2020

Pair 1 is not correct. Aurang was a Persian term for a warehouse, a place where goods are collected before being sold; also refers to a workshop.

Pair 2 is correct. Banians (banias) were agents of the company. A Banyan is a personby whom the English gentlemen in general conduct all their business. He is interpreter, head book-keeper, head secretary, head broker, the supplier of cash and cash-keeper, and in general also secretkeeper. They might appear to have become their masters? servants, merely managing their trade for them; but the reality was often less that of master and servant than of trading partners. The banian brought his skill and his capital to the partnership; the European contributed his privileges.

Pair 3 is correct. Mirasdar in Urdu means hereditary landowner, co-proprietor. In Persian, miras is inheritance, estate. He was also a revenue payer to the state.

* The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants. It classifies species into six schedules, each offering different levels of protection.

* Schedule VI of the Act pertains to certain plants that are prohibited from cultivation and planting without a license. Therefore, If a plant species is listed under Schedule VI, it means a license is required for its cultivation.


* The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 amended the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The amendment reduced the number of schedules from six to four, simplifying wildlife classification and protection levels. Additionally, the Act also aligned the provisions with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) by introducing a separate schedule (Sch. IV) for species covered under CITES.

Statement 1 is Correct: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be functionalized with various bioactive molecules, such as drugs and antigens. This allows them to act as efficient delivery systems that can cross biological membranes to reach specific target sites in the body.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: While carbon nanotubes have been explored as scaffolds in tissue engineering, their use as artificial blood capillaries remains largely experimental and has not been established as a validated application. Blood capillaries require precise biological compatibility, flexibility, and permeability that CNTs alone cannot replicate. Hence, the claim that they can be made into functional artificial blood capillaries for injured parts of the human body is not sufficiently supported, and UPSC's official answer key treats this statement as incorrect.

Statement 3 is Correct: Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and unique electrical properties, carbon nanotubes are ideal components for biochemical sensors used to detect biological molecules like glucose, proteins, or DNA with high sensitivity.

Statement 4 is Correct: Research has demonstrated that carbon nanotubes can be broken down by oxidative enzymes such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) found in human neutrophils, establishing their biodegradability under certain conditions.

⚠️ Caveat: Statement 4 remains a subject of ongoing scientific debate. While certain studies confirm enzymatic biodegradation of CNTs, this is not universally accepted, as biodegradability is highly dependent on the type, length, surface functionalization, and structural properties of the nanotube. In many real-world conditions, CNTs are considered persistent and non-biodegradable. The UPSC answer key treats Statement 4 as correct, but candidates should be aware of this nuance.

Solar pumps provide a clean, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional electric and fuel-driven pump sets. They play a crucial role in environmentally friendly agriculture and can be implemented in both developed and underdeveloped regions. The main components in a solar pumping system include a photovoltaic (PV) array, an electric motor and a pump. Solar water pumping systems are classified as either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) systems based on the motors ability. Recently, the concept of brushless DC (BLDC) motors for solar pumping water applications was presented as well.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both surface pumps and submersible pumps. The type of pump does not limit the use of solar power.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Solar power can be used to run both centrifugal pumps and piston pumps. The type of pump, whether it's a centrifugal pump or a piston pump, does not limit the use of solar power.

Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.

The question is asking about the raw materials that can be used for the production of biofuels according to India's National Policy on Biofuels.

Cassava is a starch-rich root vegetable that can be used to produce biofuel.

Damaged wheat grains, which are unfit for human consumption, can also be used to produce biofuel.

Groundnut seeds are not mentioned in the National Policy on Biofuels as a raw material for biofuel production.

Horse gram is also not mentioned in the National Policy on Biofuels as a raw material for biofuel production.

Rotten potatoes, which are unfit for human consumption, can be used to produce biofuel.

Sugar beet is a plant whose root contains a high concentration of sucrose and it is grown commercially for sugar production. It can also be used to produce biofuel.

Therefore, according to India's National Policy on Biofuels, Cassava, Damaged wheat grains, Rotten potatoes, and Sugar beet can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than six months, which invalidated the provision in the Aadhaar Act that allowed the storage of such data for up to five years.

