Daily Mock Test – 02 August 2025

Answer: 4. Mexico
 Explanation:
Equator passes through 13 countries, including Ecuador, Kenya, and Indonesia — but not Mexico, which is in the Northern Hemisphere.

Correct Answer: 2
Kyoto Protocol includes CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, SF₆ (not water vapour).

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

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.

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.

In 2023, the Government of India released a ₹100 commemorative coin in honor of Rajaraja Chola I, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to temple architecture, administration, and South Indian cultural heritage — especially the construction of the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur.

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.

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.

A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) happens when a natural dam (made of ice or loose rock) that holds a glacial lake suddenly bursts, releasing a large amount of water and causing floods downstream.

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.

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

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.

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 added the words ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi’s government.

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.

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.

 Answer: 3. Free legal aid to the poor
 Explanation:
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 added Article 39A to promote equal justice and free legal aid for economically weaker sections.

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.

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.

Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) help in GLOF preparedness by tracking temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sometimes water levels, which are key indicators of glacial lake stability and potential flood risks.

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.

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

Correct Answer: 1

Explanation:
To control inflation, RBI may increase CRR, reducing money supply. Decreasing fiscal deficit is also deflationary. But purchasing securities increases liquidity — not an inflation-control measure.

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.

Correct Answer: 3
Judicial Review: Articles 13, 32, and 226 provide for judicial review. Article 368 relates to amendments.

Parametric insurance provides quick and fixed payouts based on measurable triggers (like drought, flood, or cyclone), making it ideal for climate-related disasters where speed and predictability are crucial.

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has many glaciers and glacial lakes, making it the most vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) due to melting ice and unstable natural dams.

Collective responsibility (of the Council of Ministers to the Lok Sabha) and an independent judiciary have been upheld by the Supreme Court as part of the basic structure of the Constitution, meaning they cannot be altered even by a constitutional amendment. However, a bicameral legislature (two Houses of Parliament) is not considered part of the basic structure and can be changed (e.g., some Indian states have unicameral legislatures).

Monsoon withdrawal is a gradual process and does not cause sudden flooding.
Common triggers of GLOF events include avalanches, rockfalls, and earthquakes, which can suddenly disturb glacial lakes and cause them to burst.