UPSC CDS-1 Archives

31. Which one of the following statements about ‘Niryat Bandhu Scheme’ is

Which one of the following statements about ‘Niryat Bandhu Scheme’ is correct?

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It is a scheme for mentoring first generation entrepreneurs.

It is a scheme for crop protection.

It is a scheme for the vulnerable section of the society.

It is a scheme for monitoring rural poor.

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The Niryat Bandhu Scheme is a scheme for mentoring first generation entrepreneurs.

The Niryat Bandhu Scheme is an initiative of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Its objective is to reach out to new and potential exporters and mentor them on international trade procedures. It aims to assist first-generation entrepreneurs in understanding the nuances of export and import businesses, thus facilitating their entry into international markets.

The scheme focuses on providing training, guidance, and counseling to individuals and firms interested in starting export-import activities. It is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote exports and integrate Indian businesses into the global economy.

32. Which one of the following is not an objective of the Pradhan Mantri K

Which one of the following is not an objective of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)?

To achieve convergence of investment in irrigation at the field level

To expand cultivable area under irrigation

To improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water

To protect farmers against crop failure due to natural calamities

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Protecting farmers against crop failure due to natural calamities is not an objective of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship program launched in 2015 with the objective of providing assured irrigation to cultivated areas and improving water use efficiency. Its key objectives include achieving convergence of investment in irrigation at the field level, expanding the cultivable area under assured irrigation (‘Har Khet ko Pani’), improving on-farm water use efficiency (‘More Crop Per Drop’), promoting micro-irrigation, and increasing investment in irrigation. Protecting farmers against crop failure due to natural calamities is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

PMKSY consolidates various schemes related to irrigation and water management under one umbrella. It is implemented by the Ministries of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, and Rural Development. PMFBY, on the other hand, is an insurance scheme specifically designed to mitigate the financial losses of farmers due to crop damage caused by natural calamities.

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33. In the context of elections in India, which one of the following is th

In the context of elections in India, which one of the following is the correct full form of VVPAT?

Voter Verifiable Poll Audit Trail

Voter Verifying Paper Audit Trail

Voter Verifiable Paper Account Trail

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VVPAT stands for Voter Verifying Paper Audit Trail.

VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail. Among the given options, “Voter Verifying Paper Audit Trail” is the closest, although the widely accepted and official term is “Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail”. Option B contains the correct core components “Paper Audit Trail”. The slight variation in “Verifying” versus “Verifiable” makes Option B the most accurate choice among the provided options, despite the minor discrepancy from the standard term.

The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballot-less voting system. A VVPAT is an independent verification system used in conjunction with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). It allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly by printing a paper slip containing the chosen candidate’s name and symbol, which the voter can view before it drops into a sealed box. This provides a means for auditing the electronic results.

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34. Which one of the following is not an International Human Rights

Which one of the following is not an International Human Rights Treaty?

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Declaration on the Right to Development

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The Declaration on the Right to Development is not an international human rights treaty in the same legally binding sense as the others listed.

An international human rights treaty is a formal agreement between states that creates binding legal obligations upon ratification. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) are all examples of such legally binding treaties adopted by the United Nations. The Declaration on the Right to Development, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1986, is a declaration, which is generally not legally binding in the same way as a treaty, although it holds significant political and moral authority and contributes to the development of international law.

Treaties like the ICCPR, CEDAW, and CRPD require states to ratify them and implement their provisions through national legislation. Declarations, while important statements of principles and aspirations, do not create direct legal obligations for states in the same manner.

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35. Consider the following statements about Indo-Tibetan Border Police (IT

Consider the following statements about Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) :

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1. ITBP was raised in 1962.
2. ITBP is basically a mountain trained force.
3. ITBP replaced Assam Rifles in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in 2004-2005 for border guarding duty.
4. ITBP presently has 52 service battalions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1, 2 and 4 only

3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

1, 2 and 3 only

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Statements 1, 2, and 3 about the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are correct.

1. The ITBP was raised in 1962 in the wake of the Sino-Indian War.
2. It is primarily deployed along India’s border with China and is essentially a mountain-trained force, specialized in high-altitude operations.
3. ITBP replaced the Assam Rifles for border guarding duties in certain border areas of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh around 2004-2005.
These three statements are well-established facts about the ITBP. Statement 4 regarding the exact number of service battalions (52) might be outdated or vary slightly depending on ongoing restructuring and raising of new units; official numbers typically list a higher total number of battalions including support/training units. However, statements 1, 2, and 3 are fundamental characteristics and historical facts.

The ITBP is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of India, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Besides border guarding, ITBP personnel are also deployed in various internal security duties, anti-Naxal operations, and disaster management roles. While the total number of battalions (including composite, training, and other specialized battalions) is higher than 52, statement 4 being potentially incorrect or less reliable than the other three makes option D (1, 2, and 3 only) the most appropriate answer given the multiple-choice format.

36. Which one of the following events is not correctly matched with the ye

Which one of the following events is not correctly matched with the year in which it happened?

