UPSC 2020 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Biochar is a high-carbon, fine-grained residue that is currently produced through modern pyrolysis processes (direct thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen and preventing combustion). The extremely porous nature of biochar is found to be effective at retaining both water and water-solu-ble nutrients. When applied to soil, biochar can improve water retention, increase soil fertility, and enhance microbial activity, leading to better crop yields.

Statement 1 is correct: The use of biochar in vertical farming, part of the growing medium, can increase output significantly. As biochar migrates vertically through the soil profile, therefore can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.

Statement 2 is correct: Its presence on the earth can improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity, and reduce pressure on old-growth forests. Using biochar in the soil promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.

Statement 3 is correct: Biochar is hygroscopic. Thus it is a desirable soil material in many locations due to its ability to attract and retain water.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Panini, the great grammarian, is not associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. He is traditionally believed to have lived during the Maurya period, possibly around the 4th century BCE. Pushyamitra Shunga, however, founded the Shunga dynasty around 185 BCE, well after Panini’s time. Panini is most famous for his work "Ashtadhyayi", a treatise on Sanskrit grammar.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Amarasimha, an eminent scholar and lexicographer, is associated with the Gupta period, not Harshavardhana. He is known for compiling the Amarakosa, a famous Sanskrit lexicon. Amarasimha is believed to have lived during the reign of Chandragupta II of the Gupta Empire (c. 4th century CE), not during Harshavardhana’s reign (7th century CE).

Statement 3 is correct: Kalidasa, one of the greatest classical Sanskrit poets and playwrights, is traditionally associated with the Gupta period, specifically with Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya (r. 375-413 CE). Kalidasa is believed to have flourished at the Gupta court, and his works such as "Abhijnanasakuntalam", "Meghaduta", and "Raghuvamsa" reflect the grandeur of the Gupta Empire. Kalidasa and Amarsimha were among the nine jewels of Chandragupta-II aka Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

Explanation

Paramitas are qualities to be perfected in order to attain a state of self enlightened Universal Buddha (a samma sambuddha) a term prevalent in Eastern and Northern Buddhist traditions. Paramitas These are qualities to be perfected in order to transcend into a self enlightened Universal Buddha. Here, The Fourth Noble Truth outlines the Eightfold Path, which is a practical guideline for attaining the cessation of suffering (nirvana), while the Ten Paramitas focus more on the qualities required of a Bodhisattva, both paths lead toward enlightenment. Following are the Ten Paramitas: Generosity, Morality, Patience, Energy, Meditation, Wisdom, Skillful means, Resolution, Power, Knowledge.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Sthaviravadins were an early Buddhist sect that later became associated with Theravada Buddhism, not Mahayana.

Statement 2 is correct: Mahasanghika was further subdivided into several sects including Lokottarvadin, Kavya Variks, Kaukkitikas in coming years. Lokottarvadin was based on the philosophy of Lokottar Buddha or Supernatural Buddha.

Statement 3 is correct: The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghika fostered Mahayana Buddhism. They attributed divinity to Buddha and worship of Buddha in Statue form started which is still prevalent in modern days.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: AI-powered systems are used in smart grids and industrial automation to minimize electricity consumption. AI algorithms analyze energy consumption patterns and adjust systems in real-time to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Statement 2 is correct: AI advancements such as natural language processing (NLP) and generative models like GPT can create meaningful short stories and songs. Tools like OpenAI’s GPT-3 and AI music generators demonstrate the ability to produce creative content that resonates with human audiences. Note: UPSC did not consider this option as correct probably because Generative AI was not so advanced at that time.

Statement 3 is correct: AI is widely used in healthcare for disease diagnosis. Machine learning algorithms analyze medical data such as imaging scans, genetic information, and patient records to detect diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions with high accuracy. AI systems like IBM Watson and Google DeepMind are prominent examples.

Statement 4 is correct: AI-powered text-to-speech (TTS) systems such as Google WaveNet and Amazon Polly can convert written text into natural-sounding speech. These systems are widely used in virtual assistants, audiobooks, and accessibility tools for visually impaired individuals.

