2013

51. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus

Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

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  • 1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
  • 2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
  • 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

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1 and 2 only
2 only
1, 2 and 3
None of the statements given above is correct
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Based on current archaeological evidence, only statement 2 accurately characterizes the people of the Indus Civilization.
1. There is no strong evidence of grand palaces or temples in the Indus Civilization sites. Their architecture suggests well-planned cities with focus on civic amenities and dwelling units, not monumental religious or royal structures.
2. Evidence from seals and figurines suggests the worship of a male deity (often identified as ‘proto-Shiva’) and numerous female figurines implying the worship of a Mother Goddess.
3. While the presence of the horse in the Indus Valley is debated and evidence is scarce, there is no clear indication of the widespread use of horse-drawn chariots in warfare, unlike later periods in South Asia.
The Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) was known for its urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and seals with undeciphered script. Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, and Dholavira.

52. In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for

In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for

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economic development
redemption of public debt
adjusting the balance of payments
reducing the foreign debt
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In India, deficit financing is primarily used for raising resources for economic development.
Deficit financing refers to the practice where the government spends more than it receives in revenue, making up the difference by borrowing (from domestic or foreign sources) or, historically, by printing money (borrowing from the central bank). In developing economies like India, where tax revenues are often insufficient to fund large-scale infrastructure and development projects, deficit financing has been a common tool to mobilise resources needed for planned expenditure aimed at economic growth and development.
While deficit financing can lead to inflation if not managed properly, it has been used as a means to stimulate investment and growth, particularly in the early stages of development planning. Options B, C, and D are not the primary reasons for employing deficit financing; in fact, deficit financing can sometimes complicate balance of payments (if funded externally) or increase public/foreign debt.

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53. An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the

An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the

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market rate of interest is likely to fall
Central Bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks
Central Bank is following an easy money policy
Central Bank is following a tight money policy
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An increase in the Bank Rate indicates that the Central Bank (RBI in India) is following a tight money policy.
The Bank Rate is the rate at which the RBI is prepared to buy or rediscount bills of exchange or other commercial paper. Historically, it was the rate for long-term lending to banks. An increase in the Bank Rate makes borrowing from the central bank more expensive for commercial banks. This discourages banks from borrowing, limits credit creation, and tends to push up overall interest rates in the economy, thereby curbing inflation and economic activity. This is characteristic of a tight or dear money policy.
In modern monetary policy, the repo rate (the rate at which banks borrow from RBI for short term against government securities) has largely replaced the Bank Rate as the primary tool for signalling monetary policy stance and managing liquidity. However, the principle remains the same: raising these policy rates signals monetary tightening, while lowering them signals easing.

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54. The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of

The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of

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  • 1. liquidity of assets
  • 2. branch expansion
  • 3. merger of banks
  • 4. winding-up of banks

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 and 4 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 3 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank and the primary regulatory authority for commercial banks in India. It has extensive powers to control and regulate various aspects of banking operations.
The RBI regulates commercial banks on matters including:
1. **Liquidity of assets:** Through tools like Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).
2. **Branch expansion:** Banks need prior permission from RBI to open new branches.
3. **Merger of banks:** Mergers and acquisitions involving banks require approval from the RBI.
4. **Winding-up of banks:** The RBI plays a critical role in the process of winding up or resolution of distressed banks under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act.
All four listed points fall under the regulatory purview of the RBI.
The Banking Regulation Act, 1949, provides the legal framework for the regulation of banking business in India. The RBI’s regulatory powers extend to licensing, management, operations, auditing, and supervision of banks to ensure financial stability and protect depositors’ interests.

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55. The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

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all import and export transactions of a country during a given period of time, normally a year
goods exported from a country during a year
economic transaction between the government of one country to another
capital movements from one country to another
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The balance of payments (BoP) of a country is a systematic record of all economic transactions between the residents of a country and the rest of the world during a specific period, typically a year.
BoP includes transactions related to trade in goods and services (Current Account), income flows, and capital flows (Capital and Financial Account). Option A, while slightly simplified by focusing only on “import and export transactions,” is the most comprehensive description among the choices, as these trade transactions are a major part of the Current Account. The other options are too narrow (only goods, only government, or only capital).
The BoP is divided into two main accounts: the Current Account and the Capital Account (often presented as Capital and Financial Account). The Current Account records trade in goods and services, income (interest, dividends), and current transfers. The Capital Account records capital transfers and the acquisition/disposal of non-produced non-financial assets. The Financial Account records transactions involving financial assets and liabilities. The BoP should ideally balance over time (Credits = Debits).

