UPSC NDA-2 Archives

21. Which among the following was/were among the factors for England to ex

Which among the following was/were among the factors for England to experience the Industrial Revolution first ?

1. The scientific inventions had paved the way for Industrial Revolution.
2. It had favourable social and political structures in place.
3. Navigable rivers had made inland transport easier.
4. It had seen the ascendancy of capitalist practices.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Join Our Telegram Channel

1 and 3 only

1, 3 and 4

4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

All the listed factors contributed significantly to England being the first country to experience the Industrial Revolution.

England had a unique confluence of factors, including technological innovation, favourable socio-political conditions, excellent infrastructure, and an advanced economic system, that facilitated industrialization on an unprecedented scale.

1. **Scientific inventions:** Breakthroughs like the steam engine, spinning jenny, power loom, and improvements in iron production provided the technological basis.
2. **Favourable social and political structures:** A relatively stable political system after the Glorious Revolution, a society more open to innovation compared to many continental counterparts, and the enclosure movement which created a mobile labour force.
3. **Navigable rivers:** An extensive network of navigable rivers and later canals provided efficient and cost-effective transportation for raw materials and finished goods within the country.
4. **Ascendancy of capitalist practices:** A strong tradition of mercantilism, growing colonial markets, accumulation of capital from trade, and an entrepreneurial spirit provided the necessary investment and economic framework.

22. Who among the following was the first Indian to qualify for the Indian

Who among the following was the first Indian to qualify for the Indian Civil Service ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Satyendranath Tagore

Surendranath Banerjee

R.C. Dutt

Subhas Chandra Bose

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to qualify for the Indian Civil Service (ICS).

He achieved this feat in 1863, breaking the European monopoly on the prestigious service.

The Indian Civil Service was the administrative service of British India. Its entry exam, held in London, was highly competitive and challenging for Indians due to various discriminatory practices, including the age limit and the nature of the syllabus. Other prominent Indians who later joined the ICS included Surendranath Banerjee, Romesh Chunder Dutt, and later, Subhas Chandra Bose (who resigned).

23. Which among the following statements is not correct about the Reign of

Which among the following statements is not correct about the Reign of Terror ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

The Jacobins dashed out the Girondists with the help of sans-culottes.

The Jacobins were in league with the French clergy.

The arrest for anti-revolutionary activities was by law restricted to the political class.

The Reign of Terror came to an end with the execution of Robespierre by guillotine in July 1794.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

The Reign of Terror (approx. 1793-1794) was a period of intense violence during the French Revolution, dominated by the Committee of Public Safety under Jacobin influence.
A) The Jacobins dashed out the Girondists with the help of sans-culottes. This is correct. The sans-culottes, radical working-class revolutionaries, were instrumental in pressuring the National Convention to arrest the Girondist deputies in June 1793, consolidating Jacobin power and effectively ending the Girondists’ influence.
B) The Jacobins were in league with the French clergy. This is incorrect. The Reign of Terror saw significant dechristianization efforts, including the closure of churches, persecution of priests (especially those who refused to swear allegiance to the state), and promotion of secular alternatives like the Cult of Reason. The Jacobins were generally hostile to the Catholic Church and clergy.
C) The arrest for anti-revolutionary activities was by law restricted to the political class. This is incorrect. The Law of Suspects (17 September 1793) defined suspects broadly, including nobles, clergy, emigres, officials suspended from office, and anyone who “by their conduct, their contacts, their words or their writings showed themselves to be supporters of tyranny or federalism and enemies of liberty.” This clearly extended far beyond the political class.
D) The Reign of Terror came to an end with the execution of Robespierre by guillotine in July 1794. This is correct. Robespierre’s execution following the Thermidorian Reaction marked the end of the radical phase of the Revolution and the height of the Terror.
The question asks for the *not correct* statement. Both B and C are incorrect. However, statement C makes a specific, verifiable false claim about the legal scope of arrests under the Law of Suspects. Statement B is a more general mischaracterization of the relationship between Jacobins and clergy during the Terror. Historical sources confirm that the Law of Suspects explicitly did *not* restrict arrests to the political class. Therefore, C is definitively incorrect.

– Reign of Terror under Jacobin dominance.
– Jacobins purged Girondists with sans-culottes support.
– Dechristianization and persecution of clergy were features of the Terror.
– Law of Suspects allowed broad arrests, not restricted to politicians.
– Ended with Robespierre’s execution.

