UPSC IAS Archives

31. Consider the following statements : 1. Animal Welfare Board of Indi

Consider the following statements :

1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only

2 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body, and the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), at the time relevant to the question, was chaired by the Prime Minister. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is not established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is established under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Statement 2 is correct. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body constituted under Section 38L(1) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006.
Statement 3 is correct. The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was indeed chaired by the Prime Minister of India. This authority was constituted in 2009 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. (Note: NGRBA was later replaced by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (National Ganga Council) in 2016, which is also chaired by the Prime Minister).

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is aimed at preventing the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella act for environmental protection and improvement.

32. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statem

With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only

2 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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Let’s evaluate the statements regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. – This statement is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. – This statement is incorrect. The purpose of ESZs is to create a buffer zone around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to regulate and manage certain activities to minimize negative impacts on the protected area. It does *not* prohibit *all* human activities. Certain activities are prohibited (e.g., commercial mining, polluting industries), others are regulated (e.g., felling of trees, setting up of hotels/resorts), and some are permitted (e.g., ongoing agriculture/horticulture, rainwater harvesting). The phrase “prohibit all kinds of human activities… except agriculture” is an oversimplification and inaccurate description of the regulations within ESZs.
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.

– ESZs are defined as areas within 10 kilometers around the boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The extent can be more or less than 10 km depending on the specific area’s ecological sensitivity.
– The primary goal is conservation of biodiversity and reducing the impact of development activities in the immediate vicinity of protected areas.
– A Zonal Master Plan is prepared for each ESZ to regulate activities.

The classification of activities within ESZs into prohibited, regulated, and permitted categories allows for a balance between conservation needs and the livelihoods of local communities. The declaration of ESZs is a measure to prevent ecological degradation and maintain the ecological integrity of protected areas.

33. In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing th

In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the ‘Seed Replacement Rates’ of various crops helps in achieving the food production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/constraints in its wider/greater implementation?

1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
2. There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.
3. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2

3 only

2 and 3

None

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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Let’s analyze the statements regarding constraints in enhancing Seed Replacement Rates (SRR):
1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place. – This statement is incorrect. India does have a National Seeds Policy, for instance, the National Seeds Policy of 2002, which aims to ensure the availability of quality seeds.
2. There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops. – This statement is incorrect. The private sector plays a significant role in the Indian seed industry, especially in the high-value segments like hybrid vegetables and horticultural crops.
3. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops. – This statement is correct. For major crops like cereals, pulses, and oilseeds (low value, high volume per farmer), ensuring the timely availability of affordable, quality seeds to a large number of small and marginal farmers across vast areas is a significant logistical and economic challenge, leading to a demand-supply gap, particularly for specific varieties or during peak seasons. This limits the potential for enhancing SRR for these crops.
Therefore, only statement 3 represents a constraint.

– Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) refers to the percentage of the total cropped area sown with certified/quality seeds of improved varieties in place of farm-saved seeds.
– Enhancing SRR is crucial for improving crop productivity and achieving food security goals.
– Constraints often include the cost of quality seeds, limited awareness among farmers, inadequate infrastructure for production and distribution, and the availability challenges mentioned in statement 3.

While the private sector is active, public sector institutions and policies are still vital for seed production, certification, and distribution, especially for food security crops and in remote areas, to address constraints like the one mentioned in statement 3.

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34. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

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the mosque for the use of Royal Family

Akbar's private prayer chamber

the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions

the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575. Its purpose was to provide a place for religious discussions and debates between scholars of various religions. Initially, it was open only to Muslims, but later Akbar opened it up to scholars of other religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and even atheists, reflecting his quest for understanding different faiths.

– Akbar’s discussions in the Ibadat Khana contributed to the development of his religious and philosophical ideas, including the concept of Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all).
– Scholars from different faiths like Purushottam Das (Hinduism), Hira Vijaya Suri (Jainism), Dastur Meherji Rana (Zoroastrianism), and Rodolfo Aquaviva (Christianity) participated.
– The debates often became intense and sometimes failed to achieve consensus, leading Akbar to formulate his own syncretic views.

The Ibadat Khana discussions were a significant step in Akbar’s move away from orthodox Islam and towards a more inclusive and rational approach to religion. However, due to the sometimes acrimonious nature of the debates, Akbar eventually discontinued the Ibadat Khana discussions around 1582.

35. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (185

What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?

1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
2. To place the Indian administra- tion under the British Crown
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858 was issued following the suppression of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Its main objectives were to formally transfer the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown and to address the grievances and concerns raised by the Revolt.
Let’s evaluate the statements:
1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States: The Proclamation promised the Indian princes that their territories would not be annexed and that the British Crown would respect their dignity and honour. This was a key objective.
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown: The Government of India Act 1858, which preceded the Proclamation, abolished the East India Company and transferred governing powers to the Crown. The Proclamation announced this change and outlined the new relationship. This was a key objective.
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India: By 1858, the East India Company had largely ceased its commercial activities and was primarily an administrative body. The focus of the Proclamation was on governance and political relations, not regulating the Company’s trade. This was not an object of the proclamation.
Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

– The Proclamation is often referred to as the ‘Magna Carta of the Indian people’, although its promises were not always kept.
– It marked the beginning of direct British rule (the British Raj) in India.
– It also announced a policy of religious neutrality and equal treatment for all subjects, irrespective of race or creed (though implementation was often discriminatory).

