UPSC 2000 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

In computing, memory is typically measured in units such as 1 byte = 8 bit (short for binary digit) or megabytes (MB). A byte is the basic unit of digital information storage and consists of eight binary digits, commonly referred to as bits. Each bit represents a binary value of either 0 or 1, enabling a byte to store 2^8 (256) possible values, ranging from 0 to 255 in decimal notation. This structure forms the foundation of data representation in computers.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: In India, megacities are typically classified as urban areas with a population of over 5 million. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad fall into this category, making them some of the largest and most populous urban centers in the country.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai serve as important sea ports, not all Indian megacities are located by the coast. For example, Delhi, despite being a large megacity, is inland and lacks direct access to the sea

Statement 3 is correct: Several Indian megacities serve as either national or state capitals. Delhi is the national capital, Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, and Kolkata serves as the capital of West Bengal. These cities are not only economic powerhouses but also administrative centers, making them critical to the governance and development of their respective states or the nation.

Explanation

Iqta is associated with the Delhi Sultans, this system involves land grants assigned to officials (Iqtadars) for revenue collection and administrative responsibilities. Jagir term was pertinent to the Mughals, this was a system where land revenue rights were assigned to officials as compensation for their services. Amaram is associated with the Vijayanagara Empire, this term referred to land assignments granted to military officers (Amaranayakas) who were responsible for providing troops to the central authority. Mokasa - Relevant to the Marathas, it referred to revenue assignments given to local officials or chiefs.

Explanation

The Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, in 1193. It was later completed by his successor Iltutmish in the early 13th century. It is a victory tower or minaret that was constructed to mark the beginning of Muslim rule in India and to celebrate Qutb-ud-Din Aibak’s victory over the Rajputs. Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq is credited with having repaired the tower in the 14th century after it was damaged by lightning. The Qutub Minar was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a Delhi Sultan known for administrative reforms, died in 1388 A.D. Firoz Shah introduced the Faujdar system and created the post of Shiqdar (District head). Vasco da Gama’s arrival at Calicut in 1498 marked the beginning of Portuguese maritime influence in India. Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara (1509-1529 A.D) was the greatest ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, contributing to military, administrative, and cultural advancements.

Explanation

Santos is the outer port of Sao Paulo in Brazil and is known as the Coffee port of the world.

Explanation

In the Jagirdari System, land was assigned to feudal landlords or nobles (Jagirdars) in exchange for administrative or military service. The land granted to Jagirdars was not permanently owned by them. They were assigned the revenue rights of the land for a fixed term. Under the Zamindari System, intermediaries (Zamindars) collected revenue from peasants and passed it to the government. They did not own the land but had the right to collect taxes from the peasants in exchange for keeping a portion of the collected revenue. In the Ryotwari System, individual peasants (Ryots) owned the land directly and had the right to sublet, mortgage, or sell it. It was mainly implemented in areas like Madras, Bombay, and parts of Assam. The Mahalwari System involved revenue collection based on the collective responsibility of an entire village (Mahal). The head of the village, often a local leader or a prominent landowner, would be responsible for paying the land tax for the entire group of villages.

Explanation

Gilt-edged market refers to high-grade investment securities, typically government bonds, that are considered extremely safe and low-risk. These securities offer reliable returns and have a high credit rating. In finance, it refers to government securities (bonds) with minimal risk of default.

Explanation

The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act of 1992, commonly referred to as the Panchayati Raj Act, was a landmark legislation aimed at empowering local self-governance in India, especially at the grassroots level. Institutions were created to function at three levels: village, intermediate (block), and district levels, with the goal of decentralizing power and fostering local self-governance. It sought to ensure effective economic and social development through empowered local bodies. The Act aimed to empower rural areas by providing constitutional status to Panchayats, enhancing their role in local governance, economic development, and social justice.

Explanation

A is the correct match with 1: Boom refers to an economic period where growth, employment, and production are at their peak which results in a high level of business activities. B is the correct match with 2: Recession indicates a slowdown where business activity diminishes, leading to lower economic indicators, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. C is the correct match with 3: Depression is a severe down-turn with significant negative effects on income, employment, and output. A continued recession turns into depression. D is the correct match with 4: Recovery is a phase of improvement in economic conditions after a recession or depression which results in steady rise in general level of prices, income, output and employment.

Explanation

The Government of India Act of 1935 was a landmark legislation that introduced significant constitutional reforms in British India. It aimed to establish a federal structure, provide provincial autonomy, and extend self-government. The Act also created a bicameral central legislature and granted limited political participation, though it fell short of full independence.

Option (a) is correct: As per the Government of India Act of 1935, dyarchy which was provided for the Federal Executive. Dyarchy in the provinces was abolished. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect: As the act did provide for:

The Act provided for a bicameral legislature at the centre, consisting of the Council of States (Upper House) and the Legislative Assembly (Lower House). Provincial Autonomy i.e., the distinction between Reserved and Transferred Subjects was abolished and full responsible government was established Establishment of an All-India Federation (proposed, but not implemented)