UPSC CDS-2 Archives

11. Coral reefs are not found in which one of the following regions ?

Coral reefs are not found in which one of the following regions ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Lakshadweep Islands” option2=”Gulf of Kachchh” option3=”Gulf of Mannar” option4=”Gulf of Cambay” correct=”option4″]

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Coral reefs are typically not found in the Gulf of Cambay (Khambhat). This gulf is characterized by high turbidity due to significant sediment load from major rivers like Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati, as well as strong tidal currents. These conditions are generally unfavorable for the growth and survival of coral polyps, which require clear, shallow, warm marine water.

Coral reefs require specific environmental conditions, including clear, warm, shallow water with sufficient salinity and low turbidity.

India has extensive coral reef areas in Lakshadweep, Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Mannar, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These regions provide suitable habitats for coral growth. The Gulf of Cambay, however, is known more for its tidal energy potential and estuarine characteristics.

12. 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 (Peak)	List II (Name of Hill)
A. Anaimudi	1. Nilgiri
B. Doddabetta	2. Satpura
C. Dhupgarh	3. Aravali
D. Guru Shikhar	4. Annamalai

Code :

[amp_mcq option1=”A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4″ option2=”A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4″ option3=”A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3″ option4=”A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3″ correct=”option3″]

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The correct matches are A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3. Anaimudi is the highest peak of the Annamalai Hills in the Western Ghats. Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. Dhupgarh is the highest peak of the Satpura Range, specifically located in the Mahadeo Hills section. Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range, located in Mount Abu.

Matching prominent peaks with their respective hill ranges is a common geographical question type.

Anaimudi is also the highest point in the entire South India. Doddabetta is a popular tourist spot in the Nilgiris near Ooty. Dhupgarh is in Madhya Pradesh. Guru Shikhar is in Rajasthan, near the border with Gujarat.

13. Which one of the following statements regarding temperate coniferous f

Which one of the following statements regarding temperate coniferous forest biome is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”They are characterized by very little undergrowth.” option2=”They have a growing period of 50 to 100 days in a year.” option3=”There is low variation in annual temperature.” option4=”There is high range in spatial distribution of annual precipitation.” correct=”option3″]

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The statement that is not correct regarding the temperate coniferous forest biome is C) There is low variation in annual temperature.

Temperate coniferous forests (like Boreal forests or Taiga) are found in high latitudes or on high mountains in temperate regions. These areas are characterized by very cold, long winters and relatively short, mild to warm summers. Therefore, there is a *high* variation in annual temperature between the extreme seasons, not a low variation.

– A) They are characterized by very little undergrowth because the dense evergreen canopy limits light penetration, and the soil is often acidic and nutrient-poor due to slow decomposition of needles.
– B) The growing period is limited by cold temperatures and is typically short, ranging from 50 to 100 days in the Boreal forest.
– D) Annual precipitation can vary spatially across the vast expanse of this biome, although it is generally moderate (around 40-100 cm), often occurring as snow.

14. Which one of the following is not a geographical requirement for culti

Which one of the following is not a geographical requirement for cultivation of cotton ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Temperature reaching 25°C or more in summer” option2=”Moderate to light rainfall” option3=”Medium loam soil with good drainage” option4=”A growing period of at least 100 frost free days” correct=”option3″]

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The statement which is not a geographical requirement for cultivation of cotton is D) A growing period of at least 100 frost free days.

Cotton cultivation requires a long growing season, typically around 6-7 months, which must be largely frost-free. The minimum requirement for frost-free days is usually cited as 200-210 days, significantly more than 100 days.

The other statements are correct requirements:
– A) Cotton needs high temperatures (21-30°C) during the growing period, especially warm sunny weather during boll ripening.
– B) Moderate rainfall (50-100 cm) is needed, preferably concentrated during the growing season. It can also be grown under irrigation in drier areas.
– C) Cotton grows well on a variety of soils, but well-drained medium loam soil and black cotton soil (Regur) are particularly suitable. Good drainage is essential as waterlogging is harmful.

15. Which one among the following is not a part of the Fundamental Rights

Which one among the following is not a part of the Fundamental Rights (Part III) of the Constitution of India ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour” option2=”Prohibition of employment of children in factories” option3=”Participation of workers in management of industries” option4=”Practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business” correct=”option3″]

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The statement which is not a part of the Fundamental Rights (Part III) of the Constitution of India is C) Participation of workers in management of industries.

Part III of the Indian Constitution (Articles 12-35) lists the Fundamental Rights.
– A) Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour is guaranteed under Article 23 (Right against Exploitation).
– B) Prohibition of employment of children in factories is guaranteed under Article 24 (Right against Exploitation).
– D) The right to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) (Right to Freedom).
– C) Participation of workers in management of industries is listed as a Directive Principle of State Policy (DPSP) under Article 43A in Part IV of the Constitution. DPSPs are fundamental in the governance of the country but are not enforceable by any court.

Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning individuals can approach courts for their enforcement. Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable guidelines for the state to follow in formulating laws and policies.

