UPSC CDS-2

1. Food chain is

Food chain is

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relationship between autotrophic organisms
exchange of genetic material between two organisms
passage of food (and thus energy) from one organism to another
modern entrepreneur establishment providing food outlets
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A food chain describes the linear sequence of organisms where nutrients and energy are transferred from one trophic level to another as one organism consumes another. It illustrates the flow of food (organic matter containing energy) through an ecosystem, starting typically with producers and moving through various levels of consumers.
The essence of a food chain is the transfer of energy and nutrients from one organism to the next through consumption.
Food chains are interconnected to form food webs, which represent more complex feeding relationships in an ecosystem. The different levels in a food chain are called trophic levels (producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, etc.).

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2. Rutherford’s alpha particle scattering experiment on thin gold foil wa

Rutherford’s alpha particle scattering experiment on thin gold foil was responsible for the discovery of –

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electron
proton
atomic nucleus
neutron
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Rutherford’s alpha particle scattering experiment, also known as the Geiger–Marsden experiment, involved firing alpha particles at a thin sheet of gold foil. The observation that a small fraction of the alpha particles were deflected at large angles, and some even bounced back, indicated the presence of a small, dense, positively charged core within the atom. This led to the development of the nuclear model of the atom and the discovery of the atomic nucleus.
The key outcome of the experiment was the conclusion that the positive charge and most of the mass of an atom are concentrated in a tiny region at its center, which was named the nucleus.
The electron was discovered by J.J. Thomson through his cathode ray experiments. Protons were later identified as the positively charged particles within the nucleus, and neutrons were discovered by James Chadwick. Rutherford’s experiment was crucial in overturning the earlier plum pudding model of the atom.

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3. The rate of evaporation of liquid does not depend upon

The rate of evaporation of liquid does not depend upon

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temperature
its surface area exposed to the atmosphere
its mass
humidity
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The rate of evaporation of a liquid depends on factors such as temperature, surface area exposed to the atmosphere, humidity of the surrounding air, and air movement (wind). A higher temperature, larger surface area, lower humidity, and increased air movement all lead to a higher rate of evaporation. The mass of the liquid affects the total amount that can evaporate and how long the process takes, but it does not determine the *rate* at which evaporation occurs from the surface at any given moment under specific environmental conditions.
The rate of evaporation is a surface phenomenon influenced by factors affecting the energy and movement of molecules at the liquid-gas interface.
While total evaporation is limited by the mass, the speed at which it happens per unit area or per unit time is independent of the total volume or mass present, assuming sufficient liquid exists. For example, a thin film of water will evaporate at the same rate per unit area as a large puddle under the same conditions, until the film is gone.

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4. Bose-Einstein Condensate is

Bose-Einstein Condensate is

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solid state of matter
fifth state of matter
plasma
state of condensed matter
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Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) is considered a fifth state of matter, distinct from the common states of solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. It is formed when a gas of bosons is cooled to temperatures very near absolute zero, causing the particles to condense into the lowest quantum state, behaving as a single quantum mechanical entity.
Bose-Einstein Condensate represents a state of matter exhibiting unique quantum properties at extremely low temperatures.
The concept of BEC was predicted by Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein in the 1920s and first experimentally created in 1995 by Eric Cornell, Carl Wieman, and Wolfgang Ketterle, who shared the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001 for this achievement. Plasma is often referred to as the fourth state of matter and exists at very high temperatures.

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5. Who is the author of the 16th century Sanskrit text, the Vraja Bhakti

Who is the author of the 16th century Sanskrit text, the Vraja Bhakti Vilasa which focuses on the Braj region in North India ?

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Todar Mal
Narayana Bhatta
Chaitanya
Rupa Goswami
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Narayana Bhatta (c. 1535-1610 CE) was a prominent scholar and devotee associated with the Braj region in the 16th century. He is credited with compiling several important Sanskrit texts related to the sacred geography, deities, and devotional practices of Braj, including the Vraja Bhakti Vilasa. This work provides descriptions of the pilgrimage sites in the Braj area, which is central to the worship of Krishna.
The Braj region is significant in Vaishnavism, and scholars compiled texts detailing its geography and religious importance during the medieval period.
Todar Mal was associated with the Mughal court. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (late 15th-early 16th century) inspired the Gaudiya Vaishnava movement, and his followers, like the Goswamis of Vrindavan, further developed the theology and practices. Rupa Goswami was one of the Six Goswamis and a key theologian of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, author of works like Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu and Ujjvala-nilamani, but Vraja Bhakti Vilasa is attributed to Narayana Bhatta.

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6. Which Greek philosopher coined the term “Geography” in the 3rd century

Which Greek philosopher coined the term “Geography” in the 3rd century B.C.E. ?