Inauguration of the SWIFT system of electronic interbank fund transfers worldwide—1985

Conclusion of the Uruguay Round of GATT—1994

Inauguration of the World Trade Organization—1995

Establishment of the first wholly electronic stock exchange (Nasdaq)—1971

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The event not correctly matched with the year is the Inauguration of the SWIFT system of electronic interbank fund transfers worldwide—1985.

SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) was founded in 1973, and its messaging services became operational in 1977. Therefore, 1985 is incorrect for its inauguration or becoming operational.

The other options are correctly matched:
B) The Uruguay Round of GATT concluded in December 1993, and the final act establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO) was signed in Marrakech in April 1994. So, 1994 is correct for the conclusion/signing.
C) The World Trade Organization (WTO) was officially inaugurated/established on January 1, 1995, as the successor to GATT. This is correct.
D) Nasdaq (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) was established and began operations in 1971 as the world’s first electronic stock market. This is correct.

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37. Which of the following statements about the Ordinance-making power of

Which of the following statements about the Ordinance-making power of the Governor is/are correct?

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1. It is a discretionary power.
2. The Governor himself is not competent to withdraw the Ordinance at any time.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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Neither statement 1 nor statement 2 about the Ordinance-making power of the Governor is correct.

The Ordinance-making power of the Governor (under Article 213 of the Indian Constitution) is exercised on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers of the state. It is not a discretionary power. The Governor is competent to withdraw an Ordinance at any time on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Article 213 states that the Governor can promulgate an Ordinance “when the Legislature of the State or where there are two Houses, both Houses are not in session,” if he is satisfied that circumstances require immediate action. However, this power is subject to the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers (as established by Supreme Court judgments, notably in Cooper case and subsequently). An Ordinance has the same force and effect as an Act of the Legislature but is temporary. It must be laid before the Legislative Assembly (and the Legislative Council in states with a bicameral legislature) when it reassembles and ceases to operate six weeks from the reassembly, or earlier if a resolution disapproving it is passed. The Governor can indeed withdraw an Ordinance at any time before it lapses or is approved/disapproved by the legislature.

38. Which one among the following States of India has the largest number o

Which one among the following States of India has the largest number of seats in its Legislative Assembly?

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West Bengal

Bihar

Madhya Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

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Among the given states, West Bengal has the largest number of seats in its Legislative Assembly.

As of the current structure, the number of seats in the Legislative Assemblies of the given states are:
– West Bengal: 294
– Bihar: 243
– Madhya Pradesh: 230
– Tamil Nadu: 234
Comparing these numbers, West Bengal has the highest number of seats.

The number of seats in a state’s Legislative Assembly is primarily determined based on the population of the state, though there are provisions for minimum and maximum limits (usually between 60 and 500, excluding Union Territories with assemblies). Uttar Pradesh has the largest Legislative Assembly in India with 403 seats, but it was not among the options.

39. Which one of the following statements about Buddhist Stupas in India i

Which one of the following statements about Buddhist Stupas in India is not correct?

Ashoka played an important role in popularizing the Stupa cult.

They were repositories of relics of Buddha and other monks.

They were located in rural areas.

They were located close to trade routes.

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The statement that Buddhist Stupas were located in rural areas is not correct.

Buddhist Stupas served as centers of pilgrimage and worship. While some might have been in relatively less populated areas, many significant Stupas were built in or near important urban centers, trade routes, or places associated with the Buddha’s life or relics. Locating them near trade routes and populated areas facilitated access for devotees and merchants, contributing to the spread of Buddhism.

Statements A, B, and D are correct. Ashoka was instrumental in commissioning numerous Stupas, significantly popularizing the cult. Stupas are indeed repositories of relics of the Buddha or important monks and nuns, which is their primary function. Their location near trade routes like the Uttarapatha ensured accessibility for pilgrims and travellers from various regions. Examples like the Sanchi Stupa, located near a major route, illustrate this. Claiming they were *only* or predominantly located in rural areas is inaccurate.

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40. Which Buddhist text contains an account of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka?

Which Buddhist text contains an account of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka?

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Vinaya Pitaka

Sutta Pitaka

Abhidhamma Pitaka

Mahavamsa

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The Mahavamsa is a Buddhist text that contains an account of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.

The Mahavamsa is an important historical chronicle written in Pali, originating from Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed account of the history of Buddhism and the dynasties of Sri Lanka. Crucially, it includes extensive information about Emperor Ashoka, his conversion to Buddhism, his efforts in spreading the faith, and his role in sending missionaries, including his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta, to Sri Lanka.

The Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka are parts of the Tripitaka, the core scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, focusing on monastic rules, discourses, and philosophical analysis, respectively. While they mention the historical context of Buddha’s time and early Buddhist community, they do not contain a detailed biographical account of Emperor Ashoka in the way the Mahavamsa does. The Mahavamsa, along with other chronicles like the Dipavamsa, is a key source for reconstructing the history of Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism.