UPSC 2020 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Hundis are used as a form of remittance instrument to transfer money from place to place. It was used as a form of credit instrument or IOU to borrow money and as a bill of exchange in trade transactions. The Hundis was a letter of credit payable after a period of time. The word "hundi" is often linked to the Sanskrit root "hundika," meaning a type of bill or note. The Lekhapaddhati (12th century, in post-Harsha period) refer to the use of hundika by kings and nobles to make payments but it may have been used by merchants as well. Hundis were widely used during the post-Harsha period (7th century onwards) and played a significant role in the growth of trade and urbanization in India.

Explanation

The common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is the final goal of stateless and classless society, whereas means to achieve these final goals differ. A stateless society does refer to a society without a centralized government or formal state institutions, it typically implies a system where people govern themselves through communal, decentralized methods without the need for a coercive state apparatus. According to Karl Marx, the State is an instrument of oppression and an organ of the bourgeoisie that only works for maintaining class dominance. Therefore, he strives for class struggle and revolution which will ultimately result in a stateless society. Mahatma Gandhi gave the concept of Ramarajya, an ideal society characterised by self-governing individuals living in harmony without centralised political authority. He believed in achieving this stateless society through non-violent means, emphasizing moral and ethical self-discipline. Gandhi’s vision aligns with the idea of enlightened anarchy.

Explanation

Bureaucracy is the executive branch of government, responsible for implementing decisions made by the elected officials. Bureaucrats are selected through a merit-based process to manage state affairs. In India, the primary role of the bureaucracy is to ensure the execution of government policies. While political leadership may change with elections, the bureaucracy remains constant, providing stability and continuity in governance. This ensures that policies are carried out consistently, regardless of changes in the political leadership.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Basic Structure encompasses basic and core values like federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy which forms bedrock of the Indian Constitution. It cannot be amended by parliament under Art 368. Basic Structure Doctrine is a Judicially innovative doctrine and it was neither defined under Constitution nor it was defined by the Supreme Court or any other court.

Statement 2 is correct: Article 13(2) of the Constitution prohibits the Union or States from enacting laws that violate fundamental rights. Any such law, to the extent of its violation, is deemed void. This provision ensures judicial review to protect citizens’ rights and liberties.

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 North-ern 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.