Statement 2 is correct: The Supreme Court struck down Section 57 which allowed private corporations to verify Aadhaar data. The Court held this provision unconstitutional, as it was seen to violate privacy rights.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The 2018 Supreme Court judgment declared that making Aadhaar mandatory for services beyond welfare schemes, including financial services like insurance or for preventing money laundering, was unconstitutional. In response to this ruling, the IRDAI issued an advisory in 2019, clarifying that Aadhaar is not mandatory for obtaining insurance. It also withdrew its earlier 2017 policy that had made Aadhaar compulsory for insurance in the context of anti-money laundering measures.

Statement 4 is correct: In the Aadhaar verdict, the Supreme Court upheld Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, which allows the Central or State Governments to make Aadhaar authentication mandatory for receiving subsidies, benefits, or services funded by the Consolidated Fund of India. The Court defined welfare schemes as those funded by the Consolidated Fund of India, thus validating the use of Aadhaar for such schemes.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. 2 and 4 only.

Statement 1 is correct: Female elephants, particularly older and more experienced ones, often lead the herd, while males may roam alone or form bachelor groups.

Statement 2 is correct: The gestation period for elephants is indeed one of the longest among mammals, ranging from about 18 to 22 months.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Female elephants can continue to reproduce well into their 40s and sometimes even into their 50s, although their reproductive capability tends to decrease with age.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Kerala does have a significant elephant population, but the highest elephant population in India is typically found in the state of Karnataka, followed by Assam.


The term "paramitas" in the cultural history of India refers to Perfections that have to be achieved by a Bodhisattva.

Paramitas are virtues or perfections that Mahayana Buddhists believe must be cultivated and perfected by Bodhisattvas on the path to enlightenment.

These perfections include generosity (dana), moral conduct (sila), patience (kshanti), diligence (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna). Practising and perfecting these virtues are considered essential for Bodhisattvas to attain Buddhahood and to help others achieve liberation from suffering.

Therefore, option C is the correct description of the term "paramitas."

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarakhand): Musk deer are found in the high altitudes of the Himalayan region. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Uttarakhand, is specifically known for conserving the musk deer and its habitat.

Gangotri National Park (Uttarakhand): Gangotri National Park, also located in Uttarakhand, is another high altitude region where musk deer can be found.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh): This sanctuary primarily consists of terai grasslands and does not provide a suitable habitat for musk deer.

Manas National Park (Assam): This park is located in the northeastern plains and is home to species like tigers, rhinos, and elephants, but not musk deer.

Therefore, the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat are Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Gangotri National Park.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Sthaviravadins, also known as Theravadins, belong to the branch of Buddhism known as Theravada, which is distinct from Mahayana Buddhism.

Statement 2 is correct. The Lokottaravadin sect emerged as an offshoot of the Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism. Lokottaravada means "transcendentalist" or "those who consider themselves above or beyond the world."

Statement 3 is correct. The Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism was one of the early Buddhist schools that existed alongside other early Buddhist schools, such as the Sthaviravadins. The Mahasanghikas are believed to have played a role in the development of Mahayana Buddhism, which saw the deification of the Buddha and the emergence of new sutras and doctrines.

In India, nuclear reactors are categorized into civilian and strategic (military) facilities as part of the 2005 Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal. Reactors that rely on imported uranium are mandatory participants in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards to ensure the fuel is used strictly for peaceful, civilian purposes. In contrast, reactors using domestic uranium supplies are kept outside these safeguards to allow India the flexibility to use them for its strategic nuclear weapons program.

* Critical Tiger Habitats (CTH), also known as core areas of tiger reserves, are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 based on scientific evidence that such areas are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation.

* Among the options given, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve has the largest area under 'Critical Tiger Habitat'. It spreads over five districts and the total area of the tiger reserve is 3,728 sq. km.

Statement 1 is correct: The bud chip method involves raising sugarcane settlings in a nursery before transplanting them into the main field. This method reduces seed material requirements by using only the bud instead of the entire sett, leading to cost savings and better efficiency.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Multi-budded setts generally have a higher germination percentage than single-budded setts. Single-budded setts may face more difficulty in germination compared to setts with multiple buds, which provide better shoot emergence.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Under adverse weather conditions, large setts have better survival rates because they store more nutrients and moisture. Single-budded setts are more vulnerable to unfavorable conditions and may have lower survival rates.

