Daily Mock Test – 02 August 2025

While Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Uraiyur were all capital cities of the Cholas at different times, Chidambaram was a major religious and cultural center, not a political capital. It is famous for the Nataraja Temple, but was not used as a Chola capital.

7th August was chosen as National Handloom Day because it marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which aimed to promote Indian-made goods, especially handloom products, as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance against British rule.

🟩 Answer: 1
📝 Explanation:

• ✅ Arka Shreshta is resistant to ToLCV.

• ✅ Arka Vishal is rich in TSS, ideal for processing.

• ❌ Arka Abhijit is early maturing with good shelf life, not poor.

• ✅ Arka Samrat is suitable for transportation and large-scale marketing.

Answer: 2. Pollution-free beaches
 Explanation:
Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to clean and environment-friendly beaches that meet 33 criteria.

Answer: 2. Golden Rice
 Explanation:
Golden Rice is genetically modified to contain beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and is a biofortified crop promoted to fight malnutrition.

In India, parametric insurance is mainly used in agriculture to provide quick payouts during weather-related crop losses, helping reduce the government’s subsidy burden under traditional crop insurance schemes.

Rajendra Chola I launched successful naval expeditions against the Srivijaya Empire (located in present-day Indonesia and Malaysia), showcasing the Cholas’ maritime strength and expanding their influence in Southeast Asia.

Parametric insurance pays out based on a predefined trigger (like rainfall, wind speed, or earthquake magnitude), not actual loss.
In this case, rainfall below 50 mm for 10 days is a measurable trigger, so it qualifies. Other options involve actual loss assessment.

Answer: 3. Loans become costlier
 Explanation:
Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends to banks. An increase in repo means higher interest rates, making loans costlier, thereby reducing inflation.

Answer: 2. Promoting use of bio-fertilizers and reducing chemical fertilizers
 Explanation:
PM-PRANAM (Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management Yojana) encourages states to reduce chemical fertilizer use and promote bio-inputs.

Rajaraja Chola I built the magnificent Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur in the 11th century CE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture.

Vijayalaya Chola founded the Imperial Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE by capturing Thanjavur, marking the revival of Chola power in South India.

The Cholas were famous for their maritime trade, conducted naval expeditions (especially to Southeast Asia), and excelled in bronze sculpture (notably Nataraja).
Stepwells, however, were more prominent in Western India, not a Chola specialty.

The Ministry of Textiles is the nodal agency responsible for organizing National Handloom Day celebrations, as it oversees the promotion, development, and welfare of India’s handloom sector and weavers.

This is incorrect because the Cholas had a strong navy and even sent ships to Southeast Asia.
Other statements are correct – they had a good bureaucracy, village councils, and did regular land surveys.

The Brihadeshwara Temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style, characterized by pyramidal towers (vimanas), large gopurams, and intricate carvings, typical of South Indian temple architecture.

Correct Answer: 3
Hawkish stance = Favoring high interest rates to curb inflation.

The Rowlatt Act (1919) was passed after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It allowed the British to arrest Indians without trial, leading to widespread protests. Nationalists called it “draconian”, and Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in response.

Other options:

• Arms Act (1878) – Restricted Indians from owning weapons.

• Ilbert Bill (1883) – Proposed Indian judges could try Europeans (failed).

• Pitt’s India Act (1784) – Strengthened British control over the East India Company.

Correct Answer: A.
El Niño = warming of eastern Pacific
La Niña = cooling of eastern Pacific

SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is a secure messaging network used by banks and financial institutions globally to send and receive payment instructions. It is crucial for international trade and finance.

Correct Answer: 2

Explanation:
Fiscal drag happens when inflation increases people’s nominal income, pushing them into higher tax brackets, even if their real income hasn’t changed. As a result, tax revenues rise without a corresponding increase in purchasing power, reducing aggregate demand.

India observes National Handloom Day on August 7th every year. The first such celebration was held on 7 August 2015 to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7 August 1905, which promoted indigenous industries such as handloom weaving. This day honours the craftsmanship of weavers and highlights the cultural and economic significance of the handloom sector

Answer: 3. Special rights and immunities for performing legislative duties
 Explanation:
Parliamentary Privileges are special powers and immunities for MPs/MLAs to speak and act freely in the House without fear of legal action.

Aadi Thiruvathirai is celebrated in Tamil Nadu to honor Rajaraja Chola I, the great Chola ruler who built the Brihadeshwara Temple and expanded the Chola Empire. The festival marks his contributions to art, architecture, and administration.

The NDMA is the main agency in India that plans and coordinates efforts to reduce risks from GLOF events, including early warning systems, risk mapping, and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas.

Answer: 2. It had a unique water management system and stone architecture
 Explanation:
Dholavira (Gujarat) is known for stone construction, drainage, and reservoirs — unlike other mud-brick Indus Valley cities.

Answer: 1. Appointment of Chief Minister
 Explanation:
In case of hung assembly, the Governor can use discretion to appoint a CM who is likely to command majority. Other actions require aid and advice.

Correct Answer:  3. Dismissing a minister without CM’s advice

 Explanation:

• A Governor is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

• Dismissing a minister without the CM’s advice is unconstitutional (violates Article 164).

• ✅ Other options like reserving bills (Art. 200), report under Article 356, and even refusing to convene Assembly temporarily may be legally debatable but not strictly unconstitutional.