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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th April 2024

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Surrogacy Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Womens Rights Context: The Union government recently modified the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022    to permit married couples to use donor eggs or donor sperm for surrogacy. The notification outlines that the child to be born through surrogacy must have at least one gamete from the intended parents. Background:- Modified Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, permit married couples to use donor eggs or donor sperm for surrogacy — a move that provided a big relief to those with medical complications. This revoked a previous amendment made in March 2023 that banned the use of such donor gametes. About Surrogacy in India: It is a contractual process by which a women carries and delivers a child for a couple/individual after an embryo is implanted in her through in-vitro fertilisation(IVF). Commercial surrogacy is banned in India.Only altruistic arrangements where women acting as surrogates do not receive any monetary remuneration or compensation are allowed. Only married couples and ever-married single women (widowed or divorced) can seek a surrogacy. Would be parents can only pay for an altruistic surrogates insurance coverage and medical expense in India. Latest changes to the Surrogacy Regulation Act (2021) On March 14, 2023, Form 2 (Consent of the Surrogate Mother and Agreement for Surrogacy) of the Surrogacy Rules read with Rule 7 was amended to stipulate that donor eggs could not be used for gestational surrogacy of an intending couple. This has now been amended by a notification of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare allowing married couples to use a donor gamete on the condition that a District Magistrate Board certifies that either the husband or the wife suffers from a medical condition. However, the notification outlines that the child to be born through surrogacy must have at least one gamete from the intending parents. This implies that a married couple where both partners are unable to use their gametes due to an existing medical condition cannot opt for surrogacy. The regulatory change is however not applicable to ever married single women as it specifies that a widow or a divorcee undergoing surrogacy must use self-eggs and donor sperm Who all cannot access surrogacy in India? Single persons (ever married i.e. widowed or divorced women are permitted to access), live-in couples, LGBTQ couples, couples older than 45 years. Source: The Indian Express Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Geography Context: The Uttarakhand government has constituted two teams of experts to evaluate the risk posed by five potentially hazardous glacial lakes in the region. These lakes are prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the kind of events that have resulted in several disasters in the Himalayan states in recent years. Background: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has identified 188 glacial lakes in the Himalayan states that can potentially be breached because of heavy rainfall. Thirteen of them are in Uttarakhand. About Glacial Lake Outburst Floods GLOFs are disaster events caused by the abrupt discharge of water from glacial lakes — large bodies of water that sit in front of, on top of, or beneath a melting glacier. As a glacier withdraws, it leaves behind a depression that gets filled with meltwater, thereby forming a lake. The more the glacier recedes, the bigger and more dangerous the lake becomes. Such lakes are mostly dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris. In case the boundary around them breaks, huge amounts of water rush down the side of the mountains, which could cause flooding in the downstream areas — this is referred to as a GLOF event. GLOFs can be triggered by various reasons, including glacial calving, where sizable ice chunks detach from the glacier into the lake, inducing sudden water displacement. Incidents such as avalanches or landslides can also impact the stability of the boundary around a glacial lake, leading to its failure, and the rapid discharge of water. GLOFs can unleash large volumes of water, sediment, and debris downstream with formidable force and velocity. The floodwaters can submerge valleys, obliterate infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings, and result in significant loss of life and livelihoods. In recent years, there has been a rise in GLOF events in the Himalayan region as soaring global temperatures have increased glacier melting. Rapid infrastructure development in vulnerable areas has also contributed to the spike in such incidents. Uttarakhand has witnessed two major GLOF events in the past few years. The first took place in June 2013, which affected large parts of the state — Kedarnath valley was the worst hit, where thousands of people died. The second occurred in February 2021, when Chamoli district was hit by flash floods due to the bursting of a glacier lake. Source: Indian Express TORNADOS Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Geography Context: Recently, a tornado hit the Mainaguri area of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal. Background: The tornado hit caused significant destruction, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives and injuring over 300 people. About TORNADOS A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that forms a connection between the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud (or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud). Tornadoes are funnel-shaped storms with very low pressure at the center. They are the smallest but most violent and disastrous of all the storms. Tornadoes generally occur in middle latitudes. Steep pressure gradients result in fast movement of air towards the center. Types of Tornadoes: Multiple-Vortex Tornado: Contains several smaller whirls rotating around a common center. Landspout: A non-supercellular tornado that develops over land. Waterspout: A spiraling funnel-shaped wind current that connects to a large cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud. Waterspouts generally form over bodies of water and are less common at high latitudes. Occurrence: Tornadoes are most common in the mid-latitudes of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in the spring and summer when thunderstorms are present. These storms convert potential and heat energy into kinetic energy, allowing the agitated atmosphere to settle back down. In India, tornadoes and cyclones occur, but tornadoes occur on a relatively infrequent basis. Tornadoes of moderate strength strike the country’s northwestern and north-eastern regions, causing significant damage to people and property. Source: Down To Earth LEAP SECONDS Syllabus Prelims : Current Event Context: A recent study highlighted that Earth’s changing rotation may prompt clocks to skip a second, potentially necessitating a “negative leap second” around 2029. Background: Earth’s rotation is a dynamic process influenced by a complex interplay of gravitational forces, geological shifts, and climatic changes. About LEAP SECONDS A leap second is a one-second adjustment occasionally applied to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to accommodate the difference between precise time (International Atomic Time, TAI) and imprecise observed solar time (UT1). This difference arises due to irregularities and long-term slowdown in the Earth’s rotation. Since the introduction of leap seconds in 1972, 27 leap seconds have been added to UTC, with the most recent occurring on December 31, 2016. Negative Leap Seconds A negative leap second is a second subtracted from our clocks to keep them in sync with the Earth’s rotation. It is the opposite of a positive leap second, which is a one-second addition to our clocks. So far, all leap seconds have been positive. The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) monitors Earth’s rotation and decides when to add or subtract leap seconds. Due to Earth spinning faster than usual, timekeepers are considering negative leap seconds for the first time. Source: Live Mint OZONE Syllabus Prelims – Science Context: An international team of scientists, including from India, has discovered strong evidence indicating the presence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto. Background: This finding shed light on the complex chemical processes occurring on icy celestial bodies within our Solar System. About OZONE Ozone, also known as trioxygen, is an inorganic molecule with the chemical formula O₃. Ozone is produced from dioxygen (O₂) through the action of ultraviolet (UV) light and electrical discharges within Earth’s atmosphere. Ozone occurs in very low concentrations throughout the earth’s atmosphere. Its highest concentration is found in the ozone layer of the stratosphere, where it absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by preventing excessive UV radiation from reaching the surface. Without this protective layer, solar UV radiation could cause severe damage to living organisms. The presence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto suggests the existence of a stable oxygen-rich atmosphere, which is essential for the development of complex organic molecules and, potentially, life. The discovery of ozone on Callisto has significant implications for the moon’s potential habitability and the search for life beyond Earth. Source: Hindu Previous Year Question Q1. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone depleting substances? Bretton Woods Conference Montreal Protocol Kyoto Protocol Nagoya Protocol Green Elections Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) voiced its concern over the environmental risks associated with the use of non-biodegradable materials in elections. Background: Amidst the climate crisis, shifting to sustainable practices across every sphere of human activity has become inevitable and urgent. Green Elections: They are practices that aim to reduce the environmental impact of electoral processes. They involve measures such as using recycled materials, promoting electronic voting, and encouraging candidates to adopt sustainable campaign practices. Objectives/Aims of Green Elections: Candidates and parties can adopt sustainable alternatives such as recycled paper, biodegradable banners, and reusable materials. Opting for energy-efficient lighting, sound systems, and transportation during rallies can help reduce the carbon footprint. Leveraging digital platforms for campaigning (websites, social media, and email) reduces paper usage and energy consumption. Need for a shift towards Green Elections: Traditional election processes have significant environmental consequences due to various factors like the emissions from campaign flights during elections contribute significantly to the overall carbon footprint. Reliance on paper-based materials for ballots, campaign literature, and administrative documents leads to deforestation and energy-intensive production processes. Large-scale election rallies with loudspeakers, lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment contribute to energy consumption and emissions. PVC flex banners, hoardings, and disposable items used during campaigns add to waste generation and environmental impact. Issues/Challenges in the Adoption of Green Elections: Ensuring that all voters have fair access to new technologies is crucial. However, this requires substantial efforts in terms of training election officials and educating voters about the new systems. Some specific challenges include training and familiarization of election officials to be proficient in operating and troubleshooting the new technology, ensuring that all voters, including those in remote or underserved areas, can access and use the technology is a challenge. Addressing disparities in internet connectivity and digital literacy is vital. Implementing eco-friendly materials and advanced technology often comes with significant upfront costs. Governments, especially those with limited budgets, may hesitate due to financial constraints. Allocating funds for technology upgrades while balancing other essential services is a delicate task. Prioritizing modernization within budget limitations is challenging. Traditionally, voting has been associated with physical presence at polling booths. Overcoming cultural inertia and changing voter behaviour is essential for successful modernization. Many voters view physically going to the polls as a sacred civic duty. Convincing them that digital alternatives are equally valid can be challenging. Introducing new approaches, such as online voting or blockchain-based systems, raises concerns about vote security. Any compromise in cybersecurity could undermine public trust and the integrity of elections. Source: Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.)Recently, scientists have discovered strong evidence indicating the presence of ozone on Callisto, which is the moon of: Saturn Mars Jupiter Venus Q2.) With reference to the leap seconds, consider the following statements: The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) monitors Earth’s rotation and decides when to add or subtract leap seconds. A negative leap second is a second subtracted from clocks to keep them in sync with the Earth’s rotation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q3.)With reference to Tornadoes, consider the following statements: Tornadoes are funnel-shaped storms with very low pressure at the center. Tornadoes generally occur in middle latitudes. Tornadoes do not occur in India. How many of the statements given above are correct? Only one Only two All three None Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  5th April  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR  4th April – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – c Q.3) – d

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2024 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th April 2024

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) – CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions.To take the Test Click Here

