Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Eripatti was a special kind of land donated by individuals. The revenue from it was set aside for the maintenance of tanks in the village.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: During the Chola administration, occasionally a very large village would be administered as a single unit and this was called Taniyur. These villages were not necessarily just large administrative units but could also be village settlements that were either wholly or largely populated by Brahmins or associated with religious functions.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ghatikas were educational institutions, often associated with temples, where learning took place. These colleges were centers for higher education, particularly in subjects like philosophy, logic, and religious studies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta Caves were built in two phases: Satavahana period (2nd century BCE) and later in the Vakataka period (5th-6th century CE). They are primarily associated with Buddhist art and culture. They are famous for murals, sculptures, and rock-cut chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries). Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) was built in the 7th-8th century CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE) of Pallava dynasty.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Ajanta caves are mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations while Mahabalipuram is known for rock-cut monolithic temples, cave temples, and the Shore Temple (structural temple built with granite blocks) mostly dedicated to Shaivaite and Vaishnavite traditions.

Statement 3 is correct: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are one of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments. The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut caves carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff housing chaityas and viharas with intricate carvings and paintings. The monuments at Mahabalipuram include rock-cut temples and bas-reliefs such as the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas and the Arjuna’s Penance relief.

Explanation

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they require a host cell to replicate. They can infect bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, and other viruses. Viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages (or simply phages). These viruses play a crucial role in regulating bacterial populations. Phages attach to bacterial cells, inject their genetic material, and hijack the bacterial machinery to replicate themselves. This process often leads to the destruction (lysis) of the bacterial cell. Viruses that infect fungi are called mycoviruses (Mycophages). They do not have an extracellular phase (i.e., they lack the ability to move outside fungal cells). They are linked to plant diseases because they weaken fungi that help plant growth. Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1) infects chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica). Plant viruses are well-known pathogens that cause significant economic losses in agriculture such as the Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), Potato Virus Y (PVY), and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Plant viruses are typically transmitted by insects, nematodes, or through contaminated seeds and tools. They infect plant cells disrupting their normal cellular functions and cause symptoms such as leaf curling, stunting, and mosaic patterns.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct: A transcriptome is the full range of messenger RNA(mRNA) molecules expressed by an organism. The term "transcriptome" can also be used to describe the array of mRNA transcripts produced in a particular cell or tissue type. Transcriptome analysis (RNA sequencing or RNA-Seq) is a key tool in bioinformatics for studying gene expression, identifying biomarkers, and understanding cellular functions.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Genome editing involves enzymes like CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, etc which are used to modify DNA sequences. These enzymes are tools for targeted genetic modifications. Transcriptome doesn’t relate to enzymes used in editing Gene expression involves the processes of transcription (DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to proteins). It includes regulatory mechanisms like transcription factors, epigenetic modifications, and post-transcriptional processing. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence caused by errors during replication, environmental factors, or chemical agents.

Explanation

The British played a significant role in reconstructing India’s ancient history through archaeological excavations, such as those at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and the translation of ancient texts like the Vedas and Arthashastra. Their efforts helped revive interest in India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, though often through a colonial lens.

Option (b) is correct: James Prinsep, an officer in the East India Company’s mint, deciphered Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts in 1837, unlocking the meaning of Ashoka’s edicts. His discovery revealed the king referred to as Piyadassi ("pleasant to behold"), later identified as Ashoka. This breakthrough was crucial in reconstructing the Mauryan period and understanding Ashoka’s role in Indian history. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Georg Bühler was a German Indologist known for his work on Sanskrit and ancient Indian inscriptions. Max Müller was a German philologist who contributed to the study of the Vedas and Sanskrit literature. William Jones was an Orientalist who founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal and is famous for recognizing the relationship between Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek.

Explanation

The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), also known as Gadgil Committee was chaired by Prof. Madhav Gadgil. It was established by the Ministry of Environment & Forests in 2010 and submitted its report in 2011. The panel was constituted to primarily demarcate ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats and recommended measures for the management of these ecologically sensitive areas. The Kasturirangan committee was constituted to examine the WGEEP report in 2012. The key recommendations were:

Declaring the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). Dividing the region into three zones (Ecologically Sensitive Zones 1, 2, and 3), with strict regulations on mining, industries, and land-use changes. Implementing bottom-up democratic decision-making by involving local communities in conservation efforts. Banning large-scale developmental projects in sensitive zones.

Explanation

On 24 September 1873, Jotirao Govindrao Phule formed Satyashodhak Samaj to focus on the rights of depressed groups such as women, the Shudra, and the Dalit in Maharashtra. The Satyashodhak Samaj opposed idolatry and the caste system, advocating for reason and equality. It rejected the need for priests and promoted simple religious practices for all. The group’s viewpoints were voiced through the Deenbandhu newspaper. Members included Muslims, Brahmins, and government officials, with financial support primarily from Phule’s Mali caste.

Explanation

Option (1) is incorrect: The Calcutta Unitarian Committee (1823) was founded by Rammohan Roy, Dwarkanath Tagore, and William Adam to promote Unitarian beliefs and social reforms, but Keshab Chandra Sen was not involved in its formation.

Option (2) is correct: The Tabernacle of New Dispensation (1881) was established by Keshab Chandra Sen as part of his Nava Vidhan (New Dispensation) movement, which aimed to integrate the teachings of Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions into a universal faith. It reflected his belief in religious harmony and spiritual unity

Option (3) is correct: Indian Reform Association (1870), focusing on social reforms such as women’s rights, education, widow remarriage, and temperance (restrictions on alcohol consumption). The association played a crucial role in advocating progressive changes in Indian society.

Explanation

The Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play by Kalidas. The play tells the love story of Agnimitra the son Of Pushyamitra Shunga- the founder of the Shunga dynasty. He falls in love with the servant girl named Malavika.

Option (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect Swapnavasavadatta: A Sanskrit play by Bhasa that tells the story of the love between King Udayana of Vatsa and his wife Vasavadatta, with themes of separation, reunion, and devotion. Meghadoota: A lyrical Sanskrit poem by Kalidasa in which a yaksha (a celestial being) sends a message to his beloved through a cloud, expressing longing and deep emotion. Ratnavali: A Sanskrit play by Harsha that explores the romantic and political intrigue surrounding the king Udayana and his love for Ratnavali, with themes of virtue, love, and diplomacy.

Explanation

According to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011, pre-packaged items in India must display key information, including:

Nutrition information List of ingredients (including additives) Vegetarian/Non-vegetarian label Date of manufacture and packing Best-before date Lot number, Code number, or Batch number The regulations mandate that foods containing allergens such as cereals containing gluten, nuts, soybeans, milk, and fish must declare the presence of these allergens on the label. However, the regulations do not require a specific medical recommendation regarding allergic reactions