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Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz: History and Culture MCQs on 50th anniversary of Sikkim, Tagore's words, and more (Week 113)
Are you preparing for UPSC CSE Prelims? UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of daily subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on History and Culture to check your progress. Consider the following treaties and conventions with reference to Sikkim's history: 1.. The Lhasa Convention 2. The Calcutta Convention 3. Treaty of Titaliya 4. Treaty of Tumlong Arrange the above historical events in the order they occurred, from earliest to latest: (a) 1-2-3-4 (b) 4-1-3-2 (c) 2-1-3-4 (d) 4-3-2-1 May 16 is annually commemorated as Sikkim Day, marking the former kingdom's integration with India in 1975. On its 50th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the people of Sikkim on X, and said, 'Sikkim is associated with serene beauty, rich cultural traditions and industrious people. It has made strides in diverse sectors. May the people of this beautiful state continue to prosper.' Sikkim's history with the Chogyal royals The kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642, when, according to one account, three Tibetan lamas consecrated Phuntsong Namgyal as the first ruler or Chogyal of Sikkim. The monarchy of the Namgyal dynasty was maintained for the next 333 years, until 1975. Sandwiched between India and China, and often party to conflicts over land with Bhutan and Nepal, the British colonisation of India first led to a semi-formal relationship between the two states. The British saw Sikkim as a buffer state against China and Nepal. Other official treaties followed: The treaty of Titaliya in 1817 gave the British authorities several commercial and political advantages in Sikkim. The Calcutta Convention of 1890 demarcated the border between Sikkim and Tibet, and was signed by Viceroy Lord Lansdowne and Qing China's Imperial Associate Resident in Tibet. The Lhasa Convention of 1904 affirmed the Calcutta Convention. Therefore, d is the correct answer. (For more, refer: On 50 years of Sikkim's integration with India, recalling the role of royals, political parties, The Indian Express.) To whom did Rabindranath Tagore write the words, 'Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds, and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live'? (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Leo Tolstoy (c) Bankimchandra Chatterjee (d) None of the above Tagore and Gandhi recognised the inadequacies of achieving freedom without a social and moral reckoning. A disproportionate focus on the coloniser, without a sincere engagement with the deep-rooted injustices within our own societies, impeded the realisation of a transformative present and future. In a letter to Aurobindo Mohan Bose, nephew of scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose, Tagore once wrote: 'Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds, and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live.' Therefore, d is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Rabindranath Tagore: I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity by Arko Dasgupta, The Indian Express.) Kaibartas or the Mahishyas are a farming community concentrated in which of the following states: (a) West Bengal (b) Himachal Pradesh (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Rajasthan Earlier known as Kaibartas, the Mahishyas are a farming community concentrated in the southern districts of West Bengal, predominantly, Midnapore, Howrah, and Hooghly. Believed to be the largest caste group in the state, Mahishyas began migrating to urban centres in the 19th century in search of better education and employment. In the early 2000s, a section of this community, known as Chasi Kaibartas, was granted the OBC status. However, the other section, which identifies itself as Mahishyas, was denied the same due to their educational qualification and material possessions. 'The truth is, many among the Mahishyas are economically backward and could benefit from reservation,' says Jana. Beyond the debate over OBC status, the community is also divided over their Aryan origin. Therefore, a is the correct answer. (For more, refer: The Mahishyas of Bengal: A caste in conflict by Nikita Mohta, The Indian Express) Who is the author of The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World? (a) Amitav Ghosh (b) William Dalrymple (c) Khushwant Singh (d) Ramachandra Guha The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, is essentially about a sea route, written by William Dalrymple. Therefore, b is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Historian William Dalrymple at Idea Exchange: 'Failure of Indian academics to reach out to general audiences has allowed the growth of WhatsApp history') Whom did Jinnah call a 'Muslim Showboy' of the Congress? (a) Ashfaqulla Khan (b) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (c) Dr. Zakir Husain (d) Rafi Ahmed Kidwai At a time Hindus and Muslims were increasingly divided and the Muslim League's separatist rhetoric was gaining ground, Maulana Azad's belief in communal harmony remained unshakeable. He argued that Indian Muslims could wear both identities — Indian and Muslim — proudly. This is perhaps best evident in a speech he gave at Ramgarh in 1940. ''I am a Musalman and proud of the fact. Islam's splendid traditions of 1,300 years are my inheritance. I am unwilling to lose even the smallest part of this inheritance. In addition, I am proud of being an Indian. I am part of the indivisible unity that is Indian nationality. I am indispensable to this noble edifice. Without me this splendid structure of India is incomplete. I am an essential element which has gone to build India. I can never surrender this claim,' Azad said. His views were a direct challenge to the communal politics of the Muslim League, and Jinnah grew increasingly displeased with him. In July 1940, Azad wrote to Jinnah about the League's views on 'any provisional arrangement not based on the two-nation scheme'. Jinnah hit back with: 'I refuse to discuss with you…you have completely forfeited the confidence of Muslim India. Can't you realise you are made a Muslim showboy Congress President to give it colour that it is national and deceive foreign countries. You represent neither Muslims not Hindus.' [Pak. Journal of Int'L Affairs, Vol 5, Issue 4 (2022)]. Ironically, Azad was a far more devout and practising Muslim than the anglicised Jinnah. Therefore, b is the correct answer. (For more, refer: National Education Day: 3 things to know about Maulana Azad, a 'proud Indian and Musalman', The Indian Express) Consider the following statements with reference to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra: 1. It was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, a slave-turned-general in the Ghurid army, who established the Mamluk Dynasty to kickstart the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. 