[DAY 29] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2024 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Archives Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test Time limit: 0 Test-summary 0 of 35 questions completed Questions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Information The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2023 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022. To view Solutions, follow these instructions: Click on – ‘Start Test’ button Solve Questions Click on ‘Test Summary’ button Click on ‘Finish Test’ button Now click on ‘View Questions’ button – here you will see solutions and links. You have already completed the test before. Hence you can not start it again. Test is loading... You must sign in or sign up to start the test. You have to finish following test, to start this test: Results 0 of 35 questions answered correctly Your time: Time has elapsed You have scored 0 points out of 0 points, (0) Average score     Your score     Categories Not categorized 0% Your result has been entered into leaderboard Loading Name: E-Mail: Captcha: maximum of 70 points Pos. Name Entered on Points Result Table is loading No data available 1 Sarika 2024/04/05 12:06 PM 26 65 % 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Answered Review Question 1 of 35 1. Question In the context of blockchain, consider the following statements Proof of Work is a competition between miners to solve the cryptographic algorithms or equations and validate the transactions to earn blockchain rewards. Proof of Stake implements randomly chosen validators to make sure the transaction is reliable, compensating them in return with crypto. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Proof of work(PoW) and proof of stake(PoS) are the two main ways cryptocurrency transactions are verified.   Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct In PoW crypto transactions are verified through mining. In this, an individual does cryptographic transactions to verify a particular connection, which is basically mining, that one sees in crypto. The mining process in Proof of Work consensus is energy extensive as it requires a lot of electricity and other resources to verify transactions, create new tokens, and add new blocks to the network. The Proof of Stake mechanism achieves the same with fewer resources and less complexity. Unlike PoW, participants stake a certain amount of crypto and are selected randomly to validate the transactions in the PoS system. In proof of stake, validators are chosen based on a set of rules depending on the stake they have in the blockchain. In proof of stake, there are certain people, who are known validators and they validate the transactions happening in the ecosystem Incorrect Solution (c) Proof of work(PoW) and proof of stake(PoS) are the two main ways cryptocurrency transactions are verified.   Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct In PoW crypto transactions are verified through mining. In this, an individual does cryptographic transactions to verify a particular connection, which is basically mining, that one sees in crypto. The mining process in Proof of Work consensus is energy extensive as it requires a lot of electricity and other resources to verify transactions, create new tokens, and add new blocks to the network. The Proof of Stake mechanism achieves the same with fewer resources and less complexity. Unlike PoW, participants stake a certain amount of crypto and are selected randomly to validate the transactions in the PoS system. In proof of stake, validators are chosen based on a set of rules depending on the stake they have in the blockchain. In proof of stake, there are certain people, who are known validators and they validate the transactions happening in the ecosystem Question 2 of 35 2. Question Consider the following statements about the edge computing It is a distributed IT architecture which moves computing resources from clouds and data centers as close as possible to the originating source. In this the applications run in data centers and processed via the cloud. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect The edge computing is a distributed IT architecture which moves computing resources from clouds and data centres as close as possible to the originating source. The main goal of edge computing is to reduce latency requirements while processing data and saving network costs. The edge can be the router, ISP, routing switches, integrated access devices, multiplexers, etc. In this the applications run close to the users; either on the user’s device or on the network edge. In cloud computing the applications run in data centres and processed via the cloud.     Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect The edge computing is a distributed IT architecture which moves computing resources from clouds and data centres as close as possible to the originating source. The main goal of edge computing is to reduce latency requirements while processing data and saving network costs. The edge can be the router, ISP, routing switches, integrated access devices, multiplexers, etc. In this the applications run close to the users; either on the user’s device or on the network edge. In cloud computing the applications run in data centres and processed via the cloud.     Question 3 of 35 3. Question Consider the following statements The quantum cryptosystems rely on the complexity of mathematical algorithms whereas the security offered by conventional cryptosystems rely on the laws of Physics for data-encryption. There is no need of interaction between the users in Quantum Key Distribution technology. The Quantum Key Distribution technology aims to develop secure communication by a way of distributing and sharing secret keys which are necessary for cryptographic protocols. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Incorrect Correct The conventional cryptosystems rely on the complexity of mathematical algorithms whereas the security offered by quantum cryptosystems rely on the laws of Physics for data-encryption.   It requires interactions between the legitimate users. These interactions need to be authenticated. This can be achieved through various cryptographic means. QKD allows two distant users, who do not share a long secret key initially, to produce a common, random string of secret bits, called a secret key. The end-result is that QKD can utilize an authenticated communication channel and transform it into a secure communication channel. It is designed in a way that if an illegitimate entity tries to read the transmission, it will disturb the qubits – which are encoded on photons. This will generate transmission errors, leading to legitimate end-users being immediately informed. The Quantum Key Distribution technology aims to develop secure communication by a way of distributing and sharing secret keys which are necessary for cryptographic protocols. It provides a way of distributing and sharing secret keys that are necessary for cryptographic protocols. Cryptography is the study of secure communications techniques that allow only the sender and intended recipient of a message to view its contents. Cryptographic algorithms and protocols are necessary to keep a system secure, particularly when communicating through an untrusted network such as the Internet. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Incorrect Correct The conventional cryptosystems rely on the complexity of mathematical algorithms whereas the security offered by quantum cryptosystems rely on the laws of Physics for data-encryption.   It requires interactions between the legitimate users. These interactions need to be authenticated. This can be achieved through various cryptographic means. QKD allows two distant users, who do not share a long secret key initially, to produce a common, random string of secret bits, called a secret key. The end-result is that QKD can utilize an authenticated communication channel and transform it into a secure communication channel. It is designed in a way that if an illegitimate entity tries to read the transmission, it will disturb the qubits – which are encoded on photons. This will generate transmission errors, leading to legitimate end-users being immediately informed. The Quantum Key Distribution technology aims to develop secure communication by a way of distributing and sharing secret keys which are necessary for cryptographic protocols. It provides a way of distributing and sharing secret keys that are necessary for cryptographic protocols. Cryptography is the study of secure communications techniques that allow only the sender and intended recipient of a message to view its contents. Cryptographic algorithms and protocols are necessary to keep a system secure, particularly when communicating through an untrusted network such as the Internet. Question 4 of 35 4. Question Consider the following statements about the 5G network It works only in 2 bands namely low and high frequency spectrum. It can be used in Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) with faster, more uniform data rates, lower latency, and lower cost-per-bit. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Correct The 5G network works in 3 bands namely low, mid and high frequency spectrum.   1. Low Band Spectrum: In terms of coverage and speed of Internet and data exchange, the maximum speed is limited to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second). This means that telecom companies can use and install it for commercial cell phone users who may not have specific demands for very high speed Internet. However, the low band spectrum may not be optimal for specialised needs of the industry. 2. Mid Band Spectrum: It offers higher speeds compared to the low band but has limitations in terms of coverage area and penetration of signals. This band may be used by industries and specialised factory units for building captive networks that can be moulded into the needs of that particular industry. 3. High Band Spectrum: It offers the highest speed of all the three bands, but has extremely limited coverage and signal penetration strength. This band greatly enhances futuristic 5G technology applications like Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology but will require considerable infrastructure. It can be used in Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) with faster, more uniform data rates, lower latency, and lower cost-per-bit. It can seamlessly connect a massive number of embedded sensors in virtually everything through the ability to scale down in data rates, power, and mobility—providing extremely lean and low-cost connectivity solutions. The 5G network combined with IoT, cloud, big data, Artificial Intelligence, and edge computing plays an important role for the fourth industrial revolution.   Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Correct The 5G network works in 3 bands namely low, mid and high frequency spectrum.   1. Low Band Spectrum: In terms of coverage and speed of Internet and data exchange, the maximum speed is limited to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second). This means that telecom companies can use and install it for commercial cell phone users who may not have specific demands for very high speed Internet. However, the low band spectrum may not be optimal for specialised needs of the industry. 2. Mid Band Spectrum: It offers higher speeds compared to the low band but has limitations in terms of coverage area and penetration of signals. This band may be used by industries and specialised factory units for building captive networks that can be moulded into the needs of that particular industry. 3. High Band Spectrum: It offers the highest speed of all the three bands, but has extremely limited coverage and signal penetration strength. This band greatly enhances futuristic 5G technology applications like Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technology but will require considerable infrastructure. It can be used in Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) with faster, more uniform data rates, lower latency, and lower cost-per-bit. It can seamlessly connect a massive number of embedded sensors in virtually everything through the ability to scale down in data rates, power, and mobility—providing extremely lean and low-cost connectivity solutions. The 5G network combined with IoT, cloud, big data, Artificial Intelligence, and edge computing plays an important role for the fourth industrial revolution.   Question 5 of 35 5. Question Consider the following statements about the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 It imposes a legal obligation on intermediaries to take reasonable efforts to prevent users from uploading harmful/unlawful content. It establishes the Grievance Appellate Committee(s) to allow users to appeal against the inaction of or decisions taken by intermediaries on user complaints. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 imposes a legal obligation on intermediaries to take reasonable efforts to prevent users from uploading harmful/unlawful content. It requires intermediaries to respect the rights guaranteed to users under the Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. It establishes the Grievance Appellate Committee(s) to allow users to appeal against the inaction of or decisions taken by intermediaries on user complaints. However, users will always have the right to approach courts for any remedy.   Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 imposes a legal obligation on intermediaries to take reasonable efforts to prevent users from uploading harmful/unlawful content. It requires intermediaries to respect the rights guaranteed to users under the Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. It establishes the Grievance Appellate Committee(s) to allow users to appeal against the inaction of or decisions taken by intermediaries on user complaints. However, users will always have the right to approach courts for any remedy.   Question 6 of 35 6. Question Consider the following statements The dark web contains internet content that you can’t find through search engines while the deep web is a hidden network that requires a special browser to access. The example of deep web is your bank account page and the silk road is an example of dark web. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Correct The deep web contains internet content that you can’t find through search engines while the dark web is a hidden network that requires a special browser to access. The deep web is the part of the internet you can’t access through search engines like Google and Bing. The dark web or the darknet is a small subset of the deep web. It’s a hidden collective of sites that you could only access through a special browser. Since all activity on the dark web is anonymous by default. The example of deep web is your bank account page and the silk road is an example of dark web.   Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Correct The deep web contains internet content that you can’t find through search engines while the dark web is a hidden network that requires a special browser to access. The deep web is the part of the internet you can’t access through search engines like Google and Bing. The dark web or the darknet is a small subset of the deep web. It’s a hidden collective of sites that you could only access through a special browser. Since all activity on the dark web is anonymous by default. The example of deep web is your bank account page and the silk road is an example of dark web.   Question 7 of 35 7. Question Consider the following statements about cryptojacking It is a cyber-attack an attacker tricks an unsuspecting target into handing over valuable information like password but can’t mine cryptocurrency. It is easy to detect and the victims can know as soon as their system is attacked. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (d) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Incorrect Cryptojacking is a cyber-attack wherein a computing device is hijacked and controlled by the attacker, and its resources are used to illicitly mine cryptocurrency. In most cases, the malicious programme is installed when the user clicks on an unsafe link, or visits an infected website — and unknowingly provides access to their Internet-connected device. Cryptojacking is hard to detect and the victims of these attacks mostly remain unaware that their systems have been compromised. Some tell-tale signs are the device slowing down, heating up, or the battery getting drained faster than usual.   Incorrect Solution (d) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Incorrect Cryptojacking is a cyber-attack wherein a computing device is hijacked and controlled by the attacker, and its resources are used to illicitly mine cryptocurrency. In most cases, the malicious programme is installed when the user clicks on an unsafe link, or visits an infected website — and unknowingly provides access to their Internet-connected device. Cryptojacking is hard to detect and the victims of these attacks mostly remain unaware that their systems have been compromised. Some tell-tale signs are the device slowing down, heating up, or the battery getting drained faster than usual.   Question 8 of 35 8. Question Consider the following statements about Web 5.0 It is Web 2.0 plus Web 3.0 that will allow users to own their identity on the internet and control their data. Only Web 5.0 envision an Internet without threat of censorship from governments and big techs. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect Web 5.0 is Web 2.0 plus Web 3.0 that will allow users to own their identity on the internet and control their data. It is aimed at building an extra decentralized web that puts one in control of one’s data and identity. Both Web 3.0 and Web 5.0 envision an Internet without threat of censorship from governments and big techs. The Web 2.0, the next stage in the evolution of the web was the read and write internet. Users could now communicate with servers and other users leading to the creation of the social web. The Web 3.0 is an evolving term that is used to refer to the next generation of the Internet – a read-write-execute web – with decentralization as its bedrock. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect Web 5.0 is Web 2.0 plus Web 3.0 that will allow users to own their identity on the internet and control their data. It is aimed at building an extra decentralized web that puts one in control of one’s data and identity. Both Web 3.0 and Web 5.0 envision an Internet without threat of censorship from governments and big techs. The Web 2.0, the next stage in the evolution of the web was the read and write internet. Users could now communicate with servers and other users leading to the creation of the social web. The Web 3.0 is an evolving term that is used to refer to the next generation of the Internet – a read-write-execute web – with decentralization as its bedrock. Question 9 of 35 9. Question Which of the following statements about ‘Quantum Mechanics’ is incorrect: a) Quantum entanglement allows particles to be correlated in such a way that the state of one particle can influence the state of another when distance between them is finite. b) Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a particle with absolute precision. c) Quantum superposition implies that particles can exist in multiple states at the same time until observed or measured. d) Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon where particles can pass through barriers that classical physics would predict as impenetrable. Correct Solution (a) Quantum entanglement allows particles to be correlated in such a way that the state of one particle can influence the state of another, regardless of the distance between them. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect) Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, stating that the more precisely you know the position of a particle, the less precisely you can know its momentum (and vice versa). This is not a limitation due to measurement devices but is inherent in the nature of quantum systems. Quantum superposition is a concept where a particle can exist in multiple states simultaneously until a measurement is made, at which point it ‘collapses’ into one of the possible states. This is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics. Quantum tunneling is a real phenomenon in quantum mechanics where particles can pass through energy barriers that classical physics would consider impenetrable. This occurs due to the probabilistic nature of quantum states, allowing particles to ‘tunnel’ through barriers they wouldn’t be able to overcome classically. Important Points/Value Additions: Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, typically on the order of atoms and subatomic particles. It is a branch of theoretical physics that has proven to be incredibly successful in explaining the behavior of particles at the quantum level. Incorrect Solution (a) Quantum entanglement allows particles to be correlated in such a way that the state of one particle can influence the state of another, regardless of the distance between them. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect) Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, stating that the more precisely you know the position of a particle, the less precisely you can know its momentum (and vice versa). This is not a limitation due to measurement devices but is inherent in the nature of quantum systems. Quantum superposition is a concept where a particle can exist in multiple states simultaneously until a measurement is made, at which point it ‘collapses’ into one of the possible states. This is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics. Quantum tunneling is a real phenomenon in quantum mechanics where particles can pass through energy barriers that classical physics would consider impenetrable. This occurs due to the probabilistic nature of quantum states, allowing particles to ‘tunnel’ through barriers they wouldn’t be able to overcome classically. Important Points/Value Additions: Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, typically on the order of atoms and subatomic particles. It is a branch of theoretical physics that has proven to be incredibly successful in explaining the behavior of particles at the quantum level. Question 10 of 35 10. Question With reference to e-SIM (Embedded Subscriber Identification Module), consider the following statements: Change in mobile phone device will lead to change in phone number. It can easily violate privacy of users, as service provider can track user activity. It is not possible to re-programme e-SIMS. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Switching devices becomes more challenging, as a change in the mobile phone device results in a corresponding alteration of the phone number. (Hence statement 1 is correct) Mobile services providers gain the ability to monitor user’s activities with heightened precision, raising concerns when robust privacy protection laws are lacking. (Hence statement 2 is correct) While users have the option to re-programme eSIMs, individuals with lower digital literacy may encounter difficulties in doing so. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect) Important Points/Value Additions: An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital or electronic counterpart of a traditional SIM card. Unlike a physical, removable card, it is integrated into devices like smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. Its primary function aligns with that of a conventional SIM card, serving to identify a user to a mobile network and facilitate connectivity. eSIMs provide enhanced security, with a reduced likelihood of being lost or removed, simplifying the onboarding process for new users without the need to wait for SIM card activation. The growing acceptance of eSIMs is anticipated to diminish or eliminate the necessity for telecom service providers to dispatch SIM cards to remote locations. Recognized for its environmental friendliness, the re-programmable nature of eSIMs eliminates the requirement for additional plastic and metal in the production of new SIMs. Incorrect Solution (b) Switching devices becomes more challenging, as a change in the mobile phone device results in a corresponding alteration of the phone number. (Hence statement 1 is correct) Mobile services providers gain the ability to monitor user’s activities with heightened precision, raising concerns when robust privacy protection laws are lacking. (Hence statement 2 is correct) While users have the option to re-programme eSIMs, individuals with lower digital literacy may encounter difficulties in doing so. (Hence statement 3 is incorrect) Important Points/Value Additions: An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital or electronic counterpart of a traditional SIM card. Unlike a physical, removable card, it is integrated into devices like smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches. Its primary function aligns with that of a conventional SIM card, serving to identify a user to a mobile network and facilitate connectivity. eSIMs provide enhanced security, with a reduced likelihood of being lost or removed, simplifying the onboarding process for new users without the need to wait for SIM card activation. The growing acceptance of eSIMs is anticipated to diminish or eliminate the necessity for telecom service providers to dispatch SIM cards to remote locations. Recognized for its environmental friendliness, the re-programmable nature of eSIMs eliminates the requirement for additional plastic and metal in the production of new SIMs. Question 11 of 35 11. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Digital Communication Commission: It was set up by the Government of India via a resolution in 1989. It works under the Ministry of Science and Technology Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (a) Recently, the Government of India decided to disband the telecom body Digital Communication Commission and hand over its crucial and large-budget decisions to the Department of Expenditure. It was set up by the Government of India via a resolution in 1989 with administrative and financial powers of the Government of India to deal with various aspects of Telecommunications. Hence statement 1 is correct. The Government re-designated the ‘Telecom Commission’ as the ‘Digital Communications Commission’ in 2018. Nodal Ministry: It is under the Ministry of Communication. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. Members: Consists of a Chairman, four full-time members, who are ex-officio Secretaries to the Government of India in the Department of Telecommunications and four part-time members who are Secretaries to the Government of India in the concerned Departments. The Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Telecommunications is the ex-officio Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission. Functions: Formulating the policy of the Department of Telecommunications for approval of the Government. Preparing the budget for the Department of Telecommunications for each financial year and getting it approved by the Government. Implementation of Government policy in all matters concerning telecommunication. Incorrect Solution (a) Recently, the Government of India decided to disband the telecom body Digital Communication Commission and hand over its crucial and large-budget decisions to the Department of Expenditure. It was set up by the Government of India via a resolution in 1989 with administrative and financial powers of the Government of India to deal with various aspects of Telecommunications. Hence statement 1 is correct. The Government re-designated the ‘Telecom Commission’ as the ‘Digital Communications Commission’ in 2018. Nodal Ministry: It is under the Ministry of Communication. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. Members: Consists of a Chairman, four full-time members, who are ex-officio Secretaries to the Government of India in the Department of Telecommunications and four part-time members who are Secretaries to the Government of India in the concerned Departments. The Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Telecommunications is the ex-officio Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission. Functions: Formulating the policy of the Department of Telecommunications for approval of the Government. Preparing the budget for the Department of Telecommunications for each financial year and getting it approved by the Government. Implementation of Government policy in all matters concerning telecommunication. Question 12 of 35 12. Question Consider the following statements regarding OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms in India: In India OTT platforms are regulated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. There is no autonomous body to govern digital content in India. OTT, or over-the-top platforms, are audio and video hosting and streaming services which started out as content hosting platforms. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) OTT platforms: OTT, or over-the-top platforms, are audio and video hosting and streaming services which started out as content hosting platforms, but soon branched out into the production and release of short movies, feature films, documentaries and web-series themselves. (Hence statement 3 is correct) These platforms offer a range of content and use artificial intelligence to suggest to users the content they are likely to view based on their past viewership on the platform. Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere. Premium content is usually produced and marketed by the OTT platform themselves, in association with established production houses which historically have made feature films. Examples: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Curiosity Stream, Pluto TV, and so many more. OTT Regulation in India: In February 2022, the government had notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 to regulate OTT platforms. There is law or autonomous body to govern digital content in India. (Hence statement 2 is correct). The rules establish a soft-touch self-regulatory architecture with a Code of Ethics and three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for OTT platforms. Every publisher should appoint a Grievance Officer based in India for receiving and redressing grievances in 15 days. Also, every publisher needs to become a member of a self-regulating body. Such a body will have to register with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and address grievances that have not been resolved by the publisher within 15 days. The Ministry of Information Broadcasting and the Inter-Departmental Committee constituted by the Ministry constitute the third-tier Oversight Mechanism. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect) They provide for self-classification of the content without any involvement of Central Board of Film Certification. Incorrect Solution (b) OTT platforms: OTT, or over-the-top platforms, are audio and video hosting and streaming services which started out as content hosting platforms, but soon branched out into the production and release of short movies, feature films, documentaries and web-series themselves. (Hence statement 3 is correct) These platforms offer a range of content and use artificial intelligence to suggest to users the content they are likely to view based on their past viewership on the platform. Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere. Premium content is usually produced and marketed by the OTT platform themselves, in association with established production houses which historically have made feature films. Examples: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Curiosity Stream, Pluto TV, and so many more. OTT Regulation in India: In February 2022, the government had notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 to regulate OTT platforms. There is law or autonomous body to govern digital content in India. (Hence statement 2 is correct). The rules establish a soft-touch self-regulatory architecture with a Code of Ethics and three-tier grievance redressal mechanism for OTT platforms. Every publisher should appoint a Grievance Officer based in India for receiving and redressing grievances in 15 days. Also, every publisher needs to become a member of a self-regulating body. Such a body will have to register with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and address grievances that have not been resolved by the publisher within 15 days. The Ministry of Information Broadcasting and the Inter-Departmental Committee constituted by the Ministry constitute the third-tier Oversight Mechanism. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect) They provide for self-classification of the content without any involvement of Central Board of Film Certification. Question 13 of 35 13. Question With reference to end-to-end encryption, consider the following statements: It is a communication process that prevents third party from accessing data. It uses an algorithm that transforms standard text into an unreadable format. The decryption keys are stored with a third party like concerned internet service providers. It is also used to secure passwords, protect stored data and safeguard data on cloud storage. Some of the popular instant-messaging apps that use it are Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Google messages. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1, 2 and 4 only b) 2, 3 and 5 only c) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Correct Solution (c) Recently, Apple has announced it will be increasing the number of data points protected by End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) on iCloud from 14 to 23 categories. End-to-end encryption End-to-end encryption is a communication process that encrypts data being shared between two devices. It prevents third parties like cloud service providers, internet service providers (ISPs) and cybercriminals from accessing data while it is being transferred. The cryptographic keys used to encrypt and decrypt the messages are stored on the endpoints. The process of end-to-end encryption uses an algorithm that transforms standard text into an unreadable format. This format can only be unscrambled and read by those with the decryption keys, which are only stored on endpoints and not with any third parties including companies providing the service. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Usage: End-to-end encryption today is majorly used to secure communications. Some of the popular instant-messaging apps that use it are Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Google messages. E2EE has long been used when transferring business documents, financial details, legal proceedings, and personal conversations. It can also be used to control users’ authorization when accessing stored data. End-to-end encryption is used to secure communications. It is also used to secure passwords, protect stored data and safeguard data on cloud storage. Legal Framework for Encryption in India Minimum Encryption Standards: India does not have a specific encryption law. Although, a number of industry rules, such as those governing the banking, finance, and telecommunications industries, include requirements for minimum encryption standards to be utilized in protecting transactions. Prohibition on Encryption Technologies: Users are not authorized to employ encryption standards larger than 40 bits using symmetric key algorithms or similar methods without prior clearance and deposition of decryption keys, according to the likening agreement between the ISP and the DoT. There are a variety of additional rules and recommendations that use a greater encryption level than 40 bits for particular sectors. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021: It superseded the earlier Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011. The new set of rules have the potential to impact the end-to-end encryption techniques of social messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc. Information Technology Act of 2000: It regulates electronic and wireless modes of communication, is devoid of any substantive provision or policy on encryption. Incorrect Solution (c) Recently, Apple has announced it will be increasing the number of data points protected by End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) on iCloud from 14 to 23 categories. End-to-end encryption End-to-end encryption is a communication process that encrypts data being shared between two devices. It prevents third parties like cloud service providers, internet service providers (ISPs) and cybercriminals from accessing data while it is being transferred. The cryptographic keys used to encrypt and decrypt the messages are stored on the endpoints. The process of end-to-end encryption uses an algorithm that transforms standard text into an unreadable format. This format can only be unscrambled and read by those with the decryption keys, which are only stored on endpoints and not with any third parties including companies providing the service. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Usage: End-to-end encryption today is majorly used to secure communications. Some of the popular instant-messaging apps that use it are Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Google messages. E2EE has long been used when transferring business documents, financial details, legal proceedings, and personal conversations. It can also be used to control users’ authorization when accessing stored data. End-to-end encryption is used to secure communications. It is also used to secure passwords, protect stored data and safeguard data on cloud storage. Legal Framework for Encryption in India Minimum Encryption Standards: India does not have a specific encryption law. Although, a number of industry rules, such as those governing the banking, finance, and telecommunications industries, include requirements for minimum encryption standards to be utilized in protecting transactions. Prohibition on Encryption Technologies: Users are not authorized to employ encryption standards larger than 40 bits using symmetric key algorithms or similar methods without prior clearance and deposition of decryption keys, according to the likening agreement between the ISP and the DoT. There are a variety of additional rules and recommendations that use a greater encryption level than 40 bits for particular sectors. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021: It superseded the earlier Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2011. The new set of rules have the potential to impact the end-to-end encryption techniques of social messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc. Information Technology Act of 2000: It regulates electronic and wireless modes of communication, is devoid of any substantive provision or policy on encryption. Question 14 of 35 14. Question Consider the following statements regarding Near Field Communication (NFC) technology: NFC is a long-range wireless connectivity technology that allows NFC-enabled devices to communicate with each other and transfer information quickly. It can be used to pay bills, exchange business cards, download coupons, or share a document. It is used in contactless banking cards to perform money transactions or to generate contact-less tickets for public transport. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Google Pay has recently launched a new feature in India, ‘Tap to pay for UPI’, in collaboration with Pine Labs. The feature makes use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The functionality will allow users with NFC-enabled Android smartphones and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) accounts linked to Google Pay to carry out transactions just by tapping their phones on any Pine Labs Android point-of-sale (POS) terminal across the country. The process is much faster compared to scanning a QR code or entering the UPI-linked mobile number which has been the conventional way till now. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology NFC is a short-range wireless connectivity technology that allows NFC-enabled devices to communicate with each other and transfer information quickly and easily with a single touch – whether to pay bills, exchange business cards, download coupons, or share a document. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect and 2 is correct) NFC transmits data through electromagnetic radio fields, to enable communication between two devices. Both devices must contain NFC chips, as transactions take place within a very short distance. NFC-enabled devices must be either physically touching or within a few centimeters from each other for data transfer to occur. In 2004, consumer electronics companies, Nokia, Philips and Sony together formed the NFC Forum, which outlined the architecture for NFC technology to create powerful new consumer-driven products. Nokia released the first NFC-enabled phone in 2007. It is used in contactless banking cards to perform money transactions or to generate contact-less tickets for public transport. (Hence statement 3 is correct) Contactless cards and readers use NFC in several applications from securing networks and buildings to monitoring inventory and sales, preventing auto theft, and running unmanned toll booths. It is present in speakers, household appliances, and other electronic devices that are controlled through smartphones. It also has an application in healthcare, to monitor patient stats through NFC-enabled wristbands. NFC is used in wireless charging too. Incorrect Solution (b) Google Pay has recently launched a new feature in India, ‘Tap to pay for UPI’, in collaboration with Pine Labs. The feature makes use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The functionality will allow users with NFC-enabled Android smartphones and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) accounts linked to Google Pay to carry out transactions just by tapping their phones on any Pine Labs Android point-of-sale (POS) terminal across the country. The process is much faster compared to scanning a QR code or entering the UPI-linked mobile number which has been the conventional way till now. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology NFC is a short-range wireless connectivity technology that allows NFC-enabled devices to communicate with each other and transfer information quickly and easily with a single touch – whether to pay bills, exchange business cards, download coupons, or share a document. (Hence statement 1 is incorrect and 2 is correct) NFC transmits data through electromagnetic radio fields, to enable communication between two devices. Both devices must contain NFC chips, as transactions take place within a very short distance. NFC-enabled devices must be either physically touching or within a few centimeters from each other for data transfer to occur. In 2004, consumer electronics companies, Nokia, Philips and Sony together formed the NFC Forum, which outlined the architecture for NFC technology to create powerful new consumer-driven products. Nokia released the first NFC-enabled phone in 2007. It is used in contactless banking cards to perform money transactions or to generate contact-less tickets for public transport. (Hence statement 3 is correct) Contactless cards and readers use NFC in several applications from securing networks and buildings to monitoring inventory and sales, preventing auto theft, and running unmanned toll booths. It is present in speakers, household appliances, and other electronic devices that are controlled through smartphones. It also has an application in healthcare, to monitor patient stats through NFC-enabled wristbands. NFC is used in wireless charging too. Question 15 of 35 15. Question Consider the following statement regarding Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT): Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system that records the transaction of assets in which the details are recorded in multiple places at the same time. The transactions are verified and recorded using cryptographic techniques. Unlike traditional databases, distributed ledgers have no central data store or administration functionality. Blockchain technology is a specific kind of DLT. How many of the statements given above is/are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution (d) Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, distributed ledgers have no central data store or administration functionality. Blockchain technology is a specific kind of DLT that came to prominence after Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that used it, became popular. The transactions are verified and recorded using cryptographic techniques. Hence all the statements are correct. Blockchain technology: Blockchain technology is a technology that leads to a chain of blocks, containing digital information stored in a public database. It is a distributed database existing on multiple computers at the same time, which constantly grows as new sets of recordings or blocks are added to it. Blockchain consists of three important concepts: blocks, nodes and miners. Blocks: Every chain consists of multiple blocks and each block has three basic elements: The data in the block. A 32-bit whole number called a nonce. The nonce is randomly generated when a block is created, which then generates a block header hash. The hash is a 256-bit number wedded to the nonce. It must start with a huge number of zeroes (i.e., be extremely small). When the first block of a chain is created, a nonce generates the cryptographic hash. The data in the block is considered signed and forever tied to the nonce and hash unless it is mined. Miners: Miners create new blocks on the chain through a process called mining. In a blockchain every block has its own unique nonce and hash, but also references the hash of the previous block in the chain, so mining a block is not easy, especially on large chains. Miners use special software to solve the incredibly complex math problem of finding a nonce that generates an accepted hash. Because the nonce is only 32 bits and the hash is 256, there are roughly four billion possible nonce-hash combinations that must be mined before the right one is found. When that happens, miners are said to have found the “golden nonce” and their block is added to the chain. Making a change to any block earlier in the chain requires re-mining not just the block with the change, but all of the blocks that come after. This is why it’s extremely difficult to manipulate blockchain technology. Think of it as “safety in math” since finding golden nonces requires an enormous amount of time and computing power. When a block is successfully mined, the change is accepted by all of the nodes on the network and the miner is rewarded financially. Nodes: One of the most important concepts in blockchain technology is decentralization. No one computer or organization can own the chain. Instead, it is a distributed ledger via the nodes connected to the chain. Nodes can be any kind of electronic device that maintains copies of the blockchain and keeps the network functioning. Every node has its own copy of the blockchain and the network must algorithmically approve any newly mined block for the chain to be updated, trusted and verified. Since blockchains are transparent, every action in the ledger can be easily checked and viewed. Each participant is given a unique alphanumeric identification number that shows their transactions. Benefits of using Blockchain Technology: Immutability: In Blockchain, there is no possibility of changing the data or altering the data; the data present inside the Blockchain is permanent; one cannot delete or undo it. Transparency: By utilizing blockchain technology, organizations and enterprises can go for a complete decentralized network where there is no need for any centralized authority, thus improving the transparency of the entire system. High Availability: Unlike centralized systems, Blockchain is a decentralized system of P2P network which is highly available due to its decentralized nature. Since in the Blockchain network, everyone is on a P2P network, and everyone has a computer running, therefore, even if one peer goes down, the other peers still work. High Security: This is another major benefit that Blockchain offers. Technology is assumed to offer high security as all the transactions of Blockchain are cryptographically secure and provide integrity. Thus instead of relying on third-party, you need to put your trust in cryptographic algorithms. Incorrect Solution (d) Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a digital system for recording the transaction of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, distributed ledgers have no central data store or administration functionality. Blockchain technology is a specific kind of DLT that came to prominence after Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that used it, became popular. The transactions are verified and recorded using cryptographic techniques. Hence all the statements are correct. Blockchain technology: Blockchain technology is a technology that leads to a chain of blocks, containing digital information stored in a public database. It is a distributed database existing on multiple computers at the same time, which constantly grows as new sets of recordings or blocks are added to it. Blockchain consists of three important concepts: blocks, nodes and miners. Blocks: Every chain consists of multiple blocks and each block has three basic elements: The data in the block. A 32-bit whole number called a nonce. The nonce is randomly generated when a block is created, which then generates a block header hash. The hash is a 256-bit number wedded to the nonce. It must start with a huge number of zeroes (i.e., be extremely small). When the first block of a chain is created, a nonce generates the cryptographic hash. The data in the block is considered signed and forever tied to the nonce and hash unless it is mined. Miners: Miners create new blocks on the chain through a process called mining. In a blockchain every block has its own unique nonce and hash, but also references the hash of the previous block in the chain, so mining a block is not easy, especially on large chains. Miners use special software to solve the incredibly complex math problem of finding a nonce that generates an accepted hash. Because the nonce is only 32 bits and the hash is 256, there are roughly four billion possible nonce-hash combinations that must be mined before the right one is found. When that happens, miners are said to have found the “golden nonce” and their block is added to the chain. Making a change to any block earlier in the chain requires re-mining not just the block with the change, but all of the blocks that come after. This is why it’s extremely difficult to manipulate blockchain technology. Think of it as “safety in math” since finding golden nonces requires an enormous amount of time and computing power. When a block is successfully mined, the change is accepted by all of the nodes on the network and the miner is rewarded financially. Nodes: One of the most important concepts in blockchain technology is decentralization. No one computer or organization can own the chain. Instead, it is a distributed ledger via the nodes connected to the chain. Nodes can be any kind of electronic device that maintains copies of the blockchain and keeps the network functioning. Every node has its own copy of the blockchain and the network must algorithmically approve any newly mined block for the chain to be updated, trusted and verified. Since blockchains are transparent, every action in the ledger can be easily checked and viewed. Each participant is given a unique alphanumeric identification number that shows their transactions. Benefits of using Blockchain Technology: Immutability: In Blockchain, there is no possibility of changing the data or altering the data; the data present inside the Blockchain is permanent; one cannot delete or undo it. Transparency: By utilizing blockchain technology, organizations and enterprises can go for a complete decentralized network where there is no need for any centralized authority, thus improving the transparency of the entire system. High Availability: Unlike centralized systems, Blockchain is a decentralized system of P2P network which is highly available due to its decentralized nature. Since in the Blockchain network, everyone is on a P2P network, and everyone has a computer running, therefore, even if one peer goes down, the other peers still work. High Security: This is another major benefit that Blockchain offers. Technology is assumed to offer high security as all the transactions of Blockchain are cryptographically secure and provide integrity. Thus instead of relying on third-party, you need to put your trust in cryptographic algorithms. Question 16 of 35 16. Question Consider the following: Thermostatic expansion valves Closed-circuit television (CCTV) Wireless microphones Near-field communication (NFC) Ultra-wideband (UWB) Which of the above are examples of the short-range communicable devices? a) 1 2 3 and 5 only b) 1 2 and 3 only c) 1 2 3 and 4 only d) 1 2 3 4 and 5 Correct Solution (d) Short Range Devices (SRD) are radio devices that offer a low risk of interference with other radio services, usually because their transmitted power, and hence their range, is low. The definition ‘Short Range Device’ may be applied to many different types of wireless equipment, including various forms of: Access control (including door and gate openers) Alarms and movement detectors Closed-circuit television (CCTV) Cordless audio devices, including wireless microphones Industrial control Local Area Networks Medical implants Metering devices Remote control Radio frequency identification (RFID) Road Transport Telematics Thermostatic expansion valves Near-field communication (NFC) Ultra-wideband (UWB) Incorrect Solution (d) Short Range Devices (SRD) are radio devices that offer a low risk of interference with other radio services, usually because their transmitted power, and hence their range, is low. The definition ‘Short Range Device’ may be applied to many different types of wireless equipment, including various forms of: Access control (including door and gate openers) Alarms and movement detectors Closed-circuit television (CCTV) Cordless audio devices, including wireless microphones Industrial control Local Area Networks Medical implants Metering devices Remote control Radio frequency identification (RFID) Road Transport Telematics Thermostatic expansion valves Near-field communication (NFC) Ultra-wideband (UWB) Question 17 of 35 17. Question The term ‘Juice Jacking’ is related to which of the following? a) Quantum computing b) Missile interception c) Cyber attack d) Territorial warfare Correct Solution (c) Juice Jacking is an attack carried out by hackers through a USB charging cable. When a user plugs in the charging cable in his mobile’s charging port, and connects it to any of the rigged charging stations installed at public spaces such as airports, train stations, hotels, cafes etc – it gives a backdoor entry to hackers into the compromised device. The charging port which is also used for data transfer over the USB, is pointed as the main cause of concern over here. SBI has publicly issued a warning of ‘Juice Jacking’ through its twitter handle. The bank has advised its customers and general public to “think twice before plugging-in their phone at (pubic) charging stations, as hackers can maliciously infect their smart phone with a malware.” Incorrect Solution (c) Juice Jacking is an attack carried out by hackers through a USB charging cable. When a user plugs in the charging cable in his mobile’s charging port, and connects it to any of the rigged charging stations installed at public spaces such as airports, train stations, hotels, cafes etc – it gives a backdoor entry to hackers into the compromised device. The charging port which is also used for data transfer over the USB, is pointed as the main cause of concern over here. SBI has publicly issued a warning of ‘Juice Jacking’ through its twitter handle. The bank has advised its customers and general public to “think twice before plugging-in their phone at (pubic) charging stations, as hackers can maliciously infect their smart phone with a malware.” Question 18 of 35 18. Question Consider the following pairs:               Mission and associated agency BepiColombo – National Aeronautics and Space Administration Chandrayan 3 – Indian Space Research Organisation Voyager 2 – European Space Agency Parker Solar Probe – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency How many pairs given above is/are correctly matched? a) One pair only b) Two pairs only c) Three pairs only d) All four pairs Correct Solution (a) The BepiColombo mission, collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) captured this beautiful image of Mercury’s crater-marked surface as the spacecraft flew close to the planet for a gravity assist maneuver. (Hence 1st pair is incorrect) Chandrayaan-3 mission Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of the CE-20 cryogenic engine that will power the cryogenic upper stage of the launch vehicle for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third moon mission and is a follow-up of Chandrayaan-2 of July 2019, which aimed to land a rover on the lunar South Pole. The mission is scheduled to be launched later in 2023 by Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The subsequent failure of the Vikram lander led to the pursuit of another mission to demonstrate the landing capabilities needed for the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission proposed in partnership with Japan for 2024. The Mission will have three major modules- the Propulsion module, Lander module and Rover. The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration till 100 km lunar orbit. The Lander will have the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the Rover which will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility. (Hence 2nd pair is correct) Voyager mission: Launched in the 1970’s, and the probes sent by NASA were only meant to explore the outer planets – but they just kept on going. Voyager 1 departed Earth on 5 September 1977, a few days after Voyager 2 and left our solar system in 2013. The mission objective of the Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM) is to extend the NASA exploration of the solar system beyond the neighborhood of the outer planets to the outer limits of the Sun’s sphere of influence, and possibly beyond. The Voyager spacecraft are the third and fourth human spacecraft to fly beyond all the planets in our solar system. Pioneers 10 and 11 preceded Voyager in outstripping the gravitational attraction of the Sun but on February 17, 1998, Voyager 1 passed Pioneer 10 to become the most distant human-made object in space. Voyager 2 is the only probe ever to study Neptune and Uranus during planetary flybys. It is the second man-made object to leave our planet. Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited all four gas giant planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — and discovered 16 moons, as well as phenomena like Neptune’s mysteriously transient Great Dark Spot, the cracks in Europa’s ice shell, and ring features at every planet. (Hence 3rd pair is incorrect) Parker Solar Probe Recently, one of the instruments on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe powered down unexpectedly and the mission team expects it to come back online soon. It was launched in 2018 and will travel through the sun’s atmosphere, closer to the surface than any spacecraft before it. In order to unlock the mysteries of the sun’s atmosphere this will use Venus’ gravity during seven flybys over nearly seven years to gradually bring its orbit closer to the sun. (Hence 4rth pair is incorrect) Parker Solar Probe has three detailed science objectives: Trace the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind. Determine the structure and dynamics of the plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind. Explore mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles. Incorrect Solution (a) The BepiColombo mission, collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) captured this beautiful image of Mercury’s crater-marked surface as the spacecraft flew close to the planet for a gravity assist maneuver. (Hence 1st pair is incorrect) Chandrayaan-3 mission Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of the CE-20 cryogenic engine that will power the cryogenic upper stage of the launch vehicle for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third moon mission and is a follow-up of Chandrayaan-2 of July 2019, which aimed to land a rover on the lunar South Pole. The mission is scheduled to be launched later in 2023 by Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The subsequent failure of the Vikram lander led to the pursuit of another mission to demonstrate the landing capabilities needed for the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission proposed in partnership with Japan for 2024. The Mission will have three major modules- the Propulsion module, Lander module and Rover. The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration till 100 km lunar orbit. The Lander will have the capability to soft land at a specified lunar site and deploy the Rover which will carry out in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during the course of its mobility. (Hence 2nd pair is correct) Voyager mission: Launched in the 1970’s, and the probes sent by NASA were only meant to explore the outer planets – but they just kept on going. Voyager 1 departed Earth on 5 September 1977, a few days after Voyager 2 and left our solar system in 2013. The mission objective of the Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM) is to extend the NASA exploration of the solar system beyond the neighborhood of the outer planets to the outer limits of the Sun’s sphere of influence, and possibly beyond. The Voyager spacecraft are the third and fourth human spacecraft to fly beyond all the planets in our solar system. Pioneers 10 and 11 preceded Voyager in outstripping the gravitational attraction of the Sun but on February 17, 1998, Voyager 1 passed Pioneer 10 to become the most distant human-made object in space. Voyager 2 is the only probe ever to study Neptune and Uranus during planetary flybys. It is the second man-made object to leave our planet. Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited all four gas giant planets — Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — and discovered 16 moons, as well as phenomena like Neptune’s mysteriously transient Great Dark Spot, the cracks in Europa’s ice shell, and ring features at every planet. (Hence 3rd pair is incorrect) Parker Solar Probe Recently, one of the instruments on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe powered down unexpectedly and the mission team expects it to come back online soon. It was launched in 2018 and will travel through the sun’s atmosphere, closer to the surface than any spacecraft before it. In order to unlock the mysteries of the sun’s atmosphere this will use Venus’ gravity during seven flybys over nearly seven years to gradually bring its orbit closer to the sun. (Hence 4rth pair is incorrect) Parker Solar Probe has three detailed science objectives: Trace the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind. Determine the structure and dynamics of the plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind. Explore mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles. Question 19 of 35 19. Question The Project 75(I) is often mentioned in news is related to? a) Aircraft carrier b) Highways c) Submarines d) Railways Correct Solution (c) Recently, Russia has withdrawn from Project 75(I) stating the terms and conditions in the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of six advanced submarines as unrealistic. Indian Navy P-75 1 submarine project is listed in Phase I of the Indian Navy’s 30 Year indigenous submarine construction plan approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on 13 Jul 1999. The plan envisages the construction of 24 submarines indigenously along with public and private industries, of appropriate designs in two phases. In Phase I (2000 – 2015), the plan had two parts. The first part is the construction of P 75 was started in Oct 2005 The first of the Project – 75 submarines was commissioned into the Navy in December 2017 . The second part, Project 75(I), six submarines from the Eastern design like the 877EKM or a derivative like Amur 1650, was to be constructed simultaneously. Project-75(I) envisages indigenous construction of six modern conventional submarines (including associated shore support, Engineering Support Package, training and spares package) with contemporary equipment, weapons & sensors including Fuel-Cell based AIP (Air Independent Propulsion Plant), advanced torpedoes, modern missiles and state of the art countermeasure systems. Significance: The project would not only aid in boosting the core submarine/ship building industry but would also greatly enhance the manufacturing/industrial sector, especially the MSME by development of an industrial eco-system for manufacture of associated spares/systems/equipment related to submarines. The overall aim would be to progressively build indigenous capabilities in the public/private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of the Armed Forces. Incorrect Solution (c) Recently, Russia has withdrawn from Project 75(I) stating the terms and conditions in the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of six advanced submarines as unrealistic. Indian Navy P-75 1 submarine project is listed in Phase I of the Indian Navy’s 30 Year indigenous submarine construction plan approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on 13 Jul 1999. The plan envisages the construction of 24 submarines indigenously along with public and private industries, of appropriate designs in two phases. In Phase I (2000 – 2015), the plan had two parts. The first part is the construction of P 75 was started in Oct 2005 The first of the Project – 75 submarines was commissioned into the Navy in December 2017 . The second part, Project 75(I), six submarines from the Eastern design like the 877EKM or a derivative like Amur 1650, was to be constructed simultaneously. Project-75(I) envisages indigenous construction of six modern conventional submarines (including associated shore support, Engineering Support Package, training and spares package) with contemporary equipment, weapons & sensors including Fuel-Cell based AIP (Air Independent Propulsion Plant), advanced torpedoes, modern missiles and state of the art countermeasure systems. Significance: The project would not only aid in boosting the core submarine/ship building industry but would also greatly enhance the manufacturing/industrial sector, especially the MSME by development of an industrial eco-system for manufacture of associated spares/systems/equipment related to submarines. The overall aim would be to progressively build indigenous capabilities in the public/private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of the Armed Forces. Question 20 of 35 20. Question Which one of the following is the best description of ‘NASAMS’, that was in the news recently? a) It is a ground-based air defense system b) It is an anti-tank missile c) It is a satellite communication technology d) It is a stealth destroyer Correct Solution (a) The United States recently announced the approval of a $285 million sale of a NASAMS air defense system and related equipment to Ukraine. About NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System): It is a medium-range ground-based air defense system. It is designed to engage air targets at low and medium altitudes in all weather conditions. It was designed and developed jointly by Raytheon (United States) and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway). It is used by Norway, the United States, Canada, Chile, Finland, Indonesia, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. It is best suited to defend important stationary assets, such as key military assets, infrastructure, or cities. It has been integrated into the S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005. Hence option (a) is the correct answer. Features: It is the world’s first networked short- and medium-range air defense system that could integrate with other equipment and air defense systems. It features an X-Band, 360-degree phased array air defense radar with a 75-kilometer (approximately 47-mile) range to identify targets. The NASAMS is armed with three launchers, each carrying up to six missiles. The system can engage 72 targets simultaneously in active and passive modes. It uses AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, which have been modified for ground launch and have an engagement range of about 30 kilometers. Incorrect Solution (a) The United States recently announced the approval of a $285 million sale of a NASAMS air defense system and related equipment to Ukraine. About NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System): It is a medium-range ground-based air defense system. It is designed to engage air targets at low and medium altitudes in all weather conditions. It was designed and developed jointly by Raytheon (United States) and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway). It is used by Norway, the United States, Canada, Chile, Finland, Indonesia, Netherlands, Oman, Qatar, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. It is best suited to defend important stationary assets, such as key military assets, infrastructure, or cities. It has been integrated into the S. National Capital Region’s air defense system since 2005. Hence option (a) is the correct answer. Features: It is the world’s first networked short- and medium-range air defense system that could integrate with other equipment and air defense systems. It features an X-Band, 360-degree phased array air defense radar with a 75-kilometer (approximately 47-mile) range to identify targets. The NASAMS is armed with three launchers, each carrying up to six missiles. The system can engage 72 targets simultaneously in active and passive modes. It uses AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, which have been modified for ground launch and have an engagement range of about 30 kilometers. Question 21 of 35 21. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD): It is an apex-level international annual conference of the Indian Navy. It is organised by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Its theme of 2023 was “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) is an apex-level international annual conference of the Indian Navy. Hence statement 1 is correct. It reviews the current geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region and identifies opportunities, dangers, and problems that are arising. It is organised by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) – the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner and chief organiser of each edition of the IPRD. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. NMF aims to review various maritime trends within the Indo-Pacific region and foster the exchange of solution-oriented dialogue amongst key stakeholders. Its theme of 2023 was “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”. Hence statement 3 is correct. It was held in 2018, 2019, and 2023 was held in New Delhi. In 2020, it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. In 2021, it was held online. Incorrect Solution (b) The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) is an apex-level international annual conference of the Indian Navy. Hence statement 1 is correct. It reviews the current geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region and identifies opportunities, dangers, and problems that are arising. It is organised by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) – the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner and chief organiser of each edition of the IPRD. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. NMF aims to review various maritime trends within the Indo-Pacific region and foster the exchange of solution-oriented dialogue amongst key stakeholders. Its theme of 2023 was “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”. Hence statement 3 is correct. It was held in 2018, 2019, and 2023 was held in New Delhi. In 2020, it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. In 2021, it was held online. Question 22 of 35 22. Question Consider the following statements about Lake Titicaca: It is located on the border of Bolivia and Peru in South America. It is the highest navigable lake globally. It is the largest freshwater lake in South America. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Bolivia and Peru in South America. Hence statement 1 is correct. The lake is divided into two nearly distinct subbasins, and these are connected by the Strait of Tiquina. It is the highest navigable lake globally. Hence statement 2 is correct. The lake was once seen as a deity by the pre-Columbian people who lived on its shores. It is the largest freshwater lake in South America. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (c) Lake Titicaca is located on the border of Bolivia and Peru in South America. Hence statement 1 is correct. The lake is divided into two nearly distinct subbasins, and these are connected by the Strait of Tiquina. It is the highest navigable lake globally. Hence statement 2 is correct. The lake was once seen as a deity by the pre-Columbian people who lived on its shores. It is the largest freshwater lake in South America. Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 23 of 35 23. Question Consider the following statements regarding Sovereign Green Bonds: They are fixed interest-bearing financial instruments issued by private entities only. The proceeds of these bonds are used only for environmentally conscious, climate-resilient projects. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (b) Sovereign Green Bonds are fixed interest-bearing financial instruments issued by any sovereign entity / inter-governmental organization/corporation. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. Since these bonds are issued by the government entity, they carry nil credit and default risk. Green bonds are a good investment vehicle for those who are more concerned with the sustainable social development and greening of brown industries. The proceeds of these bonds are used only for environmentally conscious, climate-resilient projects. Hence statement 2 is correct. Incorrect Solution (b) Sovereign Green Bonds are fixed interest-bearing financial instruments issued by any sovereign entity / inter-governmental organization/corporation. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. Since these bonds are issued by the government entity, they carry nil credit and default risk. Green bonds are a good investment vehicle for those who are more concerned with the sustainable social development and greening of brown industries. The proceeds of these bonds are used only for environmentally conscious, climate-resilient projects. Hence statement 2 is correct. Question 24 of 35 24. Question Consider the following statements: Lead acid batteries are used in automotive starting batteries and backup power systems. Lithium-ion batteries are used in smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used in portable power tools and medical equipment. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) An electric battery is a device that stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and releases it as electrical power when needed. Lead acid batteries are used in automotive starting batteries and backup power systems. Hence statement 1 is correct. Lithium-ion batteries are used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and digital cameras. Hence statement 2 is correct. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used in portable power tools, emergency lighting, and medical equipment. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (c) An electric battery is a device that stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and releases it as electrical power when needed. Lead acid batteries are used in automotive starting batteries and backup power systems. Hence statement 1 is correct. Lithium-ion batteries are used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and digital cameras. Hence statement 2 is correct. Nickel-cadmium batteries are used in portable power tools, emergency lighting, and medical equipment. Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 25 of 35 25. Question Consider the following statements: Both the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and the Special Marriage Act of 1954 apply to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion, caste, or community. The Hindu Marriage Act provides specific grounds for divorce such as adultery, cruelty, and desertion while the Special Marriage Act provides only one ground for divorce i.e., irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The Hindu Marriage Act does not require the registration of marriages while the Special Marriage Act mandates the registration of marriages. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 applies only to Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities while the Special Marriage Act of 1954 applies to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion, caste, or community. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, marriage is a religious sacrament, and the ceremony is conducted according to the religious customs of the parties involved while the Special Marriage Act provides a civil marriage framework, where couples can register their marriage without any religious ceremony. The Hindu Marriage Act provides specific grounds for divorce such as adultery, cruelty, and desertion while the Special Marriage Act provides only one ground for divorce i.e., irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Hence statement 2 is correct. The Hindu Marriage Act provides for several family law provisions, including adoption, maintenance, and guardianship of children while the Special Marriage Act does not cover all those matters. The Hindu Marriage Act does not require the registration of marriages while the Special Marriage Act mandates the registration of marriages. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (b) The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 applies only to Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities while the Special Marriage Act of 1954 applies to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion, caste, or community. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, marriage is a religious sacrament, and the ceremony is conducted according to the religious customs of the parties involved while the Special Marriage Act provides a civil marriage framework, where couples can register their marriage without any religious ceremony. The Hindu Marriage Act provides specific grounds for divorce such as adultery, cruelty, and desertion while the Special Marriage Act provides only one ground for divorce i.e., irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Hence statement 2 is correct. The Hindu Marriage Act provides for several family law provisions, including adoption, maintenance, and guardianship of children while the Special Marriage Act does not cover all those matters. The Hindu Marriage Act does not require the registration of marriages while the Special Marriage Act mandates the registration of marriages. Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 26 of 35 26. Question Which of the following are the four fundamental forces of the Universe? Weak force Electromagnetic force Strong force Gravity Choose the correct code: a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution (d) The four fundamental forces of the Universe: Weak force – It is responsible for certain kinds of radioactive decay. For example, the kind of decay measured by archaeologists when they perform radiocarbon dating. It operates only up to distances of 10-18 m – about one-thousandth the size of a proton. Electromagnetic force – It is the force responsible for the way matter generates and responds to electricity and magnetism. Strong force – It ranges over somewhat longer distances, around 10-15 m. It keeps the nucleus of an atom bound together, rather than flying apart, and sustains the nuclear fusion that powers the sun. Gravity – It is the force that pulls us to the surface of the Earth, keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun, and causes the formation of planets, stars, and galaxies. Hence option d is correct. Incorrect Solution (d) The four fundamental forces of the Universe: Weak force – It is responsible for certain kinds of radioactive decay. For example, the kind of decay measured by archaeologists when they perform radiocarbon dating. It operates only up to distances of 10-18 m – about one-thousandth the size of a proton. Electromagnetic force – It is the force responsible for the way matter generates and responds to electricity and magnetism. Strong force – It ranges over somewhat longer distances, around 10-15 m. It keeps the nucleus of an atom bound together, rather than flying apart, and sustains the nuclear fusion that powers the sun. Gravity – It is the force that pulls us to the surface of the Earth, keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun, and causes the formation of planets, stars, and galaxies. Hence option d is correct. Question 27 of 35 27. Question Consider the following statements about Constantine Joseph Beschi: He was an Italian Jesuit missionary and Tamil scholar. His works include Thembavani and Sathurakarathi. He was appointed to the office of Dewan by Shah Jahan. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Constantine Joseph Beschi was an Italian Jesuit missionary and Tamil scholar. Hence statement 1 is correct. He also studied Sanskrit, Telugu, and Tamil assiduously and became a master of these languages, especially Tamil. His works include Thembavani and Sathurakarathi. Hence statement 2 is correct. He was known as Veeramamunivar. He was also known as Thairiyanathaswamy, and its translation reads Veeramamunivar. He was appointed to the office of Dewan by Chanda Sahib. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Chanda Sahib gifted Veeramamunivar four villages—Bokalur, Malwav, Arasur, and Nullur—north of the Kollidam in Tiruchi district. Incorrect Solution (b) Constantine Joseph Beschi was an Italian Jesuit missionary and Tamil scholar. Hence statement 1 is correct. He also studied Sanskrit, Telugu, and Tamil assiduously and became a master of these languages, especially Tamil. His works include Thembavani and Sathurakarathi. Hence statement 2 is correct. He was known as Veeramamunivar. He was also known as Thairiyanathaswamy, and its translation reads Veeramamunivar. He was appointed to the office of Dewan by Chanda Sahib. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Chanda Sahib gifted Veeramamunivar four villages—Bokalur, Malwav, Arasur, and Nullur—north of the Kollidam in Tiruchi district. Question 28 of 35 28. Question Consider the following statements about Igla-S: It is a man-portable air defence system that can be fired to bring down an enemy aircraft. It was developed by Israel and has range from 500m to 6 km. It can target up to an altitude of 10 km with a speed of 400 meters per second. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (a) Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system that can be fired to bring down an enemy aircraft. Hence statement 1 is correct. It has the capability of bringing down low-flying aircraft. It can also identify and neutralize air targets such as cruise missiles and drones. It was developed by Russia and has range from 500m to 6 km. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. It comprises a 9M342 missile, a 9P522 launching mechanism, a 9V866-2 mobile test station, and a 9F719-2 test set. It can target up to an altitude of 3.5 km with a speed of 400 meters per second. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Incorrect Solution (a) Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system that can be fired to bring down an enemy aircraft. Hence statement 1 is correct. It has the capability of bringing down low-flying aircraft. It can also identify and neutralize air targets such as cruise missiles and drones. It was developed by Russia and has range from 500m to 6 km. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. It comprises a 9M342 missile, a 9P522 launching mechanism, a 9V866-2 mobile test station, and a 9F719-2 test set. It can target up to an altitude of 3.5 km with a speed of 400 meters per second. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Question 29 of 35 29. Question Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: There are 75 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the more vulnerable groups among tribal communities. Criteria for Identifying PVTGs: Pre-agricultural level of technology Low level of literacy Economic backwardness A declining or stagnant population There are 75 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. It has been categorized as the Ministry of Home Affairs. Hence statement 1 is correct. Of these, the highest number of PVTGs are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12). Irular of Tamil Nadu and Konda Reddi tribes of Telangana are included in the list of PVTGs. Hence statement 2 is correct. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory – Andaman and Nicobar Island. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (c) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the more vulnerable groups among tribal communities. Criteria for Identifying PVTGs: Pre-agricultural level of technology Low level of literacy Economic backwardness A declining or stagnant population There are 75 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. It has been categorized as the Ministry of Home Affairs. Hence statement 1 is correct. Of these, the highest number of PVTGs are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12). Irular of Tamil Nadu and Konda Reddi tribes of Telangana are included in the list of PVTGs. Hence statement 2 is correct. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory – Andaman and Nicobar Island. Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 30 of 35 30. Question Consider the following statements about Casgevy It is a gene-editing therapy designed to treat leprosy. It utilizes the advanced CRISPR-Cas 9 tool for editing genes. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (b) Casgevy is a gene-editing therapy designed to treat sickle cell anaemia. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It works by editing the patient’s genes to revive fetal haemoglobin, which is normally switched off after birth. This compensates for the defective haemoglobin in sickle cells, reducing the disease’s severe symptoms and complications. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is the dominant form of hemoglobin present in the fetus during gestation. It utilizes the advanced CRISPR-Cas 9 tool for editing genes. Hence statement 2 is correct.   Incorrect Solution (b) Casgevy is a gene-editing therapy designed to treat sickle cell anaemia. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It works by editing the patient’s genes to revive fetal haemoglobin, which is normally switched off after birth. This compensates for the defective haemoglobin in sickle cells, reducing the disease’s severe symptoms and complications. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is the dominant form of hemoglobin present in the fetus during gestation. It utilizes the advanced CRISPR-Cas 9 tool for editing genes. Hence statement 2 is correct.   Question 31 of 35 31. Question 90, 180, 12, 50, 100, 200, ? , 3, 50, 4, 25, 2, 6, 30, 3 a) 150 b) 175 c) 225 d) 250 Correct Solution (a) Clearly, 90 = 30 x 3, 180 = 6 x 30, 12 = 2 x 6, 50 = 25 x 2, 100 = 4 x 25, 200 = 50 x 4. So, missing term = 3 x 50 = 150. Incorrect Solution (a) Clearly, 90 = 30 x 3, 180 = 6 x 30, 12 = 2 x 6, 50 = 25 x 2, 100 = 4 x 25, 200 = 50 x 4. So, missing term = 3 x 50 = 150. Question 32 of 35 32. Question The greatest number which will divide: 4003, 4126 and 4249, leaving the same remainder in each case a) 43 b) 41 c) 45 d) None of the above Correct Solution (b) Rule- Greatest number with which if we divide P, Q, R and it leaves same remainder in each case. Number is of form = HCF of (P – Q), (P – R) Therefore, HCF of (4126 – 4003), (4249 – 4003) = HCF of 123, 246 = 41.[Taken for Positive result]. Detailed Explanation: The numbers can be written as, 4003 = AX + P where P = Remainder 4126 = BX + P 4249 = CX + P (B – A) × X = 123 (C – B) × X = 246 Thus the X is factor of 123 and 246. Incorrect Solution (b) Rule- Greatest number with which if we divide P, Q, R and it leaves same remainder in each case. Number is of form = HCF of (P – Q), (P – R) Therefore, HCF of (4126 – 4003), (4249 – 4003) = HCF of 123, 246 = 41.[Taken for Positive result]. Detailed Explanation: The numbers can be written as, 4003 = AX + P where P = Remainder 4126 = BX + P 4249 = CX + P (B – A) × X = 123 (C – B) × X = 246 Thus the X is factor of 123 and 246. Question 33 of 35 33. Question In the following number series a wrong number is given. Find out the wrong number. 1, 3, 10, 21, 64, 129, 356, 777 a) 129 b) 21 c) 10 d) 356 Correct Solution (d) The given pattern is, 2nd term → 1*2+1 = 3 3rd term → 3*3+1 = 10 4th term → 10*2+1 = 21 5th term → 21*3+1 = 64 6th term → 64*2+1 = 129 7th term → 129*3+1= 388 So, 7th term 356 is wrong and must be replaced by 388. Incorrect Solution (d) The given pattern is, 2nd term → 1*2+1 = 3 3rd term → 3*3+1 = 10 4th term → 10*2+1 = 21 5th term → 21*3+1 = 64 6th term → 64*2+1 = 129 7th term → 129*3+1= 388 So, 7th term 356 is wrong and must be replaced by 388. Question 34 of 35 34. Question Find the number to be present in the place of? 12, 13, 25, 38, ?, 101, 164 a) 63 b) 72 c) 85 d) 65 Correct Solution (a) It is based on Fibonacci series The solution of the series is as follows. 12 13 25 = 12 + 13 38 = 13 + 25 63 = 25 + 38 101 = 38 + 63 164 = 101 + 63 Incorrect Solution (a) It is based on Fibonacci series The solution of the series is as follows. 12 13 25 = 12 + 13 38 = 13 + 25 63 = 25 + 38 101 = 38 + 63 164 = 101 + 63 Question 35 of 35 35. Question Find the missing term: 5760, 960, ?, 48, 16, 8 a) 120 b) 160 c) 192 d) 240 Correct Solution (c) The pattern is ÷ 6, ÷ 5, ÷ 4, ÷ 3, ÷ 2 So, missing term = 960 ÷ 5= 192 Incorrect Solution (c) The pattern is ÷ 6, ÷ 5, ÷ 4, ÷ 3, ÷ 2 So, missing term = 960 ÷ 5= 192 window.wpProQuizInitList = window.wpProQuizInitList || []; window.wpProQuizInitList.push({ id: '#wpProQuiz_3609', init: { quizId: 3609, mode: 1, globalPoints: 70, timelimit: 1800, resultsGrade: [0], bo: 704, qpp: 0, catPoints: [70], formPos: 0, lbn: "Test-summary", json: {"31590":{"type":"single","id":31590,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31591":{"type":"single","id":31591,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31594":{"type":"single","id":31594,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31596":{"type":"single","id":31596,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31599":{"type":"single","id":31599,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31602":{"type":"single","id":31602,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31603":{"type":"single","id":31603,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31605":{"type":"single","id":31605,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31606":{"type":"single","id":31606,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31609":{"type":"single","id":31609,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31610":{"type":"single","id":31610,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31612":{"type":"single","id":31612,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31615":{"type":"single","id":31615,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31616":{"type":"single","id":31616,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31619":{"type":"single","id":31619,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31621":{"type":"single","id":31621,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31622":{"type":"single","id":31622,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31624":{"type":"single","id":31624,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31627":{"type":"single","id":31627,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31630":{"type":"single","id":31630,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31632":{"type":"single","id":31632,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31634":{"type":"single","id":31634,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31635":{"type":"single","id":31635,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31638":{"type":"single","id":31638,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31641":{"type":"single","id":31641,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31643":{"type":"single","id":31643,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31645":{"type":"single","id":31645,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31648":{"type":"single","id":31648,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31650":{"type":"single","id":31650,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31652":{"type":"single","id":31652,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31653":{"type":"single","id":31653,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31655":{"type":"single","id":31655,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31656":{"type":"single","id":31656,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31659":{"type":"single","id":31659,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31661":{"type":"single","id":31661,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]}} } }); All the Best IASbaba

