UPSC NDA-1 Archives

1. Which one of the following is NOT one of the objectives of Act East Po

Which one of the following is NOT one of the objectives of Act East Policy ?

To promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific region

To promote peace and amity with the neighbouring countries of Asia

To place emphasis on India-ASEAN cooperation in India's domestic agenda

To provide enhanced connectivity to the North East of India

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India’s Act East Policy, launched in 2014, is the successor to the Look East Policy (initiated in 1991). It aims to strengthen India’s engagement with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

The core objectives of the Act East Policy are comprehensive and multi-faceted. Key objectives include:
– Promoting economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region (often referred to as Asia-Pacific in the policy’s initial context). (Matches option A)
– Deepening engagement with ASEAN as the central pillar of the policy. (Related to option C, emphasizing India-ASEAN cooperation in domestic agenda, like North East development)
– Enhancing connectivity (physical, digital, people-to-people) between India and the region, particularly focusing on connecting India’s North East to Southeast Asia. (Matches option D)
– Promoting India’s presence and interests in the broader Indo-Pacific architecture.
Option B, “To promote peace and amity with the neighbouring countries of Asia,” is a general principle of India’s foreign policy towards its neighbourhood (part of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy). While relevant to some countries covered by Act East (like Myanmar), it is not the *specific, defining objective* of the Act East Policy compared to the focus on strategic, economic, and connectivity engagement with the *eastward* region (Southeast Asia and East Asia). The Act East Policy has a distinct geographic and thematic focus beyond general ‘peace with neighbours’.

The Act East Policy signifies a shift from focusing merely on economic engagement (Look East) to a broader and more dynamic strategic engagement across economic, strategic, cultural, and connectivity dimensions with countries of the Indo-Pacific region.

2. Which one of the following cities hosted the 3rd World Trauma Congress

Which one of the following cities hosted the 3rd World Trauma Congress recently ?

New Delhi

Dacса

Singapore

Bangkok

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The question asks about the city that hosted the 3rd World Trauma Congress recently. This type of question tests awareness of major international events. “Recently” refers to the period when the question was likely framed, which, given the context of other questions from possibly the same exam year (e.g., Rio 2016, NCAP 2016), is likely 2016 or 2017.

The 3rd World Trauma Congress was held in New Delhi, India from November 19 to 22, 2016. It was hosted by the World Coalition for Trauma Care (WCTC).

The World Trauma Congress is a significant international event in the field of trauma care, bringing together experts from around the globe to discuss advancements and challenges in preventing and treating traumatic injuries.

3. Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT corr

Which one of the following statements about Fatehpur Sikri is NOT correct ?

It was located on the direct road to Ajmer

Akbar commissioned the building of a marble tomb for Sheikh Salim Chisti next to the Friday mosque at Fatehpur Sikri

The arched gateway or Bulund Darwaza was meant to remind visitors of the Mughal victory in Gujarat

In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi

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Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century near Agra, serving as the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. It is known for its impressive architecture, combining Mughal and Indian styles.

Let’s evaluate the statements:
A) It was located on the direct road to Ajmer: Fatehpur Sikri is situated southwest of Agra, on or near the historical route to Ajmer, an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and a significant city during the Mughal era. This statement is correct.
B) Akbar commissioned the building of a marble tomb for Sheikh Salim Chisti next to the Friday mosque at Fatehpur Sikri: Sheikh Salim Chishti was a Sufi saint whose blessings Akbar sought. The beautiful marble tomb of the Sheikh is located within the courtyard of the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. This statement is correct.
C) The arched gateway or Bulund Darwaza was meant to remind visitors of the Mughal victory in Gujarat: The magnificent Buland Darwaza, which serves as the southern entrance to the Jama Masjid, was erected by Akbar in 1601-02 to commemorate his victorious campaign in Gujarat in 1573. This statement is correct.
D) In 1585, the capital of the Mughal emperor shifted from Fatehpur Sikri to Delhi: Akbar resided at Fatehpur Sikri from around 1571 to 1585. Due to various reasons, including strategic concerns in the northwest, Akbar shifted his capital from Fatehpur Sikri to Lahore in 1585. Delhi became the capital of the Mughal Empire much later, during the reign of Shah Jahan. This statement is incorrect.

Fatehpur Sikri was largely abandoned after Akbar moved his capital, possibly due to water scarcity issues, although the primary reason for the 1585 shift was strategic. The city remains remarkably well-preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I (Classification of resources)	List II (Example)
A. Basic inexhaustible resource	1. Hydel power
B. Conventional non-renewable resource	2. Coal
C. Non-conventional renewable resource	3. Solar energy
D. Non-conventional non-renewable resource	4. Natural gas

3 2 1 4

3 1 2 4

4 1 2 3

4 2 1 3

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This question asks to match different classifications of resources with their examples. The classifications relate to whether resources are renewable or non-renewable, and whether they are conventionally used or considered basic/inexhaustible or non-conventional.

