UPSC CDS-2 Archives

21. Which one of the following is not a permanent member of the UN Securit

Which one of the following is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council ?

France

China

Japan

United Kingdom

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2023

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The correct answer is (C). Japan is not a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The United Nations Security Council has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These members have veto power.

In addition to the five permanent members, there are ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. Japan has served multiple terms as a non-permanent member and is a major contributor to the UN, but it is not one of the P5.

22. Which of the following statements about ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ in Lada

Which of the following statements about ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ in Ladakh is/are correct ?

Indian Army undertakes welfare activities, such as running of Army Goodwill Schools in remote areas of Ladakh.
It aims at building harmonious relationships between religious communities in Ladakh.

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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The correct answer is (C). Both statements are correct regarding ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ in Ladakh.

Operation Sadbhavana is an Indian Army initiative primarily aimed at winning the ‘hearts and minds’ of the local population in regions like Ladakh (part of the erstwhile J&K state). Its key activities include welfare projects, infrastructure development, health camps, and educational initiatives like running Army Goodwill Schools.

While statement 1 accurately describes specific welfare activities like running schools, statement 2 reflects the broader goal implied by the name ‘Sadbhavana’ (goodwill/harmony). The overall objective of improving civil-military relations and fostering trust through developmental work contributes to building harmonious relationships among all communities, including religious ones, in the region.

23. What does India’s “Blue growth” refer to ?

What does India’s “Blue growth” refer to ?

Upgradation of Indian Air Force

Discouraging farmers from using pesticides

A long-term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors

Socio-economic empowerment of India's blue collar workers in the unorganized sector

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The correct answer is (C). India’s “Blue Growth” strategy is focused on sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors. It aims to enhance economic opportunities from the ocean and coastal areas while ensuring environmental sustainability.

“Blue Growth” or “Blue Economy” is a concept promoted globally and adopted by India, which focuses on leveraging ocean resources for economic development in a sustainable manner.

This strategy encompasses various sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy (e.g., offshore wind), shipping, port development, marine biotechnology, and seabed mining, all while prioritizing conservation and sustainable practices.

24. Which of the following statements about National Action Plan on Climat

Which of the following statements about National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with reference to India is/are correct ?

It emphasises that maintaining a high growth rate is essential for raising the living standards of the vast majority of the people of India and reducing their vulnerability to the impact of climate change.
It was released in 2014.

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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The correct answer is A) 1 only.

Statement 1 is correct. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and maintaining a high rate of economic growth as crucial for poverty eradication and enhancing the adaptive capacity and resilience of the population to the impacts of climate change. This reflects India’s perspective that development and climate action are intertwined.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was formally launched in June *2008*, not 2014, by the then Prime Minister of India.

The NAPCC outlines India’s strategy to meet the challenges of climate change. It is guided by the principles of sustainable development and includes eight national missions focused on areas such as solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water conservation, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, green India, sustainable agriculture, and strategic knowledge for climate change.

25. Which of the following statements about the ‘Race to Zero Campaign’ is

Which of the following statements about the ‘Race to Zero Campaign’ is/are correct ?

One of the main objectives of the Race to Zero Campaign is to build momentum around the shift to a decarbonized economy.
It is related to the theory of Zero-Sum Game.

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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The correct answer is A) 1 only.

Statement 1 is correct. The ‘Race to Zero’ campaign is a global initiative that mobilizes actors outside of national governments – including companies, cities, regions, and investors – to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Its main objective is precisely to build momentum among these non-state actors towards a decarbonized economy to limit global warming.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Race to Zero Campaign is related to achieving *net-zero carbon emissions*, not the economic concept of a Zero-Sum Game. Climate action is generally viewed as a collective action problem where collaboration leads to a positive outcome for all involved, rather than a scenario where one party’s gain is another’s loss.

The Race to Zero campaign works through various initiatives and networks (like the Marrakech Partnership) to promote credible net-zero commitments and actions from non-state actors, aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

26. Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador of the ruler of Persia, was sent to Calicu

Abdur Razzaq, an ambassador of the ruler of Persia, was sent to Calicut in the fifteenth century. He was greatly impressed by the :

Fortifications of Calicut

Climatic conditions of the coastal town

High quality spices of the place

Musical traditions of the place

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The correct answer is C) High quality spices of the place.

Abdur Razzaq, the ambassador from Persia who visited Calicut (Kozhikode) in the 15th century, was primarily impressed by the city’s status as a major international trading port. His account, like those of other contemporary visitors, highlights the bustling trade, the multitude of merchants from various countries, and the quality of goods exchanged. Calicut was renowned globally for its spice trade, particularly pepper, which was a key commodity that attracted merchants from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia. While he described aspects of the city, the economic vibrancy centered around high-quality spices was the most noteworthy and impressive feature for a foreign visitor interested in trade.

Calicut was the capital of the Zamorins and a prominent port on the Malabar Coast. Its strategic location and abundant production of spices like pepper made it a central hub in the Indian Ocean trade network before the arrival of European powers. Accounts by visitors like Abdur Razzaq and later Vasco da Gama emphasize the significance of spices in the city’s economy and global standing.