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56. Quit India Movement was launched in response to

Quit India Movement was launched in response to

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Cabinet Mission Plan
Cripps Proposals
Simon Commission Report
Wavell Plan
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The Quit India Movement was launched in response to the failure of the Cripps Proposals.
In March 1942, Sir Stafford Cripps was sent by the British government with proposals to secure India’s full cooperation and support in World War II. The Cripps Proposals offered Dominion Status after the war and permitted provinces to opt out of the proposed Indian Union, among other things. However, they did not offer immediate independence or a concrete plan for transfer of power acceptable to the Indian National Congress, which demanded a provisional government with real power. The failure of the Cripps Mission, combined with growing discontent over British rule and the impact of the war, led Mahatma Gandhi to call for the Quit India Movement in August 1942, demanding the immediate end of British rule in India.
The Quit India Movement was a significant turning point in the Indian independence struggle. It involved widespread civil disobedience and protests, though it faced severe repression by the British authorities.

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57. The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission

The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because

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Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
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The primary reason for the widespread agitation and boycott against the Simon Commission was the absence of any Indian member in the commission.
The Indian Statutory Commission, popularly known as the Simon Commission, consisted of seven British Members of Parliament. Its purpose was to report on India’s constitutional progress and suggest reforms. Indian political parties, including the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, vehemently opposed the commission because it had no Indian representatives. They viewed this as an insult to Indian self-respect and a denial of their right to determine their own constitution. The slogan “Simon Go Back” became popular during the protests.
The boycott of the Simon Commission led to widespread protests across India. The commission’s report, submitted in 1930, was subsequently discussed at the Round Table Conferences. The recommendations formed the basis for the Government of India Act 1935.

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58. According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fun

According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?

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Fundamental Rights
Fundamental Duties
Directive Principles of State Policy
Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
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According to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy are fundamental for the governance of the country.
Article 37 of the Constitution of India states: “The provisions contained in this Part [Part IV – Directive Principles of State Policy] shall not be enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid down are nevertheless *fundamental in the governance of the country* and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.” This article explicitly declares the DPSP as fundamental for governance. While Fundamental Rights are fundamental for individuals against the state, and fundamental duties are duties of citizens, the DPSP are the constitutional directives guiding the state’s policies and laws, making them fundamental for governance.
The Directive Principles aim at establishing a welfare state and social and economic democracy. They serve as a moral and political guide for the government in framing laws and policies. Although not legally enforceable, courts often consider DPSP when interpreting laws and determining the constitutionality of actions.

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59. Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in

Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

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The extinction of the flame of desire
The complete annihilation of self
A state of bliss and rest
A mental stage beyond all comprehension
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The concept of Nirvana in Buddhism is best described as the extinction of the flame of desire.
Nirvana (Pali: Nibbana) is the ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism. It signifies the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). This is achieved by extinguishing the “three poisons” or “three fires”: craving (tanha, desire), aversion (hatred), and ignorance (delusion). Therefore, the extinction of desire, which is seen as a primary cause of suffering and attachment, is a central aspect of achieving Nirvana.
Nirvana is not a place, but a state of being. It is characterized by freedom from suffering, samsara, and the causes of suffering. While sometimes associated with peace and liberation, the core concept revolves around the transcendence of the conditioned existence driven by craving and ignorance.

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60. Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

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Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
There is no material difference between the two
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Chaitya is a Buddhist place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place or monastery for monks.
Buddhist rock-cut architecture primarily consists of two types:
1. **Chaitya:** A prayer hall or place of worship. These often have a stupa at one end, which is the object of veneration. The hall typically has a nave, aisles, and an apse surrounding the stupa.
2. **Vihara:** A monastery or dwelling place for monks and nuns. Viharas usually consist of a central hall surrounded by cells for residential purposes.
Famous examples of Buddhist rock-cut caves with both Chaitya and Vihara halls include those at Ajanta, Ellora, Karle, Bhaja, and Kanheri. These sites provide significant insights into early Indian Buddhist art and architecture.

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