2. It was commissioned after the Muhammad of Ghor defeated Prithviraj III (popularly known as Prithviraj Chauhan) in the Second Battle of Panipat. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 The Ajmer mosque was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak, a slave-turned-general in the Ghurid army, who established the Mamluk Dynasty to kickstart the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. It was commissioned by Qutabuddin after the Muhammad of Ghor defeated Prithviraj III (popularly known as Prithviraj Chauhan) in the Second Battle of Tarain. The Afghan invader went on to sack Ajmer (then known as Ajaymeru), the capital of the Chauhan dynasty. Ajmer-based jurist Har Bilas Sarda wrote in Ajmer: Historical And Descriptive (1911) that during his short stay in the city, Muhammad of Ghor 'destroyed the pillars and foundations of the idol temples', and 'dismantled' Visaldeva's College, 'a portion of it converted into a mosque' known today as Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. Sarda's book is the primary historical source cited by the petitioners in the Dargah Sharif survey petition. Therefore, a is the correct answer. (For more, refer: History of Ajmer's Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, The Indian Express) The doctrines of Anekantavada and Syadavada are found in which religion? (a) Hinduism (b) Buddhism (c) Jainism (d) Bahá'í Faith The Jaina doctrine of anekantavada (manifold nature of reality) and syadavada (the doctrine of maybe) insists that reality cannot be grasped entirely as it is complex and has multiple aspects. Everything that exists has three aspects – substance (dravya), quality (guna), and mode (paryaya). Therefore, c is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Knowledge Nugget, The Indian Express) Jayant Narlikar, who passed away recently, was associated with which field? (a) Neurology (b) Indian Classical Music (c) Macroeconomics (d) Astrophysics Person in news: Jayant Narlikar (1938-2025) 'Big Bang is an exploding myth, read the sign outside his room. It was also a sort of theme song for the person inside. For Jayant Narlikar, the established theory about how the universe came into being, through a Big Bang about 13.8 billion years ago, was never really a settled issue. Narlikar, who had contributed immensely to the development of an alternative model of the universe along with his mentor Fred Hoyle, passed away Tuesday morning in Pune. He was 87. Ailing for some time, he had had a fall two weeks ago and had to be operated upon last week. One of the most celebrated Indian scientists, Narlikar, then a young researcher at Cambridge University in the UK, had attracted global recognition for his work on what is known as the steady-state theory of the universe, developed by Hoyle, in collaboration with Hermann Bondi and Thomas Gold. The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe has a definite beginning, and a possible end. In contrast, the steady state theory, which was the mainstream theory in the 1950s and 1960s, maintains that the universe has always been the way it is, without any beginning or an end.' (Amitabh Sinha in The Indian Express.) Therefore, d is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Jayant Narlikar (1938-2025): The North Star in Indian astrophysics, he was ahead of his time — and space, by Amitabh Sinha, The Indian Express) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : International Relations MCQs on countries covered under Alps mountain range, IAEA and more (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on International Relations to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an NGO backed by: 1. The United States 2. Israel 3. Turkey 4. Syria Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 Explanation — An estimated 50 people were shot and injured in Rafah this week as thousands of Palestinians starving for food swarmed an aid distribution facility run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israeli-backed NGO. — Gaza had been under total embargo for nearly three months before last week. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has stated that it cannot collaborate with GHF. Jake Wood, GHF's president, resigned on May 25, claiming that the organization's activity did not adhere to 'humanitarian principles'. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), consider the following statements: 1. It is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field. 2. The Agency works to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. 3. It is also known as 'Atoms for Peace and Development'. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The conclusions of the 'comprehensive' International Atomic Energy Agency assessment sought by the agency's 35-nation Board of Governors in November open the way for a drive by the US, UK, France, and Germany for the board to declare Iran in breach of its non-proliferation responsibilities. — A resolution will enrage Iran and could hamper nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. — Using the IAEA report's conclusions, the four Western powers want to submit a draft resolution to the board for adoption at its next meeting in the week of June 9, diplomats believe. Iran would be placed in official noncompliance for the first time in nearly two decades. About IAEA — The IAEA, often known as the 'Atoms for Peace and Development' organisation within the United Nations family, is the international centre for nuclear cooperation. Hence, statements 1 and 3 are correct. — The Agency collaborates with its Member States and several global partners to promote the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The Alps mountain range stretches across: 1. Italy 2. Poland 3. Hungary 4. Switzerland 5. Austria Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 4 and 5 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Explanation — According to the BBC, almost nine million cubic metres of ice and boulders crashed on the Birch glacier and into the valley. The impact was significant enough to be detected by geological monitoring stations throughout Switzerland. — Glacier specialist Matthias Huss of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich described the calamity as the worst-case scenario. 