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th April 2024

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Ring of Fire Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Geography Context: Nine people died and more than 800 got injured in Taiwan after the island was hit by its biggest earthquake in at least 25 years Background:- Notably, Taiwan is prone to earthquakes as it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” — where 90% of the world’s earthquakes take place. The island and its surrounding waters have registered about 2,000 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or greater since 1980, and more than 100 earthquakes with a magnitude above 5.5. Ring of Fire The Ring of Fire is essentially a string of hundreds of volcanoes and earthquake-sites which runs along the Pacific Ocean. It is a semicircle or horse shoe in shape and stretches nearly 40,250 kilometres. The Ring of Fire traces the meeting points of numerous tectonic plates, including the Eurasian, North American, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, Caribbean, Nazca, Antarctic, Indian, Australian, Philippine, and other smaller plates, which all encircle the large Pacific Plate. It runs through 15 more countries including the USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Guatemala, Russia, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines. Why is the Ring of Fire vulnerable to earthquakes? The Ring of Fire witnesses so many earthquakes due to constant sliding past, colliding into, or moving above or below each other of the tectonic plates. As the edges of these plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving. An earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults. Taiwan experiences earthquakes due to the interactions of two tectonic plates — the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Why are there so many volcanoes in the Ring of Fire? The existence of volcanoes in the Ring of Fire is also due to the movement of tectonic plates. Many of the volcanoes have been formed through a process known as subduction. It takes place when two plates collide with each other and the heavier plate is shoved under another, creating a deep trench. When a ‘downgoing’ oceanic plate [like the Pacific Plate] is shoved into a hotter mantle plate, it heats up, volatile elements mix, and this produces the magma. The magma then rises up through the overlying plate and spurts out at the surface, which leads to the formation of volcanoes. Source: Indian Express Pelagia noctiluca Syllabus Prelims – Environment Context: In an unusual occurrence, a bloom of venomous jellyfish was reported by marine researchers across the Visakhapatnam coast on April 3 (Wednesday) morning. Background: Rarely seen in the East coast of India, scores of the venomous jellyfish species, with three to five centimetres long diameter of bell, were spotted across RK Beach and other parts of the coast, which are frequented by tourists and visitors. About Pelagia noctiluca: Pelagia noctiluca is a venomous species of jellyfish. It is also known as the mauve stinger or purple-striped jellyfish. These are bioluminescent, having an ability to produce light in the dark. It has a painful sting and it can cause different degrees of illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting and anaphylactic shock(a severe allergic reaction that can develop quickly and be life-threatening). Pelagia noctiluca is found worldwide in tropical and warm-temperature seas. Unlike other jellyfish species, it has stingers not just on the tentacles, but on the bell too. A jellyfish bloom is when the population of the species increases dramatically within a short period of time, usually due to a higher reproduction rate. According to marine biologists, jellyfish blooms are reported frequently as a result of rising ocean temperatures, one of the main causes of substantial population growths. Venomous jellyfish blooms have in the past been known to have caused massive damage to the fishing industry and impacted tourism.In the past, a bloom of Pelagia noctiluca had damaged penned salmon at a fish farm in Ireland. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Question Q1.)Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news? Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. None of the above ATOMIC CLOCKS Syllabus Prelims – Science Context: Recently,India is taking a significant step by deploying atomic clocks across the nation to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time (IST). Background: This initiative aims for “one nation, one time,” enhancing uniformity and national security. About ATOMIC CLOCKS An atomic clock is a highly accurate timekeeping device that combines a quartz crystal oscillator with an atom (typically caesium or hydrogen). It uses the consistent frequency of atoms to maintain accurate time, making it more stable than conventional quartz clocks. These clocks were invented in 1955 by Louise Essen. How Do Atomic Clocks Work? Atomic clocks use atoms, specifically the electronic transition from one state to another, as their “pendulum.” The vibrations of atoms (such as caesium or rubidium) serve as the basis for precise time measurement. By sending microwaves to these atoms, we can make them vibrate even more regularly. We then compare these vibrations with the vibrations of a quartz crystal in a regular clock. Types of Atomic Clocks: Caesium Atomic Clocks: These are widely used and serve as the primary standard for defining the SI second. Hydrogen Maser Atomic Clocks: Even more accurate than caesium clocks, hydrogen maser clocks find applications in scientific research. Atomic Clocks in India: The Council of Industrial and Scientific Research (CSIR)-National Physical Laboratories (NPL) in New Delhi maintains Indian Standard Time (IST) using caesium and hydrogen maser clocks. To enhance uniformity and national security, India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide. New atomic clocks are being set up in Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, and Hyderabad, in addition to existing ones in Faridabad and Ahmedabad. By June, these new clocks will be installed, and the government will require all device manufacturers to sync with Indian Standard Time. The goal is to connect all atomic clocks using optical cables for enhanced security. Why Indigenous Atomic Clocks? Ensures national security and independence in timekeeping. During the Kargil War in 1999, the US turned off GPS for the Indian Army, causing location inaccuracies. This incident prompted India to develop its own precise clock. Currently, most software operating modules rely on US-based Network Time Protocol servers. Only four countries—the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea—have developed their atomic clocks. Indian Standard Time (IST): IST was adopted on September 1, 1947, with only one time zone for the entire country. It is calculated from 82.5 degrees East longitude, near Mirzapur (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. IST is 5.30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) . Source: Livemint SWELL WAVES Syllabus Prelims – Geography Context: Recently, Swell waves have inundated coastal areas in central and southern districts of Kerala, causing concern for coastal communities and prompting district-level disaster management authorities to be on high alert. Background: These swell waves flooded beaches along the coastal regions in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur districts. About Swell waves: Swell waves refer to ocean waves that have travelled over long distances from their area of origin, usually generated by distant weather systems or storms. These waves typically have a consistent and smooth appearance and can travel thousands of kilometers across the ocean’s surface without breaking. Swell waves are a significant factor in shaping coastal areas and can cause inundation and erosion when they reach shore. They are composed of a series of surface gravity waves. They occur not due to the local winds, but rather due to distant storms like hurricanes, or even long periods of fierce gale winds. During such storms, a huge energy transfer takes place from the air into the water, leading to the formation of very high waves. These waves can propagate in directions that differ from the direction of the wind, in contrast to a wind sea. Their wavelengths may rarely exceed more than 150 m. In India, early warning systems like the Swell Surge Forecast System launched by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in 2020 gives forewarning seven days in advance. Source: Indian Express KODAIKKANAL SOLAR OBSERVATORY Syllabus Prelims – Science Context: The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), an iconic institution, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. Background: Established by the British East India Company, the KSO has played a pivotal role in solar research and observation in India. About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was established in 1899. The idea of a Solar Physics Observatory was sanctioned by the Government of India in August 1893. The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory is located on the southern tip of the Palani Hills in Southern India. Key Contributions and Discoveries: Evershed Effect: In 1909, the KSO confirmed the Evershed effect, which describes the radial motion in sunspots. Data Repository: Over a century of solar imaging has enriched the KSO’s data repository. This historical data helps reconstruct the Sun’s past behaviour and predict its future impact on Earth and space weather. Solar Observation: The KSO diligently observes and records the Sun’s characteristics, including daily white light photography. Equatorial Electrojet Monitoring: Located in the Palani Hills of southern India, the KSO plays a central role in observing changes to the equatorial electrojet, an electric current in Earth’s ionosphere. Public Outreach: The KSO actively engages in public outreach through workshops and educational initiatives. Source: Indian Express Separatism Syllabus Mains – GS 3 Context: The External Affairs Minister of India suggested focusing on the nexus between separatism and organized crime. Background: In discussing whether a diplomatic falling out between New Delhi and Canada, following the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June last year, would have global impact, including the U.K., External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar focused on what he called a heightened awareness of the nexus between separatism and organised crime. Separatism: It is a political phenomenon where political actors from one or more sub-systems shift their loyalties, expectations, and political activities away from a central jurisdiction and towards their own center. Factors responsible for the rise of separatist tendencies: Regional imbalance in economic development, for example, regional aspirations from Northeast India were mainly because the region suffered neglect in developmental terms after independence. Cultural identity that led to the demand for Nagalim which is based on the preservation of their different culture and social practices. Historical reasons like after independence one of the reasons for the movement for secession in Mizoram was that some Mizos believed that they were never a part of British India and therefore did not belong to the Indian union. Loss of public confidence in the capacity of the state to protect their life and property. For example, the demand for separate states in the West African states of Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Many secessionist movements have support from the international community in the form of ideological and financial support. India’s approach to separatist movements and other regional aspirations: India has responded to regional aspirations through democratic negotiations rather than through suppression for example signing the Mizo accord to bring peace in Mizoram. Groups and parties from the region are given a share in power so that they have a say in their development. Special attention and planning to ensure sustainable development of areas with inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to resources by programs like the Aspirational District Programme. There are special provisions for some states and regions to have autonomy. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution allows different tribes complete autonomy in preserving their practices and customary laws. Force is used against groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam for maintaining peace in the region. Source: The Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) Consider the following statements: The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) is located on the Palani Hills in Southern India. The KSO observes and records the Sun’s characteristics, including daily white light photography. KSO plays a central role in observing changes to the equatorial electrojet, an electric current in Earth’s ionosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only 2 and 3 All of the above Q2.) Consider the following statements about the Swell waves: Swell waves are usually generated by distant weather systems or storms. These waves can propagate in directions that differ from the direction of the wind. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q3.) Consider the following countries: The United States of America The United Kingdom Japan South Korea How many of the above-mentioned countries have developed their atomic clocks? Only one Only two Only three All four Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  4th April  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR  3rd April – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – c Q.3) – d