The Proclamation aimed to conciliate the Indian ruling class and population after the upheaval of 1857, signaling a shift in British policy from annexation and reform towards consolidation and maintaining the status quo with the native states.

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36. A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

martial arts in North-East India

classical tradition in North-West India

classical vocal music in South India

pietra dura tradition in Central India

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The Manganiyars are a hereditary community of Muslim musicians from the desert regions of Rajasthan (North-West India) and the neighbouring Sindh province of Pakistan. They are renowned for their unique style of folk and classical-leaning music, which has been passed down through generations. Their tradition is deeply embedded in the culture of the Thar Desert.

– The Manganiyars traditionally performed for their patrons, including Rajput and Sindhi landowners.
– They play instruments like the Kamaicha (a string instrument), Sarangi, Dholak, and Harmonium.
– Their music often incorporates elements of both Rajasthani folk tunes and classical ragas.

Manganiyar music is known for its soulful melodies and complex rhythms. While they perform traditional folk songs, they also have a sophisticated understanding of musical scales and structures, bridging the gap between folk and classical traditions in North-West India.

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37. Consider the following statements : 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of

Consider the following statements :

1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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Let’s examine each statement:
1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. – Bijak is the most important and popular compilation of the works of Saint Kabir, a prominent poet and saint of the Bhakti movement. Dadu Dayal was another saint whose compositions are found in collections like the Dadu Anubhav Vani. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was propounded by Madhvacharya. – Pushti Marg (The Path of Grace) was founded by Vallabhacharya, a prominent philosopher and saint of the Vaishnavite tradition. Madhvacharya was the founder of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta philosophy. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.

– Bijak includes dohās, sabads, and ramainīs attributed to Kabir.
– Pushti Marg emphasizes salvation through the grace of God (Krishna), rather than through strict adherence to rituals or knowledge.
– Madhvacharya’s Dvaita Vedanta posits a clear distinction between God, the soul, and the material world.

Kabir, Dadu Dayal, Vallabhacharya, and Madhvacharya were all significant figures in the diverse philosophical and devotional landscape of medieval India, contributing to various schools of thought and Bhakti traditions.

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38. With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, co

With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs :
Famous shrine Location

1. Tabo monastery and temple complex : Spiti Valley
2. Lhotsava Lhakang temple, Nako : Zanskar Valley
3. Alchi temple complex : Ladakh

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

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1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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Let’s evaluate each pair:
1. Tabo monastery and temple complex: Spiti Valley – Tabo Monastery, also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, is located in the Tabo village of Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. It is indeed in the Spiti Valley. This pair is correctly matched.
2. Lhotsava Lhakang temple, Nako: Zanskar Valley – Nako village and its famous Lhotsava Lhakang temple are located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, close to the border with Tibet/China. While it is in a high-altitude Himalayan region, it is not in the Zanskar Valley, which is primarily located in the Kargil district of Ladakh. This pair is incorrectly matched.
3. Alchi temple complex: Ladakh – Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, known for its beautiful Kashmiri-style paintings. It is located in Ladakh. This pair is correctly matched.
Therefore, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

– Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the Himalayas, founded in 996 CE.
– Alchi Monastery is known for its unique artistic style which differs from others in Ladakh.
– Both Spiti and Ladakh are regions with significant Buddhist populations and ancient monasteries.

Spiti Valley is located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, while Zanskar and Ladakh are regions within the Union Territory of Ladakh. These areas are centers of Tibetan Buddhism and house numerous important monasteries and cultural sites.

39. Consider the following pairs : 1. Garba Gujarat

Consider the following pairs :

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1. Garba	Gujarat
2. Mohiniattam	Odisha
3. Yakshagana	Karnataka

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

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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Let’s evaluate each pair:
1. Garba: Gujarat – Garba is a popular folk dance from Gujarat, traditionally performed during Navaratri. This pair is correctly matched.
2. Mohiniattam: Odisha – Mohiniattam is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala, not Odisha. Odissi is the classical dance form of Odisha. This pair is incorrectly matched.
3. Yakshagana: Karnataka – Yakshagana is a traditional folk theatre form prevalent in coastal Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The major tradition is associated with Karnataka. This pair is correctly matched.
Therefore, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

– Garba is a vibrant circular dance involving rhythmic clapping.
– Mohiniattam is characterized by graceful, flowing movements and is performed by women.
– Yakshagana combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, and stage techniques to present stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

India has a rich diversity of classical and folk dance forms associated with specific states or regions. Classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi include Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Odissi (Odisha), Sattriya (Assam), Manipuri (Manipur), and Mohiniattam (Kerala).

40. With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?

It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India

It is an ancient style bronze and brasswork still found in southern part of Coromandel area

It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar

It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India

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Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art form that originated in Kerala, South India. It is considered one of the oldest surviving martial arts in the world and is still practiced in some parts of South India.

– Kalaripayattu involves a range of movements, strikes, weapons training, and traditional healing methods.
– It is deeply rooted in the cultural and traditional practices of Kerala.
– It is considered a living tradition passed down through generations.

Kalaripayattu techniques are believed to have influenced other martial arts forms and traditional dance forms like Kathakali. It includes unarmed combat as well as combat with various weapons like swords, shields, staves, etc.

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