UPSC CDS-2 Archives

21. Recently, the United Nations agreed to change the name of which one of

Recently, the United Nations agreed to change the name of which one of the following countries?

Algeria

Jordan

Morocco

Turkey

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In 2022, the United Nations agreed to change the name of Turkey at the country’s request. The country officially changed its name to “Türkiye” (pronounced Tur-key-yay).

– The move was part of a rebranding effort by the Turkish government.
– The government aimed to use the name “Türkiye” to better represent the country’s culture and values, and to disassociate from the English word “turkey” which is also the name of a bird.

Official name changes at the UN require a formal request from the member state to the Secretary-General. Other countries have also changed their names in recent history and had them recognized by the UN, such as Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and North Macedonia (formerly the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).

22. The British policy towards Afghanistan in the first half of the 19th c

The British policy towards Afghanistan in the first half of the 19th century aimed at

Strengthening Afghanistan as a buffer against Russia.

Weakening Russian influence in Afghanistan but not promoting a strong Afghanistan either.

Promoting Russian influence in Afghanistan to control insurgent tribal leaders.

Annexing Afghanistan as a directly-controlled British Territory.

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In the first half of the 19th century, during the period known as the “Great Game,” British policy towards Afghanistan was primarily driven by the need to protect British India from potential Russian expansion. Therefore, the main objective was to strengthen Afghanistan as a buffer state that would prevent Russia from directly threatening the Indian frontier.

– The “Great Game” was a strategic rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire for supremacy in Central Asia.
– Afghanistan’s geographical location made it a crucial barrier between the two empires’ spheres of influence.

British attempts to control Afghanistan’s foreign policy and install rulers favorable to their interests led to the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842). Despite setbacks, the long-term policy remained centered on maintaining Afghanistan’s independence or at least ensuring it was not under Russian control.

23. Consider the following statements about cavalry warfare in India : 1

Consider the following statements about cavalry warfare in India :

1. The iron stirrup made it possible for the armoured warrior to sit firmly on a horse without falling off.
2. The iron stirrup also allowed a cavalry charge with lances held tightly to the body, without the rider being thrown off by the shock of impact.

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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Both statements are correct regarding the impact of the iron stirrup on cavalry warfare. The introduction of the iron stirrup provided unprecedented stability to the rider, allowing them to sit firmly on the horse even during rapid movements or impacts. It enabled riders to use weapons like lances much more effectively, transferring the force of the blow through the rider’s legs braced in the stirrups, thus delivering a powerful impact without being dislodged.

– The stirrup fundamentally changed cavalry tactics, allowing for shock combat by enabling riders to withstand the impact of charges.
– Before the stirrup, cavalry primarily relied on javelins, bows, or swords used in skirmishing or slashing attacks, as delivering a powerful thrust with a lance was difficult without being unseated.

The development and spread of the stirrup is considered one of the most significant technological advancements in the history of warfare, particularly influencing the rise of heavy cavalry and feudal societies in medieval Europe and contributing to the success of various steppe empires. The exact origin of the stirrup is debated, but it is believed to have originated in Asia.

24. In the citadel and lower-town areas of which one of the following Hara

In the citadel and lower-town areas of which one of the following Harappan cities, have several large cisterns and reservoirs been found ?

Banawali

Mohenjodaro

Dholavira

Rakhigarhi

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The correct answer is C) Dholavira.

Dholavira, located in Kutch, Gujarat, is renowned among Harappan sites for its sophisticated water harvesting system. Archaeological excavations have revealed numerous large reservoirs and cisterns carved into the ground, designed to collect and store rainwater during the monsoon season. These water storage facilities are found across the site, including within the fortified citadel and the lower town, highlighting the importance placed on water management in this arid region.