Statement 4 is correct: Tissue culture techniques are successfully used for sugarcane cultivation. Settlings prepared from tissue culture help in producing disease-free, high-yielding plants and allow rapid multiplication of quality planting material.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct. The persons eligible for getting free legal services include - Women and children - Members of SC/ST - Industrial workmen - Victims of mass disaster, violence, flood, drought, earthquake, industrial disaster - Disabled persons - Persons in custody - Persons whose annual income does not exceed 1 lakh - Victims of trafficking in human beings or begar .

Statement 2 is correct. There is provision for free legal aid to transgenders up to 2 lakhs in Delhi. (But it is yet to be implemented at an all India level)

Statement 3 is not correct. There is free aid to members of SC and ST community but not for OBCs.

Statement 4 is not correct. Senior citizens eligibility for free legal aid depends on the Rules framed by the respective State Governments in this regard. In Delhi, for example, senior citizens are eligible for free legal aid subject to a prescribed ceiling of annual income. Therefore, all senior citizens are not eligible for free aid.

Hence, A seems to be the most appropriate option among the given list.

Lord Richard Wellesley, the Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805, established the Fort William College at Calcutta. The purpose of this institution was to educate European administrators about the Oriental culture, tradition, law, and administration to better coordinate in the governance of India.

So, the primary purpose of establishing the Fort William College was to train British civilians for administrative purposes in India.This was part of Wellesley's broader strategy to strengthen the administrative capabilities of the British in India.

Statement 1 is incorrect. After the 1991 economic liberalization, worker productivity increased both in urban and rural areas. While urban areas experienced higher growth, rural areas also saw improvements, especially with the rise in non-farm activities.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce has steadily decreased since liberalization. This is because more people have moved to urban areas for employment in the industrial and service sectors, contributing to the growing urban workforce.

Statement 3 is correct. In rural areas, the growth of the non-farm economy increased significantly. With liberalization, the diversification of rural economies into sectors like manufacturing, construction, and services grew, reducing the dependency on agriculture.

Statement 4 is correct. The growth rate in rural employment decreased after 1991. While the rural economy diversified, the agricultural sector did not provide enough employment opportunities to absorb all the labor, leading to lower growth in rural employment.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

* In 1888, Walangkar began publishing the monthly journal titled Vital-Vidhvansak (Destroyer of Brahmanical or Ceremonial Pollution), which was the first to have the untouchable people as its target audience.

* He also wrote articles for Marathi-language newspapers such as Sudharak and Deenbandhu, as well as composed couplets in Marathi that were intended to inspire the people. Having read Hindu religious texts, Walangkar concluded that caste was contrived by the Aryan invaders to control the Anaryans (indigenous people).

* In 1889, he published Vital Viduvansan (Annihilation of Ceremonial Pollution), which protested the position of untouchables in society and raised consciousness regarding what those people should expect. * He addressed this pamphlet, which was crafted as a collection of 26 questions, to the elites of Maharashtrian society.

* T. N. Valunjkar says that Walangkar "can be regarded as the first intellectual rebel from the Dalit community to have launched a scathing criticism of the caste system and the position of dalits in it."



Statement 1 is correct. Plant cells have rigid cell walls made of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate, which animal cells lack. Animal cells rely on a plasma membrane for structure and protection.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Both plant and animal cells have a plasma membrane, a phospholipid bilayer that controls what enters and leaves the cell. It's a fundamental component for all cells.

Statement 3 is correct. Mature plant cells typically have a single, large central vacuole that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. Animal cells can have vacuoles, but they are usually smaller and more numerous.

Pair 1 is correctly matched. Bhilsa, also known as Vidisha, is located in the present-day state of Madhya Pradesh. It was the capital of the Sunga dynasty.

Pair 2 is incorrect. Dwarasamudra, also known as Halebidu, is located in the present-day state of Karnataka, not Maharashtra. The Hoysalas dynasty ruled from the Dwarasamudra.