'I was speechless,' he told the BBC, adding that, while Blatten's case is the most serious in recent years, it is not the only one. 'We are seeing a lot,' he added. 'A lot of these events in the last years in the Alps are linked to global warming.' — The Alps mountain range spans various European countries, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, and Monaco. While these are the countries most closely identified with the Alps, the range also extends into Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Recently, which of the following countries has issued a ban on all imports of poultry and related products from Brazil over an avian influenza outbreak? (a) United States (b) Japan (c) Russia (d) China Explanation — China has issued a ban on all imports of poultry and related products from Brazil over an avian influenza outbreak, two weeks after suspending import applications from the country's poultry farms. — All direct and indirect Brazilian poultry imports are prohibited and would be returned or destroyed if delivered or mailed into the nation, according to a May 29 internet warning from China's General Administration of Customs. — It also said that all animal and plant waste from entering Brazilian ships must be processed under customs supervision and not thrown without approval. — Brazil, the world's top poultry exporter and China's largest chicken meat supplier, announced a bird flu epidemic on a commercial poultry farm in the city of Montenegro in its southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul on May 16, prompting a flurry of international trade restrictions. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Which of the following countries are part of the Arctic Council? 1. Canada 2. Finland 3. United States 4. Norway Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — The Arctic Council serves as the apex intergovernmental forum fostering regional cooperation and promoting governance in the Arctic region. — The forum comprises eight permanent members – Canada, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States, and Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands). Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Sorry for the inconvenience caused. All remaining questions and answers are correctly marked. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Perito Moreno glacier, Madden-Julian Oscillation and more (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), consider the following statements: 1. It is a moving system of winds, clouds, and pressure that brings rain as it circles around the equator. 2. This system typically travels westward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. 3. When MJO is in the active phase, it results in drought. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than usual, although it reached Mumbai two weeks earlier on May 26. This was also the earliest monsoon to arrive in Mumbai on record. — Several large-scale atmospheric-oceanic and local causes contributed to the early monsoon onset, but the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) was a crucial driver, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). — The MJO is a moving system of winds, clouds, and pressure that produces rain as it circles the equator. The phenomena is named after Roland Madden and Paul Julian, two scientists who discovered it in 1971 while working at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The system normally moves eastward at a speed of 4-8 metres per second. It travels across the world in 30-60 days on average, but can sometimes take 90 days. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — As it moves, intense MJO activity frequently divides the world into two parts: one in which the MJO is active and produces rainfall, and another in which it suppresses rainfall. MJO causes higher-than-normal rainfall during the active phase, whereas in the suppressed phase, the area receives less than average rainfall. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The Perito Moreno glacier was in the news. It is part of: (a) Alps Mountains (b) Himalayas Mountains (c) Andes Mountains (d) Atlas Mountains Explanation — Argentina's most famous glacier, the Perito Moreno glacier, which has a surface area of 250 sq km (lies in the Andes Mountains), is crumbling. It lost a colossal block of ice, equivalent to a 20-story building, plunging 70 m into water below. — Argentina's most famous glacier, the Perito Moreno glacier, which has a surface area of 250 sq km (the total area of Patna, Bihar), is crumbling. Just weeks ago, it lost a colossal block of ice, equivalent to a 20-story building, plunging 70 m into water below. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. With reference to the bow echo, consider the following statements: 1. It is a line of storms, also called a squall line. 2. It is used to classify Tsunamis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — The severe storm that pounded Delhi on Sunday had a unique structure, according to weather radar imagery from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm resembled a crescent or an archer's bow. In technical terminology, such storm presentations are referred to as 'bow echoes'. — A bow echo is a line of storms, also known as a squall line, on radar that resembles a bow. This storm line may occasionally be embedded in a bigger squall line. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — A bow echo can range from 20 to 100 kilometres and last three to six hours. — Ted Fujita, a Japanese-American meteorologist who developed the tornadoes classification system, coined the word in the 1970s. