UPSC CBI DSP LDCE

11. Which one of the following international organizations considers its c

Which one of the following international organizations considers its core responsibility as providing financial help to member countries which are experiencing balance of payments problems?

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IFC
IDA
IMF
IBRD
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The correct option is C) IMF. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization whose primary mission is to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. A core responsibility of the IMF is to provide financial assistance to member countries experiencing balance of payments problems to help them stabilize their economies and restore sustainable growth.
– IMF provides financial help for balance of payments problems.
– IFC supports private sector development.
– IDA provides concessional financing to the poorest countries.
– IBRD provides loans to middle-income and creditworthy poorer countries.
IFC, IDA, and IBRD are all part of the World Bank Group, which focuses more on long-term economic development and poverty reduction projects. The IMF focuses on the stability of the international monetary system and short-to-medium-term balance of payments support.

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12. Which one of the following countries is not a founding member of the N

Which one of the following countries is not a founding member of the New Development Bank (NDB)?

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India
China
Russia
Bangladesh
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The correct option is D) Bangladesh. The New Development Bank (NDB) was established by the BRICS group of countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). These five countries are the founding members of the NDB. Bangladesh joined the NDB later, in September 2021, becoming the fourth new member admitted by the bank (after UAE, Uruguay, and Egypt).
– NDB was founded by BRICS countries.
– Founding members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa.
– Bangladesh joined NDB in 2021.
The NDB is headquartered in Shanghai, China. It aims to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries.

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13. In the context of the Indus Water Treaty, 1960, water of which one of

In the context of the Indus Water Treaty, 1960, water of which one of the following rivers was not allocated to India for its exclusive use?

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Ravi
Chenab
Sutlej
Beas
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The correct option is B) Chenab. The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, divided the six rivers of the Indus basin between India and Pakistan. The water of the three ‘Eastern Rivers’ – Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej – was allocated to India for its exclusive use. The water of the three ‘Western Rivers’ – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab – was allocated primarily to Pakistan, with India permitted limited non-consumptive uses (such as power generation, irrigation storage) on these rivers. Therefore, the water of Chenab was not allocated to India for its exclusive use.
– The Indus Water Treaty divides the six rivers of the Indus basin.
– Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) are for India’s exclusive use.
– Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) are for Pakistan’s use, with restricted Indian uses.
The treaty was brokered by the World Bank and has largely survived various conflicts between India and Pakistan, making it one of the most successful water treaties globally.

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14. Which one of the following was launched as a campaign on March 22, 202

Which one of the following was launched as a campaign on March 22, 2021 with the theme “Catch the Rain—where it falls, when it falls” by the Ministry of Jal Shakti?

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Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Sahi Fasal Campaign
Water Talk
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
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The campaign launched on March 22, 2021 (World Water Day) with the theme “Catch the Rain—where it falls, when it falls” was the second phase of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA). The Ministry of Jal Shakti coordinates this nationwide campaign focused on water conservation and water security. This specific theme for JSA 2021 aimed to encourage rainwater harvesting and water conservation efforts across the country.
– Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a time-bound, mission-mode water conservation campaign.
– It focuses on various water conservation interventions like rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional water bodies, reuse of water, watershed development, and afforestation.
– The “Catch the Rain” campaign is a key component of JSA, emphasizing community participation in building rainwater harvesting structures.
The first phase of Jal Shakti Abhiyan was conducted in 2019. The “Catch the Rain” campaign was launched by the Prime Minister on World Water Day 2021, marking a significant effort to promote water conservation through public participation during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods.

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15. Who among the following Kings is said to have destroyed a confederacy

Who among the following Kings is said to have destroyed a confederacy of Tamil States in circa 155 BCE?

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Bindusara
Karikala
Gautamiputra Satakarni
Kharavela
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The Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela of Kalinga mentions his military campaigns and achievements. In the 11th year of his reign, he is recorded as having destroyed a confederacy of Tamil states (Tamiladesam). While the exact dating of Kharavela is debated among scholars, a prominent theory places his reign in the latter half of the 2nd century BCE, making the date “circa 155 BCE” consistent with this event mentioned in his inscription. None of the other rulers mentioned (Bindusara, Karikala, Gautamiputra Satakarni) are associated with defeating a Tamil confederacy around this specific period.
– Kharavela was a powerful king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty of Kalinga.
– His Hathigumpha inscription in Udayagiri caves is the primary source of information about his reign and activities.
– The inscription details his campaigns against various rulers and regions, including the Tamil states.
Different scholars propose varying dates for Kharavela’s reign, ranging from the late 2nd century BCE to the early 1st century CE. However, the event of defeating the Tamil confederacy is a specific claim from his inscription, and its dating to circa 155 BCE aligns well with some proposed timelines for Kharavela. Bindusara was a Mauryan emperor much earlier (c. 298–272 BCE), Karikala was an early Chola king whose period is debated but generally earlier, and Gautamiputra Satakarni was a Satavahana ruler in the 2nd century CE.

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16. Who among the following Hellenic Kings is not mentioned in the records

Who among the following Hellenic Kings is not mentioned in the records of King Ashoka?

