41. An iron nail sinks in water whereas an iron ship floats. Which of the

An iron nail sinks in water whereas an iron ship floats. Which of the following statements is correct in this regard ?

  • 1. Average density of ship is greater than that of the water
  • 2. Average density of iron nail is greater than that of the water
  • 3. Average density of the ship is less than that of the water
  • 4. Average density of the ship is equal to that of the water

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2
2 and 3
2 and 4
1 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
An object sinks in water if its average density is greater than the density of water. An object floats if its average density is less than the density of water. An iron nail is a solid piece of iron, and the density of iron is greater than the density of water, so it sinks. An iron ship, despite being made of iron, is designed with a large hollow volume filled with air. The total mass of the ship divided by this large volume (its average density) is less than the density of water, allowing it to float.
Archimedes’ principle states that the buoyant force on an object submerged in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. An object floats when the buoyant force equals its weight. A ship displaces a volume of water whose weight is equal to the ship’s weight, and this displacement is possible because the ship’s average density is lower than water.

42. Which of the following statements about Suez Canal is/are correct ?

Which of the following statements about Suez Canal is/are correct ?

  • 1. Suez is a man-made navigation canal
  • 2. Suez links Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea
  • 3. The economic significance of Suez Canal is less than that of Panama Canal

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Statements 1 and 2 are correct, but Statement 3 is incorrect.
The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It is one of the most significant global shipping routes, facilitating trade between Europe and Asia without needing to circumnavigate Africa. Its economic significance is generally considered greater than that of the Panama Canal due to the volume of traffic, especially oil and container shipments, and the distance saved.
The Suez Canal was opened in 1869. The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean across the Isthmus of Panama. While also crucial, the Suez Canal handles a larger volume of world trade traffic.

43. Which one of the following is the narrow belt parallel to the Shiwalik

Which one of the following is the narrow belt parallel to the Shiwalik foothills where streams and rivers coming from the mountains deposit heavy materials of rocks and boulders ?

Tarai
Bhangar
Bhabar
Khadar
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
The narrow belt parallel to the Shiwalik foothills where streams deposit heavy materials like rocks and boulders is known as Bhabar.
Bhabar is characterized by porous and stony soil, and streams disappear underground in this region due to infiltration through the coarse deposits.
South of the Bhabar belt is the Tarai belt, a wet, marshy, and densely forested region where the streams re-emerge. Further south lie the alluvial plains, divided into Bhangar (older alluvium) and Khadar (newer alluvium).

44. Consider the following statements about physical features of India :

Consider the following statements about physical features of India :

  • 1. The southern point of the Peninsular Plateau is formed by the Nilgiri Hills where the Eastern and the Western Ghats meet
  • 2. The Cardamom Hills may be regarded as a continuation of the Eastern Ghats

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Statement 1 is correct, and Statement 2 is incorrect.
The Nilgiri Hills are indeed the convergence point of the Western and Eastern Ghats, and they form a significant part of the southern edge of the main Deccan Plateau. The Cardamom Hills are located further south, forming the southernmost part of the Western Ghats range, not a continuation of the Eastern Ghats.
The Peninsular Plateau of India tapers towards the south. The Nilgiris act as a major knot where several ranges meet. The Cardamom Hills, Anamalai Hills, and Palani Hills lie south of the Nilgiris and are considered part of the southern ranges of the Western Ghats.

45. Where is Central Institute of Buddhist Studies situated ?

Where is Central Institute of Buddhist Studies situated ?

Leh
Kullu
Almora
Gangtok
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) is located in Leh.
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies is a significant institution for the study of Buddhist philosophy, literature, and culture in India.
Established in 1959, CIBS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is a deemed to be university. It plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Buddhist heritage, particularly of the Himalayan region.

46. Which one of the following soils is ideal for growing cotton ?

Which one of the following soils is ideal for growing cotton ?

Regur soil
Laterite soil
Desert soil
Mountainous soil
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Regur soil, also known as Black soil or Black Cotton Soil, is highly suitable for growing cotton. This soil type is derived from volcanic rocks and is rich in clay minerals, giving it a high capacity to retain moisture, which is crucial for cotton cultivation, especially in rain-fed areas. Laterite soil is generally not fertile enough for cotton and is better suited for crops like tea and coffee. Desert soil lacks moisture and organic matter, making it unsuitable for cotton without significant irrigation. Mountainous soil varies greatly but is generally not the ideal soil type for widespread cotton cultivation compared to black soil plains.
Regur soil (Black soil) is the most ideal soil for growing cotton due to its fertility and moisture retention capacity.
Black soils are found extensively in the Deccan Trap region of India, covering parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, which are major cotton-growing areas.

