Questions & Answers

1. Consider the following statements regarding BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile.

1)BRAHMOS is the first supersonic cruise missile known to be in service.
2)The missile has flight range of up to 290-km with supersonic speed only during the initial stage of its flight.
3)It operates on ‘Fire and Forget Principle’, adopting varieties of flights on its way to the target.
4)It is fully indigenously developed by India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1, 2, 3
b) 2, 3, 4
c) 1, 2, 4
d) 1, 3

Solution: d)

• The missile has flight range of up to 290-km with supersonic speed all through the flight, leading to shorter flight time, consequently ensuring lower dispersion of targets, quicker engagement time and non-interception by any known weapon system in the world.
• It operates on ‘Fire and Forget Principle’, adopting varieties of flights on its way to the target.
• It carries a conventional warhead weighing 200 to 300 kgs.
• Special Features
  • Universal for multiple platforms
  • Low radar signature
  • Pin point accuracy with high lethal power aided by large kinetic energy on impact
  • It is a joint venture between the Russian Federation’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace.

2. Consider the following statements about Project Navlekha.

1)The project is to make online content relevant for more Indian users especially in local languages.
2)The project aims to bring 135,000 local language publishers online by making web hosting smooth and simple.
3)It is the initiative of Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1, 2
b) 1, 3
c) 2, 3
d) 1, 2, 3

Solution: a)

• Google has unveiled Project Navlekha to make online content relevant for more Indian users especially in local languages.
• The project aims to bring 135,000 local language publishers online by making web hosting smooth and simple.

3. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?

1)Hambantota – Sri Lanka
2)Chabahar – Afghanisatn
3)Duqm – Iran
Select the correct code:

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 1 and 3
d) 2 and 3

Solution: a)
Hambantota – Sri Lanka

Chabahar – Iran

Duqm – Oman

4. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘International Nitrogen Management System (INMS)’

1)It is a joint activity of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Nitrogen Initiative.
2)It is supported by the Global Environment Facility.
Select the correct statements

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: b)

International Nitrogen Management System (INMS) is a joint activity of the UNEP and the International Nitrogen Initiative supported by the Global Environment Facility.

5. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?

Sculpture-Place

1)Arjuna’s Penance -Mahabalipuram
2)Vishnu reclining on the Serpent Sheshnag – Ellora
3)Maheshmurti – Elephanta
Select the correct code:

a) 1, 2
b) 2, 3
c) 1, 3
d) 1, 2, 3

Solution: c)

• Arjuna’s Penance is one of the magnificent monuments of Mahabalipuram.
• The Dashavatara Temple is an early 6th century Vishnu Hindu temple located at Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh. Famous sculpture of Vishnu reclining on the Serpent Sheshnag is found here.
• The image of Maheshmurti at Elephanta dates back to the early sixth century CE.

6. Consider the following statements.

1)Temple architecture in South India began under the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman.
2)Madurai School of temple architecture has Islamic Influence.
3)The Meenakshi temple in Madurai has the tallest gopuram in the world.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1, 2
b) 1, 3
c) 2, 3
d) 1, 2, 3

Solution: d)

• Temple architecture in South India began under the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman.
• The Nayaka school of architecture flourished under the Nayaka rulers in the period between 16th centuries and 18th centuries A.D. It was also known as Madurai school.
• It was architecturally similar to the Dravidian style, but much larger in scope. It also has Islamic influence.
• The gopurams built under the Nayaka rulers were some of the largest gopurams. The Meenakshi temple in Madurai has the tallest gopuram in the world. The art of gopuram reached its climax in the Nayaka style.

7. Consider the following statements regarding Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture.

1)Panchayatan style was not prevalent in Dravidian Style.
2)There is only one vimana in the Dravidian architecture on top of the main temple like in Nagara architecture.
3)The presence of a water tank inside the temple enclosure was a unique feature of the Dravidian style.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 3 only
b) 1, 3
c) 2, 3
d) 1, 2

Solution: a)

Dravidian Style of Temple Architecture:

• The temple premise was laid out in the panchayatan style with a principal temple and four subsidiary shrines.
• There is only one vimana in the Dravidian architecture on top of the main temple. The subsidiary shrines do not have vimanas, unlike in Nagara architecture.
• The presence of a water tank inside the temple enclosure was a unique feature of the Dravidian style.

8.Consider the following statements regarding Solanki school of temple architecture.

1)A unique feature of this school is the presence of step-tank, known as surya-kund in the proximity of the temple.
2)Most of the temples are east-facing and designed such that every year, during the equinoxes, the sun rays fall directly into the central shrine.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both
d) None

Solution: c)

• Solanki School: In the north-western parts of India including Gujarat and Rajasthan, this school developed under the patronage of the Solanki rulers.
• The temple walls were devoid of any carvings.
• A unique feature of this school is the presence of step-tank, known as surya-kund in the proximity of the temple.
• Most of the temples are east-facing and designed such that every year, during the equinoxes, the sunrays fall directly into the central shrine.
• Example: Modhera Sun temple, Gujarat (built in 1026–27 by Bhima-I).