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21. With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh D

With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deushkar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:

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1. It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
3. The use of ‘desh’ by Deushkar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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The correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only.

Sakharam Ganesh Deushkar’s book “Desher Katha” (meaning “The Story of the Country”) was a highly influential work during the Swadeshi movement. It was originally written in Bengali and published in 1904.
Statement 1 is correct: The book critically analyzed the economic exploitation by the British colonial rule and warned how foreign rule impacted the Indian mind and culture, advocating for a mental liberation from colonial influence.
Statement 2 is correct: “Desher Katha” significantly inspired the Swadeshi movement, influencing various forms of nationalist expression, including street plays, songs, and other cultural performances aimed at spreading the message of self-reliance and patriotism.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While Deushkar wrote in Bengali and the book was particularly influential in Bengal, the term ‘desh’ referred to the entire Indian motherland, not specifically or solely the region of Bengal. The book’s message resonated throughout India as a call for national awakening and swadeshi.

Sakharam Ganesh Deushkar (1869-1912) was a close associate of Sri Aurobindo and Bipin Chandra Pal. His book went through multiple editions and was widely read by nationalists. It was eventually banned by the British government in 1910 due to its revolutionary potential and nationalist message.

22. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ gener

Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period ?

An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates

A diary to be maintained for daily accounts

A bill of exchange

An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

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‘Hundi’ is a traditional financial instrument widely used in India for trade and credit transactions. It functions as a bill of exchange, a promissory note, or a draft. It allowed merchants to transfer money from one place to another without physically carrying cash, reducing the risk of theft, or to borrow/lend money based on written promises. The term and instrument were prevalent in the post-Harsha period and continued to be important throughout the medieval and colonial eras.

A Hundi is essentially an indigenous form of a bill of exchange used for transferring funds or credit.

There were various types of Hundis, such as Darshani Hundi (payable on sight) and Mudati Hundi (payable after a fixed period). The Hundi system facilitated trade and commerce across long distances in India.

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23. Consider the following events in the history of India : Rise of Pra

Consider the following events in the history of India :

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Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka – I
Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time ?

2-1-4-3

3-1-4-2

2-4-1-3

3-4-1-2

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Let’s establish the approximate time periods for each event:
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman I: Mahendravarman I ruled from c. 600 to 630 CE.
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala: Gopala founded the Pala dynasty in Bengal around c. 750 CE.
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja: Mihira Bhoja I (King Bhoja) was a major ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, reigning from c. 836 to 885 CE.
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka I: Parantaka I reigned from 907 to 955 CE. The revival of the Chola dynasty was by Vijayalaya in the mid-9th century (c. 848 CE), but Parantaka I represents a significant phase of expansion shortly after Bhoja’s peak. Considering Parantaka I specifically, this event is the latest.
The chronological order is thus: Pallavas under Mahendravarman I (early 7th century) -> Palas under Gopala (mid-8th century) -> Pratiharas under Bhoja (mid-late 9th century) -> Cholas under Parantaka I (early 10th century). This corresponds to the sequence 2 – 4 – 1 – 3.

The correct chronological order of the rulers/dynasties mentioned is Pallavas (Mahendravarman I), Palas (Gopala), Pratiharas (Bhoja), and Cholas (Parantaka I).

This question tests knowledge of major dynasties and rulers of post-Gupta/early medieval South and North India. Understanding the approximate centuries in which these dynasties flourished is crucial.

24. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Ind

Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century ?

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Indian handicrafts were ruined.

Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.

Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country.

Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.

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During the first half of the nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution in Britain had a devastating impact on Indian handicrafts. British manufactured goods, especially textiles produced efficiently by machines, were imported into India and sold at cheaper prices than traditionally made Indian goods. This unequal competition, combined with policies favoring British imports and disadvantaging Indian exports, led to the decline and ruin of indigenous industries, particularly the cotton textile industry, causing widespread unemployment among Indian artisans.

The influx of cheaper, machine-made British goods led to the destruction of traditional Indian handicrafts during the early period of British rule influenced by the Industrial Revolution.

Options B and C describe developments that occurred later in the 19th century, particularly after the 1850s. Option D is incorrect; British policy was generally aimed at facilitating the entry of British manufactures into India with low tariffs, while often imposing high tariffs on Indian goods entering Britain.

25. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the followi

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :

Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Statement 1 is incorrect. Sthaviravadins are associated with the Theravada school of Buddhism, which is considered one of the earliest schools and part of the Hinayana tradition (though Theravadins reject the term Hinayana). Mahayana Buddhism is a later, distinct tradition. Statement 2 is correct. The Mahasanghika school was one of the two main branches of early Buddhism after the Second Buddhist Council. The Lokottaravada sect, known for its transcendental view of the Buddha, was indeed an important offshoot of the Mahasanghika school. Statement 3 is correct. The Mahasanghikas held more liberal views regarding the nature of the Buddha and arhats compared to the Sthaviravadins. Their inclination to view the Buddha as a supramundane or deified being, emphasizing his transcendental nature (as seen in Lokottaravada), contributed significantly to the philosophical basis and popular appeal that characterized the later development of Mahayana Buddhism, which focuses on the universal potential for Buddhahood and the bodhisattva ideal.

The Mahasanghikas’ views on the Buddha’s nature paved the way for Mahayana Buddhism, and Lokottaravada was a Mahasanghika offshoot.