The Reign of Terror resulted in thousands of executions, ostensibly to protect the Revolution from internal enemies. The Committee of Public Safety held immense power, implementing radical policies and suppressing dissent. The broad definition of “suspect” under the Law of Suspects contributed to the high number of arrests and executions.

24. Which one of the following statements about the Suez Canal is not corr

Which one of the following statements about the Suez Canal is not correct ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

The Suez Canal was constructed in 1869.

It links the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.

It has a six lock system and ships cross the different levels through these locks.

It has given Europe a new gateway to the Indian Ocean.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

Let’s evaluate each statement about the Suez Canal.
A) The Suez Canal was constructed in 1869. This is correct; it officially opened on November 17, 1869.
B) It links the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. This is correct; it provides a direct waterway between Port Said on the Mediterranean and Suez on the Red Sea.
C) It has a six lock system and ships cross the different levels through these locks. This is incorrect. The Suez Canal is a sea-level canal. This means there is no significant difference in water level between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and therefore, locks are not needed for ships to transit.
D) It has given Europe a new gateway to the Indian Ocean. This is correct. Before the canal, ships had to sail around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope) to travel between Europe and the Indian Ocean/Asia. The Suez Canal drastically shortened this route, making it a vital gateway.

– Suez Canal is a sea-level canal; it does not use locks.
– Opened in 1869.
– Connects Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea.
– Shortened the sea route between Europe and Asia/Indian Ocean.

The idea of a canal connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas dates back to ancient times. The modern canal was built by the Suez Canal Company (a French-Egyptian enterprise) under the leadership of Ferdinand de Lesseps. It has been expanded and deepened over the years to accommodate larger vessels.

25. The Munda language group belongs to which family ?

The Munda language group belongs to which family ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Austric

Dravidian

Sino-Tibetan

Indo-European

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

The Munda languages are a group of languages spoken by about nine million people in eastern central India and Bangladesh. They constitute a major branch of the Austroasiatic language family. The Austroasiatic family is itself often considered part of a larger, though debated, macrofamily called Austric, which is also proposed to include the Austronesian languages. Among the given options, Austric is the family to which the Munda language group ultimately belongs via the Austroasiatic connection.

– Munda languages belong to the Austroasiatic language family.
– Austroasiatic is part of the proposed Austric macrofamily.
– Dravidian, Sino-Tibetan, and Indo-European are separate language families.

The Austric hypothesis is a theory proposing a linguistic macrofamily that includes Austroasiatic (Munda, Mon-Khmer, etc.) and Austronesian (Malay, Tagalog, Javanese, etc.) languages. While the hypothesis is still debated, it is a recognized proposed grouping, and Munda languages are a part of it.

26. How many Ramsar conservation sites have been enlisted from India so fa

How many Ramsar conservation sites have been enlisted from India so far ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

This question refers to the number of sites in India designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The number of Ramsar sites in India has increased significantly over the years. By 2010, the number of Ramsar sites in India was 25. Two more sites were added in 2019, bringing the total to 27. This number remained 27 until 2020 when 10 more sites were added. Given the options provided, 27 is the number of sites that India had for a considerable period (from 2005/2006 to 2019). The number 62 is close to the number 64 reached in July 2022, and then 75 in August 2022. Without knowing the exact year of the exam, 27 represents a historically correct number for a significant period. Based on typical UPSC question framing reflecting the status quo around the time of the exam, and 27 being a long-standing number compared to the rapid increases in 2020-2022, 27 is the most likely intended answer if the question predates 2020. If the question is from late 2022 or later, the number would be 75 (or 64/75 depending on the exact cut-off date), making 62 a possible typo or approximation. However, given the options, 27 is the most stable historical number present.

– Number of Ramsar sites in India has increased over time.
– 27 was the number for a long period (approx. 2005-2019).
– Recent additions in 2020-2022 have increased the count to 75 (as of August 2022).
– Based on the options, 27 is the most likely intended answer from an exam prior to 2020.