While other Harappan cities like Mohenjodaro have important water-related structures (e.g., the Great Bath, wells, drains), Dholavira stands out for its extensive network and large number of reservoirs dedicated to water storage, reflecting unique adaptations to the local environmental conditions. Banawali is noted for its semi-arid location and lack of a clear grid pattern in the lower town. Rakhigarhi is one of the largest Harappan sites but is not particularly known for large cisterns and reservoirs on the scale found at Dholavira.

25. During the 8th – 14th centuries, in the Sanskrit texts and inscription

During the 8th – 14th centuries, in the Sanskrit texts and inscriptions, which of the following terms were used to denote Muslims ?

1. Turushka
2. Tajika
3. Parashika
4. Kardamaka

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3

1, 2 and 4

2 and 3 only

1, 3 and 4

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

During the period between the 8th and 14th centuries, when Islamic rule and influence spread in various parts of India, Sanskrit texts and inscriptions frequently used terms like ‘Turushka’ (referring to Turks, especially Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Delhi Sultans of Turkish origin), ‘Tajika’ (often referring to Arabs or people from Persian lands, including early Muslim rulers like the Rais of Sind or later groups), and ‘Parashika’ (specifically referring to Persians). These terms were used by Indian writers to identify and describe people of Muslim faith, often based on their ethnic or geographic origins.

‘Kardamaka’ is a term historically associated with a dynasty of Western Satraps (Indo-Scythians) who ruled parts of western India around the early centuries CE, long before the period specified in the question (8th-14th centuries). It is not a term used to denote Muslims in this later medieval period. Therefore, only Turushka, Tajika, and Parashika are relevant terms used to refer to Muslims during 8th-14th centuries in Sanskrit texts and inscriptions.

26. Which among the following are Charvaka Schools of Philosophy ? Dhur

Which among the following are Charvaka Schools of Philosophy ?

Dhurtta
Nyaya
Sushikshita
Vaisheshika

1, 2 and 3

2 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

1 and 3 only

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The correct answer is D) 1 and 3 only.

Charvaka, also known as Lokayata, is an ancient Indian materialistic and atheistic philosophical school. Traditional texts that describe different schools of Indian philosophy often mention different branches or interpretations within Charvaka. Sources like Madhavacharya’s *Sarvadarshanasangraha* classify Charvakas into types such as Dhurtta (literally ‘rogue’ or ‘cunning’, representing a more radical, sensualist view) and Sushikshita (meaning ‘well-educated’ or ‘refined’, possibly a more moderate view). Nyaya and Vaisheshika are distinct, orthodox (Astika) schools of Indian philosophy focused on logic and atomism, respectively, entirely separate from Charvaka.

Charvaka philosophy rejects concepts like reincarnation, karma, liberation (moksha), and the authority of the Vedas. It emphasizes empirical perception as the only valid source of knowledge and advocates for living life fully while pursuing pleasure. The distinction between different Charvaka “schools” like Dhurtta and Sushikshita might reflect variations in their ethical views or the degree of emphasis on sensual pleasure versus more refined forms of enjoyment.

27. The Indian desert also known as Marusthali is believed to be under the

The Indian desert also known as Marusthali is believed to be under the sea during which one of the following eras ?

Cenozoic era

Palaeozoic era

Mesozoic era

Archaean and Pre-Cambrian era

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The correct answer is C) Mesozoic era.

Geological evidence, including the presence of marine fossils (like ammonites) found in areas like Jaisalmer within the Thar Desert, suggests that parts of the region were submerged under a shallow sea during the Mesozoic era, particularly during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. This indicates that the area was part of the Tethys Sea or its remnants before tectonic uplift and regression of the sea formed the landmass.

The Cenozoic era followed the Mesozoic and is the “Age of Mammals,” characterized by the formation of the Himalayas and the development of the modern Indian landscape. The Palaeozoic era preceded the Mesozoic and saw the formation of ancient mountain ranges and significant life evolution. The Archaean and Pre-Cambrian eras represent the Earth’s earliest history, long before the formation of such features. The marine transgression evidence in the Thar Desert points specifically to the Mesozoic.