27. Which of the following statements about the Vaishnava saint of Assam,

Which of the following statements about the Vaishnava saint of Assam, Shankardeva, is/are correct ?

His teachings are often known as the Bhagavati dharma.
He encouraged the establishment of satras or monasteries and namghars or prayer halls for the transmission of spiritual knowledge.
His major compositions include the Kirtana-ghosha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

3 only

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The correct answer is C) 1, 2 and 3.

All three statements regarding the Vaishnava saint Shankardeva are correct.
1. His teachings are often known as the Bhagavati dharma or Eka Sharana Dharma, emphasizing devotion (Bhakti) to a single God, usually identified with Krishna or Vishnu, drawing heavily from the Bhagavata Purana.
2. He established institutions like satras (monastic centers) and namghars (community prayer halls) which served as vital centers for religious practice, learning, and cultural activities, facilitating the transmission of his spiritual knowledge and movement across Assam.
3. The Kirtana-ghosha is one of the most important and popular literary works of Shankardeva, consisting of hymns and narratives related to Krishna, widely used in devotional practices in the Eka Sharana Dharma tradition.

Shankardeva (1449-1568) was a towering figure in the cultural and religious history of Assam, credited with unifying the Assamese society through his devotional movement. He contributed significantly to Assamese literature, music, drama, and dance, shaping many aspects of Assamese culture.

28. The famous Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela mentions that in the e

The famous Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela mentions that in the eleventh year of his reign, Kharavela destroyed a confederacy of Tamil States, “Tramiradesa Sanghatam”, which had long been a source of danger. How old was this confederacy of Tamil States at that time ?

110 years old

111 years old

112 years old

113 years old

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The correct answer is C) 112 years old.

The Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela of Kalinga states that in the *twelfth* year of his reign, he destroyed a confederacy of Tamil states (Tramiradesa Sanghatam) that had been in existence for one hundred and thirteen years (113 years). The question mentions the eleventh year of his reign. If the confederacy was 113 years old in the 12th year of Kharavela’s reign when it was destroyed, then in the 11th year of his reign (one year prior), it would have been 113 – 1 = 112 years old. The question stem contains a factual inconsistency regarding the year of the attack (11th vs. 12th as per inscription), but asks for the age of the confederacy *at that time* (the 11th year as stated in the question).

The Hathigumpha inscription is a key source for the history of ancient Kalinga and the reign of Kharavela. It provides details about his conquests, administrative actions, and religious patronage. The mention of the Tamil confederacy and its age indicates interactions between the Kalinga kingdom and the Southern Indian states during this period.

29. Which of the following statements is/are correct ? Shivaji sent an a

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

Shivaji sent an ambassador to Bombay to negotiate an agreement with the English.
His chief motive was to secure English aid against the Siddıs of Danda-Rajpuri.
He wanted a supply of grenades, mortars and other ammunition.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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The correct answer is D) 1, 2 and 3.

All three statements about Shivaji’s interactions with the English are correct.
1. Shivaji did send an ambassador to Bombay (then under English control) to negotiate various matters, including trade and potential military alliances.
2. A significant motive for Shivaji’s negotiations with European powers like the English was to secure support, particularly naval aid and modern weaponry, against his rivals, including the Siddhis of Janjira who controlled a formidable naval force and coastal fort.
3. Shivaji was keen to acquire modern artillery, grenades, mortars, and ammunition from the Europeans to strengthen his army and siege capabilities, which were essential against fortified locations held by the Mughals and the Siddhis. The treaty signed with the English in 1674 after negotiations included clauses for the supply of ammunition.

Shivaji Maharaj was a shrewd diplomat and military strategist who understood the importance of leveraging the presence of European powers for his own objectives against the larger forces of the Mughal Empire and other rivals. His interactions with the English often involved complex negotiations balancing trade interests, military support, and sovereign rights.

30. Consider the following statements regarding poverty in India: While

Consider the following statements regarding poverty in India:

While determining poverty line in India, a minimum level of food requirement, clothing, footwear, fuel and light, educational and medical requirements, etc. are determined for subsistence.
The accepted average calorie requirement in India is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories per person per day in urban areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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The correct answer is C) Both 1 and 2.

Statement 1 is correct. While determining the poverty line in India historically and currently, the expenditure on a minimum level of basic needs including food, clothing, footwear, fuel and light, education, and medical requirements is considered for subsistence.
Statement 2 is correct. The accepted average calorie requirement used historically in India for poverty estimation was indeed 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories per person per day in urban areas, as recommended by expert groups like the Task Force on Projections of Minimum Needs and Effective Consumption Demand (1979). This calorie norm was a key basis for calculating poverty lines in the past.

Later committees like the Tendulkar Committee and the Rangarajan Committee moved towards using expenditure-based poverty lines that implicitly account for these needs, but the calorie norms mentioned in statement 2 were a significant part of the methodology in earlier approaches to poverty estimation in India.