Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Ashoka’s religious philosophy evolved from a belief in traditional Hindu practices to the adoption of Buddhism, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and moral conduct. His Edicts reflect his commitment to dharma, promoting tolerance, welfare, and ethical governance. In Major Rock Edicts 7 and 12, Ashoka explicitly advocates for religious tolerance and the coexistence of all religions. He emphasized that all ascetics (spiritual teachers) should be honored, irrespective of their faith, and that people should respect each other’s beliefs. These edicts reflect Ashoka’s commitment to dhamma (righteousness), which promoted peaceful co-existence.

Explanation

One of the major factors in the decline of indigo cultivation was the invention of synthetic dyes in the 19th century. This breakthrough led to the development of a wide range of synthetic dyes that were cheaper, easier to produce, and more effective than natural indigo. By the 1880s, synthetic dyes became widely available, reducing the global demand for natural indigo.

Explanation

The Munda Rebellion (1899-1900), led by Birsa Munda, was a major tribal uprising in Chotanagpur (now Jharkhand), known as Ulgulan ("The Great Tumult"). It opposed the zamindari system (introduced in 1874), which replaced the traditional Khuntkari system(land belonged collectively to the Munda clans), creating landlords (zamindars) and tenants (ryots). This led to heavy taxation, exploitation by moneylenders, and forced labor (Beth Begari). Birsa Munda mobilized tribals against British rule and earned the title ‘Dharti Abba’ (Earth Father). The revolt was ultimately suppressed, and Birsa Munda died in prison in 1900.

Explanation

The Jet Stream is a geostrophic wind that generally blows from west to east across the upper layers of the troposphere at an altitude of 20,000 to 50,000 feet. Air masses with different temperatures collide to form jet streams. Thus, the location of the Jet Stream’s formation is normally characterized by surface temperatures.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Jet streams exist in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. They typically form near the boundaries of major air masses and are driven by temperature differences and the Earth’s rotation. The Polar Jet Stream and Subtropical Jet Stream are present in both hemispheres.

Statement 2 is correct: Not all cyclones form an eye. The eye is a distinct feature of well-developed, intense tropical cyclones. In contrast, temperate cyclones do not have an eye because there is no central area where winds and rainfall are calm or inactive.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The eye of a tropical cyclone is the calm center with the lowest surface pressure and the warmest air above it. At about 12 km high, the air in the eye can be 10°C or more warmer than the surrounding air, while at the surface, it’s only 0-2°C warmer.

Explanation

Correct chronology is as follows: 2-4-1-3 The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty that ruled a large part of southern India between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, with Kanchipuram (now in Tamil Nadu) as their capital. The Pallavas achieved their pinnacle with Mahendravarman I’s rule (c. 600-630), who reigned alongside Harsha and Pulakeshin II. The Pala Empire, which started in the Bengal region and ruled throughout the post-classical period (8th and 9th century AD), was an imperial power. The empire was officially established when Gopala was chosen to rule as Gauda’s emperor in 750 AD. Nagabhatta I founded the Gurjara Pratihara Dynasty (8th to 11th Century AD) in the Malwa region around the 8th century AD. Mihir Bhoja (836-885 AD) was the greatest ruler of the Pratihara dynasty. The Cholas rose to prominence in the 9th century and formed an empire that included most of South India; Tanjore/ Tanjavur served as their capital. The reign of the Chola king Parantaka, who succeeded his father Aditya I as king, lasted from 907-953 AD.

Explanation

The Preamble to the Constitution of India is part of the Constitution but lacks independent legal force. It outlines guiding principles like justice, liberty, and equality. The Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati (1973) affirmed it as integral to understanding the Constitution’s philosophy, although it doesn’t confer enforceable rights. It serves as a guiding tool for interpreting the Constitution’s objectives.

Explanation

The G20 (Group of Twenty) is an international forum consisting of 19 countries, African Union and the European Union. It represents the world’s largest economies, including both industrialized and developing nations. The G20 focuses on global economic issues, financial stability, and sustainable devel-opment. G20 Member Countries include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada; China, France, Germany, India; Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, United States, Europe-an Union and African Union.

Option (a) is correct: Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey all are members of G20

Option (b) is incorrect: Malaysia and New Zealand are not a part of G20

Option (c) is incorrect: Iran & Vietnam are not a part of G20

Option (d) is incorrect: Singapore is not a member of G20.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: While India-Sri Lanka trade has grown over time but it has not shown consistent growth every year. Trade fluctuated due to factors such as economic slow-downs, policy changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statement 2 is correct: Textiles and textile articles form a major component of India’s exports to Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a leading global exporter of garments, and it imports raw materials (cotton, yarn, and fabric) from India for its textile and apparel industry. Textiles and made-ups account for 56% of Indian imports from Bangladesh.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Bangladesh, not Nepal, has been In-dia’s largest trading partner in South Asia over the past five years. In the fiscal year 2022-23 India’s exports to Bangladesh were valued at US$ 13.84 billion which makes it one of India’s top export destinations.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Bhilsa is the medieval name of the modern day Vidisha city of Madhya Pradesh. Vidisha was also known as Besnagar in ancient times. King Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty served as the Governor of Vidisha during his father’s regime. It is known for its archaeological sites including the Udayagiri Caves and the Heliodorus Pillar.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Dwarasamudra was the capital of the Hoysala kingdom in the 11th century. Today it is known as Halebidu - a town located in Hassan district in Karnataka and is known for exquisite Hoysala architecture, including the Hoysaleswara Temple.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Girinagar also known as Girnar or Revatak Parvat is a group of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat. Temples situated on Mount Girnar are sacred to both Digambar and Swetambars branches of Jainism.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Thanesar (Thaneshwar) is an old Hindu pilgrimage town of Haryana that was famous as Sthanesvara in ancient times. Thaneshwar was ruled by the great King Harsha of the Vardhan dynasty.

Explanation

Factors/Policies affecting the Price of Rice in recent past are:

Minimum Support Price: MSP is a type of market intervention that the government uses to protect farmers against a sudden drop in farm prices. Rice is included in MSP and thus the government announces MSP for rice, ensuring farmers receive a minimum price for their produce. A high MSP leads to increased procurement costs and can push up market prices. Government Trading: The government imports or exports rice through agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI). Restrictions or encouragement in exports/imports can affect domestic rice prices. Government’s Stockpiling: The government maintains buffer stocks under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and food security programs. Large stockpiling can reduce market supply, influencing prices. Consumer Subsidies: The government provides subsidized rice through schemes like the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and PDS. While subsidies help consumers, they can distort market demand and affect pricing trends.