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2024 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 4th April 2024

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) – CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions.To take the Test Click Here

[DAY 28] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2024 – HISTORY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Archives Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test Time limit: 0 Test-summary 0 of 35 questions completed Questions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Information The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2023 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022. To view Solutions, follow these instructions: Click on – ‘Start Test’ button Solve Questions Click on ‘Test Summary’ button Click on ‘Finish Test’ button Now click on ‘View Questions’ button – here you will see solutions and links. You have already completed the test before. Hence you can not start it again. Test is loading... You must sign in or sign up to start the test. You have to finish following test, to start this test: Results 0 of 35 questions answered correctly Your time: Time has elapsed You have scored 0 points out of 0 points, (0) Average score     Your score     Categories Not categorized 0% Your result has been entered into leaderboard Loading Name: E-Mail: Captcha: maximum of 70 points Pos. Name Entered on Points Result Table is loading No data available 1 Aasif shmim 2024/04/04 1:47 PM 20 29.41 % 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Answered Review Question 1 of 35 1. Question Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Later Vedic period? Two prominent Early Vedic gods, Indra and Agni, lost their importance in the Later Vedic period. Pushan, who protected cattle in the former period, now became the god of the Sudras. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct Two prominent Early Vedic gods, Indra and Agni, lost their importance. Prajapati, the creator, became important. This phenomenon also represents the importance of sedentism now, since creation myths are important in the agrarian groups. Rudra, a minor deity in the Rigveda, became important now and Vishnu was conceived as the creator and protector of the universe. Pushan, who protected cattle in the former period, now became the god of the Sudras. The changing status of the deities is an indication of the change in the character of the tribes from pastoral groups to sedentary agriculturist groups. The Early Vedic gods, who represented natural phenomena, were slowly discarded and the personification of natural elements as divine beings became very complex. It was no longer easy to find the natural element which represented a particular god from the hymns of the Later Vedic period. Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct Two prominent Early Vedic gods, Indra and Agni, lost their importance. Prajapati, the creator, became important. This phenomenon also represents the importance of sedentism now, since creation myths are important in the agrarian groups. Rudra, a minor deity in the Rigveda, became important now and Vishnu was conceived as the creator and protector of the universe. Pushan, who protected cattle in the former period, now became the god of the Sudras. The changing status of the deities is an indication of the change in the character of the tribes from pastoral groups to sedentary agriculturist groups. The Early Vedic gods, who represented natural phenomena, were slowly discarded and the personification of natural elements as divine beings became very complex. It was no longer easy to find the natural element which represented a particular god from the hymns of the Later Vedic period. Question 2 of 35 2. Question Which of the following personalities were the famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age? Lopamudra Gargi Gosha Meera Bai Atukuri Molla Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1, 4 and 5 only b) 1, 2 and 4 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 only Correct Solution (d) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Statement 4 Statement 5 Correct Correct Correct Incorrect Incorrect Lopamudra – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age Gargi – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age Gosha – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age Meera Bai – Meera Bai (1502–1556 AD), in Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Hindi (she wrote in three languages), Avvayyar, in Tamil, and Akkamahadevi in Kannada, are well known for their sheer lyrical intensity and concentrated emotional appeal. Atukuri Molla – Atukuri Molla or Mollamamba(1440 A.D. -1530 A.D.) was a Telugu poet who authored the Telugu language Ramayana.  Note: Women writers like Ghosha, Lopamudra, Gargi, Maitreyi, Apala, Romasha Brahmavadini,, right from the days of the Vedas (6000 B.C. – 4000 B.C.), focused on the image of women in mainstream Sanskrit literature. The songs of Buddhist nuns (6th century B.C.) like Mutta and Ubbiri and Mettika in Pali express the torment of feelings for the life left behind. The Alwar women poets (6th century A.D.), like Andal and others, gave expression to their love for the divine. Lal Ded (1320-1384), the Muslim poetess from Kashmir, Lalded & Habba Khatun, represented the Sant tradition of bhakti and wrote Vakhs (maxims), which are peerless gems of spiritual experience. Meera Bai (1502–1556 AD), in Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Hindi (she wrote in three languages), Avvayyar, in Tamil, and Akkamahadevi in Kannada, are well known for their sheer lyrical intensity and concentrated emotional appeal. Their writings speak to us about the social conditions prevailing at that time, and the position of women at home and in society. They all wrote small lyrics or poems of devotional fervor, metaphysical depth, and with a spirit of dedication and utmost sincerity. Behind their mysticism and metaphysics is a divine sadness. They turned every wound inflicted by life into a poem. Atukuri Molla or Mollamamba (1440 A.D. -1530 A.D.) was a Telugu poet who authored the Telugu language Ramayana. Incorrect Solution (d) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Statement 4 Statement 5 Correct Correct Correct Incorrect Incorrect Lopamudra – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age Gargi – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age Gosha – famous poetesses of Indian Vedic age Meera Bai – Meera Bai (1502–1556 AD), in Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Hindi (she wrote in three languages), Avvayyar, in Tamil, and Akkamahadevi in Kannada, are well known for their sheer lyrical intensity and concentrated emotional appeal. Atukuri Molla – Atukuri Molla or Mollamamba(1440 A.D. -1530 A.D.) was a Telugu poet who authored the Telugu language Ramayana.  Note: Women writers like Ghosha, Lopamudra, Gargi, Maitreyi, Apala, Romasha Brahmavadini,, right from the days of the Vedas (6000 B.C. – 4000 B.C.), focused on the image of women in mainstream Sanskrit literature. The songs of Buddhist nuns (6th century B.C.) like Mutta and Ubbiri and Mettika in Pali express the torment of feelings for the life left behind. The Alwar women poets (6th century A.D.), like Andal and others, gave expression to their love for the divine. Lal Ded (1320-1384), the Muslim poetess from Kashmir, Lalded & Habba Khatun, represented the Sant tradition of bhakti and wrote Vakhs (maxims), which are peerless gems of spiritual experience. Meera Bai (1502–1556 AD), in Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Hindi (she wrote in three languages), Avvayyar, in Tamil, and Akkamahadevi in Kannada, are well known for their sheer lyrical intensity and concentrated emotional appeal. Their writings speak to us about the social conditions prevailing at that time, and the position of women at home and in society. They all wrote small lyrics or poems of devotional fervor, metaphysical depth, and with a spirit of dedication and utmost sincerity. Behind their mysticism and metaphysics is a divine sadness. They turned every wound inflicted by life into a poem. Atukuri Molla or Mollamamba (1440 A.D. -1530 A.D.) was a Telugu poet who authored the Telugu language Ramayana. Question 3 of 35 3. Question With reference to the Mahajanapadas in ancient Indian history, consider the following statements: Not all Mahajanapadas were ruled by the kings, some were ruled under oligarchies. Dharmasutras were written by the Brahmanas during this period. Avanti was one of the largest Mahajanapadas. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct While most Mahajanapadas were ruled by the kings, some, known as Ganas or Sanghas, were oligarchies, where power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called the Rajas. From sixth century BCE onwards, the Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts, known as the Dharmasutras. Avanti was one of the largest Mahajanapadas.     Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct While most Mahajanapadas were ruled by the kings, some, known as Ganas or Sanghas, were oligarchies, where power was shared by a number of men, often collectively called the Rajas. From sixth century BCE onwards, the Brahmanas began composing Sanskrit texts, known as the Dharmasutras. Avanti was one of the largest Mahajanapadas.     Question 4 of 35 4. Question Consider the following statements about literature of Vedic age: Nirukta is the collection of Vedic words. Pratishakhya is the oldest text on phonetics. During the Vedic age, the study of grammar was not done in India. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect Nirukta (Etymology): ‘Nirukta’ (Yask) based on ‘Nighantu’ (Kashyap) is a collection of difficult vedic words (‘Nighantu’: oldest word-collection of the world; ‘Nirukta’: oldest dictionary of the world)   Shiksha (Phonetics): ‘Pratishakhya’ is the oldest text on phonetics.   Vyakarana (Grammar): ‘Ashtadhyayi’ (Panini) is the oldest grammar of the world. Panini was a Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India, variously dated between the 6th and 4th century BCE Note: Literature of Vedic Tradition comprises of 6 literary works – Vedangas, Smriti Dharmashastras, Mahakavyas, Puranas, Upvedas, Shad-Darshanas. There are 6 Vedangas – Shiksha (Phonetics): ‘Pratishakhya’ is the oldest text on phonetics. Kalpa Sutras (Rituals): Shrauta Sutras/Sulva Sutras: deal with sacrifices Grihya Sutras: deal with family ceremonies Dharma Sutras: deal with Varnas, Ashramas Vyakarana (Grammar): ‘Ashtadhyayi’ (Panini) is the oldest grammar of the world Nirukta (Etymology): ‘Nirukta’ (Yask) based on ‘Nighantu’ (Kashyap) is a collection of difficult vedic words (‘Nighantu’: oldest word-collection of the world; ‘Nirukta’: oldest dictionary of the world) Chhanda (Metrics): ‘Chhandasutras’ (Pingal) is a famous text in this tradition. Jyotisha (Astronomy): ‘Vedanga Jyotisha’ (Lagadh Muni) is the oldest Jyotisha text. Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect Nirukta (Etymology): ‘Nirukta’ (Yask) based on ‘Nighantu’ (Kashyap) is a collection of difficult vedic words (‘Nighantu’: oldest word-collection of the world; ‘Nirukta’: oldest dictionary of the world)   Shiksha (Phonetics): ‘Pratishakhya’ is the oldest text on phonetics.   Vyakarana (Grammar): ‘Ashtadhyayi’ (Panini) is the oldest grammar of the world. Panini was a Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India, variously dated between the 6th and 4th century BCE Note: Literature of Vedic Tradition comprises of 6 literary works – Vedangas, Smriti Dharmashastras, Mahakavyas, Puranas, Upvedas, Shad-Darshanas. There are 6 Vedangas – Shiksha (Phonetics): ‘Pratishakhya’ is the oldest text on phonetics. Kalpa Sutras (Rituals): Shrauta Sutras/Sulva Sutras: deal with sacrifices Grihya Sutras: deal with family ceremonies Dharma Sutras: deal with Varnas, Ashramas Vyakarana (Grammar): ‘Ashtadhyayi’ (Panini) is the oldest grammar of the world Nirukta (Etymology): ‘Nirukta’ (Yask) based on ‘Nighantu’ (Kashyap) is a collection of difficult vedic words (‘Nighantu’: oldest word-collection of the world; ‘Nirukta’: oldest dictionary of the world) Chhanda (Metrics): ‘Chhandasutras’ (Pingal) is a famous text in this tradition. Jyotisha (Astronomy): ‘Vedanga Jyotisha’ (Lagadh Muni) is the oldest Jyotisha text. Question 5 of 35 5. Question Consider the following statements about philosophies in Ancient India: Sankhya school believes that the universe is composed of consciousness and prakriti. Nyaya School was founded by Kapila. Vaishesika School believes that everything in the universe is composed of atoms. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Correct Sankhya school was founded by Kapila. Sankhya sutra was the principal text of this school. Sankhya School believes that the universe consists of two components: Prakriti (matter, creative agency, energy) and Purush (self, soul or mind).   Nyaya School was founded by Gautama Muni. Nyaya Philosophy states that nothing is acceptable unless it is in accordance with reason and experience (scientific approach). Nyaya is considered as a technique of logical thinking. Nyaya Sutras say that there are four means of attaining valid knowledge: perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony.   Vaishesika School was founded by Uluka Kanada. Vaishesika Sutra was the principal text of this school. Vaishesika School believes that universe is composed of elementary paramanu (atoms). Hence, this school is also called atomic theory.   Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Correct Sankhya school was founded by Kapila. Sankhya sutra was the principal text of this school. Sankhya School believes that the universe consists of two components: Prakriti (matter, creative agency, energy) and Purush (self, soul or mind).   Nyaya School was founded by Gautama Muni. Nyaya Philosophy states that nothing is acceptable unless it is in accordance with reason and experience (scientific approach). Nyaya is considered as a technique of logical thinking. Nyaya Sutras say that there are four means of attaining valid knowledge: perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony.   Vaishesika School was founded by Uluka Kanada. Vaishesika Sutra was the principal text of this school. Vaishesika School believes that universe is composed of elementary paramanu (atoms). Hence, this school is also called atomic theory.   Question 6 of 35 6. Question Consider the following statements Fahien, a Chinese pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. According to Fahien, Buddhism was in a flourishing condition in northwestern India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct Fahien, a Chinese pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. The main purpose of his visit was to see the land of the Buddha and to collect Buddhist manuscripts from India. He stayed in Pataliputra for three years studying Sanskrit and copying Buddhist texts. He came to India by land route and returned by sea route. According to Fahien, Buddhism was in a flourishing condition in northwestern India but in the Gangetic valley, it was in a state of neglect. He refers to the Gangetic valley as the ‘land of Brahmanism’. He provides valuable information on the religious, social, and economic conditions of the Gupta empire. Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct Fahien, a Chinese pilgrim, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. The main purpose of his visit was to see the land of the Buddha and to collect Buddhist manuscripts from India. He stayed in Pataliputra for three years studying Sanskrit and copying Buddhist texts. He came to India by land route and returned by sea route. According to Fahien, Buddhism was in a flourishing condition in northwestern India but in the Gangetic valley, it was in a state of neglect. He refers to the Gangetic valley as the ‘land of Brahmanism’. He provides valuable information on the religious, social, and economic conditions of the Gupta empire. Question 7 of 35 7. Question Which of the following features characterize the Pre-Mauryan (6th century B.C to 4th century B.C) period in north India? Punch marked coins Guild system Paddy transplantation technique How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Although terms like Nishka and Sathamana found in Vedic texts are taken to be names of coins, coins actually found are not earlier than the 6th century B.C. Coins made of metal first appear in the age of Buddha (Buddha was born in the 6th century B.C., or possibly as early as 624 B.C., according to some scholars. They are called Punch-marked because pieces of these metals were punched with certain marks such as hills, trees, fish etc., The Pali texts indicate plentiful use of these coins that wages , prices and taxes were paid in it. The discovery of many hoards of punch-marked coins suggest that the payment of taxes was made both in cash and kind. Although no rural settlements of pre-Mauryan times were excavated, it is obvious that without a strong rural base, one cannot think of the beginning of crafts, commerce and urbanization in the middle Gangetic basin. Specialized craftsmen tended to form guilds because it facilitated carriage of raw materials and the distribution of finished articles. At least 18 Guilds or Sirenis of artisans were known and functional. However, the guild was not the highly developed mercantile system that it was to become later. Each guild inhabited a particular section of the town   The use of the term for transplantation is found in Pali and Sanskrit texts of the period indicating large-scale use of this technique during the times of Buddha. It enormously added to the yield. Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Although terms like Nishka and Sathamana found in Vedic texts are taken to be names of coins, coins actually found are not earlier than the 6th century B.C. Coins made of metal first appear in the age of Buddha (Buddha was born in the 6th century B.C., or possibly as early as 624 B.C., according to some scholars. They are called Punch-marked because pieces of these metals were punched with certain marks such as hills, trees, fish etc., The Pali texts indicate plentiful use of these coins that wages , prices and taxes were paid in it. The discovery of many hoards of punch-marked coins suggest that the payment of taxes was made both in cash and kind. Although no rural settlements of pre-Mauryan times were excavated, it is obvious that without a strong rural base, one cannot think of the beginning of crafts, commerce and urbanization in the middle Gangetic basin. Specialized craftsmen tended to form guilds because it facilitated carriage of raw materials and the distribution of finished articles. At least 18 Guilds or Sirenis of artisans were known and functional. However, the guild was not the highly developed mercantile system that it was to become later. Each guild inhabited a particular section of the town   The use of the term for transplantation is found in Pali and Sanskrit texts of the period indicating large-scale use of this technique during the times of Buddha. It enormously added to the yield. Question 8 of 35 8. Question Regarding the teachings of Buddha, consider the following statements According to him following the four fold path one can get rid of suffering. Buddha laid great emphasis on the law of karma. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Correct By following his eightfold path, one can get rid of suffering. The Eightfold Path consists of the right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The Four Noble Truths of Buddha are: • The world is full of suffering. • The cause of suffering is desire. • If desires are get rid off, suffering can be removed. • This can be done by following the Eightfold Path   Buddha laid great emphasis on the law of karma. He argued that the condition of man in this life depends upon his deeds. He taught that the soul does not exist and emphasized Ahimsa.   Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Incorrect Correct By following his eightfold path, one can get rid of suffering. The Eightfold Path consists of the right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The Four Noble Truths of Buddha are: • The world is full of suffering. • The cause of suffering is desire. • If desires are get rid off, suffering can be removed. • This can be done by following the Eightfold Path   Buddha laid great emphasis on the law of karma. He argued that the condition of man in this life depends upon his deeds. He taught that the soul does not exist and emphasized Ahimsa.   Question 9 of 35 9. Question The Karmaprabhrita and the Kashayaprabhrita are the canonical works recognized by: a) Mahayana Buddhism b) Hinayana Buddhism c) Shvetambara Jains d) Digambara Jains Correct Solution (d) The Jain sacred literatures were initially preserved orally from the time of Mahavira. These literatures were systematized by the Jain council from time to time. The first systematization of the Jain canonical literature took place in a council at Pataliputra (Patna) by the end of 4th Century B.C. and again in two other councils in the early 3rd century B.C. in Mathura and Valabhi. The fourth and last Jain council took place at Valabhi in 454 or 467 4.D. This council is said to be the source of the Svetambara Jain scripture. The Svetambara canon consists of 45 Agamas: 11 Anga (parts) (originally consisted of 12 Angas, the 12th having been lost) 12 Upanga (sub-parts) 4 Mula-Sutra, 6 Chedasutras, 2 Chulika-sutras, 10 Prakirnakas (mixed texts). This makes the canon of the lain (Svetambara) religion. Thus, the Svetambaras follow the Agama as their secret scripture. The Digambaras, however, are of the opinion that the original canon of Jainism is lost and that the substance of Mahaviras’ message is contained in the writings of ancient religious figures. They recognise two works in Prakrit: the Karmaprabhrita – chapters on Karman composed by Puspandanta and Bhutabalin and the Kashayaprabhrita – chapters on Kasayas composed by Gunudhara. Incorrect Solution (d) The Jain sacred literatures were initially preserved orally from the time of Mahavira. These literatures were systematized by the Jain council from time to time. The first systematization of the Jain canonical literature took place in a council at Pataliputra (Patna) by the end of 4th Century B.C. and again in two other councils in the early 3rd century B.C. in Mathura and Valabhi. The fourth and last Jain council took place at Valabhi in 454 or 467 4.D. This council is said to be the source of the Svetambara Jain scripture. The Svetambara canon consists of 45 Agamas: 11 Anga (parts) (originally consisted of 12 Angas, the 12th having been lost) 12 Upanga (sub-parts) 4 Mula-Sutra, 6 Chedasutras, 2 Chulika-sutras, 10 Prakirnakas (mixed texts). This makes the canon of the lain (Svetambara) religion. Thus, the Svetambaras follow the Agama as their secret scripture. The Digambaras, however, are of the opinion that the original canon of Jainism is lost and that the substance of Mahaviras’ message is contained in the writings of ancient religious figures. They recognise two works in Prakrit: the Karmaprabhrita – chapters on Karman composed by Puspandanta and Bhutabalin and the Kashayaprabhrita – chapters on Kasayas composed by Gunudhara. Question 10 of 35 10. Question Consider the following statements about the source of income during the period of Mahajanapadas? Farmers were the main source of taxes A craftsperson had to pay taxes in the form of free labor Taxes were also collected from the herders How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Taxes on crops were the most important. This was because most people were farmers. Usually, the tax was fixed at 1/6th of what was produced. This was known as bhaga or a share. There were taxes on crafts persons as well. These could have been in the form of labour. For example, a weaver or a smith may have had to work for a day every month for the king. Herders were also expected to pay taxes in the form of animals and animal produce. Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Taxes on crops were the most important. This was because most people were farmers. Usually, the tax was fixed at 1/6th of what was produced. This was known as bhaga or a share. There were taxes on crafts persons as well. These could have been in the form of labour. For example, a weaver or a smith may have had to work for a day every month for the king. Herders were also expected to pay taxes in the form of animals and animal produce. Question 11 of 35 11. Question Consider the following statements about Second Buddhist council: King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty patronized the Second Buddhist council It was held at Rajgir. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect The second Buddhist council was held under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty. It took place in 383 BC, a hundred years after the Buddha’s death. It took place at Vaishali. The council was chaired by Sabakami. Note: Second Buddhist council: The second Buddhist council was held under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty. It took place in 383 BC, a hundred years after the Buddha’s death. It took place at Vaishali. The council was chaired by Sabakami. The main goal was to address 10 controversial Vinaya Pitaka issues. The first significant split occurred here, separating two factions that would eventually become Theravada and Mahayana. The first group was known as Thera (meaning Elder in Pali). They wished to keep Buddha’s teachings in their original form. The second, Mahasanghika (Great Community) group interpreted the Buddha’s teachings more broadly.   Buddhist Councils Venue Chairman Outcome First Rajagraha Mahakasapa ●      It was held soon after the Mahaparinirvan of the Buddha. ●      With the purpose of preserving Buddha’s teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples. During this council, the teachings of Buddha were divided into 3 Pitakas. ●      Compilation of Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka by Upali. Second Vaisali Sabbakami ●      Divide in Sthaviradins & Mahasangikas Third Mogaliputta Tissa Kalashoka ●      Compilation of Abhidama Pitaka (final version) Fourth Vasumitra & Ashvagos Ashoka ●      Compilation of Mahavibhasha shastra. Division of Bhuddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect The second Buddhist council was held under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty. It took place in 383 BC, a hundred years after the Buddha’s death. It took place at Vaishali. The council was chaired by Sabakami. Note: Second Buddhist council: The second Buddhist council was held under the patronage of King Kalasoka of the Sisunaga dynasty. It took place in 383 BC, a hundred years after the Buddha’s death. It took place at Vaishali. The council was chaired by Sabakami. The main goal was to address 10 controversial Vinaya Pitaka issues. The first significant split occurred here, separating two factions that would eventually become Theravada and Mahayana. The first group was known as Thera (meaning Elder in Pali). They wished to keep Buddha’s teachings in their original form. The second, Mahasanghika (Great Community) group interpreted the Buddha’s teachings more broadly.   Buddhist Councils Venue Chairman Outcome First Rajagraha Mahakasapa ●      It was held soon after the Mahaparinirvan of the Buddha. ●      With the purpose of preserving Buddha’s teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples. During this council, the teachings of Buddha were divided into 3 Pitakas. ●      Compilation of Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka by Upali. Second Vaisali Sabbakami ●      Divide in Sthaviradins & Mahasangikas Third Mogaliputta Tissa Kalashoka ●      Compilation of Abhidama Pitaka (final version) Fourth Vasumitra & Ashvagos Ashoka ●      Compilation of Mahavibhasha shastra. Division of Bhuddhism into Hinayana and Mahayana Question 12 of 35 12. Question With reference to the Buddhists texts Dipvamsa and Mahavamsa, consider the following statements: They were written and compiled in Sri Lanka. They contain regional history of Buddhism as well as biographies of Buddha. They were written in the Pali language. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Buddhist teachers traveled to faraway places, carrying texts to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha. As Buddhism traveled to new regions such as Sri Lanka, texts such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism. Many of these works also contained biographies of the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit. Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in monasteries in different parts of Asia. Modern translations have been prepared from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan texts.  Its importance resides not only as a source of history and legend but also as an important early work in Buddhist and Pali literature. Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Buddhist teachers traveled to faraway places, carrying texts to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha. As Buddhism traveled to new regions such as Sri Lanka, texts such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism. Many of these works also contained biographies of the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit. Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in monasteries in different parts of Asia. Modern translations have been prepared from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan texts.  Its importance resides not only as a source of history and legend but also as an important early work in Buddhist and Pali literature. Question 13 of 35 13. Question Consider the following statements regarding Svetambara School: They believe in only four restraints (except Brahmacharya) to be followed to attain Kevalya. Bhadrabahu was an exponent of the Svetambara sect. They believe that women can’t be tirthankaras. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Incorrect Svetambaras follow the preachings of Prasvanatha, i.e., they believe in only four restraints (except Brahmacharya) to be followed to attain Kevalya. Svetambara believes that the 23rd and 24th tirthankara did marry, unlike thought by Digambara. Sthulabhadra was a great exponent of this school and stayed in Magadha unlike Bhadrabahu who went to Karnataka. The monks of Svetambara School can have simple white clothing, a begging bowl, a brush to remove insects from their path, books and writing materials with them. They believe tirthankaras can be men or women, and say that Malli began her life as a princess. Note: Svetambara School: Svetambaras follow the preachings of Prasvanatha, i.e., they believe in only four restraints (except Brahmacharya) to be followed to attain Kevalya. Sthulabhadra was a great exponent of this school and stayed in Magadha unlike Bhadrabahu who went to Karnataka. Svetambara tradition of Jainism indicates five eternal substances in existence: Soul (jiva), Matter (pudgala), Space (akasha), motion (Dharma) and rest (Adharma), unlike Digambaras which add the sixth eternal substance as time (Kala). Digambara School: Bhadrabahu was an exponent of Digambara sect and he moved to Karnataka along with his disciples after predicting a long famine. Digambara Jains believe that women can’t be tirthankaras and that Malli was a man. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Incorrect Svetambaras follow the preachings of Prasvanatha, i.e., they believe in only four restraints (except Brahmacharya) to be followed to attain Kevalya. Svetambara believes that the 23rd and 24th tirthankara did marry, unlike thought by Digambara. Sthulabhadra was a great exponent of this school and stayed in Magadha unlike Bhadrabahu who went to Karnataka. The monks of Svetambara School can have simple white clothing, a begging bowl, a brush to remove insects from their path, books and writing materials with them. They believe tirthankaras can be men or women, and say that Malli began her life as a princess. Note: Svetambara School: Svetambaras follow the preachings of Prasvanatha, i.e., they believe in only four restraints (except Brahmacharya) to be followed to attain Kevalya. Sthulabhadra was a great exponent of this school and stayed in Magadha unlike Bhadrabahu who went to Karnataka. Svetambara tradition of Jainism indicates five eternal substances in existence: Soul (jiva), Matter (pudgala), Space (akasha), motion (Dharma) and rest (Adharma), unlike Digambaras which add the sixth eternal substance as time (Kala). Digambara School: Bhadrabahu was an exponent of Digambara sect and he moved to Karnataka along with his disciples after predicting a long famine. Digambara Jains believe that women can’t be tirthankaras and that Malli was a man. Question 14 of 35 14. Question Consider the following statements: The Sutta Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha or the monastic order. In Vinaya Pitaka, Buddha’s teachings were included. Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Incorrect Correct The Buddha’s teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha or the monastic order.   The Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. Note: The Buddha taught orally – through discussion and debate. After his death (c. fifth-fourth century BCE), his teachings were compiled by his disciples at a council of “elders” or senior monks at Vesali (present-day Bihar). These compilations were known as Tripitaka – literally, three baskets to hold different types of texts. They were first transmitted orally and then written and classified according to length, as well as subject matter. The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha or the monastic order; the Buddha’s teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. Each Pitaka comprised a number of individual texts. Later, commentaries were written on these texts by the Buddhist scholars. As Buddhism traveled to new regions, such as Sri Lanka, other texts, such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism. Many of these works contained biographies of the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit. When Buddhism spread to East Asia, pilgrims, such as Fa Xian and Xuan Zang, traveled all the way from China to India in search of texts. Indian Buddhist teachers also traveled to faraway places, carrying texts to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in the monasteries in different parts of Asia. Modern translations have been prepared from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan texts. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Incorrect Correct The Buddha’s teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha or the monastic order.   The Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. Note: The Buddha taught orally – through discussion and debate. After his death (c. fifth-fourth century BCE), his teachings were compiled by his disciples at a council of “elders” or senior monks at Vesali (present-day Bihar). These compilations were known as Tripitaka – literally, three baskets to hold different types of texts. They were first transmitted orally and then written and classified according to length, as well as subject matter. The Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the Sangha or the monastic order; the Buddha’s teachings were included in the Sutta Pitaka; and the Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters. Each Pitaka comprised a number of individual texts. Later, commentaries were written on these texts by the Buddhist scholars. As Buddhism traveled to new regions, such as Sri Lanka, other texts, such as the Dipavamsa (literally, the chronicle of the island) and Mahavamsa (the great chronicle) were written, containing regional histories of Buddhism. Many of these works contained biographies of the Buddha. Some of the oldest texts are in Pali, while later compositions are in Sanskrit. When Buddhism spread to East Asia, pilgrims, such as Fa Xian and Xuan Zang, traveled all the way from China to India in search of texts. Indian Buddhist teachers also traveled to faraway places, carrying texts to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhist texts were preserved in manuscripts for several centuries in the monasteries in different parts of Asia. Modern translations have been prepared from Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan texts. Question 15 of 35 15. Question Which of the following dynasties was the first to rule over Magadha? a) Haryankas b) Shishunagas c) Nandas d) Mauryas Correct Solution (a) Haryanka Dynasty Shishunaga Dynasty Nanda Dynasty Maurya Dynasty Correct Incorrect Incorrect Incorrect Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Udayin were the most powerful rulers of the Haryanka Dynasty. From 544 B.C. to 492 B.C, Bimbisara ruled the empire and continued to rule for 52 years. The three main dynasties that ruled the region of Magadha were the Shishunaga Dynasty, the Haryanka Dynasty, and the Nanda Dynasty. The Magadha Empire was founded by Jarasandha. Bimbisara was one of the earliest rulers of the Magadha Empire. Bimbisara was a powerful ruler of the Magadha kingdom, and he belonged to the Haryanka dynasty, who ruled until 326 BCE. The Magadha Kingdom was ruled by the Shishunaga Dynasty in ancient India between 413 BCE to 345 BCE. The Shishunaga Dynasty is the third imperial dynasty of Magadha, followed by Brihadratha and the Haryanka. This Dynasty was founded by Shishunaga, who was an amatya or “minister” of the last Haryanka emperor. During the 4th and probably 5th centuries BCE, the Nanda Dynasty ruled over the Northern Part of India. In eastern India (the Magadha region), the Nandas removed the Shishunaga dynasty and later extended their areas of control to cover a larger section of northern India. The capital state of the Nanda kingdom was situated near the Magadha area of eastern India, Pataliputra (present-day Patna). The Sanskrit drama- Mudrarakshasa along with Buddhist and Jain traditions, are some of the achievements of the Nandas that have stretched over the pages of history from the time of Haryanka and Shishunaga forefathers. The Ancient texts depict that the main cause behind the prosperity of the Nandas was the adoption of a new currency and taxation system. Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute Brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC. The Mauryan Empire was the first largest empire that was ever established on Indian soil till 324 B.C. The Mauryan Empire was spread from the valley of the Oxus (present Amu River) to the delta of Kaveri Megasthenese has given detailed accounts of India and Indian people in his book ‘Indica.’ Incorrect Solution (a) Haryanka Dynasty Shishunaga Dynasty Nanda Dynasty Maurya Dynasty Correct Incorrect Incorrect Incorrect Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, and Udayin were the most powerful rulers of the Haryanka Dynasty. From 544 B.C. to 492 B.C, Bimbisara ruled the empire and continued to rule for 52 years. The three main dynasties that ruled the region of Magadha were the Shishunaga Dynasty, the Haryanka Dynasty, and the Nanda Dynasty. The Magadha Empire was founded by Jarasandha. Bimbisara was one of the earliest rulers of the Magadha Empire. Bimbisara was a powerful ruler of the Magadha kingdom, and he belonged to the Haryanka dynasty, who ruled until 326 BCE. The Magadha Kingdom was ruled by the Shishunaga Dynasty in ancient India between 413 BCE to 345 BCE. The Shishunaga Dynasty is the third imperial dynasty of Magadha, followed by Brihadratha and the Haryanka. This Dynasty was founded by Shishunaga, who was an amatya or “minister” of the last Haryanka emperor. During the 4th and probably 5th centuries BCE, the Nanda Dynasty ruled over the Northern Part of India. In eastern India (the Magadha region), the Nandas removed the Shishunaga dynasty and later extended their areas of control to cover a larger section of northern India. The capital state of the Nanda kingdom was situated near the Magadha area of eastern India, Pataliputra (present-day Patna). The Sanskrit drama- Mudrarakshasa along with Buddhist and Jain traditions, are some of the achievements of the Nandas that have stretched over the pages of history from the time of Haryanka and Shishunaga forefathers. The Ancient texts depict that the main cause behind the prosperity of the Nandas was the adoption of a new currency and taxation system. Chandragupta, with the help of an intelligent and politically astute Brahmin, Kautilya usurped the throne by defeating Dhana Nanda in 321 BC. The Mauryan Empire was the first largest empire that was ever established on Indian soil till 324 B.C. The Mauryan Empire was spread from the valley of the Oxus (present Amu River) to the delta of Kaveri Megasthenese has given detailed accounts of India and Indian people in his book ‘Indica.’ Question 16 of 35 16. Question Consider the following statements about Buddhism? The ‘Harmika’ was a small platform with a railing located at the very top of a Stupa. ‘Yashti’ symbolizes the cosmic axis and supports a triple umbrella structure. Shalabhanjika refers to the sculpture of a woman, displaying stylized feminine features, standing near a tree and grasping a branch. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct The Harmika was a small platform with a railing located at the very top of a Stupa. Sometimes umbrellas were mounted in the Harmika as a symbol of honor and respect. A piece of stone railing was found near the ruins of the Amaravati Stupa. Archaeologists believe that it may have been a part of the Harmika.   A central pillar (Yashti) symbolizes the cosmic axis and supports a triple umbrella structure (Chattra), which is held to represent the ‘Three Jewels of Buddhism— the Buddha, the Dharma (doctrine) and the Sangha (community)’. Some sculptures at Sanchi were perhaps not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas. These include beautiful women swinging from the edge of the gateway, holding onto a tree. Initially, scholars were a bit intrigued about this image, which seemed to have little to do with renunciation. However, after examining other literary traditions, they realized that it could be a representation of what is described in Sanskrit as a Shalabhanjika. This was a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit. It is likely that this was regarded as an auspicious symbol and integrated into the decoration of the Stupa. Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct The Harmika was a small platform with a railing located at the very top of a Stupa. Sometimes umbrellas were mounted in the Harmika as a symbol of honor and respect. A piece of stone railing was found near the ruins of the Amaravati Stupa. Archaeologists believe that it may have been a part of the Harmika.   A central pillar (Yashti) symbolizes the cosmic axis and supports a triple umbrella structure (Chattra), which is held to represent the ‘Three Jewels of Buddhism— the Buddha, the Dharma (doctrine) and the Sangha (community)’. Some sculptures at Sanchi were perhaps not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas. These include beautiful women swinging from the edge of the gateway, holding onto a tree. Initially, scholars were a bit intrigued about this image, which seemed to have little to do with renunciation. However, after examining other literary traditions, they realized that it could be a representation of what is described in Sanskrit as a Shalabhanjika. This was a woman whose touch caused trees to flower and bear fruit. It is likely that this was regarded as an auspicious symbol and integrated into the decoration of the Stupa. Question 17 of 35 17. Question Which of the following Mahajanapada was situated on the bank of river Yamuna? a) Avanti b) Kosala c) Vatsa d) Kashi Correct Solution (c) Vatsa: Vatsa is also known as Vamsa. Capital of the Mahajanapada Vatsa was Kausambi (which was at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna). It is situated in the modern day Allahabad. This was a central city for economic activities. Trade and business prospered in the 6th century. After the rise of Buddha, the ruler Udayana made Buddhism a state religion. This Mahajanapada followed the monarchical form of governance.   Incorrect Solution (c) Vatsa: Vatsa is also known as Vamsa. Capital of the Mahajanapada Vatsa was Kausambi (which was at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna). It is situated in the modern day Allahabad. This was a central city for economic activities. Trade and business prospered in the 6th century. After the rise of Buddha, the ruler Udayana made Buddhism a state religion. This Mahajanapada followed the monarchical form of governance.   Question 18 of 35 18. Question Consider the following statements with respect to Ajivikas: It is one of the heterodox schools of Indian philosophy They have been described as materialists. They believed in the doctrine of Karma. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Incorrect Ajivika is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of Indian philosophy. Purportedly founded in the 5th century BCE by Makkhali Gosala, it was a sramaṇa movement and a major rival of Vedic religion, early Buddhism and Jainism. Ajivikas were organized renunciates who formed discrete communities.   They have often been described as fatalists: those who believed that everything is predetermined. It rejected the doctrine of Karma and believed that pleasure and pain cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration). It can neither be lessened or increased, each person will take their own course and make an end of sorrow in a predetermined manner.   Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Incorrect Ajivika is one of the nastika or “heterodox” schools of Indian philosophy. Purportedly founded in the 5th century BCE by Makkhali Gosala, it was a sramaṇa movement and a major rival of Vedic religion, early Buddhism and Jainism. Ajivikas were organized renunciates who formed discrete communities.   They have often been described as fatalists: those who believed that everything is predetermined. It rejected the doctrine of Karma and believed that pleasure and pain cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration). It can neither be lessened or increased, each person will take their own course and make an end of sorrow in a predetermined manner.   Question 19 of 35 19. Question Consider the following statements regarding Makkhali Gosala: He was one of the main proponents of Ajivika Sect. He was the contemporary of Mahavira. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct Around the 6th century BC, at the time of the Buddha, there was an explosion all across India of different schools of thought and philosophy. Makkhali Gosala, was the greatest proponent of the Ajivikas.   Gosala met Mahavira for the first time in Nalanda and their friendship lasted for six years. They separated due to doctrinal differences. Gosala then went to Sravasti, where he was patronized by a rich potter woman called Halahala. He believed in the doctrine of reanimation, and criticized and ridiculed the severe austerities of the Vedic ascetics. Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Correct Around the 6th century BC, at the time of the Buddha, there was an explosion all across India of different schools of thought and philosophy. Makkhali Gosala, was the greatest proponent of the Ajivikas.   Gosala met Mahavira for the first time in Nalanda and their friendship lasted for six years. They separated due to doctrinal differences. Gosala then went to Sravasti, where he was patronized by a rich potter woman called Halahala. He believed in the doctrine of reanimation, and criticized and ridiculed the severe austerities of the Vedic ascetics. Question 20 of 35 20. Question Consider the following pairs: Mahajanapadas          Capital Anga                            Champa Vajji                             Vaishali Avanti                         Kaushambi Magadha                    Rajgriha How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? a) One pair only b) Two pairs only c) Three pairs only d) All of the above pairs Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Statement 4 Correct Correct Incorrect Correct Anga – Champa Vajji – Vaishali Avanti – Ujjain Magadha – Girivraja / Rajagriha Note: The ownership of large tracts of land came to be regarded as the prized possession for chieftains, as increased land brought more agricultural surplus and higher tribute collection to a chieftain’s Janapada or territory. It was this search for individual ownership of more and more land that finally culminated into the emergence of a large kingdom or Mahajanapadas around 6th century BC.              Mahajanapada              Capital Anga Magadha Kasi Malla Vajji Vatsa Kosala Surasena Chedi Kuru Panchala Gandhara Matsya Kamboja Avanthi Assaka Champa Raipriha Varanasi Kusinara Vaisali Kausambi Shravasti Mathura Shuktimatha Hastinapuram Ahichatra Takshashila Viratanagara Rajapura Ujjain and Mahishmathi Potali Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Statement 4 Correct Correct Incorrect Correct Anga – Champa Vajji – Vaishali Avanti – Ujjain Magadha – Girivraja / Rajagriha Note: The ownership of large tracts of land came to be regarded as the prized possession for chieftains, as increased land brought more agricultural surplus and higher tribute collection to a chieftain’s Janapada or territory. It was this search for individual ownership of more and more land that finally culminated into the emergence of a large kingdom or Mahajanapadas around 6th century BC.              Mahajanapada              Capital Anga Magadha Kasi Malla Vajji Vatsa Kosala Surasena Chedi Kuru Panchala Gandhara Matsya Kamboja Avanthi Assaka Champa Raipriha Varanasi Kusinara Vaisali Kausambi Shravasti Mathura Shuktimatha Hastinapuram Ahichatra Takshashila Viratanagara Rajapura Ujjain and Mahishmathi Potali Question 21 of 35 21. Question Consider the following statements about the Kawah Ijen Crater Lake: It’s the world’s largest acidic lake. It is located in Japan. It is known for its turquoise blue waters. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) The Kawah Ijen Crater Lake is the world’s largest acidic lake. Hence statement 1 is correct. It is filled with a high concentration of sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, as well as dissolved minerals, which makes it unswimmable. It is located in Indonesia. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. It has pH values as low as 0.5, similar to the strength of car battery acid. It is known for its turquoise blue waters. Hence statement 3 is correct. It emits hot, flammable sulphurous gases that ignite upon contact with Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere. Incorrect Solution (b) The Kawah Ijen Crater Lake is the world’s largest acidic lake. Hence statement 1 is correct. It is filled with a high concentration of sulphuric and hydrochloric acids, as well as dissolved minerals, which makes it unswimmable. It is located in Indonesia. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. It has pH values as low as 0.5, similar to the strength of car battery acid. It is known for its turquoise blue waters. Hence statement 3 is correct. It emits hot, flammable sulphurous gases that ignite upon contact with Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere. Question 22 of 35 22. Question Consider the following statements about ‘India Stack’: India Stack is the largest open API in the world. India Stack is a set of open APIs that allows governments, businesses, startups and developers to utilize a unique digital Infrastructure to solve India’s hard problems towards presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery. The principles, technologies, and functionality of India Stack can be applied in any country. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) India Stack is the moniker for a set of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to unlock the economic primitives of identity, data, and payments at population scale. Although the name of this project bears the word India, the vision of India Stack is not limited to one country; it can be applied to any nation, be it a developed one or an emerging one. Having said that, this project was conceptualized and first implemented in India, where its rapid adoption by billions of individuals and businesses has helped promote financial and social inclusion and positioned the country for the Internet Age.   India Stack refers to the project of creating a unified software platform to bring India’s population into the digital age. India Stack is a set of open APIs that allows governments, businesses, startups and developers to utilize a unique digital Infrastructure to solve India’s hard problems towards presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery. Hence statement 2 is correct. The principles, technologies, and functionality of India Stack can be applied in any country. None of the systems which comprise India Stack require any proprietary technology or intellectual property which would preclude their implementation in any other country. Hence statement 3 is correct. India Stack is the largest open API in the world. Since its deployment, India has been organizing hackathons to develop applications for the APIs. Hence statement 1 is correct. Incorrect Solution (c) India Stack is the moniker for a set of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to unlock the economic primitives of identity, data, and payments at population scale. Although the name of this project bears the word India, the vision of India Stack is not limited to one country; it can be applied to any nation, be it a developed one or an emerging one. Having said that, this project was conceptualized and first implemented in India, where its rapid adoption by billions of individuals and businesses has helped promote financial and social inclusion and positioned the country for the Internet Age.   India Stack refers to the project of creating a unified software platform to bring India’s population into the digital age. India Stack is a set of open APIs that allows governments, businesses, startups and developers to utilize a unique digital Infrastructure to solve India’s hard problems towards presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery. Hence statement 2 is correct. The principles, technologies, and functionality of India Stack can be applied in any country. None of the systems which comprise India Stack require any proprietary technology or intellectual property which would preclude their implementation in any other country. Hence statement 3 is correct. India Stack is the largest open API in the world. Since its deployment, India has been organizing hackathons to develop applications for the APIs. Hence statement 1 is correct. Question 23 of 35 23. Question Consider the following statements about the key findings of the State of Climate Services Report for 2023: Around 50 percent of excess mortality resulting from climate change by the year 2050 will occur in Asia. The report is released by the World Meteorological Organisation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (b) The key findings of the State of Climate Services Report for 2023 released by the World Meteorological Organisation. Hence statement 2 is correct. Around 50 percent of excess mortality resulting from climate change by the year 2050 will occur in Africa. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. Around 74 percent of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) provide data services for the health sector but it was not utilised effectively for the health sector. Around 85 percent of nations lack a formal agreement between the Ministry of Health and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) to facilitate data sharing and collaboration. Only 26 countries have climate-informed, heat-health early warning systems. Less than 25 percent of health ministries utilise climate information and services to monitor climate-sensitive health risks. Incorrect Solution (b) The key findings of the State of Climate Services Report for 2023 released by the World Meteorological Organisation. Hence statement 2 is correct. Around 50 percent of excess mortality resulting from climate change by the year 2050 will occur in Africa. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. Around 74 percent of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) provide data services for the health sector but it was not utilised effectively for the health sector. Around 85 percent of nations lack a formal agreement between the Ministry of Health and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) to facilitate data sharing and collaboration. Only 26 countries have climate-informed, heat-health early warning systems. Less than 25 percent of health ministries utilise climate information and services to monitor climate-sensitive health risks. Question 24 of 35 24. Question Consider the following statements about the ‘Ogasawara Island Chain’: It is a volcanic arc located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is mainly formed through phreatomagmatic eruptions. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) The Ogasawara Island Chain is a volcanic arc located in the Pacific Ocean. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It consists of more than 30 islands. It comprises three main island groups Mukojima, Chichijima, and Hahajima. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence statement 2 is correct. It is mainly formed through phreatomagmatic eruptions. It occurs when magma interacts with seawater and produces explosive bursts of steam and ash. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (b) The Ogasawara Island Chain is a volcanic arc located in the Pacific Ocean. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It consists of more than 30 islands. It comprises three main island groups Mukojima, Chichijima, and Hahajima. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hence statement 2 is correct. It is mainly formed through phreatomagmatic eruptions. It occurs when magma interacts with seawater and produces explosive bursts of steam and ash. Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 25 of 35 25. Question Consider the following statements about the Subansiri River: It passes through the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is the largest tributary of the river Brahmaputra. It originates in the Tibet Plateau and enters India through Meghalaya. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution (b) The Subansiri River passes through the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Hence statement 1 is correct. It is the largest tributary of the river Brahmaputra. Hence statement 2 is correct. It originates in the Tibet Plateau and enters India through Miri hills in Arunachal Pradesh. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Incorrect Solution (b) The Subansiri River passes through the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Hence statement 1 is correct. It is the largest tributary of the river Brahmaputra. Hence statement 2 is correct. It originates in the Tibet Plateau and enters India through Miri hills in Arunachal Pradesh. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Question 26 of 35 26. Question Consider the following statements regarding types of Geoglyphs: Positive Geoglyph is created by arranging elements on the ground, such as petroforms. Negative Geoglyph is created by removing part of the upper surfaces of rock to create a design. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Geoglyph refers to a design that is drawn on the earth. The design is created by elements of the landscape that are long-lasting such as stones, earth, gravel, and other things. Nazca Lines in Peru and Uffington White Horse in England are examples of Geoglyph.  Types of Geoglyphs: Positive Geoglyph is created by arranging elements on the ground, such as petroforms. Hence statement 1 is correct. Negative Geoglyph is created by removing part of the upper surfaces of rock to create a design. Hence statement 2 is correct. Arbor glyph is a type of geoglyph involving seeding plants in a specific design. It takes years to develop as it depends on plant growth. Incorrect Solution (c) Geoglyph refers to a design that is drawn on the earth. The design is created by elements of the landscape that are long-lasting such as stones, earth, gravel, and other things. Nazca Lines in Peru and Uffington White Horse in England are examples of Geoglyph.  Types of Geoglyphs: Positive Geoglyph is created by arranging elements on the ground, such as petroforms. Hence statement 1 is correct. Negative Geoglyph is created by removing part of the upper surfaces of rock to create a design. Hence statement 2 is correct. Arbor glyph is a type of geoglyph involving seeding plants in a specific design. It takes years to develop as it depends on plant growth. Question 27 of 35 27. Question Consider the following statements about the Ao community: They are tribes from Assam. Putu Mende is a governance system of Ao. Moatsü is a festival celebrated by them. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Ao community are tribe from Nagaland. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. They were the first nagas to embrace Christianity and incorporate Western education. Putu Mende is a governance system of Ao. Hence statement 2 is correct. They practice slash-and-burn agriculture, also known as jhum or shifting cultivation (tekong lu or alu ayimba). Moatsü and Tsüngremong are festivals celebrated by them. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (b) Ao community are tribe from Nagaland. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. They were the first nagas to embrace Christianity and incorporate Western education. Putu Mende is a governance system of Ao. Hence statement 2 is correct. They practice slash-and-burn agriculture, also known as jhum or shifting cultivation (tekong lu or alu ayimba). Moatsü and Tsüngremong are festivals celebrated by them. Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 28 of 35 28. Question Consider the following statements regarding the NDMA Cell Broadcast Alert System: It is a state-of-the-art technology that allows the government to send critical and time-sensitive messages for disaster management to all mobile devices within a designated geographical area. It was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics(C-DOT) under the Department of Telecommunication. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) The NDMA Cell Broadcast Alert System is a state-of-the-art technology that allows the government to send critical and time-sensitive messages for disaster management to all mobile devices within a designated geographical area. Hence statement 1 is correct. It has applications in delivering emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings (Tsunami, Flash Flood, Earthquake, etc), public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information. It was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics(C-DOT) under the Department of Telecommunication. Hence statement 2 is correct. Incorrect Solution (c) The NDMA Cell Broadcast Alert System is a state-of-the-art technology that allows the government to send critical and time-sensitive messages for disaster management to all mobile devices within a designated geographical area. Hence statement 1 is correct. It has applications in delivering emergency alerts, such as severe weather warnings (Tsunami, Flash Flood, Earthquake, etc), public safety messages, evacuation notices, and other critical information. It was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics(C-DOT) under the Department of Telecommunication. Hence statement 2 is correct. Question 29 of 35 29. Question Recently discovered ‘Paintbrush Swift’ is a: a) Lizard b) Butterfly c) Bird d) Snake Correct Solution (b) The Paintbrush Swift Butterfly is a butterfly species of the Hesperiidae family. The species has never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh since its discovery in 1878. Recently this is the first time that it is photographed and documented. It was first described by lepidopterist Frederic Moore more than 145 years ago. It is identified based on two separated spots in the upper forewing cell. The species’ larvae feed on bamboo and some other grass species. Its habitat is distributed in northeast, central, and south India. Incorrect Solution (b) The Paintbrush Swift Butterfly is a butterfly species of the Hesperiidae family. The species has never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh since its discovery in 1878. Recently this is the first time that it is photographed and documented. It was first described by lepidopterist Frederic Moore more than 145 years ago. It is identified based on two separated spots in the upper forewing cell. The species’ larvae feed on bamboo and some other grass species. Its habitat is distributed in northeast, central, and south India. Question 30 of 35 30. Question Let N = 1421 * 1423 * 1425. What is the remainder when N is divided by 12? a) 0 b) 9 c) 3 d) 6 Correct Solution (c) Remainder R = (1421*1423*1425)/12 R = (5*7*9)/12 [Here, we have taken individual remainder such as 1421 divided by 12 gives remainder 5, 1423 and 1425 gives the remainder as 7 and 9 on dividing by 12.] Now, the sum is reduced to, (5*7*9)/12 = (35*9)/12 R = -1*-3 = 3 [Here, we have taken negative remainder.] So, required remainder will be 3. Incorrect Solution (c) Remainder R = (1421*1423*1425)/12 R = (5*7*9)/12 [Here, we have taken individual remainder such as 1421 divided by 12 gives remainder 5, 1423 and 1425 gives the remainder as 7 and 9 on dividing by 12.] Now, the sum is reduced to, (5*7*9)/12 = (35*9)/12 R = -1*-3 = 3 [Here, we have taken negative remainder.] So, required remainder will be 3. Question 31 of 35 31. Question X is five digit number. The digit in ten thousands place is 1. The number formed by its digits in units and ten places is divisible by 4. The sum of all the digits is divisible by 3. If 5 and 7 also divide X, then X will be? a) 14020 b) 12060 c) 10020 d) 10080 Correct Solution (d) Let the digits of x be x = abcde According to the question, x = 1bcde [Given ten thousands place is 1.] Now we can check the options as given that the sum of the all digit is divisible by 3. 10080 is the only number given in the option which satisfies all the given conditions. Incorrect Solution (d) Let the digits of x be x = abcde According to the question, x = 1bcde [Given ten thousands place is 1.] Now we can check the options as given that the sum of the all digit is divisible by 3. 10080 is the only number given in the option which satisfies all the given conditions. Question 32 of 35 32. Question David gets on the elevator at the 11th floor of a building and rides up at the rate of 57 floors per minute. At the same time, Albert gets on an elevator at the 51st floor of the same building and rides down at the rate of 63 floors per minute. If they continue travelling at these rates, then at which floor will their paths cross? a) 30th floor b) 37th floor c) 19th floor d) 28th floor Correct Solution (a) Suppose their paths cross after x minutes Then, 11 + 57x = 51 – 63x ⇒ 57x + 63x = 51 – 11 ⇒ 120x = 40 x = (1/3) Number of floors covered by David in (1/3) min = (1/3)*57 = 19 So, their paths cross at (11 + 19) i.e., 30th floor. Incorrect Solution (a) Suppose their paths cross after x minutes Then, 11 + 57x = 51 – 63x ⇒ 57x + 63x = 51 – 11 ⇒ 120x = 40 x = (1/3) Number of floors covered by David in (1/3) min = (1/3)*57 = 19 So, their paths cross at (11 + 19) i.e., 30th floor. Question 33 of 35 33. Question In a school, there are 100 students. 60% of the students are boys, 40% of whom play hockey and the girls don’t play hockey, 75% of girls play badminton. There are only two games to be played. The number of student who don’t play any game is a) 20% b) 15% c) Can't be determined d) 10% Correct Solution (c) Total student = 100 Boys = 60 Girls = 40 Boys who plays hockey = 40% = 24 There is no information about boys who play badminton. Girls who plays Badminton = 75% = 30 No girls plays hockey. Since, we do not have information that whether the rest of the boys are playing badminton or not. So, we cannot determine the total no. of student who don’t play any game. Incorrect Solution (c) Total student = 100 Boys = 60 Girls = 40 Boys who plays hockey = 40% = 24 There is no information about boys who play badminton. Girls who plays Badminton = 75% = 30 No girls plays hockey. Since, we do not have information that whether the rest of the boys are playing badminton or not. So, we cannot determine the total no. of student who don’t play any game. Question 34 of 35 34. Question The angle of elevation of a ladder leaning against a wall is 60 degrees and the foot of the ladder is 4.6m away from the wall. The length of the ladder is a) 2.3 m b) 4.6 m c) 7.8 m d) 9.2 m Correct Solution (d) In the above picture AB is the ladder and AC is the wall. Foot of the ladder is at B and it is 4.6 meter away from the wall. That means, it is 4.6 meter away from the point C. Therefore, BC = 4.6 meter. It is given in the question that the angle of elevation of the ladder leaning against the wall is 60 degree. The angle of elevation is an angle that is formed between the horizontal line and the line of sight. Here the horizontal line is BC and the line of sight is AB. Therefore, the angle between the lines BC and AB is 60 degrees. So angle B is 60 degrees. Now we need to find out the length of the ladder. That is, the length of BC. We know that, cosθ=base/hypotenuse Here base is BC and hypotenuse is AB and θ=60∘. Therefore, cos(60∘)=BCAB ⇒12=4.6AB ⇒AB=4.6×2 ⇒AB=9.2 Therefore, the length of the ladder is 9.2 meter. Hence, option (d) is correct Incorrect Solution (d) In the above picture AB is the ladder and AC is the wall. Foot of the ladder is at B and it is 4.6 meter away from the wall. That means, it is 4.6 meter away from the point C. Therefore, BC = 4.6 meter. It is given in the question that the angle of elevation of the ladder leaning against the wall is 60 degree. The angle of elevation is an angle that is formed between the horizontal line and the line of sight. Here the horizontal line is BC and the line of sight is AB. Therefore, the angle between the lines BC and AB is 60 degrees. So angle B is 60 degrees. Now we need to find out the length of the ladder. That is, the length of BC. We know that, cosθ=base/hypotenuse Here base is BC and hypotenuse is AB and θ=60∘. Therefore, cos(60∘)=BCAB ⇒12=4.6AB ⇒AB=4.6×2 ⇒AB=9.2 Therefore, the length of the ladder is 9.2 meter. Hence, option (d) is correct Question 35 of 35 35. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Kondaveedu Fort: It is located in Tamil Nadu. It was the capital of the Reddi dynasty between 1328 and 1482. It was constructed by Prolaya Vema Reddi. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) The Kondaveedu Fort is located in Andhra Pradesh. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It was the capital of the Reddi dynasty between 1328 and 1482. Hence statement 2 is correct. It was taken over by the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya in 1516. The Golconda Sultans fought for the fort and Sultan Quli Qutb Shah captured it in 1579 and renamed it Murtazanagar. The fort came under the control of the French colonists in 1752 when it was extensively fortified. It passed on to the British East India Company who got control of the fort in 1788 but abandoned it in the early 19th century in favour of Guntur. It was constructed by Prolaya Vema Reddi. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (b) The Kondaveedu Fort is located in Andhra Pradesh. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It was the capital of the Reddi dynasty between 1328 and 1482. Hence statement 2 is correct. It was taken over by the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya in 1516. The Golconda Sultans fought for the fort and Sultan Quli Qutb Shah captured it in 1579 and renamed it Murtazanagar. The fort came under the control of the French colonists in 1752 when it was extensively fortified. It passed on to the British East India Company who got control of the fort in 1788 but abandoned it in the early 19th century in favour of Guntur. It was constructed by Prolaya Vema Reddi. 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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd April 2024

