UPSC NDA-1

1. Who among the following is/was associated with ‘Maharashtra Andhashrad

Who among the following is/was associated with ‘Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti’?

[amp_mcq option1=”Chandi Prasad Bhatt” option2=”Narendra Dabholkar” option3=”G.D. Agrawal” option4=”Kailash Satyarthi” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) Narendra Dabholkar.
Narendra Dabholkar (1945-2013) was a prominent Indian rationalist, social activist, and author who founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (Committee for the Eradication of Superstition in Maharashtra) in 1989. The organization actively campaigned against various forms of superstition, black magic, and fraudulent practices presented as miracles. Dabholkar played a key role in advocating for anti-superstition legislation in Maharashtra.
Narendra Dabholkar was tragically murdered in Pune in August 2013. His activism and the work of MANS were significant in raising awareness about rationalism and combating harmful superstitious practices in Maharashtra. The state government eventually passed the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act after his death, a bill he had long campaigned for.

2. Division of labour often involves specialized economic activity.

Division of labour often involves

  • specialized economic activity.
  • highly distinct productive roles.
  • involving everyone in many of the same activities.
  • individuals engage in only a single activity and are dependent on others to meet their various needs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 3 and 4 only” option2=”1, 2 and 4 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”2 and 4 only” correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) 1, 2 and 4 only.
Statement 1 is correct. Division of labour inherently involves individuals or groups specializing in particular tasks or economic activities.
Statement 2 is correct. Specialization leads to highly distinct roles in the production process; different individuals perform different specific tasks rather than everyone doing the same thing.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Division of labour means splitting tasks and specializing, which is the opposite of involving everyone in many of the same activities.
Statement 4 is correct. When individuals specialize in only a single task or a limited set of tasks, they become dependent on others who specialize in different areas to meet their various needs through exchange.
Division of labour is an economic concept first significantly analyzed by Adam Smith in “The Wealth of Nations.” It leads to increased productivity, efficiency, and skill development due to specialization, but also results in interdependence among individuals and potentially monotony for the workers. It is a fundamental principle underlying modern industrial production and complex economies.

3. Which of the following statements about Gandhiji’s Hind Swaraj written

Which of the following statements about Gandhiji’s Hind Swaraj written in 1909 is/are true ?

  • Hind Swaraj offers a civilizational concept of the Indian nation.
  • Hind Swaraj states that Parliamentary democracy was necessary for the amelioration of the sufferings of Indians.
  • Hind Swaraj argues that Industrial capitalism was responsible for the immorality of society.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”3 only” option2=”1, 2 and 3″ option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1 only” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is C) 1 and 3 only.
Statement 1 is true. In ‘Hind Swaraj’, Gandhi contrasts Indian civilization with Western civilization and presents his vision of Swaraj (self-rule) rooted in Indian traditions, values, and culture, emphasizing self-control and moral regeneration. This can be interpreted as a civilizational concept of the Indian nation.
Statement 2 is false. Gandhi was highly critical of Western parliamentary democracy, which he saw as corrupt, inefficient, and not truly representative of the people’s will. He advocated for a form of self-governance based on village republics and individual self-control, not the parliamentary system.
Statement 3 is true. Gandhi saw modern industrial civilization, driven by industrial capitalism, as a primary source of exploitation, inequality, and moral decay. He argued that it prioritized material gain over human welfare and led to the degradation of society.
‘Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule’ was written by Gandhi in 1909 during his voyage from London to South Africa in response to the Indian extremists’ argument for violent means to achieve Swaraj and the moderates’ faith in the British parliamentary system. It outlines his foundational philosophy on Swaraj, modern civilization, non-violence, and passive resistance. It is a critique of Western modernity and industrialism and presents an alternative path for India based on its own civilizational strengths.

4. Which of the following statements about the first act of the Revolt of

Which of the following statements about the first act of the Revolt of 1857 is/are true ?

