UPSC CDS-2

1. Who among the following Indian thinkers first spoke of food-for-work p

Who among the following Indian thinkers first spoke of food-for-work programmes to counteract the effects of famines ?

Kautilya
Aryabhatta
Chandragomin
Prabhakara
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The correct answer is A) Kautilya.
Kautilya, in his ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy called the Arthashastra, discusses various measures a ruler should take during times of famine. These measures include state distribution of grains, provision of food from the ruler’s own stores, and also providing work (such as building forts or roads) to people in exchange for food or subsistence, which is an early form of the ‘food-for-work’ concept.
The Arthashastra is believed to have been written around the 4th century BCE. Aryabhatta was a renowned mathematician and astronomer (5th-6th century CE). Chandragomin was a Buddhist scholar and grammarian (likely 7th century CE). Prabhakara was a philosopher of the Mimamsa school (7th century CE). None of the latter three are primarily known for contributions to economic or administrative policies related to famine relief as extensively as Kautilya.

2. Among the following countries, where did the idea of ‘Social Market Ec

Among the following countries, where did the idea of ‘Social Market Economy’ emerge in 1950s ?

Germany
France
United States of America
United Kingdom
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The correct answer is A) Germany.
The concept of the ‘Social Market Economy’ (Soziale Marktwirtschaft) emerged in post-World War II West Germany. It was developed primarily by economists of the Freiburg School and politicians like Ludwig Erhard, who served as Minister of Economics and later Chancellor. The model aimed to combine a competitive market economy with a social safety net and state intervention to achieve social balance.
The Social Market Economy is characterized by principles such as free markets, private ownership, competition, along with elements of social justice, including social security, workers’ rights, and redistribution policies. It was seen as an alternative to both pure capitalism and planned economies, contributing significantly to West Germany’s rapid economic recovery, known as the “Wirtschaftswunder” (economic miracle).

3. Who among the following was not a woman labour leader who organised wo

Who among the following was not a woman labour leader who organised workers in the strikes in the 1920s ?

Sarala Devi Chaudhurani
Ushabai Dange
Prabhabati Devi
Anasuya Behn
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The correct answer is C) Prabhabati Devi.
Anasuya Behn Sarabhai was a pioneer labour leader in India, notably organizing textile workers in Ahmedabad in the late 1910s and 1920s. Ushabai Dange, wife of S.A. Dange, was also active in the communist-led trade union movement in the 1920s and beyond. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani, while primarily known for her nationalist and social reform activities, also had some involvement in social and labour-related work, though perhaps less focused on organizing specific strikes in the 1920s compared to others. Prabhabati Devi, likely referring to Prabhabati Devi, wife of Jayaprakash Narayan, was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and social work but is not widely documented as a labour leader who specifically organized workers in strikes during the 1920s in the same context as the other options.
Many women participated in the labour movement in India during the early 20th century, often inspired by or linked to the freedom struggle. Figures like Anasuya Behn Sarabhai played a crucial role in the formation of early trade unions, such as the Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association. While women’s participation was significant, the question specifically asks about organizing workers in strikes.

4. Which one of the following statements on the issue of ownership accord

Which one of the following statements on the issue of ownership according to Smriti literature is not correct ?

The paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst sons.
Women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage.
The gifts to women on the occasion of their marriage were known as Stridhana.
Stridhana was not inherited by the children without the permission of the husband.
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According to Smriti literature, Stridhana was a woman’s absolute property, comprising gifts received at marriage, from paternal relatives, etc. Women were allowed to retain these gifts (statement B), and these gifts were indeed known as Stridhana (statement C). The paternal estate was primarily inherited by sons and was divided equally among them in many cases (statement A). However, Stridhana was inheritable by the woman’s own heirs upon her death, typically her daughters first, and then her sons, according to specific rules laid down in the Smritis. The husband’s permission was generally not required for the children to inherit their mother’s Stridhana; it devolved upon her death based on the prescribed rules of succession for Stridhana. Therefore, statement D is incorrect.
Stridhana represented a form of economic security and independent property for women in ancient India, recognized by Smriti law. Its inheritance pattern was distinct from that of other forms of property.
The definition and scope of Stridhana, as well as the rules regarding its inheritance, varied slightly among different Smritis (e.g., Manu Smriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Narada Smriti) and commentators (like Jimutavahana or Vijnaneshwara), but the core concept of it being a woman’s separate, inheritable property was consistent. The husband had limited rights over Stridhana during her lifetime, primarily in times of distress, but this did not extend to controlling its inheritance by her children.

