21. Which one of the following temples of India has won the ‘UNESCO Asia P

Which one of the following temples of India has won the ‘UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit, 2017’ for cultural heritage conservation?

Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, Srirangam
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit for cultural heritage conservation in 2017. The award recognized the temple’s comprehensive and community-led conservation efforts.
– The award recognizes outstanding achievement in heritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region.
– The conservation project at the Srirangam temple involved extensive restoration work following traditional methods.
– It was lauded for its community participation and sustainable approach.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a major Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in India and has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site (part of the Great Living Chola Temples, though Srirangam itself was included later in the expanded listing criteria). Winning the Award of Merit is a significant recognition of the conservation work undertaken at the site.

22. Which one of the following States will host the Nobel Prize Series—Ind

Which one of the following States will host the Nobel Prize Series—India 2018 (Science Impacts Life) Exhibition?

Gujarat
Rajasthan
Goa
Madhya Pradesh
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Goa hosted the Nobel Prize Series—India exhibition titled ‘Science Impacts Life’ in February 2018.
– The Nobel Prize Series is a program that brings Nobel laureates and experts together with the public, focusing on topics relevant to the Nobel Prizes.
– The 2018 event in India focused on science’s impact on life.
This was the second edition of the Nobel Prize Series in India. The first edition was held in Gujarat in January 2017, focusing on “Nobel Prize Series India 2017—Ideas for India”. The event included exhibitions, lectures, and panel discussions featuring Nobel laureates.

23. Which one of the following was a focus country of the ‘World Food Indi

Which one of the following was a focus country of the ‘World Food India’, a mega food event held in November 2017 in New Delhi?

Germany
Japan
Denmark
Italy
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Germany was the focus country for the ‘World Food India’ mega food event held in November 2017 in New Delhi.
– ‘World Food India 2017’ was a major international event in the food processing sector.
– It was organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
– The event aimed to provide a platform for global investors and businesses to connect with India’s food processing sector.
World Food India is a biennial event. The 2017 edition saw participation from numerous countries and hosted exhibitions, seminars, and B2B meetings. Germany’s participation as the partner country highlighted the growing ties and potential for collaboration in the food sector between the two nations.

24. Which of the following statements about the Non-Cooperation Movement i

Which of the following statements about the Non-Cooperation Movement is/are correct?

  • 1. It was marked by significant participation of peasants from Karnataka.
  • 2. It was marked by non-Brahmin lower caste participation in Madras and Maharashtra.
  • 3. It was marked by the lack of labour unrest in places like Assam, Bengal and Madras.
  • 4. It was badly shaken by the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922 after which Gandhiji decided to continue the movement on a much smaller scale.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
1, 2 and 4
2 and 3
2 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Statement 1 is likely incorrect. While the Non-Cooperation Movement had widespread participation, Karnataka was not typically highlighted as a region with *significant* peasant participation compared to areas like Awadh, Bihar, and Andhra.
Statement 2 is correct. There was participation from non-Brahmin and lower caste groups in regions like Madras and Maharashtra, despite the complex political landscape involving parties like the Justice Party.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Non-Cooperation period was marked by significant labour unrest across the country, including in Assam (tea plantations), Bengal (jute mills, railways), and Madras (textile mills).
Statement 4 is incorrect. The Chauri Chaura incident led to the *suspension* (withdrawal) of the entire movement by Gandhiji, not its continuation on a smaller scale.
Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.
– Non-Cooperation Movement saw diverse participation from various sections of society, though the extent and nature varied geographically and socio-economically.
– Peasant movements were strong in specific regions like Awadh, Bihar, and parts of Andhra.
– Labour strikes were a significant feature of the industrial landscape during this period.
– The Chauri Chaura incident led to the abrupt withdrawal of the movement.
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was a major phase of the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. It aimed to resist British rule through non-violent means or Ahimsa. The movement involved boycotts of British goods, institutions, and titles, alongside promotion of Swadeshi. Its withdrawal after the Chauri Chaura incident was controversial and led to debates within the Indian National Congress.

25. In the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda, which one of the following hymns r

In the 10th Mandala of the Rigveda, which one of the following hymns reflects upon the marriage ceremonies?

Surya Sukta
Purusha Sukta
Dana Stutis
Urna Sutra
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
The tenth Mandala of the Rigveda contains various hymns dealing with different aspects of life and cosmology. The Surya Sukta (RV 10.85) is the hymn that specifically reflects upon marriage ceremonies.
The Surya Sukta describes the wedding of Surya, the daughter of the Sun god (Surya), with Soma, a deity often associated with the moon or a ritual drink. The hymn details the marriage procession, wedding rituals, and prayers for the well-being and prosperity of the newly married couple. It is still recited during Hindu marriage ceremonies today.
– **Purusha Sukta (RV 10.90):** Describes the cosmic man (Purusha) from whose sacrifice the universe and the four varnas (social classes) originated.
– **Dana Stutis:** These are hymns scattered throughout the Rigveda (mostly in the later Mandalas) that praise the generosity of patrons (dānapati) who donated gifts (dana) to the Rishis who composed the hymns.
– **Urna Sutra:** This term does not refer to a specific well-known hymn in the Rigveda; ‘Sutra’ usually refers to aphoristic texts, not Rigvedic hymns, and ‘Urna’ relates to wool or hair.