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Kerala-Centre dispute over States’ borrowing powers Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: The Supreme Court on Monday declined any interim relief to Kerala in its suit seeking that the Union government relax its borrowing restrictions to enable the State to borrow additional funds. Background:- Kerala moved the top Court last year accusing the Union government of arbitrarily imposing a Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) on the State, which brought it to the brink of a financial crisis as it could not no longer pay salaries and pensions or fulfil other essential financial commitments. Fiscal autonomy under the Constitution Article 293 of the Constitution permits States to borrow only from within the territory of India on a guarantee from the consolidated fund of the State and within such limits as outlined by the legislatures of each State. The subject “Public Debt of the State” finds mention in Entry 43 of the State List of the Constitution and thus the Parliament cannot legislate or administer upon such matters. If a State wishes to borrow from the Centre, then such a transaction will be regulated by the FRBM Act, 2023. Pertinently, under Article 293(3), the State has to obtain the consent of the Centre to raise “any loan,” if “any part of the previous loan” extended by the Centre is outstanding. The NBC has been imposed by invoking the powers of the Centre under this provision. About Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) The NBC imposes a limitation on borrowings of a State from all sources including open market borrowings. The Union government decided to deduct liabilities arising from the public account of the States to arrive at such a cap. Additionally, borrowings by State-owned enterprises, where the principal and/or interest are serviced out of the Budget or through assignment of taxes, cess or any other State revenue, are also deducted from the NBC. The NBC for States is fixed at 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) or ₹8,59,988 crore in absolute terms for the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24 as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. Source: The Hindu Heat Waves Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Climate Change Context: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that India will see more than average heat wave days in this year’s hot weather season (April to June). Background: The announcement comes even as India is already struggling to keep up with its power demand, which increases significantly during summer season. About Heat wave: A period of abnormally high temperatures is called a heat wave. The IMD declares a heat wave if the maximum temperature of a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees C in the plains and at least 30 degrees C in hilly regions, with a departure of around 4.5-6.4 degrees C from the normal maximum temperature. The IMD can also declare a heat wave if the actual maximum temperature crosses 45 degrees C, and a ‘severe heat wave’ if it crosses 47 degrees C. Qualitatively, a heat wave can also occur when the temperature of the air becomes fatal to the human body. Heat waves in India are typically recorded between March and June, and tend to peak in May. A study published in the journal PLOS Climate in April 2023 found heat waves all over the world are getting more “recurrent, intense and lethal” due to climate change. Heat waves can make people ill, lower agricultural output, trigger water scarcity, increase energy demand, and affect ecosystems and air quality. Source: The Hindu CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION PROGRAMME (CETP) Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) launched the Clean Energy Transitions Programme annual report 2023. Background: The CETP Annual Report 2023 provides an in-depth overview of the program’s accomplishments during the past year. About Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP) The Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP) is launched by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2017. It is a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating progress toward a global net-zero energy system. It leverages the insights and influence of the world’s leading energy authority to accelerate clean energy transitions, particularly in emerging and developing economies. Three Pillars of Activity: Setting Transition Goals: The first pillar assists emerging and developing countries in establishing clean energy transition goals aligned with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Multilateral Coordination: The second pillar facilitates collaboration among organizations like the Group of 20 (G20) and UN-affiliated bodies. Global-Level Support: The third pillar enables and accelerates clean energy transitions globally. Source: IEA MOHINIYATTAM Syllabus Prelims – Art & Culture Context: Recently, Kerala Kalamandalam, a prestigious deemed university for arts and culture, has lifted gender restrictions for boys to learn Mohiniyattam. Background: This historic move was unanimously approved during the governing council meeting of the Kalamandalam. Starting from the next academic year, boys will be eligible for admission to the Mohiniyattam course, which was previously restricted to female students. About MOHINIYATTAM Mohiniyattam is an Indian classical dance form that originated in the state of Kerala. It derives its name from the word ‘Mohini’, a female avatar of Lord Vishnu. Its roots date back to the age-old Sanskrit Hindu text on performing arts called ‘Natya Shastra’. Mohiniyattam used to be performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in temples during the rule of the Chera kings from 9 to 12 C.E. The dance form developed further as a performing art during the 18th and 19th centuries due to the patronage of several princely states. Features It is conventionally a solo dance performed by female artists. It adheres to the Lasya type that showcases a more graceful, gentle, and feminine form of dancing. It emotes a play through dancing and singing, where the song is customarily in Manipravala, which is a mix of Sanskrit and Malayalam language. The dance is characterized by its graceful swaying body movements with no abrupt jerks or sudden leaps. More than the footwork, emphasis is given to hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya or subtle facial expressions. The hand gestures, 24 in number, are mainly adopted from ‘Hastha Lakshana Deepika’, a text followed by Kathakali. Costumes in Mohiniyattam include plain white or ivory cream traditional sari embroidered with bright gold-laced brocade. Musical instruments include Mridangam, Madhalam, ldakka, flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam(cymbals). Source: The Hindu VOTER VERIFIED PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT) Syllabus Prelims – Polity Context: Supreme Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India on a petition calling for counting of all Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) paper slips in elections. Background: The petition argues that the current practice of sequential VVPAT verification, where only five randomly selected EVMs are verified, causes undue delay. Instead, the plea suggests simultaneous verification and deploying more officers for quicker counting. About VOTER VERIFIED PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT): VVPAT is an independent verification system attached to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that allows voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended. It was first introduced in India in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Components of VVPAT VVPAT Printer VVPAT Status Display Unit (VSDU) Working of VVPAT When a vote is cast, a slip is printed containing the serial number, name, and symbol of the candidate and remains exposed through a transparent window for 7 seconds. Thereafter, this printed slip automatically gets cut and falls into the sealed drop box of the VVPAT. Verification Using VVPAT The results of EVMs can be verified using the slips kept in the drop boxes of VVPAT machines. Voter verification, however, is only done in extreme circumstances, such as when there are accusations of fraud or miscalculation. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has the authority to request that votes be verified using VVPAT slips in response to such complaints. Significance of VVPAT The VVPAT helps to detect potential election fraud or malfunction in the Electronic Voting Machine. It provides a means to audit the stored electronic results. It serves as an additional barrier to change or destroy votes. The EVMs with VVPAT system ensure the accuracy of the voting system with fullest transparency and restores the confidence of the voters. Source: Live Law Phosphorus Problem Syllabus Mains – GS 3 Context: The global phosphorus problem is gaining attention with limited phosphorus reserves, contamination issues, and disruptions in the fertilizer market. Background: In Discovered more than 350 years ago, phosphorus is an indispensable nutrient that helps plants to grow. Its primary use is in manufacturing synthetic fertilizer to increase crop yields, making it crucial to food security. Phosphorus is a key ingredient in animal feed and is also used to produce steel, food additives, electric car batteries, certain pesticides and household cleaning products. Phosphorus: It is a chemical element with the symbol “P” and atomic number 15. It is an essential element for life and has various important properties and applications. Phosphorus readily forms compounds with other elements, especially oxygen, forming various phosphates. It is highly reactive and can spontaneously combust in the air, producing white smoke. Phosphorus compounds are crucial in biology, as they are a fundamental component of DNA, RNA, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Phosphorus is commonly found in the Earth’s crust in the form of various phosphate minerals, such as apatite. Phosphorus compounds are used in the production of fertilizers, as they are necessary for plant growth. It is also used in detergents, where phosphate compounds help break down and remove stains. Phosphorus is utilized in the production of steel and other metallurgical processes. Issues/Challenges associated with Phosphorus: Phosphorus is scarce and primarily found in specific geological formations. This is a major geopolitical concern. Morocco and the Western Sahara region possess the world’s largest phosphorus reserves, but these reserves contain cadmium, a harmful heavy metal that can accumulate in the kidneys of animals and humans when consumed. The extraction and removal of cadmium from phosphorus resources are costly processes. Cadmium-laden fertilizers can contaminate crops, leading to potential health risks, such as heart disease. Excessive fertilizer application leads to phosphorus runoff in water bodies. Excessive phosphorus promotes algal blooms, depleting oxygen in water bodies and causing fish deaths. Algal blooms can also be toxic to humans, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems. Out of all the countries, only six have significant reserves of cadmium-free phosphorus. „ Among them, China imposed export restrictions in 2020, and several EU nations stopped purchasing from Russia. Extracting and processing phosphate rock is energy-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. Way Forward: There is a need to develop advanced technologies for efficient phosphorus recovery from sewage and various waste streams. This could include using innovative filtration, precipitation, and ion exchange processes to extract and recycle phosphorus for use in fertilizers or other applications. Implement precision agriculture techniques that utilize sensor networks, AI, and data analytics to optimize phosphorus use on farms. This ensures that crops receive the exact amount of phosphorus they need, reducing excess runoff into water bodies. There is a need to establish a circular economy for phosphorus, where products containing phosphorus are designed for easy recovery and recycling, reducing the need for mining and reducing environmental impact. There is a need to develop an international framework for phosphorus management, similar to global climate agreements. This would promote collaboration and coordinated efforts to address phosphorus concerns on a global scale. Source: UNEP Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) With reference to the Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP), consider the following statements: The Clean Energy Transitions Programme is launched by the International Energy Agency. It is a flagship initiative aimed at accelerating progress toward a global net-zero energy system. The program focuses on emerging markets and developing economies. Its goals are in line with the objectives of the 2015 Paris Agreement. How many of the statements given above is/are correct? Only one Only two Only three All four Q2.) Consider the following pairs: Classical Dances        States Bharatanatyam –  Tamil Nadu Sattriya –                   Assam Kathakali –              Kerala Mohiniyattam – Karnataka How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? Only one Only two Only three Only four Q3.) With reference to the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), consider the following statements: VVPAT is an independent verification system attached to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). It allows voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  3rd April  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR  2nd April – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – c Q.2) – c Q.3) – c

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2024 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 3rd April 2024

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) – CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions.To take the Test Click Here