Pair 3 is correctly matched. Girinagar, also known as Junagadh, is located in the present-day state of Gujarat. Mauryan period rock inscription found here.

Pair 4 is incorrect. Sthanesvara, also known as Sthaneshwar or Thanesar, is located in the present-day state of Haryana, not Uttar Pradesh. It was the initial capital of the Vardhan dynasty.

Pronuclear transfer, in the context of human reproductive technology, is used for preventing mitochondrial diseases in offspring.

Here's why - Mitochondria: These are cellular organelles with their own DNA (mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA) separate from nuclear DNA. Mutations in mtDNA can cause various inherited mitochondrial diseases that can affect organs like muscles, nerves, and the brain. - Pronuclear Transfer Technique: This technique involves the fertilization of an egg with sperm. Then, the pronuclei (nuclei before fusion) from both sperm and egg are removed. These pronuclei are then injected into a donor egg that has had its own pronuclei removed, but has healthy mtDNA.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Panini was a renowned Sanskrit grammarian who authored the 'Ashtadhyayi' around the 5th-4th century BCE. Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Shunga dynasty, ruled much later in the 2nd century BCE. It was the grammarian Patanjali who was contemporary to and associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: Amarasimha was a Sanskrit grammarian and poet, famous for the 'Amarakosha'. He was one of the 'Navaratnas' (nine gems) in the court of the Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), whereas Harshavardhana ruled the Pushyabhuti dynasty much later in the 7th century CE.

Statement 3 is Correct: Kalidasa is widely regarded as the greatest Sanskrit poet and dramatist. He was one of the 'Navaratnas' in the court of Chandragupta II (r. 375-415 CE). His masterpiece works include 'Abhijnanashakuntalam', 'Meghaduta', 'Raghuvamsa', and 'Kumarasambhava'.

The term "Ulgulan" or "the Great Tumult" refers to a significant tribal uprising in the history of India.

The rebellion (ulgulan) of the Munda tribesmen, led by Birsa Munda, occurred during 1899-1900. For over thirty years the Munda sardars had been struggling against the destruction of their system of common land holdings by the intrusion of jagirdar, thikadar (revenue farmers) and merchant moneylenders. Birsa Munda led the Munda tribe in a rebellion against the British colonial rule and the feudal system imposed by them.

The phrase that best defines the nature of the Hundi generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period is: A bill of exchange.

Hundi as a Financial Instrument: Hundis were instruments used in trade and credit transactions during the medieval period in India.

Functions of a Bill of Exchange: A bill of exchange is a written order issued by one person (drawer) to another (drawee) to pay a specified sum of money to a third party (payee) at a future date. This aligns with the functionality of a Hundi.

Merchants used Hundis to facilitate trade by

- Securing Payments: They could issue a Hundi to the seller upon receiving goods, instructing their bank or agent (drawee) at the seller's location to pay the specified amount. - Obtaining Credit: Merchants could also use Hundis to obtain credit. They could draw a Hundi against future earnings and have it discounted by a money lender for immediate cash.

The terms kulyavapa and dronavapa were units of land measurement used in ancient India, particularly during the Gupta period. These measurements were based on the quantity of seed required to sow a specific area of land.

* Kulyavapa: The term 'vapa' means 'to sow'. Kulyavapa refers to the area of land required to sow one kulya (a volumetric measure) of grain. * Dronavapa: This refers to the area of land required to sow one drona of grain. A drona was a smaller volumetric unit than a kulya.

These terms are frequently found in Gupta-era copper-plate inscriptions (such as the Damodarpur plates) which record land transactions and grants. Other related units of measurement included 'adhavapa' and 'pataka'.

The ruler who advised his subjects through the inscription quoted is Ashoka.

This inscription is part of the Major Rock Edict XII of Ashoka. Ashoka, who ruled the Mauryan Empire from 268 to 232 BCE, is known for his embrace of Buddhism and his efforts to promote peace and non-violence after a particularly bloody war. His edicts, inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout his empire, conveyed his messages to his subjects. This specific inscription emphasizes religious tolerance and respect for all faiths.

1. Copper slag is a by-product generated during the extraction and refining of copper. It can be used as a partial replacement for sand in concrete production, thus reducing the demand for natural resources. This reduces the environmental impact associated with sand mining.

