UPSC CDS-1 Archives

1. The first summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (F

The first summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was held in :

Jaipur

Suva

New Delhi

Port Moresby

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The correct option is B) Suva.

The first summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was held in Suva, Fiji.

The first FIPIC summit took place in November 2014 in Suva, Fiji. It was initiated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance India’s engagement with the Pacific Island nations. The second summit (FIPIC II) was held in Jaipur, India in August 2015.

2. Which of the following statement(s) are true with respect to the conce

Which of the following statement(s) are true with respect to the concept of ‘EFFICIENCY’ as used in mainstream economics ?

1. Efficiency occurs when no possible reorganisation of production can make anyone better off without making someone else worse off
2. An economy is clearly inefficient if it is inside the Production Possibility Frontier (PPF)
3. At a minimum, an efficient economy is on its Production Possibility Frontier (PPF)
4. The terms such as ‘Pareto Efficiency’, ‘Pareto Optimality’ and ‘Allocative Efficiency’ are all essentially one and the same which denote ‘efficiency in resource allocation’

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 4 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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The correct option is D) 1, 2, 3 and 4.

All four statements accurately describe aspects related to the concept of efficiency in mainstream economics. Statement 1 is the definition of Pareto efficiency. Statement 2 describes productive inefficiency in terms of the Production Possibility Frontier (PPF). Statement 3 indicates productive efficiency as a necessary condition for overall efficiency, represented by being on the PPF. Statement 4 groups related terms that all denote efficiency in resource allocation, although the terms might have subtle technical differences in advanced contexts.

Efficiency in economics refers to a state where resources are used in the most effective way possible to produce goods and services and distribute them among individuals. Productive efficiency means producing on the PPF. Allocative efficiency means producing the specific combination of goods and services most desired by society. Pareto efficiency is a state where no reallocation can make someone better off without making someone worse off. While distinct concepts, they are all facets of or criteria for evaluating the efficiency of resource allocation.

3. The Lilavati of Bhaskara is a standard text on:

The Lilavati of Bhaskara is a standard text on:

Mathematics

Surgery

Poetics

Linguistics

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The correct option is A) Mathematics.

Lilavati is a seminal work on mathematics authored by the 12th-century Indian mathematician Bhaskara II (also known as Bhaskaracharya).

Lilavati covers various topics in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration. It is the first volume of Bhaskara II’s main work, the Siddhanta Shiromani, and is written in the form of verses addressed to a princess named Lilavati.

4. Kamandaka’s Nitisara is a contribution to :

Kamandaka’s Nitisara is a contribution to :

Logic and Philosophy

Mathematics

Political morality

Grammar

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Kamandaka’s Nitisara, also known as Kamandakiya Nitisara, is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and political science. It is considered to be based on Kautilya’s Arthashastra and deals with the principles of governance, diplomacy, and the conduct of kings and rulers. The term ‘Niti’ itself refers to policy, conduct, or ethics in a political and social context, making ‘political morality’ or statecraft the most appropriate category.

Nitisara is a classical text on ancient Indian statecraft and political thought, influenced by Arthashastra.

The Nitisara was likely composed between the 4th and 6th centuries CE. It was an important text for rulers and administrators in ancient India, providing guidance on maintaining order, ensuring prosperity, and conducting foreign relations.

5. Which one among the following was not an attribute of Samudragupta des

Which one among the following was not an attribute of Samudragupta described in Prayag Prashasti?

Sharp and polished intellect

Accomplished sculptor

Fine musical performances

Poetical talent of a genius

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The Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar inscription), composed by Harishena, praises Samudragupta extensively. It describes his military conquests, statesmanship, learning, and personal accomplishments. He is referred to as a great poet (‘Kaviraja’) and coins depict him playing the Veena, indicating his interest and probable skill in music. His military and administrative successes imply a sharp intellect. However, there is no mention or indication in the Prayag Prashasti or other historical sources that Samudragupta was an accomplished sculptor.

The Prayag Prashasti lists many attributes of Samudragupta, including poetic talent and musical ability, but not sculpting.

Samudragupta was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire. His reign is significant for military expansion and cultural achievements. The Prayag Prashasti serves as a crucial source of information about him.

6. Which one of the following is the common element between the Kailasana

Which one of the following is the common element between the Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora and the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram ?

Both are examples of Nagara architecture

Both are carved out from solid rocks

Both are Gupta period temples

Both were built under the patronage of Pallava Kings

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This question is likely referring to the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram, not the more famous monolithic Kailasa Temple at Ellora. The Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram and the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram were both significant temples built under the patronage of Pallava kings, specifically Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) in the late 7th and early 8th centuries CE.

Both the Kailasanatha Temple at Kanchipuram and the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram are prominent examples of structural temple architecture from the Pallava period.

The Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora is a magnificent monolithic rock-cut temple from the Rashtrakuta period (8th century CE), not the Pallava period. Assuming the question intends a valid comparison, it must refer to the Kanchipuram temple. Both temples are dedicated primarily to Shiva and showcase the advanced architectural skills under Pallava rule.

7. Who among the following archaeologists was the first to identify simil

Who among the following archaeologists was the first to identify similarities between a pre-Harappan culture and the mature Harappan culture ?

Amalananda Ghosh

Rakhaldas Banerji

Daya Ram Sahni

Sir John Marshall

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Amalananda Ghosh was a pioneering archaeologist who, through his explorations, particularly in the Ghaggar valley (like at Kalibangan), identified sites showing characteristics of an early phase (pre-Harappan) that led directly into the Mature Harappan phase. His work provided crucial evidence for the evolutionary link and similarities between the pre-existing cultures and the developed Harappan civilization.

Amalananda Ghosh’s work was instrumental in establishing the indigenous origins and evolutionary nature of the Harappan Civilization by identifying similarities between its early and mature phases.

Rakhaldas Banerji and Daya Ram Sahni are credited with the initial discoveries of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, respectively, under the direction of Sir John Marshall, who officially announced the existence of the Indus Valley Civilization.

8. Which of the following statements relating to the Bandung Conference o

Which of the following statements relating to the Bandung Conference on Afro-Asian Resurgence (1955) are correct ?

Bandung Conference was organized by Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), India, and Pakistan in which 29 countries representing more than half of the world’s population sent delegates
The Conference reflected the five sponsors’ dissatisfaction with what they regarded as a reluctance by the Western powers to consult with them on decisions affecting Asia
The Conference was concerned over tension between the People’s Republic of China and the United States

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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All three statements about the Bandung Conference (also known as the Afro-Asian Conference) held in 1955 are correct.
1. The conference was indeed sponsored by Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), India, and Pakistan. 29 countries from Asia and Africa participated, representing a significant portion of the world’s population.
2. The conference aimed to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and oppose colonialism. It did reflect the desire of these nations to play a greater role in international affairs and their dissatisfaction with being excluded from decisions made by Western powers that affected them.
3. Held during the height of the Cold War, the conference was concerned about the tensions between the major powers, particularly the US and the People’s Republic of China, and advocated for peaceful coexistence and non-alignment. China, represented by Zhou Enlai, played a significant role in the conference.

The Bandung Conference was a landmark event in the history of decolonization and the Non-Aligned Movement, asserting the identity and aspirations of newly independent nations.

Key principles adopted at the conference included respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of other countries, equality among all races and nations, and peaceful coexistence.

9. Which of the following is / are Constitutional Body / Bodies ? 1. Nati

Which of the following is / are Constitutional Body / Bodies ?
1. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
2. National Commission for Women
3. National Commission for Minorities
4. National Human Rights Commission
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

1, 3 and 4 only

3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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A Constitutional Body is one that is established by or derives its powers directly from the Constitution of India.
1. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): Established under Article 338A of the Constitution. It is a Constitutional Body.
2. National Commission for Women (NCW): Established by the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It is a Statutory Body.
3. National Commission for Minorities (NCM): Established by the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. It is a Statutory Body.
4. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): Established by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is a Statutory Body.
Only the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes among the given options is a Constitutional Body.

Constitutional bodies are mentioned in or created by the Constitution; Statutory bodies are created by Acts of Parliament or State Legislatures.

Other examples of Constitutional bodies include the Election Commission (Article 324), Union Public Service Commission (Article 315), State Public Service Commissions (Article 315), Finance Commission (Article 280), Comptroller and Auditor General (Article 148), National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Article 338), and the Attorney General of India (Article 76).

10. Consider the following statements: In Hind Swaraj, Mahatma Gandhi fo

Consider the following statements:

In Hind Swaraj, Mahatma Gandhi formulates a conception of good life for the individual as well as the society
Hind Swaraj was the outcome of the prolonged experience of Gandhi’s prolonged struggle against Colonial Raj in India

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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Statement 1 is correct. In Hind Swaraj (1909), Gandhi presented his critique of modern Western civilization and outlined his vision of Swaraj, which included not just political independence but also individual self-control (‘Self-Rule’) and an ideal society based on simple living, non-violence, and communal harmony. This constitutes his conception of a ‘good life’ for both the individual and society. Statement 2 is incorrect. Hind Swaraj was written in 1909 during Gandhi’s voyage from London to South Africa. While he was active in the struggle against racial discrimination in South Africa and was contemplating India’s situation, the book was a foundational text outlining his philosophy and vision at an early stage of his political career, not the outcome of a prolonged struggle against Colonial Raj *in India* which was yet to gain full momentum under his leadership later.

Hind Swaraj is a philosophical treatise on Swaraj and critique of Western modernity, written relatively early in Gandhi’s career.

Hind Swaraj was written in Gujarati and was later translated into English. It remains a key text for understanding Gandhi’s core ideas on Swaraj and his views on modern civilization.