26. Around twelfth century, Sufi Silsilas began to crystallize in differen

Around twelfth century, Sufi Silsilas began to crystallize in different parts of the Islamic world to signify

  • 1. continuous link between the master and disciple
  • 2. unbroken spiritual genealogy to the Prophet Muhammad
  • 3. the transmission of spiritual power and blessings to devotees

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
In Sufism, a ‘Silsila’ (meaning ‘chain’ or ‘link’) refers to a spiritual lineage. These Silsilas began to crystallize around the twelfth century as formal orders or paths for disciples (murids) to follow under the guidance of a spiritual master (pir or shaykh).
The Silsila signifies:
1. **A continuous link between the master and disciple:** It represents the chain of transmission of spiritual knowledge and authority from one generation of Sufi masters to the next. (Statement 1 is correct).
2. **An unbroken spiritual genealogy:** Most Silsilas trace their spiritual lineage back through a chain of masters to Prophet Muhammad, usually through his cousin and son-in-law Ali or his companion Abu Bakr. This lineage provides legitimacy and authority. (Statement 2 is correct).
3. **The transmission of spiritual power and blessings (baraka):** The Silsila is the conduit through which spiritual energy, knowledge, and blessings are believed to be passed down from the Prophet through the masters to the disciple. This transmission is crucial for the disciple’s spiritual journey. (Statement 3 is correct).
The crystallization of Silsilas marked a significant development in the organizational structure of Sufism, establishing distinct orders like the Chishtiya, Suhrawardiya, Qadiriya, and Naqshbandiya, each with its own practices, emphasis, and historical lineage.

27. Verses ascribed to poet-saint Kabir have been compiled in which of the

Verses ascribed to poet-saint Kabir have been compiled in which of the following traditions?

  • 1. Bijak in Varanasi
  • 2. Kabir Granthavali in Rajasthan
  • 3. Adi Granth Sahib

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Verses ascribed to the poet-saint Kabir are found compiled in several traditions, including the Bijak, Kabir Granthavali, and the Adi Granth Sahib.
1. **Bijak:** This is the most important and comprehensive collection of Kabir’s verses, considered the sacred text of the Kabir Panth. It is primarily associated with the eastern traditions of Kabir, prevalent in regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Bengal. Varanasi is a key location associated with Kabir and the Bijak tradition. (Statement 1 is correct).
2. **Kabir Granthavali:** This collection is associated with the Dadu Panth in Rajasthan and represents the northern tradition of Kabir’s verses. (Statement 2 is correct).
3. **Adi Granth Sahib:** The sacred scripture of Sikhism contains a significant number of hymns attributed to Kabir (Kabirvani or Bhagat Bani), alongside the writings of other Bhakti saints. (Statement 3 is correct).
These three compilations represent different regional traditions and recensions of Kabir’s verses, reflecting the wide influence and diverse interpretations of his teachings. While there are variations across these texts, they collectively form the primary sources for studying Kabir’s philosophy and poetry.

28. Which one of the following statements with regard to Antrix Corporatio

Which one of the following statements with regard to Antrix Corporation Limited is correct?

It is a commercial arm of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
It is under the administrative control of the Department of Space.
It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It is a commercial arm of the Department of Science and Technology.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Antrix Corporation Limited is the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ISRO functions under the Department of Space (DoS). Therefore, Antrix Corporation Limited is under the administrative control of the Department of Space.
Antrix Corporation is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Government of India. Its primary role is to market the products and services of ISRO, including satellite launches, satellite data, and related services, to international customers.
The Department of Space (DoS) is directly under the charge of the Prime Minister of India. Antrix plays a crucial role in India’s space program by securing contracts and collaborations with foreign space agencies and companies.

29. According to the Election Commission of India, in order to be recogniz

According to the Election Commission of India, in order to be recognized as a ‘National Party’, a political party must be treated as a recognized political party in how many States?

At least two States
At least three States
At least four States
At least five States
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
According to the Election Commission of India’s criteria for recognition as a National Party, one of the conditions is that the party must be recognized as a State Party in at least four States.
The other criteria for recognition as a National Party are:
1. The party’s candidates must have secured at least 6% of the total valid votes polled in any four or more states in the last Lok Sabha election or assembly elections, AND the party must have won at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha from any State(s). OR
2. The party must have won at least 2% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha in the last election (currently 11 seats), and these seats must be won from at least three different States. OR
3. The party is recognized as a State Party in at least four States.
Recognition as a National Party confers certain privileges on the party, such as a reserved symbol, free broadcast time on state-owned television and radio, consultation in setting election dates, and the ability to field a maximum of 40 star campaigners.

30. A person is disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a Member

A person is disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a Member of either House of the Parliament if the person

  • 1. holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State other than an office declared by the Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder
  • 2. is an undischarged insolvent
  • 3. is so disqualified under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India
  • 4. is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent Court

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2018
Article 102 of the Constitution of India specifies the grounds for disqualification for being chosen as, and for being, a member of either House of Parliament.
Article 102(1) states that a person shall be disqualified if he:
1. holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State, other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder (Covers statement 1).
2. is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court (Covers statement 4).
3. is an undischarged insolvent (Covers statement 2).
4. is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign State, or is under any acknowledgment of allegiance or adherence to a foreign State.
5. is so disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament.

Additionally, Article 102(2) states that a person shall be disqualified for being a member of either House of Parliament if he is so disqualified under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law) (Covers statement 3).

All four listed conditions are explicit grounds for disqualification of a Member of Parliament as per the Constitution of India.