  • It occurred in Meerut when two sepoys stole a superior officer’s rifle.
  • It began when the Rani of Jhansi declared war on the British.
  • It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Meerut.
  • It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Barrackpore.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

[amp_mcq option1=”2 only” option2=”1, 2 and 3 only” option3=”4 only” option4=”1 and 4 only” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is C) 4 only.
Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Meerut mutiny of May 10, 1857, was triggered by the greased cartridges issue and the imprisonment of sepoys, the description of two sepoys stealing a rifle is not accurate as the “first act” of the revolt.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmibai, joined the revolt much later in response to events in her state, not as the initiator of the entire revolt.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Mangal Pandey did fire at European officers, but this incident occurred at Barrackpore, not Meerut.
Statement 4 is correct. Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry at Barrackpore, mutinied on March 29, 1857, firing at his Sergeant-Major and Adjutant. This act of open rebellion by an individual sepoy against his superiors is widely considered the initial spark or the “first act” of defiance that foreshadowed the larger revolt.
Although Mangal Pandey’s mutiny was suppressed and he was executed, the incident drew attention to the sepoys’ grievances and anxieties, particularly concerning the new Enfield rifle cartridges believed to be greased with animal fat. The more widespread and impactful beginning of the revolt is considered to be the mutiny at Meerut on May 10, 1857, which led to the sepoys marching to Delhi and proclaiming Bahadur Shah Zafar as Emperor, giving the mutiny a political and symbolic leader. However, the question asks for the *first act*, which points to the earliest significant violent defiance.

5. After a ban on unscientific coal mining and transportation of coal in

After a ban on unscientific coal mining and transportation of coal in this region by the National Green Tribunal, many of those engaged in the activity have been switching to turmeric farming for their livelihood. The region referred above is

[amp_mcq option1=”Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya” option2=”Koriya, Chhattisgarh” option3=”Angul, Odisha” option4=”Bardhaman, West Bengal” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is A) Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
The question describes a situation where a ban by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on unscientific coal mining led to people switching to alternative livelihoods like turmeric farming. This specific scenario is well-documented in the Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya. Rat-hole mining, an unscientific and dangerous method of coal extraction, was rampant in Meghalaya. The NGT imposed a ban on this activity in 2014, citing severe environmental damage and lack of safety. Following the ban, many individuals previously involved in mining have indeed been encouraged and assisted to switch to agriculture, including cash crops like turmeric, as a viable alternative.
While coal mining occurs in the other mentioned regions (Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal), the ban by NGT specifically targeting *unscientific* mining methods like rat-hole mining and the widely reported shift to turmeric cultivation as an alternative livelihood is particularly associated with Meghalaya’s mining belt, which includes the Jaintia Hills. The ban and the subsequent socio-economic impact have been significant issues in the state.

6. Consider the following statements about Rashtrakuta kings : They we

Consider the following statements about Rashtrakuta kings :

  • They were ardent patrons of Shaivism and did not support other forms of religion.
  • They promoted only Sanskrit scholars and gave them large grants.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option4″]

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The correct answer is D) Neither 1 nor 2.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Rashtrakuta kings were known for their religious tolerance. While some rulers were patrons of Shaivism, they also supported and patronized other religions like Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Buddhism. Evidence includes the famous rock-cut caves at Ellora, which contain sculptures and monuments related to Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, largely patronized by the Rashtrakutas.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rashtrakutas were patrons of not just Sanskrit but also other languages, most notably Kannada. Their court produced important works in Kannada, such as the Kavirajamarga by Amoghavarsha I, which is considered a foundational work in Kannada literature. They patronized scholars of various linguistic and religious backgrounds.
The Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled parts of South India from the 8th to the 10th centuries. Important rulers included Dantidurga (founder), Krishna I (built the Kailasa temple at Ellora), and Amoghavarsha I (a great scholar and patron of letters). Their reign is noted for its cultural achievements, including architectural marvels like Ellora and Elephanta caves and significant literary contributions in multiple languages.

