Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The word "Apabhramsa" literally means "corruption" or "degeneration." In a linguistic context, it was used to describe a deviation or transformation from classical Sanskrit that led to the emergence of regional languages, which later evolved into modern Indian languages. Apabhramsa emerged during the medieval period (from the 6th to 13th centuries). It was a transitionary stage between Prakrits (the vernacular languages of ancient India) and the modern Indo-Aryan languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, and others. It was a mixture of regional dialects influenced by the local vernaculars, and its forms were quite diverse across different regions.

Explanation

The Gurus of Sikhism were the spiritual leaders who guided the development of the Sikh faith over approximately two and a half centuries, starting with Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. There were ten human Gurus in total, each contributing to the growth and teachings of the religion. After the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, the holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, became the eternal Guru, revered as the living Guru by Sikh followers. Pair (a) is incorrectly matched: The concept of Miri and Piri was introduced by Guru Hargobind. In Sikhism, it represents the balance between spiritual and non-spiritual aspects of life. Pair (b) is correctly matched: Guru Arjun Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, played a pivotal role in Sikh history by compiling the Adi Granth, the foundational scripture of Sikhism. The Adi Granth is the first version of the Guru Granth Sahib, incorporating hymns of Sikh Gurus and other saints. Pair (c) is incorrectly matched: Dal-Khalsa refers to the first historical military alliance of 11 Sikh misls that operated in the Punjab region during the 18th century (1748-1799). It was formed by Guru Gobind Singh. Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: Manji or manja literally means a cot, which is taken as the seat of authority in Sikhism Manji’s are started by Guru Amar Das

Explanation

Raskhan’s Prem Vatika stands out as an exquisite devotional work on Krishna, blending intense love (prem) with devotion (bhakti). Raskhan, originally a Muslim by birth, became a devoted follower of Krishna and is known for his devotional poetry. Some of his important works are: Sujana Raskhana, Danalila, Astayama, and a collection of Padas. Bihari, a 17th Century poet, authored the Satsai, being a brilliant poet of classical Hindi literature, his works do not specifically focus on Krishna’s life. Surdas was a prominent saint of the Krishna Bhakti tradition. He is known for his work Sur Sagar, a collection of poems celebrating Krishna’s childhood (bal leela) and divine play (raas leela). However, Prem Vatika is not attributed to him. Kabir, a Nirguna Bhakti professed worshiping a formless divine (nirakar). His works like Sakhi and Bijak focus on spiritual truths and unity, not Krishna-centric themes. v v v

Explanation

Legalization of Euthanasia in the Northern Territory, Australia (1996):

The Northern Territory of Australia became the first place in the world to legalize euthanasia through the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act (1995), allowing voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill patients under strict conditions. The first legal euthanasia occurred in 1996, but the Australian Federal Parliament overturned the law in 1997, making it illegal again in the territory. Currently, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws are in effect in all six Australian states--Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. Additionally, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) passed a VAD law on June 5, 2024, which will come into effect on November 3, 2025.

Explanation

The World Trade Organization (WTO), established on January 1, 1995, succeeded GATT to regulate global trade. It promotes free trade by reducing barriers like tariffs and quotas, ensuring smooth resource flows. The WTO also protects intellectual property rights through the TRIPS agreement, safeguarding patents, copyrights, and trademarks from unauthorized use. The WTO does not manage trade balances, which depend on domestic policies and market forces. It ensures fair trade and dispute resolution. It also promotes global trade universally, not just between the former Eastern and Western blocs, as this is not a specific WTO objective.

Explanation

Trading Blocs like NAFTA (now USMCA), ASEAN, EU, MERCOSUR, etc. are regional groups that promote economic cooperation and trade liberalization among member nations. The purpose of such blocs aligns with WTO’s (World Trade Organization) principles of reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade.

Option (a) is incorrect: While some critics see trading blocs as restricting global free trade, their main goal is to enhance trade among member nations. Unlike the WTO, which promotes global trade liberalization, blocs like NAFTA and ASEAN focus on regional trade. However, they still operate within WTO guidelines, ensuring they do not entirely hinder global trade.

Option (c) is incorrect: While some trade agreements facilitate technology transfer, it is not the primary function of trading blocs. Such transfers depend on separate agreements like TRIPS under the WTO rather than being a core objective of regional trade groups.

Option (d) is incorrect: While some trading blocs include agriculture, their primary aim is broader trade liberalization across multiple sectors. North-South trade is a wider economic concept, not exclusive to regional trade blocs, which generally align with WTO principles of reducing trade barriers and fostering economic cooperation.

Explanation

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is a 21-member regional economic forum (est. 1989) focused on trade and economic integration through non-binding, consensus-based cooperation. It has been operating on the basis of non-binding commitments with decisions taken through commitments and consensus undertaken on a voluntary basis. The grouping’s current members are Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; and Vietnam. Secretariat: Singapore.

Explanation

Article 54 states that the President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members from both Houses of Parliament and elected members from State Legislative Assemblies, including those from Delhi and Pondicherry. Under Article 61, any of the two Houses of Parliament initiates impeachment with a 14-day written notice to the President signed by one-fourth of its members. The resolution must pass by a two-thirds majority of the membership. The other House investigates the charges. If the investigating House also passes the resolution by a two-thirds majority of membership, the President is impeached. The president has the right to appear and to be represented at such an investigation. The Article 61 does not mention the State Legislatures.

Explanation

As per Article 75(1), the Prime Minister advises the President on the appointment of ministers, and the President is bound to act on this advice. While the Prime Minister can nominate any individual to be appointed as a minister, they must become a Member of Parliament within six months, as per Article 75(5). The Prime Minister is not required to consult the President when selecting ministers, making it clear that the discretion in this matter lies entirely with the Prime Minister, not the President.

Explanation

Swaraj Party was an Indian political party founded by members of the Indian National Congress, notably Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das, in late 1922-early 1923. They were termed Pro-changers, while their opponents were dubbed No-changers.

Option (a) is correct: The idea of a constituent assembly to draft a constitution for India was first mooted by the Swaraj Party in 1934. M.N. Roy, a pioneer of the idea of a constitution based on the will of the people, had also suggested this concept in 1934. The demand was later adopted by the Indian National Congress during its 1936 session and gained prominence in Indian politics.