47. Which one of the following statements is NOT correct ?

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct ?

Area wise Madhya Pradesh is the fourth largest state in India
Hornbill festival is celebrated in Nagaland
Gujarat state contribute 7.9 per cent share to the National GDP
Telangana is situated in the Deccan plateau in the central stretch of Indian peninsula
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Let’s examine each statement:
A) Area wise Madhya Pradesh is the fourth largest state in India. This statement is incorrect. Based on geographical area, the largest state in India is Rajasthan, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and then Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, Madhya Pradesh is the *second* largest state by area, not the fourth.
B) Hornbill festival is celebrated in Nagaland. This is correct. The Hornbill Festival is an annual festival celebrated in Nagaland, India, typically in the first week of December.
C) Gujarat state contribute 7.9 per cent share to the National GDP. While the exact percentage fluctuates annually, Gujarat is a major industrial and economic hub, and its contribution to India’s GDP is substantial, generally ranging between 7% and 9%. A figure around 7.9% for a specific period is plausible and generally considered correct in the context of such questions.
D) Telangana is situated in the Deccan plateau in the central stretch of Indian peninsula. This is correct. Telangana’s geography is dominated by the Deccan Plateau.
Since the question asks for the statement that is NOT correct, statement A is the answer.
Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state of India by area, making the statement claiming it is the fourth largest incorrect.
The ranking of states by area (approx): 1. Rajasthan (~3.42 lakh sq km), 2. Madhya Pradesh (~3.08 lakh sq km), 3. Maharashtra (~3.07 lakh sq km), 4. Uttar Pradesh (~2.41 lakh sq km).

48. Consider the following statements regarding the royal center in Vijaya

Consider the following statements regarding the royal center in Vijaya- nagara Empire :

  • 1. The royal center was located in the south-western part of the settlement
  • 2. It included over 60 temples
  • 3. About 30 building complexes at the site have been identified as palaces

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
1 and 2 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Statement 1: Archaeological studies of Vijayanagara (Hampi) confirm that the Royal Centre was indeed located in the south-western part of the urban core of the city. This area contained important ceremonial structures, palaces, and temples associated with the rulers. So, statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2: The Royal Centre area contains numerous structures, including temples. While pinpointing an exact number can be complex depending on the definition of the area, archaeological surveys indicate a significant concentration of temples, and ‘over 60 temples’ within or closely associated with the royal centre is consistent with archaeological findings. So, statement 2 is correct.
Statement 3: Archaeological excavations and surveys have identified various building complexes within the Royal Centre as residential or palatial structures. Sources and site maps often list approximately 30 or more such complexes identified as palaces, audience halls, or residential buildings of importance. So, statement 3 is correct.
Since all three statements align with archaeological descriptions of the Vijayanagara Royal Centre, all are correct.
The Vijayanagara Royal Centre was located in the south-western part of the city and contained a large number of temples and building complexes identified as palaces.
The Royal Centre was the political and ceremonial heart of the Vijayanagara capital, contrasting with the Sacred Centre located towards the north, which housed the Virupaksha Temple and other major religious structures.

49. Chandimangala, a sixteenth century text, was composed by

Chandimangala, a sixteenth century text, was composed by

Hema Saraswati
Madhav Kandali
Tukaram
Mukundaram Chakrabarti
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
Chandimangala is a significant work in medieval Bengali literature, belonging to the Mangal-Kavya tradition. Mukundaram Chakrabarti, also known as Kavikankan, composed a famous version of Chandimangala in the late 16th century. His work is considered one of the most important and popular versions of the text.
Mukundaram Chakrabarti is a renowned composer of the Bengali text Chandimangala.
Mangal-Kavyas are religious narrative poems composed in medieval Bengal, praising native deities like Chandi, Manasa, and Dharma Thakur.

50. Which Five Year Plan of India focused on rapid industrialization based

Which Five Year Plan of India focused on rapid industrialization based growth process ?

First Five Year Plan
Second Five Year Plan
Fifth Five Year Plan
Seventh Five Year Plan
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2023
The First Five Year Plan (1951-1956) primarily focused on agriculture and irrigation. The Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961), based on the Mahalanobis model, shifted the focus towards rapid industrialization, particularly emphasizing the development of heavy industries and infrastructure. The Fifth (1974-1979) focused on poverty eradication and self-reliance. The Seventh (1985-1990) aimed at growth in foodgrains production, employment, and productivity.
The Second Five Year Plan is known for its focus on rapid industrialization and heavy industries.
The Second Five Year Plan laid the foundation for India’s industrial structure by establishing large public sector undertakings in steel, coal, machine building, etc.