7. Which one among the following Acts for the first time allowed Indians,

Which one among the following Acts for the first time allowed Indians, at least theoretically, entry to higher posts in British Indian administration ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Charter Act, 1813″ option2=”Charter Act, 1833″ option3=”Charles Wood’s Education Despatch, 1854″ option4=”Indian Councils Act, 1861″ correct=”option2″]

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The correct answer is B) Charter Act, 1833.
The Charter Act of 1833, specifically Section 87, contained a provision stating that no Indian subject of the Crown residing in British India would be disabled from holding any office or employment under the Company by reason only of his religion, place of birth, descent, colour, or any of them. This theoretically opened the doors for Indians to enter higher administrative posts, although the actual implementation was slow and limited in practice.
Prior to 1833, policies generally excluded Indians from higher administrative positions based on race and origin. The 1833 Act, part of significant reforms during the tenure of Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, aimed at centralizing administration and bringing about certain social and administrative changes. While Section 87 was a significant declaration, the actual number of Indians in high posts remained very small for decades. The other acts mentioned did not contain such a specific provision for entry into higher administration. The Charter Act of 1813 ended the Company’s trade monopoly (except for tea and China). Charles Wood’s Education Despatch of 1854 dealt with education reform. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 was primarily about associating Indians with legislative functions.

8. The citizens of India do not have which one of the following Fundament

The citizens of India do not have which one of the following Fundamental Rights ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Right to reside and settle in any part of India” option2=”Right to acquire, hold and dispose of property” option3=”Right to practice any profession” option4=”Right to form co-operative societies” correct=”option2″]

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The right to acquire, hold and dispose of property was removed from the list of Fundamental Rights by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 and is now a legal right under Article 300A. Therefore, citizens of India do not have this right as a Fundamental Right.
– Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 of the Constitution originally guaranteed the right to property as a Fundamental Right.
– Due to various legal and social issues, particularly related to land reforms and acquisition for public purposes, the government felt the need to remove it from the Fundamental Rights chapter.
– The 44th Amendment Act, 1978, repealed Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31.
– A new Article 300A was inserted in Part XII of the Constitution, stating that “No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law.” This makes it a constitutional or legal right, meaning the state cannot deprive a person of property except by enacting a law, but it is not subject to the extensive protection and enforceability mechanisms available for Fundamental Rights.
The other rights listed are indeed Fundamental Rights available to citizens under Article 19:
– Right to reside and settle in any part of India (Article 19(1)(e)).
– Right to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business (Article 19(1)(g)).
– Right to form associations or unions or co-operative societies (Article 19(1)(c) – cooperative societies added by 97th Amendment Act, 2011).

9. Who among the following was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the final of

Who among the following was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the final of the US Open Tennis Tournament Men’s Singles event (2015) ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Tommy Robredo” option2=”Fabio Fognini” option3=”Roger Federer” option4=”Pablo Cuevas” correct=”option3″]

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In the final of the US Open Men’s Singles Tournament in 2015, Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer.
– The match took place on September 13, 2015, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
– Novak Djokovic won the match in four sets with a score of 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–4.
– This was Djokovic’s second US Open title and tenth Grand Slam title overall.
This was the fourth Grand Slam final meeting between Djokovic and Federer in 2015 (following Wimbledon and Cincinnati Masters finals, and French Open SF), with Djokovic winning all three Grand Slam encounters that year.

10. Which one of the following nations adopted its first democratic Consti

Which one of the following nations adopted its first democratic Constitution in September 2015?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bhutan” option2=”Myanmar” option3=”Nepal” option4=”Singapore” correct=”option3″]

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Nepal adopted its first fully democratic and secular federal Constitution on September 20, 2015.
– The Constitution, officially titled the ‘Constitution of Nepal 2072’ (Nepali year Bikram Samvat 2072), was promulgated by the Constituent Assembly of Nepal.
– Its adoption marked the culmination of a long peace process following the end of the decade-long Maoist insurgency and the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.
– It established Nepal as a federal democratic republican state with seven provinces.
Bhutan adopted its first Constitution in 2008, transitioning towards a constitutional monarchy. Myanmar has had several constitutions, with the current one adopted in 2008. Singapore has been independent since 1965 with its own constitution.
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