The split between Sthaviravada and Mahasanghika schools occurred primarily over matters of monastic discipline and interpretation of the Dharma. Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged centuries later, built upon some of the philosophical differences initiated by the Mahasanghikas.

26. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs :

With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs :

1. Aurang	—	In-charge of treasury of the State
2. Banian	—	Indian agent of the East India Company
3. Mirasidar	—	Designated revenue payer to the State

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Pair 1 is incorrect. ‘Aurang’ in the context of Mughal and post-Mughal India, particularly concerning European trade, referred to a factory or depot, especially related to the collection and processing of goods like textiles, where weavers or producers delivered their output. It was not typically the in-charge of the State treasury, which was managed by officers like Diwan or Bakshi depending on the specific treasury (revenue, military payments, etc.). Pair 2 is correct. ‘Banian’ was a term used, especially by the British, for Indian merchants, brokers, or agents who assisted European traders in conducting business in India by acting as intermediaries. Pair 3 is correct. ‘Mirasidar’ (or Mirazdar) in South India referred to a holder of ‘miras’, a hereditary right to land or a share in village produce. Mirasidars were often the recognized landholders and were responsible for paying land revenue to the state.

‘Banian’ and ‘Mirasidar’ are correctly defined in the context of historical Indian economic and land systems.

The ‘Aurang’ system, particularly for indigo and cotton, was a significant part of the economic interaction between European companies and Indian producers. Mirasidars held a privileged position in the agrarian structure, often belonging to the dominant castes and having hereditary rights to cultivate land and collect dues.

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27. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following stat

With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements :

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1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
2. The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
3. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only

1 and 2 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

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Statement 1 is correct. A public blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology where transaction data is typically transparent and accessible to all participants on the network. It is not controlled by any single entity. Statement 2 is incorrect. While blockchain technology underpins cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, its applications extend far beyond cryptocurrency. It can be used to record and verify any type of data or transaction, including supply chain management, digital identity, voting systems, and more. Statement 3 is correct. On permissionless blockchains (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), anyone can develop and deploy applications (decentralized applications or DApps) that utilize the blockchain’s features without requiring permission from a central authority.

Blockchain is a decentralized, transparent ledger technology whose applications are not limited to cryptocurrency and on which permissionless innovation can occur.

Blockchain operates as a chain of blocks, where each block contains a batch of transactions, and these blocks are linked using cryptography. This structure makes the ledger highly secure and resistant to tampering.

28. With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which

With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct ?

1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.
2. VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.
3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.
4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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1, 2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 4 only

1, 3 and 4 only

2, 3 and 4 only

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Statement 1 is correct as Visible Light Communication (VLC) utilizes the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which ranges from approximately 380 to 780 nanometers. The range 375 to 780 nm falls within or very close to this standard definition. Statement 2 is incorrect; VLC is generally considered a short-range communication technology because visible light is easily blocked by walls and opaque objects and does not penetrate them like radio waves. Statement 3 is correct; VLC, also known as Li-Fi, has the potential for significantly higher data transmission speeds compared to Bluetooth due to the vast available bandwidth in the visible light spectrum. Statement 4 is correct; VLC operates in a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum than radio-frequency communication (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), meaning it does not cause electromagnetic interference with radio-based systems.

VLC uses visible light for data transmission, offering high speed and immunity to radio interference, but is limited in range.

VLC utilizes LEDs which can be switched on and off very rapidly, faster than the human eye can perceive, to transmit data signals. Potential applications include indoor navigation, high-speed internet access in confined spaces, and communication in electromagnetically sensitive environments.

29. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can eff

With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following ?

1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

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1, 2, 3 and 5 only

1, 3 and 4 only

2, 4 and 5 only

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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With the current state of development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can effectively perform tasks listed in statements 1, 2, 3, and 4. AI algorithms are used for optimizing industrial processes to reduce energy consumption (1). Generative AI models can create coherent short stories and songs (2). Machine learning and deep learning are widely applied in analyzing medical images and data for disease diagnosis (3). Text-to-Speech (TTS) conversion is a mature AI application used in various tools (4). Wireless transmission of electrical energy (5) is primarily a domain of physics and electrical engineering, although AI could potentially be used for optimizing such systems, it is not a core capability or direct application of AI itself in the same way as the other listed items.

Modern AI is capable of complex tasks involving data analysis, pattern recognition, generation, and optimization across various domains.

AI’s capabilities are rapidly expanding, enabling applications in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and decision-making systems. While wireless energy transmission exists (e.g., inductive charging), it doesn’t rely on AI as its fundamental principle of operation.

30. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “P

In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for

fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm

genetic modification of sperm producing cells

development of stem cells into functional embryos

prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

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Pronuclear Transfer is a technique used in assisted reproductive technology aimed at preventing the transmission of mitochondrial diseases from a mother to her child. It involves transferring the nuclear genetic material (contained in the pronuclei after fertilization) from the intended parents’ fertilized egg into a donor egg that has healthy mitochondria but has had its own nucleus removed. This creates a zygote with the intended parents’ nuclear DNA and the donor’s mitochondrial DNA, which can then be implanted.

Pronuclear Transfer is a method specifically designed to prevent the inheritance of mitochondrial diseases.

This technique is sometimes referred to as ‘three-parent IVF’ because the resulting child effectively has genetic material from three individuals: nuclear DNA from both parents and mitochondrial DNA from a donor. Another related technique is Maternal Spindle Transfer.

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