Daily Mock Test – 02 August 2025

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Hawkish stance = Favoring high interest rates to curb inflation.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Correct Answer: 2 and 3 only

• Statement 1 is wrong – Ramsar Convention is for wetlands, not oceans.

• Statement 2 is correct – Montreux Record is part of Ramsar.

• Statement 3 is correct – India has 75+ Ramsar sites as of 2025.

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.

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.

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.

Answer: 2. Judiciary interpreting laws independently
📘 Explanation:
Separation of powers in India is maintained by the independent judiciary, which ensures that the executive and legislature stay within their powers.

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.