[DAY 27] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2024 – HISTORY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Archives Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 10 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (35 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis. To Know More about 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE   60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Important Note Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come. It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂  You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score (2) Matrix Meter (3) New Learning from the Test Time limit: 0 Test-summary 0 of 35 questions completed Questions: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Information The following Test is based on the syllabus of 60 Days Plan-2023 for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022. To view Solutions, follow these instructions: Click on – ‘Start Test’ button Solve Questions Click on ‘Test Summary’ button Click on ‘Finish Test’ button Now click on ‘View Questions’ button – here you will see solutions and links. You have already completed the test before. Hence you can not start it again. Test is loading... You must sign in or sign up to start the test. You have to finish following test, to start this test: Results 0 of 35 questions answered correctly Your time: Time has elapsed You have scored 0 points out of 0 points, (0) Average score     Your score     Categories Not categorized 0% Your result has been entered into leaderboard Loading Name: E-Mail: Captcha: maximum of 70 points Pos. Name Entered on Points Result Table is loading No data available 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Answered Review Question 1 of 35 1. Question Consider the following statements with respect to the Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan Civilization: Imprint of a dog’s paw on a brick is found in Dholavira. Methods of field ploughing were in prevalence. Wells and canals were used to irrigate agricultural lands. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Imprint of a dog’s paw on a brick is found in Chanhudaro. It is the only city without a citadel. Inkpot and lipstick is also found here. A Terracotta model of a bullock cart and Bronze toy cart is also found at Chanhudaro.   Terracotta models of the plough have been found at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana). Archaeologists have also found evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan (Rajasthan). Archaeologists have been able to reconstruct dietary practices from the finds of charred grains and seeds. These are studied by archaeo-botanists, who are specialists in ancient plant remains. Grains found at Harappan sites include wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea and sesame. Millets are found from sites in Gujarat. Finds of rice are relatively rare. Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or Sind. Therefore it can be said that wells and canals were used to irrigate agricultural lands.   Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Imprint of a dog’s paw on a brick is found in Chanhudaro. It is the only city without a citadel. Inkpot and lipstick is also found here. A Terracotta model of a bullock cart and Bronze toy cart is also found at Chanhudaro.   Terracotta models of the plough have been found at sites in Cholistan and at Banawali (Haryana). Archaeologists have also found evidence of a ploughed field at Kalibangan (Rajasthan). Archaeologists have been able to reconstruct dietary practices from the finds of charred grains and seeds. These are studied by archaeo-botanists, who are specialists in ancient plant remains. Grains found at Harappan sites include wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea and sesame. Millets are found from sites in Gujarat. Finds of rice are relatively rare. Traces of canals have been found at the Harappan site of Shortughai in Afghanistan, but not in Punjab or Sind. Therefore it can be said that wells and canals were used to irrigate agricultural lands.   Question 2 of 35 2. Question Consider the following pairs about Rig Vedic rivers: Ancient names Modern names 1.     Parushini Jhelum 2.     Vipasha Beas 3.     Askini Chenab How many of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? a) One pair only b) Two pairs only c) Three pairs only d) None of the above pairs Correct Solution (b) Parushini Vipasha Askini Incorrect Correct Correct Parushini – Ravi Vipasha – Beas Askini – Chenab   Note: Ancient Names Modern Names Kubhu Kubha Vitasta Askini Purushni Shatudri Vipasha Sadanira Drishdvati Gomti Suwastu Sindhu Kurram Kabul Jhelum Chenab Ravi Satluj Beas Gandak Ghaggar Gomal/Gomati Swat Indus There is a verse in Nadistuti sukta of Rigveda, hymn of praise of rivers which mentions the following 10 rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikiya, Susoma. Incorrect Solution (b) Parushini Vipasha Askini Incorrect Correct Correct Parushini – Ravi Vipasha – Beas Askini – Chenab   Note: Ancient Names Modern Names Kubhu Kubha Vitasta Askini Purushni Shatudri Vipasha Sadanira Drishdvati Gomti Suwastu Sindhu Kurram Kabul Jhelum Chenab Ravi Satluj Beas Gandak Ghaggar Gomal/Gomati Swat Indus There is a verse in Nadistuti sukta of Rigveda, hymn of praise of rivers which mentions the following 10 rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sutudri, Parusni, Asikni, Marudvrdha, Vitasta, Arjikiya, Susoma. Question 3 of 35 3. Question Consider the following statements about potteries of India: Only geometrical patterns were painted on Harappan pottery. Ochre colored pottery was found at sites in the upper Ganga Valley of India. Glazed Pottery came into being with the advent of Arab influence. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Geometrical patterns, circles, squares and triangles and figures of animals, birds, snakes or fish are frequent motifs found in Harappan pottery. The Ochre Coloured Pottery culture (OCP) is a 2nd millennium BC Bronze Age culture of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, extending from eastern Punjab to northeastern Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. It is considered a candidate for association with the early Indo-Aryan or Vedic culture. The pottery had a red slip but gave off an ochre color on the fingers of archaeologists who excavated it, hence the name. It was sometimes decorated with black painted bands and incised patterns. The phase of glazed pottery started in the 12th century AD, when Turkic Muslim rulers encouraged potters from Persia, Central Asia and elsewhere. Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Geometrical patterns, circles, squares and triangles and figures of animals, birds, snakes or fish are frequent motifs found in Harappan pottery. The Ochre Coloured Pottery culture (OCP) is a 2nd millennium BC Bronze Age culture of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, extending from eastern Punjab to northeastern Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. It is considered a candidate for association with the early Indo-Aryan or Vedic culture. The pottery had a red slip but gave off an ochre color on the fingers of archaeologists who excavated it, hence the name. It was sometimes decorated with black painted bands and incised patterns. The phase of glazed pottery started in the 12th century AD, when Turkic Muslim rulers encouraged potters from Persia, Central Asia and elsewhere. Question 4 of 35 4. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Rig Vedic period: Habitation was mostly confined to the Indus region. Kula was the basic unit of political organization. Sabha was a general assembly of the entire people, while Samiti was a council of the elders. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were mostly confined to the Indus region. The Rig Veda refers to ‘Saptasindhu’ or the land of seven rivers. The basic unit of political organization was Kula or family. Several families joined together on the basis of their kinship to form a village or Grama. The Rig Vedic polity was normally monarchical and the succession was hereditary. The king was assisted by the Purohita or the priest and the Senani or the commander of the army in his administration. There were two popular bodies, called the Sabha and the Samiti. The former seems to have been a council of the elders and the latter, a general assembly of the entire people. Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were mostly confined to the Indus region. The Rig Veda refers to ‘Saptasindhu’ or the land of seven rivers. The basic unit of political organization was Kula or family. Several families joined together on the basis of their kinship to form a village or Grama. The Rig Vedic polity was normally monarchical and the succession was hereditary. The king was assisted by the Purohita or the priest and the Senani or the commander of the army in his administration. There were two popular bodies, called the Sabha and the Samiti. The former seems to have been a council of the elders and the latter, a general assembly of the entire people. Question 5 of 35 5. Question Consider the following statements: The domestication of animals began in the Neolithic period. Cultivation of cereals first started in the Neolithic age. The main characteristic of the Neolithic period was large stone tools. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect Adamgargh in Madhya Pradesh & Bagor  in Rajasthan  which are the neolithic sites has given the earliest evidence of the domestication of animals.It is a time period from which settled agriculture also began as a norm. The Neolithic age is associated with innovations in stone tool technology, specifically the making of ground, pecked, and polished stone tools and the advent of food production. Cultivation of cereals first started in the Neolithic age. Stone tools found during Neolithic period are generally tiny and are called Microliths.  Note: Gordon Childe defined the Neolithic-Chalcolithic culture as a self-sufficient food-producing economy. Domestication of plants and animals has been considered one of the main characteristic features of the Neolithic stage of culture. The beginnings of this stage of human culture are revealed by a new type of stone tools which are called Neolithic tools or tools of the New Stone Age. Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect Adamgargh in Madhya Pradesh & Bagor  in Rajasthan  which are the neolithic sites has given the earliest evidence of the domestication of animals.It is a time period from which settled agriculture also began as a norm. The Neolithic age is associated with innovations in stone tool technology, specifically the making of ground, pecked, and polished stone tools and the advent of food production. Cultivation of cereals first started in the Neolithic age. Stone tools found during Neolithic period are generally tiny and are called Microliths.  Note: Gordon Childe defined the Neolithic-Chalcolithic culture as a self-sufficient food-producing economy. Domestication of plants and animals has been considered one of the main characteristic features of the Neolithic stage of culture. The beginnings of this stage of human culture are revealed by a new type of stone tools which are called Neolithic tools or tools of the New Stone Age. Question 6 of 35 6. Question Consider the following statements with reference to trade in Harappan Civilisation: Trade was generally, based on the exchange of goods without the use of money. Harappans did not have knowledge of the sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect The Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) was a Bronze Age civilisation in the northwestern regions of South Asia, lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, and in its mature form from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The Harappans carried on a considerable trade in stone, metal, shell, etc., within the Indus culture zone. However, the cities did not possess basic raw materials for the commodities they produced. In return for finished goods and possibly food grains, they procured metals from the neighboring areas by boats and bullock-carts. Metal money was not used and trade was carried by barter systems. The Harappan people used to trade with foreign lands traveling through seas. They practised navigation on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The Harappan seal that was recovered from excavation indicates a mast & sail boat while the Mohenjo-Daro seal & a terracotta amulet show a ship with cabins & birds. Dockyard and Clay model boats were found from excavations at Lothal which was the port city of Harappan period. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect The Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) was a Bronze Age civilisation in the northwestern regions of South Asia, lasting from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, and in its mature form from 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. The Harappans carried on a considerable trade in stone, metal, shell, etc., within the Indus culture zone. However, the cities did not possess basic raw materials for the commodities they produced. In return for finished goods and possibly food grains, they procured metals from the neighboring areas by boats and bullock-carts. Metal money was not used and trade was carried by barter systems. The Harappan people used to trade with foreign lands traveling through seas. They practised navigation on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The Harappan seal that was recovered from excavation indicates a mast & sail boat while the Mohenjo-Daro seal & a terracotta amulet show a ship with cabins & birds. Dockyard and Clay model boats were found from excavations at Lothal which was the port city of Harappan period. Question 7 of 35 7. Question With reference to craft making in the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: Crafts were made up of natural stones and clay only. Shell obtained from coastal areas was used to make bangles. The city of Chanhudaro was famous for bead making. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Stones like carnelian (of a beautiful red color), jasper, crystal, quartz and steatite were used; metals like copper, bronze and gold; and shell, faience and terracotta or burnt clay were used for craft making. Nageshwar and Balakot settlements are near the coast. These were specialized centers for making shell objects – including bangles.   Chanhudaro is almost exclusively devoted to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making and weight-making.   Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Stones like carnelian (of a beautiful red color), jasper, crystal, quartz and steatite were used; metals like copper, bronze and gold; and shell, faience and terracotta or burnt clay were used for craft making. Nageshwar and Balakot settlements are near the coast. These were specialized centers for making shell objects – including bangles.   Chanhudaro is almost exclusively devoted to craft production, including bead-making, shell-cutting, metal-working, seal-making and weight-making.   Question 8 of 35 8. Question Which of the following statements highlights the social differences among the people of the Indus Valley Civilization? Burial patterns showed differences in ideology or social strata. Luxury items were found in all towns and settlements. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect Archaeologists used certain strategies to find out whether there were social or economic differences amongst the people living within a particular culture. These include studying burials. Some graves contain pottery and ornaments, perhaps indicating a belief that these could be used in the after-life. In Lothal, the graves sometimes had the presence of the bones of two individuals. It has been suggested that it is likely the evidence of sati. At Mohenjo-Daro, also referred to as the mound of the dead, baskets of bones and a single skull were also found in different houses. At Sukotda, many animal remains were found, majorly consisting of cattle like sheep and goats along with horses and dogs. Jewelry has been found in burials of both men and women. Archaeologists assume objects were luxuries if they are rare or made from costly, non-local materials or with complicated technologies. Rare objects, made of valuable materials (luxury goods), are generally concentrated in large settlements, like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, and are rarely found in the smaller settlements. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Correct Incorrect Archaeologists used certain strategies to find out whether there were social or economic differences amongst the people living within a particular culture. These include studying burials. Some graves contain pottery and ornaments, perhaps indicating a belief that these could be used in the after-life. In Lothal, the graves sometimes had the presence of the bones of two individuals. It has been suggested that it is likely the evidence of sati. At Mohenjo-Daro, also referred to as the mound of the dead, baskets of bones and a single skull were also found in different houses. At Sukotda, many animal remains were found, majorly consisting of cattle like sheep and goats along with horses and dogs. Jewelry has been found in burials of both men and women. Archaeologists assume objects were luxuries if they are rare or made from costly, non-local materials or with complicated technologies. Rare objects, made of valuable materials (luxury goods), are generally concentrated in large settlements, like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, and are rarely found in the smaller settlements. Question 9 of 35 9. Question It is an ancient Indus Valley civilization site in Rajasthan, India’s westernmost state. The site has both pre-Harappan and Harappan remains, and the transition between the two cultures may be witnessed there. It is also said to have been founded in the geographical triangle formed by the confluence of the Drishadvati and Saraswati Rivers. The above statement describes which of the following towns of the Indus Valley civilization? a) Dholavira b) Kalibangan c) Rakhigarhi d) Ropar Correct Solution (b) Kalibangan: The location Kalibangan – meaning ‘black bangles’ – gets its name from the dense dispersion of black bangle shards discovered on the surface of its mounds. Only the lowest layers of the western mound have shown signs of pre-Harappan civilization. The Indus Valley civilization flourished at the site from the proto-Harappan (3500 BC – 2500 BC) through the Harappan (2500 BC – 1750 BC), according to archaeological findings. Although the pre-Harappan civilization worked with copper and made pottery, it lacked a written language, and its ruins lack the regular arrangement and use of baked brick observed in later Harappan sites. A cemetery and a fortified castle are among the Harappan ruins. Kalibangan has also provided proof of the world’s first documented “Earthquake.” The earthquake, which occurred around 2600 BC, is thought to have led to the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization. The discovery of fire altars at Kalibangan reveals that the locals were ritualistic and believed in fire worship. Luigi Pio Tessitori, an Italian Indologist and linguist, found the Kalibangan site. Incorrect Solution (b) Kalibangan: The location Kalibangan – meaning ‘black bangles’ – gets its name from the dense dispersion of black bangle shards discovered on the surface of its mounds. Only the lowest layers of the western mound have shown signs of pre-Harappan civilization. The Indus Valley civilization flourished at the site from the proto-Harappan (3500 BC – 2500 BC) through the Harappan (2500 BC – 1750 BC), according to archaeological findings. Although the pre-Harappan civilization worked with copper and made pottery, it lacked a written language, and its ruins lack the regular arrangement and use of baked brick observed in later Harappan sites. A cemetery and a fortified castle are among the Harappan ruins. Kalibangan has also provided proof of the world’s first documented “Earthquake.” The earthquake, which occurred around 2600 BC, is thought to have led to the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization. The discovery of fire altars at Kalibangan reveals that the locals were ritualistic and believed in fire worship. Luigi Pio Tessitori, an Italian Indologist and linguist, found the Kalibangan site. Question 10 of 35 10. Question Which among the following was/were the impact of the invention of Iron in ancient India? In the Ganges Valley and in the Malwa region iron led to the rise of urban areas. It lead to the conversion of tribal culture to  Urban and imperial Mahajanapadas. It led to the establishment of Black and Red ware culture. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect Iron brought in a change of agriculture economy. Iron brought advanced types of agriculture. In the Ganges Valley and in the Malwa region iron led to the rise of urban areas. Both Brahmanical and Buddhist texts have reference to cities at sites like Sravasti and Ujjayini with evidence of Iron Age urbanization. Use of Iron was sparse in the beginning but by the middle of the 6th century BC it had become fairly common and was associated with the new Northern Black Polished Ware culture. Due to the discovery of iron, agriculture became the chief occupation and knowledge of manure was increased. They traded with far countries like Babylon. A class of hereditary merchants (vaniya) came into existence and this way the tribal culture was moreover converted to urban and imperial Mahajanapadas. Use of Iron was sparse in the beginning but by the middle of the 6th century BC it had become fairly common and was associated with the new Northern Black Polished Ware culture.  Note: Use of Iron led to transition of the Janapadas or tribal kingdoms of the Vedic period to the sixteen Mahajanapadas. The earliest Iron Age sites in South India are Hallur, Karnataka and Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu at around 1000 BCE.   Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Incorrect Iron brought in a change of agriculture economy. Iron brought advanced types of agriculture. In the Ganges Valley and in the Malwa region iron led to the rise of urban areas. Both Brahmanical and Buddhist texts have reference to cities at sites like Sravasti and Ujjayini with evidence of Iron Age urbanization. Use of Iron was sparse in the beginning but by the middle of the 6th century BC it had become fairly common and was associated with the new Northern Black Polished Ware culture. Due to the discovery of iron, agriculture became the chief occupation and knowledge of manure was increased. They traded with far countries like Babylon. A class of hereditary merchants (vaniya) came into existence and this way the tribal culture was moreover converted to urban and imperial Mahajanapadas. Use of Iron was sparse in the beginning but by the middle of the 6th century BC it had become fairly common and was associated with the new Northern Black Polished Ware culture.  Note: Use of Iron led to transition of the Janapadas or tribal kingdoms of the Vedic period to the sixteen Mahajanapadas. The earliest Iron Age sites in South India are Hallur, Karnataka and Adichanallur, Tamil Nadu at around 1000 BCE.   Question 11 of 35 11. Question Which one of the following statements is not true about the Chalcolithic cultures of India? a) They were primarily communities in the hilly and riverine areas. b) They mostly used stone and copper objects and occasionally low grade bronze. c) A large number of them appeared after the end of the Harappan culture. d) They were restricted to the Ganga-Yamuna doab and foothills of the Himalayas. Correct Solution (d) a)       b)       c)       d)       Correct Correct Correct Incorrect The people were mostly rural and lived near hills and rivers. The Chalcolithic culture corresponds to the farming communities, namely Kayatha, Ahar or Banas, Malwa, and Jorwe. The first metal age of India is called the Chalcolithic Age which saw the use of copper along with the stone. It was also called Stone-Copper Age. Along with the use of copper and stone, these people also used low-grade bronze to make tools and weapons. This culture was also seen in the Pre-Harappan phase, but at most places, the Chalcolithic culture appeared in the Post-Harappan phase. It was mainly found in South-Eastern Rajasthan, the Western part of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and in South and East India. Incorrect Solution (d) a)       b)       c)       d)       Correct Correct Correct Incorrect The people were mostly rural and lived near hills and rivers. The Chalcolithic culture corresponds to the farming communities, namely Kayatha, Ahar or Banas, Malwa, and Jorwe. The first metal age of India is called the Chalcolithic Age which saw the use of copper along with the stone. It was also called Stone-Copper Age. Along with the use of copper and stone, these people also used low-grade bronze to make tools and weapons. This culture was also seen in the Pre-Harappan phase, but at most places, the Chalcolithic culture appeared in the Post-Harappan phase. It was mainly found in South-Eastern Rajasthan, the Western part of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and in South and East India. Question 12 of 35 12. Question Which of the following statements is/are incorrect with reference to Indus Valley Civilization? The Indus-Valley people were using both cotton and wool. Sacrifices and ritual offering constituted the main religions practices. Indus civilization developed the Devanagari script for writing. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Incorrect The Indus-Valley people were well acquainted with the use of cotton and wool. The numerous specimens of pottery, seals, bracelets etc. reveal that arts and crafts flourished. Sacrifices and ritual offerings was not a main religious practice during Indus Valley Civilization. This concept was more prevelant during Rig Vedic period. The Rigvedic practices of sacrifices included sheep, cows, buffaloes, men and horses. Men and horses were considered to have the greatest value. Offerings comprised of cow products like milk and butter and grains which were boiled, fried or made into flour balls. Devanagari script was not related with this civilization and developed much later. Note: John Marshall was the first scholar to use the term Indus civilization. Numerous seals have been discovered with inscriptions of the figures of animals and names in a script which is undecipherable. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Incorrect Incorrect The Indus-Valley people were well acquainted with the use of cotton and wool. The numerous specimens of pottery, seals, bracelets etc. reveal that arts and crafts flourished. Sacrifices and ritual offerings was not a main religious practice during Indus Valley Civilization. This concept was more prevelant during Rig Vedic period. The Rigvedic practices of sacrifices included sheep, cows, buffaloes, men and horses. Men and horses were considered to have the greatest value. Offerings comprised of cow products like milk and butter and grains which were boiled, fried or made into flour balls. Devanagari script was not related with this civilization and developed much later. Note: John Marshall was the first scholar to use the term Indus civilization. Numerous seals have been discovered with inscriptions of the figures of animals and names in a script which is undecipherable. Question 13 of 35 13. Question Consider the following statements about the culture of Indus Valley Civilization: Livestock breeding was unknown in Indus civilization. Evidence of Elephant domestication is found. Camels, though rarely, were domesticated for long travels. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Livestock breeding was a known and important practice in Indus culture. Animals were of the utmost importance to the Indus Valley Civilisation, with cows and buffaloes being their coveted animals. However, sheep, grazing goats, cats, and dogs were also domesticated. The animals were slaughtered for festive foods or to complement available food during failed or limited harvests. They were offered as gifts to the kin and traded with pastoralists in the expectation of generous return gifts or bartered for stored grain. Sheep, goats, dogs, humped cattle, buffalo and elephants were domesticated. These were their coveted animals. One of the few elephant figurines from Harappa is a head with large stylized ears and red and white stripes painted across the face. Another elephant figurine has an undecorated head with two flat ears and a trunk (all broken) on a round hollow body.       The camel was rare and the horse was not known. Camel bones are known from late levels of a few sites, particularly in Gujarat, and have mainly been identified as the single-humped Arabian camel (dromedary). Current evidence suggests this was not domesticated until much later, but the people of Oman, with whom the Harappans traded, exploited wild dromedaries, so the Harappans may have obtained camel bones, meat or even captive wild camels from there. Incorrect Solution (b) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Correct Livestock breeding was a known and important practice in Indus culture. Animals were of the utmost importance to the Indus Valley Civilisation, with cows and buffaloes being their coveted animals. However, sheep, grazing goats, cats, and dogs were also domesticated. The animals were slaughtered for festive foods or to complement available food during failed or limited harvests. They were offered as gifts to the kin and traded with pastoralists in the expectation of generous return gifts or bartered for stored grain. Sheep, goats, dogs, humped cattle, buffalo and elephants were domesticated. These were their coveted animals. One of the few elephant figurines from Harappa is a head with large stylized ears and red and white stripes painted across the face. Another elephant figurine has an undecorated head with two flat ears and a trunk (all broken) on a round hollow body.       The camel was rare and the horse was not known. Camel bones are known from late levels of a few sites, particularly in Gujarat, and have mainly been identified as the single-humped Arabian camel (dromedary). Current evidence suggests this was not domesticated until much later, but the people of Oman, with whom the Harappans traded, exploited wild dromedaries, so the Harappans may have obtained camel bones, meat or even captive wild camels from there. Question 14 of 35 14. Question In which of the following characteristics the Indus valley civilization differed from its contemporary Mesopotamia civilization? The use of baked bricks in the Mesopotamia cities was absent, however, it was used to a large extent in Harappan cities. Harappans domesticated elephants which was not the case with Mesopotamians Large number of temples/religious buildings were found in Harappan cities which were predominantly absent in Mesopotamian culture. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Incorrect The use of burnt bricks in the Harappan cities is remarkable because in the contemporary buildings of Egypt dried bricks were primarily used. We find the use of baked bricks in contemporary Mesopotamia, but they were used to a much larger extent in the Harappan cities. Elephants were well known to the Harappans, who were also acquainted with the rhinoceros. The contemporary Sumerian cities in Mesopotamia produced virtually the same food grains and domesticated the same animals as did the Harappans, but the  Harappans in Gujarat produced rice and domesticated elephants which was not the case with the Mesopotamians. In sharp contrast to Egypt and Mesopotamia, no temples have been found at any Harappan site. No religious structures of any kind have been excavated apart from the great bath, which may have been used for ablution. It would, therefore, be wrong to think that priests ruled in Harappa as they did in the cities of lower Mesopotamia. Incorrect Solution (a) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Incorrect Correct Incorrect The use of burnt bricks in the Harappan cities is remarkable because in the contemporary buildings of Egypt dried bricks were primarily used. We find the use of baked bricks in contemporary Mesopotamia, but they were used to a much larger extent in the Harappan cities. Elephants were well known to the Harappans, who were also acquainted with the rhinoceros. The contemporary Sumerian cities in Mesopotamia produced virtually the same food grains and domesticated the same animals as did the Harappans, but the  Harappans in Gujarat produced rice and domesticated elephants which was not the case with the Mesopotamians. In sharp contrast to Egypt and Mesopotamia, no temples have been found at any Harappan site. No religious structures of any kind have been excavated apart from the great bath, which may have been used for ablution. It would, therefore, be wrong to think that priests ruled in Harappa as they did in the cities of lower Mesopotamia. Question 15 of 35 15. Question Arrange the following ancient cultures in chronological order: Northern Black Polished Ware culture (NBPW) Ochre Coloured Pottery Ware culture The Painted Grey Ware culture Select the correct answer using the codes given below: a) 1-2-3 b) 2-1-3 c) 1-3-2 d) 2-3-1 Correct Solution (d) 2 3 1 OCPW (2600 BCE – 1200 BCE) PGW (1100 BCE – 800 BCE) NBPW ( 700 BCE – 200 BCE) Ochre Coloured Pottery Ware culture is found in northern India dating to the Chalcolithic period. The OCP pottery has red slip and appears ochre in colour. The OCP culture dates to 2600- 1200 BCE and is found in the Indo-Gangetic plain and may have had some associations with early Vedic culture. The Iron Age in North India coincides with the Painted Grey Ware culture. The painted grey ware is dated to from 1100 to 800 BCE. The Painted Grey Ware cultural phase is followed by Northern Black Polished Ware culture (NBPW), which is associated with the Mahajanapada and Mauryan periods. Incorrect Solution (d) 2 3 1 OCPW (2600 BCE – 1200 BCE) PGW (1100 BCE – 800 BCE) NBPW ( 700 BCE – 200 BCE) Ochre Coloured Pottery Ware culture is found in northern India dating to the Chalcolithic period. The OCP pottery has red slip and appears ochre in colour. The OCP culture dates to 2600- 1200 BCE and is found in the Indo-Gangetic plain and may have had some associations with early Vedic culture. The Iron Age in North India coincides with the Painted Grey Ware culture. The painted grey ware is dated to from 1100 to 800 BCE. The Painted Grey Ware cultural phase is followed by Northern Black Polished Ware culture (NBPW), which is associated with the Mahajanapada and Mauryan periods. Question 16 of 35 16. Question Which of the following Archaeological Sites belong to the Paleolithic age? Bhimbetka Hunsgi Kurnool caves Select the correct answer using the codes given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Solution (d) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Bhimbetka in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The word ‘Bhimbetka’, derived from ‘Bhim Baitka’. These caves are named after ‘Bhima’, one of the five Pandavas of Mahabharata. Bhimbetka simply means “sitting place of Bhima”. Hunsgi is located in Karnataka. On this site, many stone tools, and weapons that are made of reddish-brown chert are found. The tools found include longish blades and many other instruments for multi-purpose usage. Most of the tools were made of limestone. Kurnool Caves are located in  present-day Andhra Pradesh.   Traces of ashes have been found in the Kurnool caves. This shows that the people who lived there knew the use of fire. Fire might have been used for many things such as to cook meat, to get light, and to protect against animals. Incorrect Solution (d) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Bhimbetka in present-day Madhya Pradesh. The word ‘Bhimbetka’, derived from ‘Bhim Baitka’. These caves are named after ‘Bhima’, one of the five Pandavas of Mahabharata. Bhimbetka simply means “sitting place of Bhima”. Hunsgi is located in Karnataka. On this site, many stone tools, and weapons that are made of reddish-brown chert are found. The tools found include longish blades and many other instruments for multi-purpose usage. Most of the tools were made of limestone. Kurnool Caves are located in  present-day Andhra Pradesh.   Traces of ashes have been found in the Kurnool caves. This shows that the people who lived there knew the use of fire. Fire might have been used for many things such as to cook meat, to get light, and to protect against animals. Question 17 of 35 17. Question Under Harappan civilization, which of the following animals is not depicted on the Pashupati Seal? a) Elephant b) Tiger c) Rhinoceros d) Humped bull Correct Solution (d) Pashupati Seal: Archaeologists have discovered thousands of seals, the most remarkable seal is the one depicted with a figure in the center and animals around. This seal is generally identified as the Pashupati Seal by some scholars whereas some identify it as the female deity. This seal depicts a human figure seated cross legged. An elephant and a tiger are depicted to the right side of the seated figure, while on the left a rhinoceros and a buffalo are seen. In addition to these animals two antelopes are shown below the seat. Incorrect Solution (d) Pashupati Seal: Archaeologists have discovered thousands of seals, the most remarkable seal is the one depicted with a figure in the center and animals around. This seal is generally identified as the Pashupati Seal by some scholars whereas some identify it as the female deity. This seal depicts a human figure seated cross legged. An elephant and a tiger are depicted to the right side of the seated figure, while on the left a rhinoceros and a buffalo are seen. In addition to these animals two antelopes are shown below the seat. Question 18 of 35 18. Question Which among the following places has given the earliest evidence of agriculture in the Indian Subcontinent? a) Pratapgarh b) Mehrgarh c) Quetta d) Kalat Correct Solution (b) Mehrgarh: It is a Neolithic age site that was located near the Bolan Pass on the Kacchi Plains of Balochistan, Pakistan. Mehrgarh is situated near the west of the river Indus and between the present-day Pakistani cities of Sibi, Kalat, and Quetta. The earliest evidence of farming on this site has been suggesting that a civilization existed in the site of Mehrgarh as early as 7000 BCE which is 3500 years before the Harappan Civilization. This site discovered the new shed light on the development of agricultural technologies and the agrarian lifestyles of the ancient stone age people of South Asia. The site was discovered in 1974 by an Archaeological Team directed by French archaeologists Catherine Jarrige, and Jean-François Jarrige and was excavated continuously between 1974 and 1986, and again from 1997 to 2000. The Archaeological Survey of India Digs has unearthed some of the earliest evidence of Agricultural Farming and Husbandry in that region. Mehrgarh was influenced by the nearby site of the Eastern Neolithic Sites, with similarities between pottery, early phases of farming, domesticated wheat varieties, other archaeological artifacts, some domesticated herd animals and plants. The earliest farming in the area was developed by semi-Nomadic people using plants such as Barley and Wheat. Animals such as Cattle, Goats, and Sheep. Incorrect Solution (b) Mehrgarh: It is a Neolithic age site that was located near the Bolan Pass on the Kacchi Plains of Balochistan, Pakistan. Mehrgarh is situated near the west of the river Indus and between the present-day Pakistani cities of Sibi, Kalat, and Quetta. The earliest evidence of farming on this site has been suggesting that a civilization existed in the site of Mehrgarh as early as 7000 BCE which is 3500 years before the Harappan Civilization. This site discovered the new shed light on the development of agricultural technologies and the agrarian lifestyles of the ancient stone age people of South Asia. The site was discovered in 1974 by an Archaeological Team directed by French archaeologists Catherine Jarrige, and Jean-François Jarrige and was excavated continuously between 1974 and 1986, and again from 1997 to 2000. The Archaeological Survey of India Digs has unearthed some of the earliest evidence of Agricultural Farming and Husbandry in that region. Mehrgarh was influenced by the nearby site of the Eastern Neolithic Sites, with similarities between pottery, early phases of farming, domesticated wheat varieties, other archaeological artifacts, some domesticated herd animals and plants. The earliest farming in the area was developed by semi-Nomadic people using plants such as Barley and Wheat. Animals such as Cattle, Goats, and Sheep. Question 19 of 35 19. Question Consider the following statements regarding the sites of Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC): Chanhudaro was a city without citadel. Dholavira city was divided into three parts. Rakhigarhi is the largest Indian site of IVC. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Chanhudaro is an archaeological site belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The site is located 130 kilometers south of Mohenjodaro, in Sindh, Pakistan. The settlement was inhabited between 4000 and 1700 BCE and is considered to have been a center for manufacturing carnelian beads. This site is a group of three low mounds that excavations have shown were parts of a single settlement, approximately 5 hectares in size. Chanhudaro was the only city without a citadel in the Indus Valley civilization. The city of Dholavira was located on Khadir Beyt in the Rann of Kutch, where there was fresh water and fertile soil. Unlike some of the other Harappan cities, which were divided into two parts, Dholavira was divided into three parts, and each part was surrounded with massive stone walls, with entrances through gateways. There was also a large open area in the settlement, where public ceremonies could be held.   Rakhigarhi is the site of a pre-Indus Valley Civilisation settlement going back to about 6500 BCE. Later, it was also part of the mature Indus Valley Civilisation, dating to 2600-1900 BCE. The site is located in the Saraswati/Ghaggar-Hakra River plain, some 27 km from the seasonal Ghaggar river. Rakhigarhi is the largest Indian site of IVC.   Incorrect Solution (c) Statement 1 Statement 2 Statement 3 Correct Correct Correct Chanhudaro is an archaeological site belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The site is located 130 kilometers south of Mohenjodaro, in Sindh, Pakistan. The settlement was inhabited between 4000 and 1700 BCE and is considered to have been a center for manufacturing carnelian beads. This site is a group of three low mounds that excavations have shown were parts of a single settlement, approximately 5 hectares in size. Chanhudaro was the only city without a citadel in the Indus Valley civilization. The city of Dholavira was located on Khadir Beyt in the Rann of Kutch, where there was fresh water and fertile soil. Unlike some of the other Harappan cities, which were divided into two parts, Dholavira was divided into three parts, and each part was surrounded with massive stone walls, with entrances through gateways. There was also a large open area in the settlement, where public ceremonies could be held.   Rakhigarhi is the site of a pre-Indus Valley Civilisation settlement going back to about 6500 BCE. Later, it was also part of the mature Indus Valley Civilisation, dating to 2600-1900 BCE. The site is located in the Saraswati/Ghaggar-Hakra River plain, some 27 km from the seasonal Ghaggar river. Rakhigarhi is the largest Indian site of IVC.   Question 20 of 35 20. Question Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? a) Chanhudaro b) Kot Diji c) Sohgaura d) Desalpur Correct Solution (c) Sohagaura is an Ashokan era copper plate inscription written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. Incorrect Solution (c) Sohagaura is an Ashokan era copper plate inscription written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. Question 21 of 35 21. Question Consider the following statements about Zika Virus: It is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus that transmits dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. It can migrate between humans through sexual contact and an infected mother can pass on the virus to her newborn during birth. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection or disease. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) Zika Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus that transmits dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Hence statement 1 is correct. It is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey. It can migrate between humans through sexual contact and an infected mother can pass on the virus to her newborn during birth. Hence statement 2 is correct. Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms. People who develop symptoms of Zika virus infections have similar symptoms to other arbovirus infections such as dengue. (Arbovirus infections– infections caused by a group of viruses spread to people by the bite of infected arthropods (insects) such as mosquitoes and ticks) Some of the common symptoms are fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain malaise, and headache. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection or disease. Hence statement 3 is correct. People with symptoms such as rash, fever, or joint pain should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics. Incorrect Solution (c) Zika Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus that transmits dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Hence statement 1 is correct. It is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey. It can migrate between humans through sexual contact and an infected mother can pass on the virus to her newborn during birth. Hence statement 2 is correct. Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms. People who develop symptoms of Zika virus infections have similar symptoms to other arbovirus infections such as dengue. (Arbovirus infections– infections caused by a group of viruses spread to people by the bite of infected arthropods (insects) such as mosquitoes and ticks) Some of the common symptoms are fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain malaise, and headache. There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection or disease. Hence statement 3 is correct. People with symptoms such as rash, fever, or joint pain should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics. Question 22 of 35 22. Question Consider the following statements regarding the Financial Action Task Force (FATF): It was established as an intergovernmental body by the World Trade Organisation. It leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist, and proliferation financing. India has been a founder member since its inception in 1989. Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar are the three blacklisted countries by FATF. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution (b) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established as an intergovernmental body by G7 in 1989. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It has 39 members – 37 jurisdictions and 2 regional organizations (the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Commission). It leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist, and proliferation financing. Hence statement 2 is correct. The FATF Plenary is the decision-making body of the FATF. It meets three times per year. India joined with ‘observer’ status in 2006 and became a full member of FATF in 2010. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Countries that are considered a safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put on the grey list. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist. Countries known as non-cooperative are put on the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar are the three blacklisted countries by FATF. Hence statement 4 is correct. Incorrect Solution (b) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established as an intergovernmental body by G7 in 1989. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It has 39 members – 37 jurisdictions and 2 regional organizations (the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Commission). It leads global action to tackle money laundering, terrorist, and proliferation financing. Hence statement 2 is correct. The FATF Plenary is the decision-making body of the FATF. It meets three times per year. India joined with ‘observer’ status in 2006 and became a full member of FATF in 2010. Hence statement 3 is incorrect. Countries that are considered a safe haven for supporting terror funding and money laundering are put on the grey list. This inclusion serves as a warning to the country that it may enter the blacklist. Countries known as non-cooperative are put on the blacklist. These countries support terror funding and money laundering activities. Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar are the three blacklisted countries by FATF. Hence statement 4 is correct. Question 23 of 35 23. Question Consider the following statements: Green infrastructure refers to the restoration of natural resources like forest covers and wetlands. Grey infrastructure refers to human-engineered infrastructure like stormwater drains, wastewater treatment plants, and dams. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Green infrastructure refers to the restoration of natural resources like forest covers and wetlands, which help in the management of excess rainwater by aiding natural percolation and natural runoff. Hence statement 1 is correct. Grey infrastructure refers to human-engineered infrastructure like stormwater drains, wastewater treatment plants, and dams, created for the management of excess rainwater. Hence statement 2 is correct. Incorrect Solution (c) Green infrastructure refers to the restoration of natural resources like forest covers and wetlands, which help in the management of excess rainwater by aiding natural percolation and natural runoff. Hence statement 1 is correct. Grey infrastructure refers to human-engineered infrastructure like stormwater drains, wastewater treatment plants, and dams, created for the management of excess rainwater. Hence statement 2 is correct. Question 24 of 35 24. Question Consider the following statements about the Krishi 24/7: It is an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to automatically monitor and analyze agricultural news. It was developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in partnership with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence. It scans news articles in multiple languages and translates them into English. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (c) The Krishi 24/7 is an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to automatically monitor and analyze agricultural news. Hence statement 1 is correct. It was developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in partnership with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Hence statement 2 is correct. It extracts essential information from news articles including headlines, crop name, event type, date, location, severity, summary, and source link to ensure the government receives timely updates. It scans news articles in multiple languages and translates them into English. Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (c) The Krishi 24/7 is an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to automatically monitor and analyze agricultural news. Hence statement 1 is correct. It was developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in partnership with the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Hence statement 2 is correct. It extracts essential information from news articles including headlines, crop name, event type, date, location, severity, summary, and source link to ensure the government receives timely updates. It scans news articles in multiple languages and translates them into English. Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 25 of 35 25. Question Consider the following statements about Advocate on Record (AOR): It is a title given to an advocate who can represent a cause or pleading before the Supreme Court. AOR serves as the link between litigants and the highest court in the country. AOR system is based on the British model of barristers and solicitors. The Supreme Court creates the rules for the AOR system under Article 145 of the Constitution. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution (d) Advocate on Record (AOR) is a title given to an advocate who can represent a cause or pleading before the Supreme Court. Hence statement 1 is correct. AOR serves as the link between litigants and the highest court in the country. Only these advocates are entitled to file any matter or document before the SC. They can also file an appearance or act for a party in the SC. Hence statement 2 is correct. AOR system is based on the British model of barristers and solicitors where barristers argue cases and solicitors handle client matters. Hence statement 3 is correct. The Supreme Court creates the rules for the AOR system under Article 145 of the Constitution. Hence statement 4 is correct. Under Article 145 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court is empowered to make rules and regulate its procedure for hearing cases. The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 prescribe eligibility criteria for an AOR: An advocate has to clear an examination set by the Supreme Court and has to meet specific criteria such as: An advocate must undergo training with a court-approved AOR for at least one year before taking the examination. The advocate should have at least four years of legal practice before beginning the training. An AOR must have an office located in Delhi within a 16-kilometer radius of the Supreme Court. Incorrect Solution (d) Advocate on Record (AOR) is a title given to an advocate who can represent a cause or pleading before the Supreme Court. Hence statement 1 is correct. AOR serves as the link between litigants and the highest court in the country. Only these advocates are entitled to file any matter or document before the SC. They can also file an appearance or act for a party in the SC. Hence statement 2 is correct. AOR system is based on the British model of barristers and solicitors where barristers argue cases and solicitors handle client matters. Hence statement 3 is correct. The Supreme Court creates the rules for the AOR system under Article 145 of the Constitution. Hence statement 4 is correct. Under Article 145 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court is empowered to make rules and regulate its procedure for hearing cases. The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 prescribe eligibility criteria for an AOR: An advocate has to clear an examination set by the Supreme Court and has to meet specific criteria such as: An advocate must undergo training with a court-approved AOR for at least one year before taking the examination. The advocate should have at least four years of legal practice before beginning the training. An AOR must have an office located in Delhi within a 16-kilometer radius of the Supreme Court. Question 26 of 35 26. Question Consider the following statements: Project 15B of guided-missile destroyer ships are built by Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL). INS Surat is the fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (c) Project 15B (P-15 Bravo class) is a project that aims to construct four guided-missile destroyer ships. It incorporates advanced design concepts such as state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, advanced stealth features, and a high degree of automation for improved survivability. It was launched in 2011 and built by Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL). Hence statement 1 is correct. INS Surat is the fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B. Hence statement 2 is correct. The other three ships are – Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal. Incorrect Solution (c) Project 15B (P-15 Bravo class) is a project that aims to construct four guided-missile destroyer ships. It incorporates advanced design concepts such as state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, advanced stealth features, and a high degree of automation for improved survivability. It was launched in 2011 and built by Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL). Hence statement 1 is correct. INS Surat is the fourth ship of the indigenously designed and constructed Project 15B. Hence statement 2 is correct. The other three ships are – Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal. Question 27 of 35 27. Question Consider the following statements about the Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign: It was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It aims to provide a platform for the inclusion of women in water governance. It was launched under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Correct Solution (b) The Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It aims to provide a platform for the inclusion of women in water governance and to instill a sense of ownership and belonging among women towards water infrastructure. Hence statement 2 is correct. It was launched under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in partnership with the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). Hence statement 3 is correct. Incorrect Solution (b) The Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Hence statement 1 is incorrect. It aims to provide a platform for the inclusion of women in water governance and to instill a sense of ownership and belonging among women towards water infrastructure. Hence statement 2 is correct. It was launched under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in partnership with the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). Hence statement 3 is correct. Question 28 of 35 28. Question Consider the following statements about the PM Vishwakarma Scheme: It is a central sector scheme that aims to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. It covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades such as carpenters, boatmakers, blacksmiths, etc. The beneficiary should not have availed loans under similar credit-based schemes of the central government or state government. The registration and benefits under the scheme can be availed to multiple members of the family. How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) Only three d) All four Correct Solution (c) The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a central sector scheme that aims to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. Hence statement 1 is correct. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise is the nodal ministry. It covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades such as carpenters, boatmakers, blacksmiths, etc. Hence statement 2 is correct. The beneficiary should not have availed of loans under similar credit-based schemes of the central government or state government. Hence statement 3 is correct. The registration and benefits under the scheme shall be restricted to one member of the family. Hence statement 4 is incorrect. The benefits of the scheme: Recognition of artisans through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. Skill Upgradation and Advanced Training Toolkit Incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers Collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 3 lakhs at a low rate of interest. Incentive for Digital Transaction Marketing Support in the form of quality certification, branding, and onboarding on e-commerce platforms Incorrect Solution (c) The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a central sector scheme that aims to provide end-to-end support to artisans and craftspeople who work with their hands and tools. Hence statement 1 is correct. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise is the nodal ministry. It covers artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 trades such as carpenters, boatmakers, blacksmiths, etc. Hence statement 2 is correct. The beneficiary should not have availed of loans under similar credit-based schemes of the central government or state government. Hence statement 3 is correct. The registration and benefits under the scheme shall be restricted to one member of the family. Hence statement 4 is incorrect. The benefits of the scheme: Recognition of artisans through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card. Skill Upgradation and Advanced Training Toolkit Incentive of up to Rs. 15,000 in the form of e-vouchers Collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 3 lakhs at a low rate of interest. Incentive for Digital Transaction Marketing Support in the form of quality certification, branding, and onboarding on e-commerce platforms Question 29 of 35 29. Question Consider the following statements about the Public Gambling Act of 1867: It is a central law that prohibits running or operating public gaming houses. Any violation of the law under this act could attract a imprisonment of up to three years. Choose the correct code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Correct Solution (a) The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is a central law that prohibits running or operating public gaming houses. Hence statement 1 is correct. It says that any gambling that involves the act of putting money or betting for money or any other equivalent act is illegal. Any violation of the law under this act could attract a fine of Rs.200 or imprisonment of up to three months. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. Incorrect Solution (a) The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is a central law that prohibits running or operating public gaming houses. Hence statement 1 is correct. It says that any gambling that involves the act of putting money or betting for money or any other equivalent act is illegal. Any violation of the law under this act could attract a fine of Rs.200 or imprisonment of up to three months. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. Question 30 of 35 30. Question The Mount Celia Gold Operation marks the first gold mine project undertaken by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) located in? a) New Zealand b) Sri Lanka c) Australia d) Japan Correct Solution (c) The Mount Celia Gold Operation marks the first gold mine project undertaken by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) located in Western Australia. It is the project that aims to extract gold within the Laverton Tectonic Zone of Australia. The Laverton Tectonic Zone is considered to be one of the world’s most prolific gold belts. Hence option c is correct.   Incorrect Solution (c) The Mount Celia Gold Operation marks the first gold mine project undertaken by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) located in Western Australia. It is the project that aims to extract gold within the Laverton Tectonic Zone of Australia. The Laverton Tectonic Zone is considered to be one of the world’s most prolific gold belts. Hence option c is correct.   Question 31 of 35 31. Question The sum of four consecutive integers is 210.  Which one of these four integers is prime? a) 47 b) 57 c) 53 d) 51 Correct Solution (c) Let x represent the smallest of the four numbers Then we can set up the following equation: x + (x+1) + (x+2)+ (x+3) = 210 4x + 6 = 210 4x = 204 x = 51 Therefore the four numbers are 51, 52, 53, 54. The only prime in this list is 53. Incorrect Solution (c) Let x represent the smallest of the four numbers Then we can set up the following equation: x + (x+1) + (x+2)+ (x+3) = 210 4x + 6 = 210 4x = 204 x = 51 Therefore the four numbers are 51, 52, 53, 54. The only prime in this list is 53. Question 32 of 35 32. Question Each person’s performance compared with all other persons is to be done to rank them subjectively. How many comparisons are needed to total, if there are 11 persons? a) 55 b) 45 c) 40 d) 50 Correct Solution (a) There will be 11C2 comparisons or (11*10)/(2*1) = 55 comparisons Hence there will be 55 comparisons. Incorrect Solution (a) There will be 11C2 comparisons or (11*10)/(2*1) = 55 comparisons Hence there will be 55 comparisons. Question 33 of 35 33. Question A series is given with one term missing, Select the correct alternatives from the given ones that will complete the series. 8, 21, 70, ?, 1456 a) 273 b) 165 c) 289 d) 178 Correct Solution (c) Incorrect Solution (c) Question 34 of 35 34. Question If ABC x DEED = ABCABC; where A, B, C, D and E are different digits, what are the values of D and E? a) D = 2, E = 0 b) D = 0, E = 1 c) D = 1, E = 0 d) D = 1, E = 2 Correct Solution (c) ABC × DEED = ABCABC Let A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0 Then 432 x 1001 = 432432 ∴ D = 1, E = 0 Incorrect Solution (c) ABC × DEED = ABCABC Let A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 E = 0 Then 432 x 1001 = 432432 ∴ D = 1, E = 0 Question 35 of 35 35. Question If x^2 – y^2 = 17 where x and y are positive integers then x^2 + y^2 = ? a) Data insufficient b) 145 c) 81 d) 64 Correct Solution (b) X^2 – y^2 = (x + y) (x – y) Since 17 is a prime no. Hence it can be uniquely factorised as 17 × 1. So (x + y) (x – y) = 17 × 1 x + y = 17 & x – y = 1 By solving above equations, we get x = 9 & y = 8 x2 + y2 = 81 + 64 = 145 Incorrect Solution (b) X^2 – y^2 = (x + y) (x – y) Since 17 is a prime no. Hence it can be uniquely factorised as 17 × 1. So (x + y) (x – y) = 17 × 1 x + y = 17 & x – y = 1 By solving above equations, we get x = 9 & y = 8 x2 + y2 = 81 + 64 = 145 window.wpProQuizInitList = window.wpProQuizInitList || []; window.wpProQuizInitList.push({ id: '#wpProQuiz_3598', init: { quizId: 3598, mode: 1, globalPoints: 70, timelimit: 1800, resultsGrade: [0], bo: 704, qpp: 0, catPoints: [70], formPos: 0, lbn: "Test-summary", json: {"31433":{"type":"single","id":31433,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31434":{"type":"single","id":31434,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31437":{"type":"single","id":31437,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31439":{"type":"single","id":31439,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31440":{"type":"single","id":31440,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31443":{"type":"single","id":31443,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31444":{"type":"single","id":31444,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31447":{"type":"single","id":31447,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31448":{"type":"single","id":31448,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31451":{"type":"single","id":31451,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31452":{"type":"single","id":31452,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31455":{"type":"single","id":31455,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31457":{"type":"single","id":31457,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31458":{"type":"single","id":31458,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31460":{"type":"single","id":31460,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31461":{"type":"single","id":31461,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31464":{"type":"single","id":31464,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31466":{"type":"single","id":31466,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31467":{"type":"single","id":31467,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31468":{"type":"single","id":31468,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31469":{"type":"single","id":31469,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31472":{"type":"single","id":31472,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31474":{"type":"single","id":31474,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31476":{"type":"single","id":31476,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31477":{"type":"single","id":31477,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,0,1]},"31480":{"type":"single","id":31480,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31481":{"type":"single","id":31481,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]},"31482":{"type":"single","id":31482,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31484":{"type":"single","id":31484,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31487":{"type":"single","id":31487,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31488":{"type":"single","id":31488,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31490":{"type":"single","id":31490,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[1,0,0,0]},"31492":{"type":"single","id":31492,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31494":{"type":"single","id":31494,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,0,1,0]},"31497":{"type":"single","id":31497,"catId":0,"points":2,"correct":[0,1,0,0]}} } }); All the Best IASbaba

