UPSC NDA-1 Archives

41. An optical illusion which occurs mainly in deserts during hot summer i

An optical illusion which occurs mainly in deserts during hot summer is based on the principle of

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Reflection

Interference

Dispersion

Total internal reflection

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Optical illusions like mirages, which occur in hot deserts or over hot surfaces, are caused by the refraction and subsequent total internal reflection of light as it passes through layers of air with different temperatures and densities. The air near the hot ground is less dense and has a lower refractive index than the cooler air above. As light rays from the sky or distant objects travel downwards into the hotter, less dense layers, they bend upwards away from the normal. If the angle of incidence becomes greater than the critical angle, total internal reflection occurs, causing the light rays to be reflected upwards towards the observer’s eyes. The brain perceives these rays as coming from below, creating the illusion of a reflection, often resembling a pool of water.

– Mirages are caused by the bending of light (refraction) due to varying refractive indices in air layers of different temperatures.
– Total internal reflection occurs when light travels from a denser medium to a less dense medium at a sufficiently large angle of incidence.
– In hot conditions, air near the surface is hotter and less dense, creating conditions for total internal reflection of light traveling from cooler, denser air above.

Reflection is bouncing off a surface. Interference involves the superposition of waves. Dispersion is the splitting of light into its constituent colours based on wavelength. While refraction is the initial cause of bending, total internal reflection is crucial for the significant upward bending that creates the mirage image seen by the observer.

42. Which one of the following devices changes low voltage alternating cur

Which one of the following devices changes low voltage alternating current to high voltage alternating current and vice versa ?

Generator

Motor

Transformer

Vibrator

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The device that changes low voltage alternating current to high voltage alternating current and vice versa is a transformer. Transformers operate based on electromagnetic induction and are designed to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) AC voltage while changing the current proportionally. They require an alternating current to function.

– Transformers use electromagnetic induction to change AC voltage and current levels.
– Step-up transformers increase voltage and decrease current.
– Step-down transformers decrease voltage and increase current.
– Transformers only work with alternating current (AC).

Generators produce electrical energy. Motors convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. Vibrators are often used in older circuits to convert DC to pulsed DC or AC before it can be stepped up by a transformer, but the primary voltage conversion is done by the transformer.

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43. Which of the following statements about the aims of the United Nations

Which of the following statements about the aims of the United Nations is/are true?
1. To foster a mutual appreciation of each others’ culture and literature among nations.
2. To achieve international co-operation in solving problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character.
3. To foster relations between scholars and academics in different countries.
4. To organize international conferences.

1 only

1, 2 and 4 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3 only

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The main purposes of the United Nations are outlined in Article 1 of the UN Charter. Let’s assess the given statements based on these purposes:
1. To foster a mutual appreciation of each others’ culture and literature among nations: While the UN promotes cultural exchange through bodies like UNESCO, this specific phrasing is not listed as a core aim in the Charter.
2. To achieve international co-operation in solving problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character: This is directly stated as one of the principal purposes in Article 1, paragraph 3 of the UN Charter.
3. To foster relations between scholars and academics in different countries: Similar to statement 1, this is a possible outcome of international cooperation but not a primary stated aim of the UN itself.
4. To organize international conferences: Organizing conferences is a method or activity used by the UN to achieve its aims, but it is not an aim in itself. The UN organizes conferences on various issues to facilitate cooperation and problem-solving.
Therefore, only statement 2 accurately reflects one of the core stated aims of the United Nations according to its Charter.

– The core aims of the UN are defined in its Charter (Article 1).
– Key aims include maintaining peace and security, developing friendly relations, achieving international cooperation in solving problems (economic, social, cultural, humanitarian), and harmonizing actions.
– Activities like organizing conferences or fostering specific types of relations are means to achieve these aims, not the aims themselves.

The four main purposes of the UN, as listed in Article 1 of the Charter, are: 1. To maintain international peace and security; 2. To develop friendly relations among nations; 3. To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems; 4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

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44. Which of the following statements about Brahmo Samaj is/are correct? 1

Which of the following statements about Brahmo Samaj is/are correct?
1. The Brahmo Marriage Act of 1872 allowed inter-caste and widow re-marriage only if the contracting parties declared themselves to be non-Hindus.
2. Keshub Chandra Sen arranged the marriage of his minor daughter with the Maharaja of Burdwan.
3. Keshub Chandra Sen’s followers broke away to form the Naba Brahmo Samaj.
4. The Brahmo Samaj grew from a small elite group to a mass movement in the 19th century.