28. Which one of the following processes leads to expansion of certain min

Which one of the following processes leads to expansion of certain minerals as they take up water, causing additional stress in the rock ?

Hydrolysis

Hydration

Oxidation

Carbonation

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The correct answer is B) Hydration.

Hydration is a form of chemical weathering where water molecules are added to the molecular structure of a mineral. Some minerals, like gypsum, anhydrite, and certain clay minerals, absorb water and expand in volume as they are hydrated. This increase in volume creates stress within the rock, which can lead to disintegration and breakdown.

Hydrolysis involves the reaction of water with minerals, specifically where water splits into H+ and OH- ions that react with the mineral’s components (e.g., feldspar weathering into clay). Oxidation is the reaction of minerals with oxygen, often leading to the formation of rust (iron oxides). Carbonation is the reaction of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), formed by CO₂ dissolving in water, with minerals, particularly carbonates like calcite. While all are chemical weathering processes, Hydration is the specific process leading to the expansion of minerals upon taking up water.

29. 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 (Drainage Pattern of River)	List II (Feature)
A. Insequent	1. Whose direction of flow is controlled by the rock structure
B. Consequent	2. No apparent reason why it follows the path it takes
C. Subsequent	3. Flow in the same direction as the consequent stream but at a lower level
D. Resequent	4. Whose course is determined by the original slope of the land

A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3

A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2

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

The match is as follows:
A. Insequent: 2. Whose direction of flow is controlled by the rock structure – This is incorrect. Insequent streams follow no discernible pattern and are not controlled by underlying rock structure; they often develop on newly exposed, uniform surfaces or areas of thick regolith. Their path has “no apparent reason.”
B. Consequent: 4. Whose course is determined by the original slope of the land – Correct. Consequent streams flow directly down the steepest slope of the land.
C. Subsequent: 1. Whose direction of flow is controlled by the rock structure – Correct. Subsequent streams develop along belts of weaker rock resistance, often parallel to the strike of folded rock layers or along fault lines. They adjust their course to the underlying geological structure.
D. Resequent: 3. Flow in the same direction as the consequent stream but at a lower level – Correct. Resequent streams are tributaries that flow in the same general direction as the original consequent streams but form later, often on a lower erosion level.
Let’s re-evaluate the match for Insequent based on the options provided. Option 2 “No apparent reason why it follows the path it takes” fits Insequent better than any other pattern. Option 1 “Whose direction of flow is controlled by the rock structure” fits Subsequent. Option 3 “Flow in the same direction as the consequent stream but at a lower level” fits Resequent. Option 4 “Whose course is determined by the original slope of the land” fits Consequent.
Thus, A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 is the correct matching.

Drainage patterns are determined by the relationship between the stream course and the underlying bedrock structure. Other common patterns include Dendritic (tree-like, on uniform resistance rocks), Trellis (rectangular pattern in areas of folded rock), Radial (flowing outwards from a central point, like a volcano), Centripetal (flowing inwards towards a central depression), and Annular (circular pattern in dome or basin structures). Understanding these patterns helps geomorphologists interpret the underlying geology and landscape history.

30. ‘Pingos’ are associated with which one of the following process?

‘Pingos’ are associated with which one of the following process?

Glacial

Peri-glacial

Aeolian

Fluvial

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The correct answer is B) Peri-glacial.

Pingos are large, ice-cored hills or mounds found in periglacial environments. They are formed when water beneath a layer of permafrost is confined and subjected to freezing, causing the water to expand and push up the overlying sediment into a dome shape. Periglacial refers to conditions or processes occurring in areas adjacent to glacial ice sheets or in regions of permafrost, involving repeated freezing and thawing.

Glacial processes involve the action of glaciers and ice sheets. Aeolian processes relate to the action of wind. Fluvial processes relate to the action of rivers or streams. Pingos are distinct geomorphological features formed specifically by the unique interactions of water and ice in permanently frozen ground conditions, characteristic of periglacial landscapes.