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Euclid
Plato
Eratosthenes
Clio
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Eratosthenes of Cyrene (c. 276 – c. 195 BCE) is credited with coining the term “geography” (from Greek *geographia*, meaning “earth writing”). He was a multifaceted scholar who calculated the circumference of the Earth with remarkable accuracy using geometry and astronomical observations. He is widely considered the “father of geography”.
Eratosthenes was a pioneering figure in the study of the Earth’s measurements and description.
Euclid is famous for his work in geometry. Plato was a classical philosopher in ancient Greece. Clio is the muse of history in Greek mythology.

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7. Where are the largest quantity of cichlids found in India ?

Where are the largest quantity of cichlids found in India ?

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Backwaters of Kerala
Sunderbans
Narmada
Godavari
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While cichlids (especially the genus *Etroplus*) are found in various parts of India, including some rivers, the backwaters of Kerala are particularly renowned for supporting large populations and being a key habitat for species like the Pearl Spot (*Etroplus suratensis*), which is a native cichlid and an important part of the local aquaculture and fisheries. The term “largest quantity” in the context of Indian cichlids often points towards areas where species like Pearl Spot are abundant and commercially significant.
Specific aquatic environments often support high concentrations of certain fish families based on habitat suitability.
*Etroplus suratensis* is endemic to India and Sri Lanka and thrives in the brackish waters of the Kerala backwaters. Sunderbans is a mangrove environment with unique fish fauna. Narmada and Godavari are major river systems with diverse fish populations, but not specifically highlighted for the largest quantity of cichlids in the same way Kerala backwaters are for *Etroplus*.

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8. Name the site that gives us valuable information about India’s maritim

Name the site that gives us valuable information about India’s maritime links on the Coromandel coast.

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Bharukachchha
Karur
Arikamedu
Anuradhapura
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Arikamedu, located near Puducherry on the Coromandel coast, is an important archaeological site that has yielded significant evidence of trade contacts with the Roman Empire from the 1st century BCE onwards. Excavations have unearthed Roman pottery like Arretine ware and amphorae, glass beads, gems, and other artifacts, providing crucial information about ancient maritime links and trade between South India and the Mediterranean world via the Coromandel coast.
Archaeological evidence from coastal sites is vital for understanding ancient maritime trade networks.
Bharukachchha (Broach) was a major port, but on the west coast (Gujarat). Karur was an inland trade and manufacturing center. Anuradhapura is in Sri Lanka and was a significant Buddhist and political center, involved in regional trade but not primarily known as the key site for *India’s* Coromandel maritime links with the West compared to Arikamedu.

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9. Consider the following statements: 1. According to Mahavamsa, Ashoka

Consider the following statements:

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  • 1. According to Mahavamsa, Ashoka turned to the Buddha’s dhamma when his nephew Nigrodha preached the doctrine to him.
  • 2. Divyavadana ascribes Ashoka being drawn to the Buddha’s teaching to the influence of Samudra, a merchant-turned monk.
  • 3. Dipavamsa speaks of Samudra, the 12-year-old son of a merchant, as the key figure in Ashoka’s coming under the influence of the Buddhist dhamma.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
1 and 2
1 and 3
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Statement 1 is correct: According to the Mahavamsa, Ashoka was influenced by the Buddhist monk Nigrodha, his young nephew, which led to his deeper involvement with the dhamma.
Statement 2 is correct: The Divyavadana provides a different account, suggesting Ashoka was drawn to Buddhism through the influence of a merchant (sometimes named Samudra) who became a monk.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While the Dipavamsa is another Sri Lankan chronicle, like the Mahavamsa, it also focuses on the influence of Nigrodha on Ashoka’s initial inclination towards Buddhism, rather than primarily attributing it to Samudra as the key figure.
Ancient Buddhist texts like Mahavamsa, Dipavamsa, and Divyavadana offer varying accounts of historical events, including the circumstances of Ashoka’s conversion or increased devotion to Buddhism.
The exact details and timing of Ashoka’s conversion or the individuals who influenced him towards Buddhism differ across various Buddhist scriptures, reflecting different traditions and perspectives. Nigrodha was the son of Ashoka’s elder brother Sumana.

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10. In which one of the following States is jute not significantly cultiva

In which one of the following States is jute not significantly cultivated ?

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Assam
West Bengal
Odisha
Andhra Pradesh
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Jute is not significantly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh. Jute is primarily grown in the eastern parts of India which receive heavy rainfall and have alluvial soils. The major jute-producing states in India are West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, and Meghalaya. West Bengal accounts for the largest share of jute production in India.
Jute cultivation is concentrated in specific regions of India based on suitable climate and soil conditions.
Andhra Pradesh is a major producer of various crops like rice, sugarcane, cotton, tobacco, and groundnut, but not jute. Jute requires high temperatures, heavy rainfall (150-200 cm), and high humidity.

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