1 only

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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UPSC NDA-1 – 2016

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Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. The Brahmo Marriage Act of 1872 (Native Marriage Act) legalized inter-caste and widow remarriages for those who did not profess to be Hindu, Muslim, Christian, or Parsi. This declaration essentially made them non-Hindus for the purpose of the Act, aligning with the Brahmo ideology that transcended traditional Hindu social norms like caste and prohibition of widow remarriage. This statement is correct.
2. Keshub Chandra Sen arranged the marriage of his minor daughter (Sunity Devi, aged 14) with the Maharaja of Cooch Behar (Nripendra Narayan) in 1878. The statement incorrectly names the Maharaja of Burdwan. This action also contradicted the Brahmo principle against child marriage, which Keshub himself advocated. This statement is incorrect.
3. The controversial marriage of Keshub Chandra Sen’s daughter led to a major split in the Brahmo Samaj of India in 1878. A group of his followers who opposed the marriage broke away to form the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj. Keshub’s own group then adopted the name ‘Church of the New Dispensation’ or Naba Bidhan/Naba Brahmo Samaj. The statement incorrectly states that Keshub’s followers broke away to form the Naba Brahmo Samaj; they broke away to form the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj. This statement is incorrect.
4. The Brahmo Samaj, despite its significant reformist contributions, remained primarily an intellectual and ethical movement concentrated among the educated elite in Bengal. It never expanded into a mass movement across India in the 19th century. This statement is incorrect.
Only statement 1 is correct.

– The Brahmo Marriage Act of 1872 was crucial for legalizing Brahmo marriages and related social reforms like inter-caste marriage and widow remarriage.
– The Cooch Behar marriage of Keshub Chandra Sen’s minor daughter caused a major schism in the Brahmo Samaj.
– The break-away group formed the Sadharan Brahmo Samaj.
– Brahmo Samaj remained largely an elite movement, not a mass movement.

The Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828. Debendranath Tagore and Keshub Chandra Sen were later prominent leaders. Internal disagreements over doctrine, social reform pace, and leadership led to splits, notably in 1866 (Adi Brahmo Samaj vs. Brahmo Samaj of India) and 1878 (Brahmo Samaj of India vs. Sadharan Brahmo Samaj).

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45. Which of the following is/are the component/components of the Integrat

Which of the following is/are the component/components of the Integrated Power Development Scheme launched by the Government of India recently?
1. Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks in the urban areas.
2. Metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers in the rural areas.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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UPSC NDA-1 – 2016

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The Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) was launched by the Government of India in December 2014. Its primary objectives are focused on strengthening urban power distribution infrastructure.
Statement 1: “Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks in the urban areas.” This is a stated component of the IPDS.
Statement 2: “Metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers in the rural areas.” Metering in rural areas is primarily covered under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), not IPDS. IPDS components related to metering also focus on urban areas (metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers in urban areas).
Therefore, only statement 1 is a component of IPDS.

– IPDS focuses on strengthening power distribution infrastructure in urban areas.
– DDUGJY focuses on rural power distribution infrastructure.
– Metering is a component of both schemes, but specific to their respective areas (urban for IPDS, rural for DDUGJY).

The main components of IPDS include: (i) Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks in urban areas; (ii) Metering of distribution transformers, feeders, and consumers in urban areas; and (iii) IT enablement of distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network in urban areas. The scheme aims to reduce Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses.

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46. Which of the following is/are not FDI policy change(s) after 2010? 1.

Which of the following is/are not FDI policy change(s) after 2010?
1. Permission of 100 percent FDI in the automotive sector.
2. Permitting foreign airlines to make FDI up to 49 percent.
3. Permission of up to 51 percent FDI under the government approval route in multi-brand retailing, subject to specified conditions.
4. Amendment of policy on FDI in single-brand product retail trading for aligning with global practices.

1 only

2 and 4 only

1 and 2 only

1, 2 and 3 only

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The question asks which statement describes a policy that was *not* a change after 2010.
Statement 1: Permission of 100% FDI in the automotive sector was already permitted under the automatic route well before 2010. Therefore, this was not a policy change *after* 2010.
Statement 2: Permitting foreign airlines to make FDI up to 49% in domestic carriers was a policy change implemented in September 2012. This occurred *after* 2010.
Statement 3: Permitting up to 51% FDI under the government approval route in multi-brand retail was a policy change implemented in September 2012. This occurred *after* 2010.
Statement 4: Amendment of policy on FDI in single-brand retail trading for aligning with global practices has seen changes *after* 2010 (e.g., further liberalization to 100% under automatic route with certain conditions).

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Thus, only statement 1 describes a policy situation that existed before 2010 and was not a *new* change after 2010 among the options listed.

– FDI policies are frequently reviewed and amended by the Government of India.
– Specific sector caps and approval routes change over time.
– 100% FDI in the automotive sector under the automatic route has been a longstanding policy.
– Permitting FDI in sectors like multi-brand retail and by foreign airlines were significant policy shifts made after 2010.

FDI policy changes are announced by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and are a key aspect of India’s economic reforms. The dates mentioned for statements 2 and 3 (September 2012) mark significant liberalization steps in those sectors. Subsequent amendments in single-brand retail also occurred after 2010, making statement 4 a change after 2010 as well.

47. Consider the following statements: The Arthashastra is the first Ind

Consider the following statements:

The Arthashastra is the first Indian text to define a State.
The main concerns of the Arthashastra are theoretical issues like the origins of the State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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Statement 1 is correct, while statement 2 is incorrect. The Arthashastra is widely considered the first systematic and comprehensive treatise on statecraft in ancient India, offering a detailed definition of the components and functions of a state (the Saptanga theory). Statement 2 is incorrect because the Arthashastra is primarily a practical guide to governance, administration, economics, and foreign policy, focusing on pragmatic issues of running and maintaining a state rather than theoretical issues like its origins.

– Arthashastra provides a detailed structure and function of the state (Saptanga theory).
– Its focus is practical statecraft (politics, economics, administration, diplomacy, military strategy).
– It does not dwell on the theoretical origins of the state.

The Saptanga theory describes the seven limbs or constituent elements of a state: Swami (the ruler), Amatya (the minister), Janapada (the territory and population), Durga (the fort), Kosha (the treasury), Danda (the army), and Mitra (the ally). Kautilya’s work is a manual for rulers on how to govern effectively, maintain order, and ensure prosperity and security.

48. Which of the following thinkers and movements influenced the developme

Which of the following thinkers and movements influenced the development of Gandhiji’s political ideas?

Henry David Thoreau
John Ruskin
John Milton
Jainism

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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1 only

1, 2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 4 only

2 and 4 only

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The correct answer is C) 1, 2 and 4 only.

Statement 1 is correct. Henry David Thoreau’s essay ‘Civil Disobedience’ profoundly influenced Gandhi’s concept and practice of Satyagraha (non-violent civil resistance).
Statement 2 is correct. John Ruskin’s book ‘Unto This Last’ had a transformative effect on Gandhi. It inspired his economic philosophy, emphasizing the dignity of labour, the value of manual work, and the idea that the welfare of the individual is contained in the welfare of all (Sarvodaya).
Statement 3 is incorrect. While Gandhi was widely read, the 17th-century English poet John Milton is not considered one of the key direct influences on his political ideas. His major influences in Western thought included Tolstoy, Ruskin, and Thoreau.
Statement 4 is correct. Gandhi was born into a family influenced by Jainism and its strong emphasis on Ahimsa (non-violence). This principle was fundamental to his entire philosophy, particularly Satyagraha.

Gandhi’s political and philosophical ideas were shaped by a confluence of influences from various religious traditions (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam), Western thinkers (Thoreau, Ruskin, Tolstoy), and his own experiences in South Africa and India. His synthesis of these diverse sources resulted in the unique philosophy of Satyagraha and his vision of Swaraj.

49. Consider the following statements about Sufism in India: Pilgrimage

Consider the following statements about Sufism in India:

Pilgrimage called ziyarat to tombs of Sufi saints is an important feature.
The most influential group of Sufis in India were the Chishtis.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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The correct answer is C) Both 1 and 2.

Statement 1 is correct. Pilgrimage, known as ziyarat, to the tombs (dargahs) of Sufi saints is a central and important practice in popular Sufism in India. Devotees visit dargahs to seek spiritual blessings (baraka), offer prayers, make vows, and participate in rituals and festivals like Urs, which commemorates the death anniversary of the saint.
Statement 2 is correct. The Chishti order, founded in India by Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in the 12th century, became the most prominent and influential Sufi order in India. Known for its emphasis on love for humanity, tolerance, simple living, music (sama), and living among the people, the Chishtis attracted a large following among both Muslims and non-Muslims. Other influential orders include the Suhrawardi, Qadiri, and Naqshbandi, but the Chishtis had unparalleled popularity and reach across the subcontinent.

Sufism played a significant role in the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent and fostered a syncretic culture due to its inclusive approach and emphasis on universal love and devotion. Dargahs of prominent Chishti saints like Muinuddin Chishti (Ajmer), Nizamuddin Auliya (Delhi), and Salim Chishti (Fatehpur Sikri) are major pilgrimage sites visited by millions every year.

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50. Consider the following statements: Warren Hastings set up the Calcut

Consider the following statements:

Warren Hastings set up the Calcutta Madrassa for the study and teaching of Muslim law related subjects.
Jonathan Duncan started a Sanskrit College at Varanasi for the study of Hindu law and philosophy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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The correct answer is C) Both 1 and 2.

Statement 1 is correct. Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal, established the Calcutta Madrassa (now Aliah University) in 1781 with the aim of studying and teaching Muslim law, Persian, and Arabic. The primary purpose was to ensure that British judges had access to qualified Indians knowledgeable in Muslim law for the administration of justice.
Statement 2 is correct. Jonathan Duncan, then the Resident at Varanasi, established the Sanskrit College at Varanasi in 1791. The objective was similar to the Madrassa – to promote the study of Hindu law, philosophy, and literature, enabling British judges to administer justice according to Hindu personal law with the help of Indian scholars (pandits).

These institutions represent early attempts by the British East India Company to understand and govern according to the existing legal and cultural frameworks of India, particularly in matters of personal law, which were considered sacred. This policy of limited intervention in traditional laws and customs was sometimes referred to as the ‘Orientalist’ approach, although its motives were largely administrative convenience and maintaining control.