Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The United Kingdom is not a member of the Nordic Council.

Explanation

Estonia, along with Latvia and Lithuania (Baltic States), never joined the CIS. These countries prioritized European Union (EU) and NATO membership over integration with former Soviet states. Estonia officially joined the EU and NATO in 2004, distancing itself from Russian influence. Armenia joined the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Belarus is a founding member of the CIS and remains one of its strongest supporters. Georgia Joined CIS in 1993 but officially left in 2009 due to tensions with Russia (after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War).

Explanation

Bangladesh is not a member of ASEAN. The current members of ASEAN are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Explanation

Chandra Kochhar was a prominent banker and former CEO of ICICI Bank, one of India’s largest private banks. Amrita Patel is known for her work in dairy development and served as the chairperson of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Indra Nooyi is the former CEO of PepsiCo, a global food and beverage company. Piyush Pandey is a renowned figure in the field of advertising and serves as the Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy India.

Explanation

The Al lahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by Harishena, highlights Samudragupta’s conquests and administrative capabilities. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Mahapadma Nanda predated the inscription’s composition. There is no connection between Chandragupta Maurya and this inscription. Ashoka built many pillars but did not contribute to this inscription.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ikshvaku dynasty ruled Andhra Pradesh during the 3rd-4th century CE. The Ikshvakus primarily followed Brahmanical traditions but were not hostile to Buddhism. Their reign saw the coexistence of multiple religious traditions. Many Buddhist stupas and viharas were constructed during their rule, particularly in Nagarjunakonda.

Statement 2 is correct: The Pala dynasty (8th-12th century CE) ruled over Bengal and Bihar and was known for its strong patronage of Mahayana Buddhism. They played a significant role in establishing major Buddhist centers such as Vikramashila, Nalanda, and Somapura Mahavihara. Rulers like Dharmapala and Devapala actively promoted Buddhism, not only within India but also in regions like Tibet.

Explanation

Takshasila (Taxila) was a vital ancient city located between the Indus and Jhelum rivers, functioning as a prominent educational and cultural center. It was renowned for its university, attracting scholars like Chanakya and Panini, and played a key role in Indian history.

Explanation

Abdul Hamid Lahori was a distinguished historian during the reign of Shahjahan (1628-1658), the Mughal emperor renowned for his architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Lahori is best remembered for his monumental work, the Padshahnama, a detailed chronicle of Shahjahan’s reign. This official record documents the emperor’s military campaigns, administrative reforms, cultural contributions, and architectural endeavors, offering valuable insights into the Mughal Empire’s zenith. Lahori’s work is regarded as a continuation of Akbar’s historian Abul Fazl’s style, blending meticulous historical recording with a grand narrative of the emperor’s glory.

Explanation

The English East India Company was granted permission to establish its first factory in Surat in 1613 by Mughal Emperor Jahangir. This decision was the result of Sir Thomas Roe’s successful diplomatic negotiations with the Mughal court, as he represented King James I of England. Surat, a thriving port city on the western coast of India, was a hub for international trade and was strategically chosen for its access to trade routes connecting India with the Middle East and Europe.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The provision of free and compulsory education for children in the 6-14 age group was included in the Constitution of India through the Eighty-sixth Amendment (not the Seventy-sixth) in 2002, which inserted Article 21A.

Statement 2 is correct: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) aims to provide universal education and includes the promotion of computer education in rural areas as part of its broader educational reforms.

Statement 3 is correct: Education was moved to the Concurrent List under Item 25 by the Forty-second Amendment in 1976. This allows both the Centre and states to legislate on education.