Q1611. The foundational Buddhist philosophical doctrine of ‘Pratityasamutpada’ is best defined as:
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Q1612. What is the present constitutional position regarding the conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy?
Explanation
The current legal position is that fundamental rights generally enjoy supremacy over Directive Principles. However, a law implementing the socialistic directives of Article thirty-nine (b) or (c) is constitutionally protected even if it violates Articles fourteen or nineteen. This specific exception, upheld by the Supreme Court, ensures that vital socio-economic reforms can be enacted without being hindered by certain individual rights.
Q1613. Consider the following statements regarding the climatic limits of natural vegetation:
I. The timberline marks the maximum altitude or latitude beyond which trees cannot grow due to environmental conditions.
II. Beyond the snowline, permanent snow limits all forms of macroscopic plant life.
III. The timberline and the snowline exist at the exact same altitude on any given mountain range.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. The timberline marks the maximum altitude or latitude beyond which trees cannot grow due to environmental conditions.
II. Beyond the snowline, permanent snow limits all forms of macroscopic plant life.
III. The timberline and the snowline exist at the exact same altitude on any given mountain range.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The timberline and snowline are critical ecological boundaries on mountains. The timberline marks the limit beyond which trees cannot grow due to cold and wind. The snowline indicates where permanent snow begins, preventing macroscopic plant life. While both are determined by climate, they do not exist at the same altitude; the timberline always occurs at a lower elevation than the snowline.
Q1614. Which of the following statements correctly highlights the significance of the Revenue Deficit?
Explanation
A revenue deficit occurs when the government’s daily operational expenses exceed its regular income. This situation implies that the government is forced to borrow or sell assets to pay for its consumption needs, such as salaries and subsidies. This practice is seen as dissaving, as it diverts funds away from productive investment and creates a future debt burden without creating assets.
Q1615. The standard BrahMos cruise missile is known to cruise at a maximum speed of approximately:
Explanation
This cruise missile is renowned for its high velocity, which is nearly three times the speed of sound. Traveling at this rate makes it extremely difficult for modern air defense systems to intercept it. Its supersonic speed is maintained throughout the flight, providing a significant tactical advantage by reducing the reaction time available to the enemy. This performance is enabled by a specialized two-stage propulsion system.
Q1616. In the context of the transition from ancient to early medieval Rajasthan, the term ‘Agrahara’ refers to:
Explanation
During the transition to the early medieval period, the Agrahara system became widespread in Rajasthan. An Agrahara was a grant of tax-free land or entire villages given to Brahmanas or religious institutions. The primary purpose was to provide economic support for scholars, allowing them to focus on teaching and preserving Vedic and scriptural knowledge without the burden of taxation.
Q1617. Consider the following critical links (Nidanas) of the Pratityasamutpada:
I. Vinnana (Consciousness)
II. Avijja (Ignorance)
III. Nama-Rupa (Mind and Body)
IV. Sankhara (Mental formations)
Which of the following is the correct sequential order starting from the root cause?
I. Vinnana (Consciousness)
II. Avijja (Ignorance)
III. Nama-Rupa (Mind and Body)
IV. Sankhara (Mental formations)
Which of the following is the correct sequential order starting from the root cause?
Explanation
The twelve links of Pratityasamutpada describe the cycle of existence. It begins with Avijja or ignorance, which gives rise to Sankhara or mental formations. These formations then lead to Vinnana or consciousness, which in turn results in Nama-Rupa or mind and body. Following this sequence allows practitioners to identify the root causes of worldly existence and systematically work toward breaking the chain.
Q1618. Read the following lists and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Supreme Court Case | Key Outcome/Ruling |
|---|---|
| A. Champakam Dorairajan Case | i. Basic structure doctrine established |
| B. Golaknath Case | ii. DPSPs are subsidiary to Fundamental Rights |
| C. Kesavananda Bharati Case | iii. Balance between FRs and DPSPs is part of the basic structure |
| D. Minerva Mills Case | iv. Fundamental Rights cannot be amended to implement DPSPs |
Explanation
The Champakam Dorairajan case made directives subsidiary to rights, while the Golaknath case made rights unamendable for directives. The Kesavananda Bharati case introduced the basic structure doctrine, and the Minerva Mills case established that the balance between rights and directives is itself a basic feature. These cases represent the judicial journey towards reconciling individual liberties with the collective goals of the state.
Q1619. Biomes are primarily classified into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Which of the following is not considered a terrestrial biome?
Explanation
Terrestrial biomes are large-scale land-based communities defined by climate and vegetation, such as the taiga, savanna, and temperate grasslands. In contrast, the pelagic zone is an aquatic environment referring to the open ocean water column. Aquatic biomes are classified by different factors like salinity and depth, distinguishing them from the vegetation-based classification used for land-based ecosystems across the globe.
Q1620. Match the specific deficit concepts in List I with their corresponding formulas in List II.
| Deficit Concept | Formula |
|---|---|
| A. Revenue Deficit | i. Total Expenditure - (Revenue Receipts + Non-debt Capital Receipts) |
| B. Fiscal Deficit | ii. Fiscal Deficit - Interest Payments |
| C. Primary Deficit | iii. Revenue Deficit - Grants in aid for creation of capital assets |
| D. Effective Revenue Deficit | iv. Revenue Expenditure - Revenue Receipts |
Explanation
Revenue deficit is the gap between revenue spending and income. Fiscal deficit measures the total expenditure exceeding all non-debt receipts. Primary deficit is derived by subtracting interest payments from the fiscal deficit. Finally, the effective revenue deficit is calculated by taking the revenue deficit and subtracting grants given for asset creation, providing a more nuanced view of consumption spending by the government.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1611 | (b) The law of dependent origination or cause and effect |
| 1612 | (b) Rights prevail, but Article 39(b) and (c) can override Article 14 and 19 |
| 1613 | (b) III only |
| 1614 | (b) Government dissaving to finance consumption |
| 1615 | (c) Mach 2.8 |
| 1616 | (c) Tax-free land granted to Brahmanas or temples to promote learning |
| 1617 | (a) II, IV, I, III |
| 1618 | (c) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 1619 | (c) Pelagic zone |
| 1620 | (a) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
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