (1648)** is significant in world history because it:
Correct Answer: B. Established the modern concept of state sovereignty and the nation-state system
The **Peace of Westphalia (1648)** ended the **Thirty Years War** in Europe and is widely considered the foundation of the modern **nation-state system** and **state sovereignty**. It established the principle that states have the right to determine their own domestic affairs without external interference — the cornerstone of international relations. The **United Nations** was founded after World War II in 1945 through the **UN Charter**.
In the context of the Indian economy, the **Gini Coefficient** measures:
Correct Answer: B. Income inequality within a country
The **Gini Coefficient** is a statistical measure of **income inequality** in a country, ranging from 0 (perfect equality — everyone has the same income) to 1 (perfect inequality — one person has all the income). India's Gini coefficient is approximately 0.35-0.37. It was developed by Italian statistician **Corrado Gini** in 1912. A higher Gini indicates greater inequality.
The **Deccan Trap** (Deccan Traps) volcanic formations were formed approximately 66 million years ago. Their formation coincided with:
Correct Answer: B. The mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs (K-Pg boundary)
The **Deccan Traps** are one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world, formed by massive volcanic eruptions in central India approximately **66 million years ago** — coinciding with the **Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction** that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs. Some scientists believe the Deccan volcanism contributed to (along with the Chicxulub asteroid impact) the mass extinction. The Deccan Traps cover approximately 500,000 sq. km of Maharashtra and adjacent areas.
India and Russia conduct a major bilateral military exercise called:
Correct Answer: A. Exercise Indra
**Exercise Indra** is the flagship bilateral military exercise between **India and Russia**, covering all three services (Army, Navy, Air Force). The Army component is called **Indra**, the Navy component **INDRA NAVY**, and the Air Force component **Avia Indra**. Exercise Shakti is with **France** (Army), Tasman Saber is Australia-US, and Malabar is a trilateral with the USA and Japan.