UPSC 1999 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Travel accounts Megasthenes, Fa-Hien, Xuanzang and I-Tsing provide invaluable insight into ancient India.

Option (b) is correct:

Megasthenes was an ancient Greek traveler and diplomat sent from Hellenistic king Seleucus I. He visited India during the Mauryan era (321-185 BC). He compiled his account on India in the famous book called ‘Indica’. Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk and explorer who traveled through India in search of Buddhist Scriptures during the Gupta period (4th Century CE to 6th Century CE). Hiuen Tsang (629-645 C.E) or Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India during the reign of King Harsha Vardhana to obtain the Buddhist scriptures, He is also known as the "Prince of Pilgrims,". I-Tsing was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who journeyed to India. After visiting the important Buddhist sites in Magadha, he spent ten years (676-685) at the renowned Nalanda monastery

Explanation

The Mughal Empire began in 1526 and lasted for over 200 years. At its peak it covered modern day India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The empire was founded by Babur, a Muslim warrior prince from Central Asia, who descended from the Mongols. Several European travelers, including Ralph Fitch, William Hakins, Sir Thomas Roe, Francois Bernier, and Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, documented the Mughal Empire’s wealth, administration, society, and culture.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: William Hawkins visited Jahangir’s court as a representative of the East India Company. He gained favor with Jahangir and was granted trading privileges.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Sir Thomas Roe (1615-1619), an English ambassador sent by King James I to Jahangir’s court to negotiate trade rights for the East India Company.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a French gem (particularly diamond) trader and traveler in the 17th century Tavernier visited India six times between 1630 and 1668 and provided invaluable accounts of trade, society, and the Mughal court, particularly during the reign of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. He also provided descriptions of the Peacock Throne commissioned by Shah Jahan.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Niccolao Manucci (1639-1717) was an Italian traveler who spent over fifty years in India during the Mughal period, primarily under the reign of Aurangzeb.

Explanation

Assertion is true: During Akbar’s reign, the Mansabdari system was an essential part of his military and administrative structure. The Mansabdar was a title given to officials who held military or civil offices. The Mansabdars were required to maintain a specific number of cavalrymen, and the ratio was set at 10 cavalrymen for every 20 horses. Reason is true: Horses needed rest during long marches, especially in difficult terrain or extended campaigns. Additionally, during war, horses might get injured or exhausted, and replacements were essential to ensure that the cavalry remained effective. Having extra horses provided the necessary logistical support for the Mansabdars to keep their cavalry functional during both long marches and active combat situations.

Explanation

Assertion A is true: By the late 1990s, India’s information technology (IT) sector had experienced significant growth, establishing the country as a key player in the global IT industry. The rapid expansion of software services and exports contributed to the increasing importance of IT in India’s economic landscape. Reason R is false: While software is indeed a major export for India, the country has traditionally been stronger in software services rather than hardware manufacturing. The hardware sector in India has not been as prominent or well-developed compared to the software industry.

Explanation

The moderate phase of the Indian National Congress, characterized by the policy of prayer and petition, ended as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and other Extremist leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and direct action. Extremists under Tilak’s leadership adopted a more assertive stance, focusing on mobilizing the masses and boycotting British institutions through the Swadeshi Movement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Small-scale industries tend to be more labor-intensive compared to large-scale industries, meaning they create more jobs with less capital investment. This feature is particularly valuable in economies with a high labor supply, as it helps reduce unemployment and fosters inclusive growth.

Statement 2 is correct: Small-scale industries help in spreading industrial activities across different regions, thus contributing to the decentralization of economic growth. This helps in reducing regional inequalities, promotes balanced development, and prevents industries from being concentrated in a few urban areas.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Large-scale industries(not Small-scale industries) generally perform better in export markets due to economies of scale and better access to global markets.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Although SSIs provide jobs to low-skill workers, this is not their primary reason for preferential treatment.

Explanation

List-I List-II A. WTO 2. Multilateral trade negotiation body B. IDA 3. Sanction of soft loans C. IMF 1. Provides loans to address short-term balance payment problems D. IBRD 4. Facilitating lending and borrowing for reconstruction and development

Explanation

A balance sheet is a financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a specific point in time. It details the company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity, offering insights into its financial health, size, and resource allocation. However, it has limitations in assessing profitability and market share. From a balance sheet, one can determine the size and composition of assets and liabilities, such as cash, inventory, debt, and equity. It does not directly reveal profitability (income statement) or market share (indus-try analysis). For example, Tata Motors’ balance sheet shows as-sets worth 1.2 lakh crore (2023), but profitability is assessed via P&L statements.

Explanation

Statement (1) is correct: Before the European Union (EU) was officially established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, the organization was known as the European Economic Community (EEC), and earlier, the European Community (EC). The EU evolved from the EEC, formed by the Treaty of Rome (1957), which created a common market among six countries.

Statement (2) is correct:: The Single European Act (1986) and the Maastricht Treaty were milestones in its formation. The Single European Act (1986) was a major step towards achieving a single market in Europe, setting the groundwork for free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.

Statement (3) is correct: Citizens of EU countries have the right to dual citizenship, meaning they can be citizens of both their own country and another EU member state, due to the free movement of people and the right of residence within the EU.

Statement (4) is incorrect: Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. While it has strong economic ties with the EU through various agreements, such as the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area (EEA), it remains outside of the EU.

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: India faces challenges in fostering entrepreneurship due to factors like risk aversion, limited access to capital, and regulatory hurdles. A shortage of skilled leadership hampers innovation and effective business strategies, which are key to industrial growth.

Option 2 is incorrect: While savings are important, they are not the sole determinant of industrial development. Other factors such as access to credit, foreign investment, and government spending also play a significant role in driving industrial growth. Even with limited domestic savings, a country can attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to fuel its industries.

Option 3 is correct: The lack of technology, skills, and infrastructure is a major constraint on industrial development. Modern industries depend on advanced technology, a skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure (such as transportation, communication, and energy). Deficiencies in any of these areas can severely hinder progress. For instance, an unreliable power supply can disrupt production, while a shortage of skilled workers can prevent the adoption of new technologies.

Option 4 is correct: Industrial growth is also driven by demand for goods and services. When a significant portion of the population has limited purchasing power, it reduces the market size and can deter investment in new industries or the expansion of existing ones. A larger, wealthier consumer base stimulates industrial growth and encourages investment.