DART 10-06-26 - Questlink IAS

#Geography

Q1. Consider the following:

Project	First in India	Key Feature
I. Kolkata Metro	First underwater metro tunnel	ETCS Hybrid Level-III signalling technology
II. Kochi Water Metro	First Water Metro Project	Electric hybrid boats connecting islands
III. Namo Bharat Rapid Rail	First Regional Rapid Transit System	Beneath the Hooghly River

How many of the above rows are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

India has recently introduced innovative urban transit systems focusing on sustainability, multimodal integration and high-speed mobility.
Kolkata Metro indeed introduced India's first underwater metro tunnel; however, ETCS Hybrid Level-III signalling technology is associated with Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. Hence, Row I is not correctly matched.
Kochi Water Metro is India's first Water Metro Project and uses electric hybrid boats to connect islands around Kochi. Hence, Row II is correctly matched.
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail is India's first Regional Rapid Transit System, but the feature 'Beneath the Hooghly River' pertains to Kolkata Metro. Hence, Row III is not correctly matched.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#Polity

Q2. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Statement II: Financial assistance under the scheme is linked to health milestones such as antenatal care and immunisation.

Statement III: The scheme provides partial wage compensation to enable adequate rest before and after childbirth.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both explain Statement I.

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I.

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a maternity benefit scheme that seeks to promote safe motherhood, improved nutrition, and better healthcare practices among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
The scheme links financial assistance with milestones such as early pregnancy registration, antenatal check-ups, and child immunisation, thereby encouraging timely healthcare utilisation. Hence, Statement II is correct.
The cash assistance under the scheme acts as partial wage compensation, enabling women to take adequate rest during the pre- and post-natal periods. Hence, Statement III is correct.
Both improved healthcare utilisation and income support contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes envisaged under the scheme. Hence, Statement I is correctly explained by Statements II and III.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#Science & Tech

Q3. With reference to recent initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure maintenance in India, Hydraulic Grab Machines, Dewatering Pump Sets, High-Flow Super Suction & Jetting Units. These equipment are primarily used for:

(a) Mechanized cleaning and maintenance of drainage systems along highways

(b) Real-time monitoring of traffic violations on expressways

(d) Automated inspection of railway tracks for structural defects

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

Mechanized maintenance is increasingly being adopted to improve the efficiency and quality of infrastructure management in India.
Hydraulic Grab Machines remove heavy debris, Dewatering Pump Sets remove accumulated water, and High-Flow Super Suction & Jetting Units loosen and suction silt and slurry from drains. These are used together for mechanized drainage maintenance along Highways.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#Geography

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Zojila Tunnel Project:

It is being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1.
Upon completion, it will provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The tunnel is being implemented by the Border Roads Organisation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The Zojila Tunnel is a strategically important infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The tunnel is being constructed between Baltal and Minamarg on National Highway-1. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
It is expected to establish year-round connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
The project is being executed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), not the Border Roads Organisation. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#History

Q5. Which one of the following legislations was enacted partly in response to the grievances raised during the Munda uprising led by Birsa Munda?

(a) Bengal Tenancy Act, 1885

(b) Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908

(d) Indian Forest Act, 1927

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

The Munda uprising highlighted issues relating to tribal land alienation in the Chotanagpur region.
The Chotanagpur Tenancy Act, 1908 sought to protect tribal land rights by restricting transfer of tribal land to non-tribals. Hence, option (b) is correct.

#Miscellaneous

Q6. With reference to the Open Era in tennis, consider the following statements:

The Open Era in tennis began in 1968.
Professional players were allowed to compete alongside amateurs in Grand Slam tournaments.
All Grand Slam titles won before 1968 are excluded from official records.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

The Open Era transformed professional tennis by ending the separation between amateur and professional competitions.
The Open Era began in 1968. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
It allowed both professionals and amateurs to compete in Grand Slam events. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Titles won before 1968 continue to remain part of official records. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

#Miscellaneous

Q7. The term "Hukou", often seen in discussions on China's urbanisation, refers to:

(a) A social credit scoring mechanism

(b) A population census conducted every five years

(d) A permit issued for international travel

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

The Hukou system is China's household registration mechanism, introduced to regulate internal migration and manage population distribution.
It links access to public services such as education, healthcare and social security benefits to an individual's registered place of residence. Hence, option (c) correctly describes the Hukou system.
The system has been criticised for creating disparities between local residents and migrant workers in urban areas.
Indian Context: Unlike China's Hukou system, India has increasingly focused on portability of welfare benefits for migrants through initiatives such as One Nation One Ration Card.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

#Economy

Q8. Which of the following is/are the most significant implication(s) of India's revised Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) framework for the country's investment regime?

It seeks to balance investor protection with the sovereign right of the State to regulate in public interest.
It requires foreign investors to pursue domestic legal remedies for a specified period before initiating international arbitration.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

India revised its Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) framework to recalibrate the relationship between investor rights and regulatory autonomy.
The revised framework aims to safeguard the State's ability to pursue legitimate public policy objectives while continuing to provide investment protection. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
It also mandates exhaustion of local remedies for a specified period before resorting to international arbitration, reflecting greater reliance on domestic institutions. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

#Economy

Q9. Consider the following pairs:

Pass	Associated Countries
1. Lipulekh Pass	India – China – Nepal region
2. Nathu La Pass	India – Bhutan
3. Shipki La Pass	India – China

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) None

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

Mountain passes often acquire strategic importance due to their role in trade, pilgrimage and connectivity.
Lipulekh Pass lies near the India–Nepal–China tri-junction area. Hence, Pair 1 is correctly matched.
Nathu La Pass connects India with China (Tibet Autonomous Region), not Bhutan. Hence, Pair 2 is not correctly matched.
Shipki La Pass is an important pass between India and China in Himachal Pradesh. Hence, Pair 3 is correctly matched.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

#Polity

Q10. Consider the following statements:

Statement I: The system of proportional representation is used in the election to the Rajya Sabha.

Statement II: It ensures representation of political parties in proportion to their strength in the State Legislative Assembly.

Statement III: It guarantees equal representation to all political parties irrespective of their numerical strength.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both explain Statement I.

(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct, but only one of them explains Statement I.

(d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct.

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

Rajya Sabha elections are designed to reflect the composition of State Legislative Assemblies.
Proportional representation enables parties to secure seats broadly in accordance with their legislative strength. Hence, Statement II is correct.
The system does not provide equal representation irrespective of numerical strength. Hence, Statement III is not correct.
Statement II correctly explains the rationale behind Statement I.

Hence, option (c) is correct.