5. The legend of Prahlad and his father Hiranyakashyap was first set out

The legend of Prahlad and his father Hiranyakashyap was first set out in the

Bhagwat Purana
Vishnu Purana
Vamana Purana
Agni Purana
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The legend of Prahlad, his tyrannical father Hiranyakashyap, and the divine intervention of Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar is a cornerstone narrative in Vaishnavism. While mentioned in other Puranas like the Vishnu Purana and Vamana Purana, the most detailed and celebrated account of this story is found in the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, specifically in its Seventh Canto.
Puranas are a vast genre of Indian literature dealing with a wide range of topics, including cosmology, history, genealogies, and religious teachings. The Bhagavata Purana is considered one of the most important Puranas, particularly within the Vaishnava tradition.
The story of Prahlad illustrates the principles of devotion (bhakti) and divine protection (especially the omnipotence and omnipresence of Vishnu) against evil, regardless of circumstances or opposition.

6. Who among the following usurped power in Kanyakubja after the death of

Who among the following usurped power in Kanyakubja after the death of Harshavardhana?

Adityasena
Arunashva
Shashanka
Lalitaditya
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After the death of Harshavardhana in 647 AD, his empire fragmented. The power in his capital, Kanyakubja (Kannauj), was reportedly seized by a minister named Arunashva (also referred to as Arjuna). He imprisoned the Tang Chinese envoy Wang Xuance, which led to a punitive expedition by the Chinese.
The death of Harsha marked the end of a period of relative unity in northern India and was followed by fragmentation and the rise of various regional powers.
The Chinese accounts of Wang Xuance’s mission provide crucial information about the political situation in India immediately after Harsha’s death, specifically mentioning Arunashva’s usurpation of power.

7. Which one among the following planets has the largest number of known

Which one among the following planets has the largest number of known satellites?

Mars
Neptune
Jupiter
Saturn
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As of May 2023, Saturn surpassed Jupiter in the number of known satellites. Astronomers confirmed 62 new moons orbiting Saturn, bringing its total to 146. Jupiter currently has 95 confirmed moons. Mars has 2, and Neptune has 14. Therefore, Saturn has the largest number of known satellites among the options provided.
The discovery of new moons is ongoing, especially around the gas giants, using advanced telescopic surveys. The largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, due to their immense gravity, have captured or formed a vast number of moons, including many small, irregular ones.
The number of known moons for a planet can change as new discoveries are made and confirmed. The listing of moons often distinguishes between major moons (like the Galilean moons of Jupiter or Titan of Saturn) and numerous smaller, irregular satellites.

8. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I
(Cloud Form)		 List II
(Characteristic)
A. Cirrus 1. Storm clouds
B. Cumulus 2. High fog “Low Ceiling”
C. Nimbostratus 3. Fair-weather clouds
D. Stratus 4. Entirely of ice particles

Code :

2 1 3 4
2 3 1 4
4 3 1 2
4 1 3 2
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Cirrus clouds are high-level clouds composed entirely of ice crystals. Cumulus clouds are typically puffy and associated with fair weather. Nimbostratus clouds are dark, layered precipitation clouds (“storm clouds” in a general sense of bringing significant precipitation). Stratus clouds form a flat, grey layer and can resemble fog, often causing a “low ceiling”. Matching these characteristics: A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2. This corresponds to option C.
Cloud classification is based on appearance and altitude. Major types include Cirrus (high, wispy, ice), Cumulus (puffy, vertical development), Stratus (low, layered), and Nimbus (rain/precipitation bearing). Combinations exist like cumulonimbus (thunderstorms) and nimbostratus (continuous rain/snow).
High clouds (above 6 km): Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, Cirrostratus. Middle clouds (2-6 km): Altocumulus, Altostratus. Low clouds (below 2 km): Stratus, Stratocumulus, Nimbostratus. Clouds with vertical development: Cumulus, Cumulonimbus.

9. Which one of the following is not a mountain peak of the Andaman and N

Which one of the following is not a mountain peak of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

Saddle Peak
Mount Thuillier
Lhotse Peak
Mount Diavolo
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Saddle Peak is the highest point in North Andaman Island. Mount Thuillier is the highest point in Great Nicobar Island. Mount Diavolo is a mountain peak in Middle Andaman Island. Lhotse Peak (Mount Lhotse) is the fourth highest mountain in the world, located in the Himalayas, on the border between Tibet and Nepal. It is not located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have several notable peaks, which are part of the submerged mountain range extending from the Arakan Yoma mountains of Myanmar. Saddle Peak is the highest point in the entire Union Territory.
Saddle Peak National Park is located around Saddle Peak in North Andaman Island and is known for its endemic flora and fauna. Mount Thuillier is located within the Campbell Bay National Park in Great Nicobar.

10. Which one of the following is the other term used for ‘Focus’ in relat

Which one of the following is the other term used for ‘Focus’ in relation with an earthquake?

Hypocentre
Epicentre
Isocentre
Principal Point
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In seismology, the ‘focus’ is the point within the Earth where an earthquake originates, i.e., where the rupture begins. Another term for the focus is ‘hypocentre’.
The ‘epicentre’ is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus. The intensity of an earthquake is often highest at the epicentre.
Seismic waves radiate outwards from the focus (hypocentre). The depth of the focus below the epicentre is known as the focal depth.
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