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd April 2024

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   Vaikom Satyagraha Syllabus Prelims & Mains – History Context: Hundred years happened since the famous Vaikom Satyagraha-the first among temple entry movements. Background:- Vaikom, a temple town in the princely state of Travancore, saw the start of a non-violent agitation on March 30, 1924 — the first among temple entry movements that would soon sweep across the country. About Vaikom satyagraha The princely state of Travancore had a feudal, militaristic, and ruthless system of custom-ridden government. The idea of caste pollution worked not only on the basis of touch but also sight — lower castes were forbidden entry to any “pure” place, such as temples and the roads surrounding them. The second half of the 19th century, Travancore saw several social and political developments ushering in unprecedented social change. First, Christian missionaries converted large sections of lower castes seeking to escape the clutches of caste oppression. Second, the reign of Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma (1860-80) saw many progressive reforms, such as universal free primary education — including for the lower castes. While religion and custom remained pervasive, the absolute material and intellectual deprivations of lower castes did not continue. The Ezhavas, in particular, emerged as the most educated and organised untouchable community in Travancore. While a small Ezhava elite had started to emerge, in many cases, the ritual discrimination, overrode material and educational progress. The issue of temple entry was first raised by Ezhava leader T K Madhavan in a 1917 editorial in his paper Deshabhimani. It was the entry of the Indian National Congress into the picture that changed the dynamics. Madhavan met Gandhi in 1921, and secured the Mahatma’s support for a mass agitation to enter temples. In the 1923 session of the INC in Kakinada, a resolution was passed by the Kerala Provincial Congress Committee to take up anti-untouchability as a key issue. This was followed by a massive public messaging campaign and a movement to open Hindu temples and all public roads to avarnas. Vaikom, with its revered Shiva temple, was chosen as the location for the very first satyagraha. Madhavan and other leaders took the strategic decision to initially focus on opening up the four roads around the temple — not the temple itself — to avarnas.They were promptly stopped and arrested. So, the next morning, another three men entered the forbidden roads and courted arrest. This went on every day — until the police stopped making arrests and barricaded the whole area instead. From then through September, protesters sat in front of the barricades, fasting and singing patriotic songs. Leaders such as Periyar and C Rajagopalachari came to Vaikom to offer support and lead the protesters. At the same time, counter-agitations raged on. In March 1925, Gandhi was finally able to iron out a compromise: three out of the four roads surrounding the temples were opened up for everyone, but the fourth (eastern) road was kept reserved for brahmins. This was finally implemented in November 1925, when the government completed diversionary roads that could be used by the low castes “without polluting the temple”. The last satyagrahi was recalled from Vaikom on November 23, 1925. The Vaikom satyagraha was a remarkable movement, which sustained itself for over 600 days, amidst hostile social forces, police crackdowns, and one of the worst floods in the town’s history in 1924. The final compromise disappointed many. Famously, Periyar, who had envisioned a far more spectacular outcome, fell out with Gandhi over the issue. In November 1936, the Maharaja of Travancore signed the historic Temple Entry Proclamation which removed the age-old ban on the entry of marginalised castes into the temples of the state.This, along with the demonstration of Gandhian methods of civil disobedience as effective tools of protest, was the great success of the Vaikom satyagraha. Source: The Indian Express Havana syndrome Syllabus Prelims – Current Event Context: Russia dismissed a joint media investigation which found evidence that a Russian military intelligence unit might be responsible for the mysterious health condition known as ‘Havana syndrome’ that affected US diplomats and spies across the world. Background: Havana syndrome typically involves symptoms such as hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory loss, and balance issues. About Havana syndrome Havana syndrome refers to a set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by United States intelligence and embassy officials in various countries. Generally, the word ‘syndrome’ simply means a set of symptoms. It does not mean a unique medical condition, but rather a set of symptoms that are usually experienced together whose origins may be difficult to confirm. Havana syndrome typically involves symptoms such as hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory loss, and balance issues. As the name suggests, it traces its roots to Cuba in late 2016. This was about a year after the US opened its embassy in the capital city of Havana after ties between the two countries were normalised in 2015. Some US intelligence officials and members of the staff at the embassy began experiencing sudden bursts of pressure in their brains followed by persistent headaches, feelings of disorientation and insomnia. Since the Cuban incident, American intelligence and foreign affairs officials posted in various countries have reported symptoms of the syndrome. What did the investigation find? The investigation claims that members of a Russian military intelligence unit, called 29155, could have targeted the brains of US officials by using “directed energy” weapons. The 29155 unit, which has been operational for more than a decade, has been previously accused of carrying out foreign assassination, subversion, and sabotage. What are the causes of Havana syndrome? Study by scientists in the US and examination of the victims began to suggest that they may have been subjected to high-powered microwaves that either damaged or interfered with the nervous system. It was said to have built pressure inside the brain that generated the feeling of a sound being heard. Greater exposure to high-powered microwaves is said not only to interfere with the body’s sense of balance but also to impact memory and cause permanent brain damage. Low levels of microwaves are also emitted from mobile phones but they are not targeted. Source: Indian Express WHITE RABBIT TECHNOLOGY Syllabus Prelims- Current Event Context: Recently, CERN launched the White Rabbit Collaboration. Background: CERN, officially known as the European Organization for Nuclear Research, stands as one of the world’s most esteemed centers for scientific exploration. Its core mission revolves around fundamental physics, aiming to unravel the mysteries of the Universe and decipher its composition and workings. About WHITE RABBIT TECHNOLOGY White Rabbit (WR) is an innovative technology developed at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research). It provides sub-nanosecond accuracy and picoseconds precision for synchronization in various applications. The technology is open source, adheres to standards, and has been integrated into the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), a worldwide industry standard governed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Its applications extend beyond particle physics, making it a powerful example of open-source collaboration and innovation. Applications Beyond Particle Physics: Finance Sector: White Rabbit is already used in financial systems. Research Infrastructures: It finds applications in various research facilities. Future Quantum Internet: Evaluation for use in the future quantum internet. Global Time Dissemination: Potential role in global time dissemination technologies, reducing reliance on satellites. Source: CERN AFAR TRIANGLE Syllabus Prelims : Current Event Context: Geologists predict that the African continent’s rift in the Afar Triangle could lead to the formation of a new ocean in 5 to 10 million years. Background: Over millions of years, this rift could continue to widen and eventually fill with seawater, leading to the formation of a new ocean. However, this is a process that would take millions of years and is based on current geological understanding and predictions. It’s a fascinating example of how our planet is constantly changing and evolving. About AFAR TRIANGLE The Afar Triangle, also known as the Afar Depression, is a geological depression situated in the Horn of Africa. The Afar Triangle, located in the northeastern part of Africa, is one of the most geologically active regions in the world. It’s here that the Arabian, Nubian, and Somali tectonic plates are moving apart from each other. This movement has created a rift system, which is causing the African continent to split. Geological Context: The Afar Triangle is caused by the Afar Triple Junction, which is part of the Great Rift Valley in East Africa. It overlaps the borders of Eritrea, Djibouti, and the entire Afar Region of Ethiopia. The region is characterized by its unique geological features and has revealed fossil specimens of the earliest hominins—the earliest members of the human clade. Some paleontologists consider it the cradle of human evolution. Geographical Highlights: The Afar Triangle contains Lake Assal in Djibouti, which is the lowest point in Africa, lying 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level. The Awash River flows into the region, providing a narrow green belt that sustains flora, fauna, and the nomadic Afar people living in the Danakil Desert. The northern part of the Afar Depression is also known as the Danakil Depression. The area experiences extreme heat, drought, and minimal air circulation, making it one of the hottest places on Earth year-round. Source: Times of India REAL ESTATE (REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT) ACT, 2016 (RERA) Syllabus Prelims – Polity Context: The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), which was passed by Parliament eight years ago, is currently under review by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Background: As part of this review, senior officials have initiated regular meetings with homebuyers to gather feedback on the Act’s effectiveness. These meetings aim to assess key dimensions such as transparency, accountability, information dissemination, and grievance redressal. About The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016: The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) is a significant legislation passed by the Indian Parliament to regulate and promote the real estate sector in the country. Purpose and Establishment: RERA aims to protect homebuyers and enhance transparency and efficiency in real estate transactions. It establishes a Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in each state, serving as an adjudicating body for quick dispute resolution. Applicability: RERA applies to under-construction projects with either of the following criteria: Plot size exceeding 500 square meters. Projects with 8 apartments or more. Salient Provisions: Mandatory Registration: All real estate projects falling under the specified criteria must be registered with RERA. Fast-Track Dispute Resolution: RERA sets up an appellate tribunal and dedicated adjudicating officers for settling disputes efficiently. Consent for Transfer: If a promoter wishes to transfer rights and liabilities to a third party, written consent from two-thirds of allottees and RERA approval are required. Complaint Mechanism: Individuals can file complaints with RERA regarding violations by promoters, buyers, or agents. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Promoters failing to follow RERA orders may face penalties up to 5% of the evaluated property cost. Non-compliance with Appellate Tribunal orders can result in imprisonment or fines. Jurisdiction: Civil courts have no jurisdiction over matters covered by RERA or the Appellate Tribunal. Source: Indian Express Status of Leopards in India 2022 Syllabus Mains – GS 3 Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released a report on the Status of Leopards in India 2022. The survey covered 20 States of India and focused on about 70% of the animals’ expected habitat. Background: The fifth cycle leopard population estimation was carried out by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with State Forest Departments. Key Highlights of the Report on the Status of Leopards in India 2022: India’s leopard population rose by 8% from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022. About 65% of the leopard population is present outside protected areas in the Shivalik landscape. Only about a third of the leopards are within protected areas. Central India shows a stable or slightly growing population of leopards (2018: 8071, 2022: 8820), Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experienced decline (2018: 1253, 2022: 1109). In Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains, there is a 3.4% decline per annum, while the largest growth rate was in Central India and Eastern Ghats at 1.5%. Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of leopards (3,907), followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. In Odisha, the number of leopards dropped from 760 in 2018 to 562 in 2022, and in Uttarakhand, the population declined from 839 in 2018 to 652 in 2022. Kerala, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Goa too reported population declines. The Central India and Eastern Ghats landscape is home to the largest population of leopards, which is growing due to protective measures within the framework of tiger conservation. The report highlights that leopard densities are higher in Tiger Reserves compared to areas outside Protected Areas, despite the regulatory pressure exerted by tigers on leopards. Common threats are poaching of prey for bush meat, targeted poaching for tiger and leopard skins and body parts, and habitat loss due to mining and other human activities. In Odisha, as many as 59 leopard skins were seized from wildlife smugglers between 2018 and 2023. Additionally, road accidents are a significant cause of leopard fatalities. Source:PIB Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) With reference to White Rabbit (WR) technology, consider the following statements: White Rabbit technology is developed at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. It provides sub-nanosecond accuracy and picoseconds precision for synchronization in various applications. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q2.)  Afar Triangle, recently  seen in news is located in Crimean Peninsula Golan Heights Horn of Africa Nagorno-Karabakh Q3.)With reference to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), consider the following statements: RERA aims to protect homebuyers and enhance transparency and efficiency in real estate transactions. It establishes a Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in each state. RERA sets up an appellate tribunal and dedicated adjudicating officers for settling disputes efficiently. How many of the statements given above are correct? Only one Only two All three None Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  2nd  April  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR  1st April – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – b Q.3) – d