India ratified the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982. The first two sites designated were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan). The Ramsar list serves as a tool to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

27. In which one of the following folds is the axial plane found to be vir

In which one of the following folds is the axial plane found to be virtually horizontal ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Isoclinal

Anticlinal

Recumbent

Monoclinal

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

Folds are bends in layers of rock or sediment. The axial plane is an imaginary plane that bisects the angle between the limbs of the fold and contains the hinge line. In an Isoclinal fold, the limbs are parallel to each other, but the axial plane can be vertical, inclined, or horizontal. An Anticlinal fold is an upward fold, typically with a vertical or steeply dipping axial plane. A Monoclinal fold is a step-like bend. A Recumbent fold is a type of fold where the axial plane is essentially horizontal or nearly horizontal, causing the upper limb to be overturned.

– Recumbent fold: Axial plane is horizontal or near-horizontal.
– Isoclinal fold: Limbs are parallel (axial plane can be any orientation).
– Anticlinal fold: Upward fold (axial plane typically steep).
– Monoclinal fold: Step-like fold.

Recumbent folds indicate significant compressional forces where rock layers have been severely deformed and often transported horizontally over distance (resulting in nappe structures in extreme cases). They are common in intensely deformed mountain belts.

28. According to the Köppen climatic classification, the letter code Cfa d

According to the Köppen climatic classification, the letter code Cfa denotes

Tropical wet climate.

Humid subtropical climate.

Tundra climate.

Tropical wet and dry climate.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

The Köppen climate classification uses letters to denote climate types. The first letter indicates the main climate group: C denotes Temperate climates, characterized by average temperature of the coldest month between 0°C (or -3°C in some variations) and 18°C. The second letter indicates precipitation patterns: f denotes fully humid, meaning significant precipitation throughout the year. The third letter indicates the temperature of the summer: a denotes a hot summer, where the average temperature of the warmest month is over 22°C. Combining C, f, and a defines a Humid Subtropical climate, typically found on the eastern sides of continents between 25° and 40° latitude, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters.

– C: Temperate climate.
– f: Fully humid (precipitation in all seasons).
– a: Hot summer (warmest month > 22°C).
– Cfa classification corresponds to Humid Subtropical climate.

Other Köppen codes for the given options: Tropical wet climate is Af. Tundra climate is ET. Tropical wet and dry climate is Aw or As. Understanding the meaning of the letter codes is key to applying the Köppen classification system.

Join Our Telegram Channel

29. Which one of the following sedimentary rocks is organically formed ?

Which one of the following sedimentary rocks is organically formed ?

Shale

Chert

Halite

Chalk

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation or deposition of mineral or organic particles. Organically formed sedimentary rocks are composed primarily of the remains of organisms (plants or animals). Chalk is a type of limestone composed mainly of the microscopic calcium carbonate shells (coccoliths) of marine algae called coccolithophores. Shale is a clastic sedimentary rock made of clay and silt. Chert is a hard, fine-grained rock composed of microcrystalline quartz, typically formed chemically or biochemically (though often grouped with chemical rocks). Halite (rock salt) is a chemical sedimentary rock formed by the evaporation of saline water. Therefore, Chalk is the only rock among the options that is definitively and primarily formed from organic remains.

– Organically formed sedimentary rocks are composed of organic remains.
– Chalk is made of fossilized microscopic marine organisms.
– Shale is clastic, Chert is chemical/biochemical, Halite is chemical.

Other examples of organically formed sedimentary rocks include coal (formed from accumulated plant remains) and some types of limestone composed of larger shell fragments or coral reefs. The classification of some rocks like Chert can be debated depending on the origin of the silica (chemical vs. biogenic). However, chalk is a classic example of an organically formed rock.

Join Our Telegram Channel

30. Which one of the following land territories of Indonesia is not touche

Which one of the following land territories of Indonesia is not touched by the Equator ?

Join Our Telegram Channel

Sumatra

Sulawesi

Java

Kalimantan

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2019

Download PDF Attempt Online

The Equator is an imaginary line encircling the Earth at 0 degrees latitude. It passes through several large Indonesian islands. Sumatra is crossed by the Equator in its central part. Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) is also crossed by the Equator in its northern arm. Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, is significantly crossed by the Equator. Java, however, is located entirely to the south of the Equator. Its capital city, Jakarta, is also south of the Equator.

– Equator passes through Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan.
– Java is located entirely south of the Equator.

Indonesia is an archipelagic nation spanning a vast area across the Equator, giving it both Northern and Southern Hemisphere territories. The climate on islands crossed by the Equator is typically tropical wet (Af in Köppen classification), characterized by high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.