Statement 5 is incorrect: Wireless transmission of electrical energy is a physical and engineering challenge and not directly related to AI. While AI can optimize energy systems but it does not play a direct role in the wireless transmission of electricity, which relies on technologies like inductive coupling or microwave transmission. Note: Considering the options provided most suitable answer is Option (b).

Explanation

In ancient Indian Non-Vedic religious traditions like Buddhism and Jainism, distinct roles and terminologies were used to describe various types of spiritual practitioners and followers such as Parivrajaka, Shramana and Upasaka.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: The Sanskrit word Parivrajaka means renunciant & wanderer in English. Ajita Keshkambalin, Makhkhali Goshala, Gauthama Buddha, and Vardhamana Mahavira are a few well-known examples for Parivrajaka.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Brahmins were privileged as intermediaries between God and its followers, making them socially dominant groups of the society. There have been many movements that tried to distance themselves from this practice and belief. Shramanas were one such group. Famous among them were Buddhists, Jains, lokayats, and Ajivikas. The Shramanas included a variety of ascetics, monks and lay followers of various sects. They renounced worldly life to search for the truth about life and the universe. The main feature of Shramana was their equal treatment. They lived as an equal member of the order, without any caste distinctions.

Pair 3 is correct: Lay followers of Buddhism were known as Upsakas or Upasikas. This title is used for the followers of Buddhism who were not monks, nuns and took certain vows.

Explanation

Visible Light Communication (VLC) uses visible light for data communication. Optical wireless communications methods include VLC as a subset. Because light-producing equipment (such as indoor/outdoor lamps, TVs, traffic signs, commercial displays, and car headlights/taillights) are utilised everywhere, VLC can be employed as a communications channel for ubiquitous computing.

Statement 1 is correct: Visible Light Communication (VLC) operates within the visible light spectrum which ranges from approximately 375 nm (violet) to 780 nm (red). VLC uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit data by modulating light intensity.

Statement 2 is incorrect: VLC is considered a short-range communication technology due to the limitations of light propagation. It is effective over short distances such as within a room or confined space and is not designed for long-range communication like radio frequency (RF) technologies.

Statement 3 is correct: VLC has the potential to transmit data at very high speeds often exceeding the data rates of Bluetooth. VLC can achieve data rates in the range of gigabits per second (Gbps) while Bluetooth typically operates at much lower speeds (up to a few megabits per second).

Statement 4 is correct: VLC operates in the visible light spectrum, which does not interfere with radio frequency (RF) signals. This makes VLC particularly useful in environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a concern such as hospitals, aircraft, and industrial settings.

Explanation

DPSP embodies the concept of a ‘welfare state’. A welfare state refers to a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the economic and social well-being of its citizens. Article 38 (1) states that "The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of the national life".

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer is generally covered under cyber insurance policies. If a malware attack disrupts access to your computer system the insurance can covers the expenses related to restoring the system to its original state.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Cyber insurance policies do not cover physical damage to hardware. They primarily focus on digital and financial losses. If a computer is physically damaged by a miscreant, it would fall under general insurance or property insurance rather than cyber insurance. These insurance policies are primarily focused on addressing losses arising from cybercrimes affecting data and software.

Statement 3 is correct: Cyber insurance often covers the cost of hiring cybersecurity experts, consultants, or negotiators to minimize financial and reputational losses in case of cyber extortion such as ransomware attacks.

Statement 4 is correct: Cyber insurance policies often provide coverage for legal defense costs if a third party initiates a lawsuit related to a cyber incident. This includes expenses such as attorney fees and other legal charges. Example: Bajaj Allianz’s policy covers defense costs arising from claims made by third parties against the insured individual.

Explanation

Part IV of the Constitution of India deals with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), which are outlined in Articles 36 to 51.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The DPSP are not enforceable by courts. According to Article 37, the DPSPs are not justiciable (i.e., they cannot be enforced through legal action in courts). They are not legally binding and do not carry any legal consequences if violated.

Statement 2 is correct: The provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy are not enforceable by any court. This means that citizens cannot directly approach the courts for the enforcement of these principles, unlike Fundamental Rights (which are enforceable in court).

Statement 3 is correct: Although DPSPs are not enforceable by courts, they are intended to influence the state’s policies and lawmaking process. They act as guiding principles for the government to ensure that the laws passed are aligned with the values of social justice, equality, and welfare.