2. Cold mix asphalt technology involves producing asphalt mixtures at lower temperatures compared to traditional hot mix asphalt. This results in reduced energy consumption during production and lower emissions of greenhouse gases. Cold mix asphalt also allows for the use of recycled materials, further enhancing its environmental sustainability.

3. Geotextiles are synthetic materials used in road construction for various purposes such as soil stabilisation, drainage, and erosion control. They can help in reducing the need for excessive excavation and use of natural resources like stone and gravel, thereby minimizing environmental impact.

4. Hot mix asphalt technology involves producing asphalt mixtures at high temperatures. While it provides excellent performance properties for roads, it typically requires higher energy consumption during production compared to cold mix asphalt technology.

5. Portland cement is a key ingredient in concrete production. While it is widely used in construction, its production process is energy-intensive and emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. 1, 2, and 3 only.

Statement 1 is correct: Coal ash, a by-product of coal combustion in power plants, contains various heavy metals including arsenic, lead, and mercury. These metals can pose environmental and health hazards. These toxic elements can leach into water bodies and contaminate soil.

Statement 2 is correct: The combustion of coal in power plants releases releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which contributes to acid rain and respiratory issues. It also emits oxides of nitrogen (NOₓ), which play a major role in smog formation and air pollution.

Statement 3 is correct: Indian coal, particularly the variety found in the eastern and central regions, is known for its high ash content (30-50%), which reduces its calorific value and increases pollution levels.Due to its high ash content, Indian thermal power plants generate large quantities of fly ash.

Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, short-term credit support is provided to farmers for purposes that directly support agricultural activities and the farm household.

Statement 1 is correct. The KCC scheme provides working capital for the maintenance of farm assets, which includes expenses for irrigation, fertilizers, and labor costs.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The KCC scheme's short-term credit component does not cover the purchase of capital-intensive assets such as combine harvesters, tractors, and mini trucks. These are typically financed through long-term investment credit, not short-term working capital.

Statement 3 is correct. The KCC scheme provides credit for the consumption requirements of the farm household (usually capped at a certain percentage of the limit).

Statement 4 is correct. The KCC scheme covers post-harvest expenses, including costs for storage, transportation, and marketing of produce.

Statement 5 is incorrect. The construction of a family house and setting up of village cold storage facilities are long-term capital investments and are not covered under the short-term credit support of the KCC scheme.

As per RBI/NABARD guidelines, the eligible activities for KCC are: - Short-term credit requirements for cultivation of crops. - Post-harvest expenses. - Produce marketing loan. - Consumption requirements of farmer household. - Working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture like dairy animals, inland fishery, etc. - Investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities like pumpsets, sprayers, dairy animals, etc. (Note: The question specifically asks for short-term credit support).

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement A is correct. Deindustrialisation of Indian traditional cottage and handicraft industry was a direct consequence of the industrial revolution in England along with colonization of India.

Statement B is incorrect. Machines were not introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers in the first half of the 19th century. Rather, the modern textile mills with imported machinery started taking baby steps in the 1850s in Bombay, Ahmedabad, and Calcutta. It was only after the first world war that Indian industrialization started taking fast steps.

Statement C is incorrect. The first railway line in India was laid between Bombay and Thane in 1853. Railway expansion was relatively slow even till mid-1860. It was only in the latter half of the 19th century that Railway expansion gathered pace in India.

Statement D is incorrect. Heavy duties were not imposed on the imports of British manufactures. In fact, the British goods were given duty-free trade permits, which further disadvantaged the Indian industries.

Statement 1 is correct: Desert National Park is located in Rajasthan and is one of the largest national parks in India, covering an area of around 3,162 km². It represents the Thar Desert ecosystem, featuring sand dunes, rocky terrain, and sparse vegetation. The park is spread across Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Unlike some protected areas, human settlements exist within Desert National Park. Several villages and communities, including those engaged in livestock rearing, are located inside the park.

Statement 3 is correct: The park is one of the last strongholds of the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), which is critically endangered. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs, are ongoing to protect this bird. Therefore, the correct answer is that statements 1 and 3 are correct.