Prelims Solution

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

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

  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?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Correct Answer – (d) 1 and 3 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is a decentralized ledger that records all transactions across a network. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls. This high level of transparency allows for trust and accountability in transactions.

Expanding Beyond Cryptocurrency

Contrary to popular belief, blockchain technology is not limited to cryptocurrency. While it was initially developed to support Bitcoin, its applications have expanded far beyond that. Blockchain can be used for various purposes such as supply chain management, voting systems, identity verification, and more. Its core features of decentralization, transparency, and immutability make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Permissionless Development

One of the key advantages of blockchain technology, especially in public blockchains like Ethereum, is the permissionless nature of its development environment. Applications that depend on the basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission. This fosters innovation and allows developers to create decentralized applications (DApps) that leverage the blockchain’s features.

Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, making (d) 1 and 3 only the right choice.

Q. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: Read More »

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

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

(a) fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm
(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells
(c) development of stem cells into functional embryos
(d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Correct Answer – (d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Pronuclear Transfer: Preventing Transmission of Mitochondrial Diseases

Pronuclear transfer is a technique used in the context of mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT). This innovative approach is designed to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases from mother to child. Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. These diseases are maternally inherited because the mitochondria in the offspring come exclusively from the mother’s egg.

The Process of Pronuclear Transfer

The process of pronuclear transfer involves fertilizing both the donor’s egg and the mother’s egg with the father’s sperm. Before these fertilized eggs begin the process of dividing into early-stage embryos, each has a pronucleus containing the genetic material from the mother and the father. In pronuclear transfer, the pronuclei from the parents’ fertilized egg are transferred into the donor egg, which has had its own pronuclei removed but still contains healthy mitochondria. This way, the resulting embryo has nuclear DNA from its parents but mitochondrial DNA from the donor, effectively bypassing the risk of inheriting mitochondrial diseases.

Advancements in Reproductive Technology

This technique represents a significant advance in reproductive technology, offering hope to families affected by mitochondrial disorders. It allows for the birth of genetically related children to the intended parents, with the critical difference being the source of healthy mitochondria.

Q. In the context of recent advances of human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for Read More »

Q. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:

Q. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:

  1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra
  2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana
  3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer – (c) 3 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

1. Panini is not associated with Pushyamitra:

This statement is incorrect. Panini, the ancient Indian scholar, and the author of the Ashtadhyayi, a foundational text on Sanskrit grammar, is not associated with Pushyamitra. Panini is believed to have lived around the 5th century BCE, much earlier than Pushyamitra Shunga, who founded the Shunga Empire after the Mauryan dynasty around 185 BCE.

2. Amarasimha is not associated with Harshavardhana:

This statement is also incorrect. Amarasimha is traditionally considered to be one of the nine gems (Navaratnas) at the court of the legendary king Vikramaditya of Ujjain, not Harshavardhana. 

3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II:

This statement is correct. Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, is traditionally associated with the court of Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya. Chandragupta II ruled the Gupta Empire from approximately 380 CE to 415 CE. Kalidasa’s works, including plays like “Shakuntala” and poems like “Meghaduta,” are considered classics of Sanskrit literature and reflect the cultural zenith of the Gupta period.

Given the analysis above, the correct answer is:

(c) 3 only

Q. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: Read More »

Q. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

Q. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

(a) The Revolt of 1857
(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
(c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60
(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

Correct Answer – (d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

The term “Ulgulan,” or the Great Tumult, specifically refers to the rebellion led by Birsa Munda in the late 19th century. This movement aimed at establishing Munda Raj and removing British government and missionaries from their region. It was a significant tribal uprising against the British colonial rule and the exploitative practices of landlords and missionaries in the region that is now part of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha in India.

Birsa Munda, a tribal leader and a freedom fighter, mobilized the tribal community, particularly the Mundas, against the British Raj and their policies that were detrimental to the tribal way of life. His movement not only demanded the end of British rule but also sought to restore the traditional land rights of the tribals, which had been eroded by British land revenue policies and the activities of Christian missionaries.

Q. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events? Read More »

Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because

Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because

(a) he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so
(b) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India
(c) he wanted to provide William Carey and his associates with employment
(d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Correct Answer – (d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Fort William College

Fort William College, also known as the College of Fort William, was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) by Lord Wellesley, the then Governor-General of British India, in 1800. The primary purpose behind the establishment of this college was to train British civilians in the languages and cultures of India to ensure more efficient administration of the country.

Wellesley recognized the need for British officials to be knowledgeable about the local languages, laws, customs, and traditions to govern more effectively and empathetically. This initiative was part of the broader British effort to strengthen their administrative control over India by improving communication and understanding between the British officials and the local population.

Q. Wellesley established the Fort William College Calcutta because Read More »

Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
(c) national leaders’ opposition to the cultivation if indigo
(d) Government control over the planters

Correct Answer – (b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Decline of Indigo Cultivation in India

The primary reason for the decline of indigo cultivation in India was indeed its unprofitability in the world market, largely due to the advent of synthetic dyes. In 1856, William Henry Perkin, a British chemist, accidentally discovered the first synthetic dye, known as mauveine, while attempting to synthesize quinine for the treatment of malaria. This discovery marked the beginning of the synthetic dye industry, which rapidly expanded and led to the development of a wide range of synthetic dyes that were cheaper and more reliable than natural indigo. As these synthetic dyes became more popular, the demand for natural indigo, which was more expensive and labor-intensive to produce, declined sharply. This made the cultivation of indigo unprofitable for farmers in India, leading to a significant reduction in its production.

Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of Read More »

Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

  1. women’s right to gain education
  2. age of consent
  3. restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer – (b) 2 and 3 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

The Rakhmabai Case of 1884

The Rakhmabai case of 1884 is a landmark case in Indian legal history, particularly in the context of women’s rights. This case revolved around two main issues:

1. Age of Consent

The case highlighted the issue of child marriage and the age of consent in India. Rakhmabai was married at the age of 11 but refused to live with her husband, Dadaji Bhikaji, arguing that she was married off at a young age without her consent. The case brought to the forefront the debate on the legal age of consent for marriage in India.

2. Restitution of Conjugal Rights

The case was essentially about Dadaji Bhikaji suing Rakhmabai for restitution of conjugal rights, which means he sought a legal order for Rakhmabai to resume marital relations and live with him. The case thus revolved around the legal rights of husbands over their wives and the autonomy of women in marital relationships.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

(b) 2 and 3 only

Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around Read More »

Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

  1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
  2. Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do.
  3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer – (c) 1 and 3 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper

Explanation:

Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells

Cell Walls

One of the fundamental differences between plant and animal cells is the presence of a rigid cell wall in plant cells. This cell wall is primarily made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection. Animal cells, on the other hand, do not have a cell wall and are instead surrounded by a flexible plasma membrane.

Plasma Membranes

Both plant and animal cells have plasma membranes. The plasma membrane is a crucial component of all living cells, acting as a barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. In plant cells, the plasma membrane is located just inside the cell wall.

Vacuoles

A characteristic feature of mature plant cells is the presence of one large central vacuole that occupies a significant portion of the cell’s volume. This vacuole plays a role in maintaining cell pressure, storage of nutrients, and waste products. Animal cells may contain vacuoles, but these are usually smaller and more numerous than the large central vacuole found in plant cells.

Therefore, the correct statements regarding the general differences between plant and animal cells are 1 and 3, making the correct answer (c) 1 and 3 only.

Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells? Read More »