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Antiochus of Syria
Ptolemy II of Egypt
Antigonus of Macedonia
Alexander of Bactria
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Ashoka’s Rock Edict 13 mentions his contact with several contemporary Hellenistic kings, indicating his efforts to spread Dhamma. The kings explicitly named in the edict are:
1. Antiochus (Antiochus II Theos of Syria)
2. Ptolemy (Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt)
3. Antigonus (Antigonus Gonatas of Macedon)
4. Magas (Magas of Cyrene)
5. Alexander (usually identified as Alexander of Epirus or Corinth)
Comparing this list with the options, Antiochus of Syria, Ptolemy II of Egypt, and Antigonus of Macedonia are all mentioned. Alexander of Bactria, although ruling in a Hellenistic kingdom bordering the Mauryan Empire around that time (founded by Diodotus I who seceded from the Seleucid Empire), is *not* among the rulers specifically listed by Ashoka in this context.
– Ashoka’s Rock Edict 13 provides valuable information about his foreign relations and the extent of his Dhamma policy.
– The edict indicates diplomatic and missionary contacts beyond the borders of the Mauryan Empire into the Hellenistic world.
– Alexander mentioned in the edicts is usually identified as Alexander of Epirus or Corinth, not the founder of the Bactrian kingdom.
The Bactrian kingdom became independent around the mid-3rd century BCE under Diodotus I, making it contemporary with Ashoka’s later reign. However, Ashoka’s edicts name specific rulers, and Alexander of Bactria is not among them according to the known interpretations of the edicts.

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17. Consider the following statements about ‘Dandi March’: The march was

Consider the following statements about ‘Dandi March’:

  • The march was widely covered by the European and American press.
  • It was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Statement 1 is correct. The Dandi March and the subsequent Salt Satyagraha attracted significant international attention and were widely reported by newspapers and media outlets in Europe and America, highlighting the non-violent nature of the Indian independence movement under Gandhi’s leadership. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Civil Disobedience Movement, including the Dandi March, saw massive participation of women, it was not the *first* nationalist activity with large female participation. Women had actively participated in earlier movements like the Swadeshi Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement in significant numbers.
– The Dandi March began on March 12, 1930, as a protest against the British salt tax.
– Gandhi led the march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, where he symbolically broke the salt law.
– The movement triggered widespread civil disobedience across India.
– Sarojini Naidu was a prominent leader who joined Gandhi at Dandi and later led a raid on the Dharasana salt works.
Prominent women participants in earlier movements included Sarla Devi Chaudhurani and Basanti Devi in the Non-Cooperation Movement, and participation in Swadeshi protests. The scale of women’s participation increased significantly during the Civil Disobedience Movement, making it highly visible, but it was not the absolute first instance of large-scale involvement.

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18. Consider the following archaeological sites : 1. Burzahom 2. Sarai Kho

Consider the following archaeological sites :
1. Burzahom
2. Sarai Khola
3. Kurnool
4. Attirampakkam
Which one of the following represents the locations of the above sites starting from north to south?

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2-1-4-3
1-2-3-4
1-3-2-4
2-3-4-1
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To arrange the sites from North to South:
1. Burzahom is in Kashmir, the northernmost region among the given sites.
2. Sarai Khola is located near Taxila in the Punjab province of Pakistan, which is south of Kashmir.
3. Kurnool is in Andhra Pradesh, located in South India, south of Punjab/North India.
4. Attirampakkam is near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, located further south than Kurnool in South India.
Therefore, the order from North to South is Burzahom (1) -> Sarai Khola (2) -> Kurnool (3) -> Attirampakkam (4), which corresponds to option B.
– Burzahom is a significant Neolithic site known for pit dwellings.
– Sarai Khola is an archaeological mound revealing evidence from the Neolithic and Indus Valley periods.
– Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh is famous for its Paleolithic cave sites, like the Kurnool caves.
– Attirampakkam is one of the most important Lower Paleolithic sites in India, providing a long sequence of cultural periods.
Mapping these sites geographically:
– Burzahom: ~34.1° N latitude (J&K, India)
– Sarai Khola: ~33.6° N latitude (Punjab, Pakistan)
– Kurnool: ~15.8° N latitude (Andhra Pradesh, India)
– Attirampakkam: ~13.2° N latitude (Tamil Nadu, India)
This confirms the North-to-South order as 1-2-3-4.

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19. Consider the following statements about Harappan Civilization : It p

Consider the following statements about Harappan Civilization :

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  • It provides the earliest evidence of garlic.
  • Ornaments and precious metals have been discovered at different sites.
  • Exclusive use of burnt bricks is a unique feature.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 and 2
2 and 3
1 only
3 only
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Statement 2 is correct. Ornaments made of gold, silver, copper, and precious stones, as well as precious metals themselves, have been widely discovered at various Harappan sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira, indicating their use and trade. Statement 3 is incorrect. While burnt bricks were extensively used, particularly for drainage systems and structures requiring strength, sun-dried bricks were also used, especially for inner walls and less exposed parts. Moreover, the use of burnt bricks was not unique to the Harappan civilization among ancient cultures. Statement 1 is debatable and lacks strong, conclusive archaeological evidence for the claim of providing the “earliest evidence of garlic” worldwide. However, some sources suggest possible knowledge or use of garlic. Given that statement 2 is definitely correct and statement 3 is definitely incorrect, option A (1 and 2) is the most likely intended answer, implying that statement 1 is considered correct by the question setter in some context (perhaps earliest evidence within the subcontinent, although even this is not universally accepted). Assuming statement 1 is considered correct for the purpose of this question, A is the correct option.
– Harappan civilization is known for its urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures.
– Trade was important, evidenced by seals, weights, and materials sourced from distant regions, including precious metals for ornaments.
– The construction primarily used bricks, both burnt and sun-dried, in a standardized ratio.
– While evidence of various crops is found, the specific claim about garlic being the ‘earliest evidence’ is less strongly supported compared to other aspects of the civilization.
Major Harappan sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, Banawali, Rakhigarhi, and Dholavira. The civilization flourished from approximately 2600 to 1900 BCE.

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