Let’s match the lists based on standard resource classifications:
A. Basic inexhaustible resource: These are resources available in unlimited quantities and are continuously replenished, like solar energy. Solar energy (3) fits this description.
B. Conventional non-renewable resource: These are widely used resources that exist in finite quantities and are not replenished on a human timescale, primarily fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Coal (2) is a clear example.
C. Non-conventional renewable resource: These are renewable resources that are not traditionally used on a large scale or are derived from less conventional methods. While Hydel power (1) from large dams is often considered conventional, smaller hydro or other renewables like wind, geothermal, biomass fit ‘non-conventional renewable’. Given the options, and having matched A and B, Hydel power is the only renewable option left that hasn’t been matched with A. So, C likely matches with Hydel power (1) in this context, despite the ambiguity of ‘conventional’ for large hydro.
D. Non-conventional non-renewable resource: This category is less standard. Non-renewable resources like natural gas (4) are typically considered conventional. The pairing of D with Natural gas (4) seems incorrect based on standard definitions. However, if we follow the matches derived from A, B, and C (A-3, B-2, C-1), the remaining option for D is 4. The code 3 2 1 4 corresponds to option A.

Assuming there might be a specific classification framework used by the question setter or a slight imprecision in the categories/examples provided for option D, based on the clear matches for A and B, and the likely match for C within the given options, option A (3 2 1 4) is the most plausible answer structure. The classification of large-scale Hydel power as ‘non-conventional renewable’ might be debatable in some contexts, and ‘Natural gas’ as ‘non-conventional non-renewable’ is generally inaccurate (it’s conventional non-renewable). However, based on the provided options and common exam patterns where some pairings might be less precise, we select the best fit.

5. Which one of the following sections of the Golden Quadrilateral Highwa

Which one of the following sections of the Golden Quadrilateral Highway in India is the longest in terms of route distance ?

Delhi - Kolkata

Kolkata - Chennai

Chennai - Mumbai

Mumbai - Delhi

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The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) is a national highway network connecting India’s four major metro cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. It forms a quadrilateral shape on the map of India. The total length of the Golden Quadrilateral is approximately 5,846 kilometers.

The four sections of the Golden Quadrilateral are:
– Delhi – Kolkata (NH 2 & NH 19): Approximately 1,454 km
– Kolkata – Chennai (NH 16 & NH 5): Approximately 1,684 km
– Chennai – Mumbai (NH 48, NH 44, NH 66 & NH 79, among others): Approximately 1,290 km (The primary route is via Bangalore, approx 1290 km, direct coastal route is much longer but not the GQ path).
– Mumbai – Delhi (NH 48): Approximately 1,419 km
Comparing the distances, the Kolkata – Chennai section is the longest.

The Golden Quadrilateral project was launched in 2001 by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP). It is one of the largest highway projects in India and has significantly improved connectivity between these major economic hubs.

6. Name the calligrapher in Akbar’s court who was honoured with the title

Name the calligrapher in Akbar’s court who was honoured with the title “Zarrin Kalam” or Golden Pen

Abul Fazl

Tansen

Muhammad Husayn

Muhammad Kasim

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In the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, several artists and scholars flourished, including renowned calligraphers. The title “Zarrin Kalam” meaning “Golden Pen” was a high honour bestowed upon calligraphers for their exceptional skill.

Muhammad Husayn, a celebrated calligrapher originally from Kashmir, was awarded the title “Zarrin Kalam” or “Golden Pen” by Emperor Akbar for his exquisite calligraphy, particularly in the Nastaliq script.

– Abul Fazl was Akbar’s chief advisor and the author of Akbarnama and Ain-i-Akbari, not a calligrapher.
– Tansen was a legendary musician and composer in Akbar’s court.
– Muhammad Kasim is not widely documented as receiving this specific title in Akbar’s court, whereas Muhammad Husayn is consistently mentioned in historical sources as the recipient of the “Zarrin Kalam” title.

7. Which one of the following is a feature of thought and philosophy of t

Which one of the following is a feature of thought and philosophy of the Kandukuri Viresalingam ?

He believed that science and morality were unconnected to truth

He believed in universal education

He believed that language had no role in inculcating morality in students

He did not attempt to build a national consciousness on a cultural base

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Kandukuri Viresalingam (1848-1919) was a prominent social reformer, writer, and journalist from Andhra Pradesh. He is considered the father of the renaissance movement in Telugu literature. His work was deeply influenced by the Brahmo Samaj and aimed at modernizing Telugu society through rationalism and social reform.