16. The concept of “Four Pillar State”, free from district magistracy for

The concept of “Four Pillar State”, free from district magistracy for India was suggested by

[amp_mcq option1=”Lala Lajpat Rai” option2=”Ram Manohar Lohia” option3=”Raja Ram Mohan Roy” option4=”Subash Chandra Bose” correct=”option2″]

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The concept of “Four Pillar State” (Chatushpada Rajya) was suggested by Ram Manohar Lohia.

Ram Manohar Lohia, a prominent socialist leader in India, advocated for a decentralized system of governance based on four pillars: the Centre, the State, the District, and the Village. He envisioned significant administrative, legislative, and financial powers vested in the district and village levels to ensure genuine grassroots democracy and reduce the over-centralization of power.

Lohia believed that this decentralized structure, free from the colonial-era power structure embodied by the District Magistrate, was essential for India’s true democracy and development. His ideas influenced socialist movements and discussions on Panchayati Raj institutions in India. The other leaders listed are not associated with this specific concept.

17. Which one of the following statements about the Government of India Ac

Which one of the following statements about the Government of India Act, 1919 is not correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It extended the practice of communal representation.” option2=”It made the Central Executive responsible to the Legislature.” option3=”It is also known as the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms.” option4=”It paved the way for federalism by clearly separating the responsibilities of the Centre and the Provinces.” correct=”option2″]

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The incorrect statement is B) It made the Central Executive responsible to the Legislature.

The Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) introduced significant changes but did not make the Central Executive responsible to the Indian Legislature. At the centre, the Governor-General remained the head of the executive, and his Executive Council was responsible to the British Parliament, not the Indian Legislature. Responsibility to the legislature was partially introduced at the provincial level for ‘transferred’ subjects under the system of dyarchy.

Statement A is correct as the Act extended the principle of communal representation to Sikhs, Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Europeans. Statement C is correct as the Act is widely known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. Statement D is correct as the Act for the first time demarcated and separated the central and provincial subjects, laying a foundation towards a federal structure, though the system was still unitary in many respects.

18. Who among the following Mughal emperors was a follower of the Naqshban

Who among the following Mughal emperors was a follower of the Naqshbandiyya leader, Khwaja Ubaydullah Ahrar ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Babur” option2=”Humayun” option3=”Akbar” option4=”Jahangir” correct=”option1″]

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The correct answer is Babur.

Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire in India, had strong connections to Sufism, particularly the Naqshbandiyya order, which was influential in his native region of Transoxiana. He held Khwaja Ubaydullah Ahrar in high regard and mentioned him respectfully in his memoirs, the ‘Baburnama’, indicating he was a follower or at least deeply influenced by the Khwaja.

While later Mughal emperors also had varying degrees of interest in Sufism, Babur’s personal reverence for Khwaja Ahrar is well-documented. Akbar’s reign saw a period of interest in various religious traditions but also moved towards Sulh-i-Kul. Jahangir had connections with various Sufi saints as well.

19. 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 (Ethnic Territorial Segment)	List II (Related Occupational Pattern)
A. Maruta Makkal	1. Pastoralists
B. Kuravan Makkal	2. Fishing people
C. Mullai Makkal	3. Ploughmen
D. Neytal Makkal	4. Hill people

Code :

[amp_mcq option1=”A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2″ option2=”A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3″ option3=”A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2″ option4=”A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3″ correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.

This question relates to the ancient Tamil classification of land divisions (Thinai) and the occupations of people living in those regions, as described in classical Tamil literature like the Tolkappiyam.
– Marutam (A) corresponds to agricultural plains, inhabited by people engaged in ploughing and farming (Ploughmen – 3).
– Kurinci (B) corresponds to hilly or mountainous regions, inhabited by hunters and gatherers (Hill people – 4).
– Mullai (C) corresponds to pastoral tracts or forests, inhabited by pastoralists and those engaged in cattle rearing (Pastoralists – 1).
– Neytal (D) corresponds to coastal regions, inhabited by fishermen and salt manufacturers (Fishing people – 2).

There is a fifth Thinai, Palai, which corresponds to dry or desert regions, inhabited by people engaged in raiding and robbery. This classification highlights the ecological and economic diversity of the ancient Tamil country and the close relationship between environment and occupation.

20. Who were the Nayanars ?

Who were the Nayanars ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Those who were immersed in devotion to Vishnu” option2=”Those who were devotees of Buddha” option3=”Leaders who were devotees of Shiva” option4=”Leaders who were devotees of Basveshwara” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is Leaders who were devotees of Shiva.

The Nayanars (or Nayanmars) were 63 Tamil saints who were devoted to the Hindu god Shiva. They played a significant role in the Bhakti movement in South India between the 6th and 8th centuries CE, composing devotional hymns (Tevaram, Tiruvacakam, etc.) in Tamil.

Similarly, the Alvars were Tamil saints devoted to Vishnu. Both groups contributed immensely to the devotional literature and popularization of Vaishnavism and Shaivism in South India. Basaveshwara was a 12th-century philosopher, poet, and social reformer from Karnataka, the founder of Virashaivism, which is also devoted to Shiva but represents a distinct movement.