A key feature of Kandukuri Viresalingam’s thought and philosophy was his strong belief in the power and necessity of education for social progress. He championed universal education, particularly emphasizing the education of women and the underprivileged sections of society, establishing schools for girls and promoting literacy. He saw education as essential for fighting superstition, caste discrimination, and other social evils.

– He advocated vigorously for widow remarriage, inspired by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and faced significant opposition from orthodox elements.
– He used his writings, including novels, essays, and plays, and his journals like ‘Vivekavardhani’ to propagate his reformist ideas.
– He believed in rationalism and morality being connected to truth and used language as a powerful tool for social change and moral upliftment.
– His efforts contributed significantly to the cultural awakening and reform movements in Andhra, which were part of the broader national consciousness development in India.

8. Which one of the following Princely States did NOT support the Congres

Which one of the following Princely States did NOT support the Congress during the course of the Civil Disobedience Movement ?

Bhavnagar

Mysore

Junagadh

Kathiawar

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Among the given options, all princely states generally did NOT support the Congress during the Civil Disobedience Movement against the British Crown. However, the question asks to identify one specific state that fits this description. While all fit the general truth, Junagadh stands out historically for its ruler’s strong inclination away from alignment with the Indian Union path envisioned by Congress, particularly evident in 1947. This suggests a consistent political stance divergent from Congress goals, making it a plausible answer for “did NOT support” in a comparative sense, assuming the question intends to differentiate based on the degree or nature of non-support or opposition.

Princely states were under British paramountcy and their rulers were generally loyal to the British Crown. Supporting the Indian National Congress’s Civil Disobedience Movement, which aimed to challenge British rule, would have been an act against the paramount power, which no ruler would officially endorse. Therefore, none of the princely states *supported* Congress against the British. The question is likely asking which one most clearly exemplified the stance of non-support, or perhaps had a ruler particularly known for their antagonism towards the nationalist movement.

Praja Mandal movements advocating for responsible government and aligned with Congress goals emerged within many princely states, including Mysore, Bhavnagar, and Junagadh. These movements were generally suppressed by the state administrations, demonstrating the rulers’ lack of support for the nationalist agenda. Junagadh’s later history of attempting to join Pakistan despite its population’s majority being Hindu and its geographical location within India is indicative of a ruler with a clear stance opposed to the Congress vision for India, which might be seen as a continuation of its earlier non-support for Congress activities against the British. While Bhavnagar smoothly acceded to India and Mysore was also integrated, Junagadh’s Nawab’s actions in 1947 are a strong marker of its historical position vis-a-vis the Indian nationalist mainstream led by Congress.

9. Who launched the Bardoli Satyagraha on 4th February, 1928 ?

Who launched the Bardoli Satyagraha on 4th February, 1928 ?

Mahatma Gandhi

Vallabhbhai Patel

Rajendra Prasad

Kalyanjî Mehta

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Vallabhbhai Patel launched and led the Bardoli Satyagraha on 4th February, 1928.

The Bardoli Satyagraha was a major peasant movement against an arbitrary increase in land revenue by the Bombay Presidency government. Vallabhbhai Patel successfully organized and led the peasants in their non-violent resistance, earning the title ‘Sardar’ from the women of Bardoli for his leadership.

Mahatma Gandhi supported the movement and visited Bardoli, but the on-ground leadership was provided by Vallabhbhai Patel. Rajendra Prasad was involved in the inquiry committee set up after the movement’s success. Kalyanji Mehta was among the local leaders who initiated the protest before Patel took over the leadership.

10. Which colonial administrator made the following declaration about the

Which colonial administrator made the following declaration about the partition of Bengal in 1904 ? “Bengal united is a power. Bengal divided will pull in different ways. That is perfectly true and one of the merits of the scheme”

Lord Curzon

H. H. Risley

Lord Minto

Sir Lancelot Hare

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The declaration about the strategic advantage of partitioning Bengal (“Bengal united is a power. Bengal divided will pull in different ways. That is perfectly true and one of the merits of the scheme”) was made by H. H. Risley.

This famous quote articulating the ‘divide and rule’ motivation behind the Partition of Bengal was made by Herbert Hope Risley, the Home Secretary to the Government of India under Lord Curzon, in a 1904 despatch justifying the partition plan.

Lord Curzon was the Viceroy who implemented the Partition of Bengal in 1905, but the specific quote is attributed to his Home Secretary, Risley. Lord Minto was Viceroy after Curzon. Sir Lancelot Hare was the Lieutenant-Governor of the newly created province of Eastern Bengal and Assam.