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: Western Disturbances also impact the weather outside the winter season. Statement 2: In the last 70 years, Western Disturbances have become more common in May, June, and July, months where they were previously rare. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — Western Disturbances are rain-bearing wind systems that begin east of Afghanistan and Iran and pick up moisture from the Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, and Arabian Seas. — These are examples of extratropical cyclones caused by low-pressure zones created by the interplay of polar and tropical winds. Western Disturbances are embedded in the subtropical westerly jet stream, which is a high-altitude, fast-moving air movement that runs from west to east in the Earth's atmosphere and passes over the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands. — They are most abundant during the boreal winter months (December to March) and have an impact on the weather in India, notably the northwest, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. — Western Disturbances are also now impacting the weather outside the winter season. In the last 70 years, they have become more common in May, June, and July, months where they were previously rare, according to the 2024 study. One reason for this trend could be the 'delayed northward retreat of the subtropical jet, which historically has occurred before the onset of the summer monsoon.' Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region — a known stronghold of Naxalite groups was in the news. It is located in: (a) Telangana-Chhattisgarh region (b) Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh region (c) Maharashtra-Karnataka region (d) Karnataka-Telangana region Explanation — The Centre stated that incidences of violence by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) have decreased to 374 in 2024 from its maximum number of 1936 in 2010. — While LWE-related violence has decreased by 81 per cent, 'the total number of deaths, including civilians and security forces, has also reduced by 85 per cent — from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024,' according to a government news statement. — The news release continued: 'Recently, in one of the biggest anti-Naxal operations in the country's history, security forces achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against LWE along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.' — It stated that a huge operation was carried out between April 21 and May 11, 2025, in the Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region, which is a renowned stronghold of Naxalite organisations. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Sorry for the inconvenience caused. All remaining questions and answers are correctly marked. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on impact of climate change on rain patterns in India and role of Indian National Army (Week 104)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at How has climate change influenced the monsoon rain pattern in India? How did the Indian National Army (INA) contribute to India's independence without fighting on the battlefield? Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: How has climate change influenced the monsoon rain pattern in India? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — A monsoon is a shift in winds that frequently results in a highly rainy or very dry season. Monsoons are typically connected with portions of Asia. — There are two notable types of monsoon in India: (i) Southwest monsoon: It occurs from June to September. It hits Kerala on the southwestern coast and then proceeds across the country. This monsoon is the primary monsoon affecting India — it not only brings respite from the heat but also contributes to the country's ecosystem and economy, especially the growing of kharif crops. (ii) Northeast monsoon: It is also known as the retreating monsoon, which occurs from October to December and affects peninsular India. It isn't as intense as the southwest monsoon but is crucial for the growth of rabi crops. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Effects of climate change on rain patterns in India — According to the study, monsoon patterns in India have been fast-shifting. It is mainly driven by the accelerating rate of climate change. — The southwest monsoon rainfall rose in 55% of India's tehsils. The increase, however, has resulted from short-duration, severe rainfall, which frequently causes flash floods. — During the southwest monsoon in India, wet extremes account for an increasing share of total seasonal rainfall. — Changes in monsoon patterns can affect agriculture output and ecosystems. — Rainfall is not distributed evenly throughout the seasons and months. (Source: How India's monsoon rain pattern has been changing amid climate) Points to Ponder Cropping season Retreating monsoon Related Previous Year Questions Discuss the consequence of Climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (2023) What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (2017) QUESTION 2: How did the Indian National Army (INA) contribute to India's independence without fighting on the battlefield? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Indian National Army was formed on February 17, 1942, two days after the British surrendered to Japanese forces in Singapore. — It primarily consisted of Indian prisoners of war (PoWs) seized by the Japanese during their Southeast Asia campaign. The Japanese believed that a native Indian force would be an effective weapon in their intended takeover of India. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — Over the next six months, he would pull off a public relations coup, gaining support — both material and human — from the Indian diaspora in Japanese-occupied Southeast Asia. — The INA soon expanded to more than 40,000 members, and many Indians contributed their life savings to the cause. — Bose had hoped for a large-scale insurrection within the country to supplement the INA's offensive on the border. 'When the British government is thus attacked from both sides — from inside India and from outside — it will collapse, and the Indian people will then regain their liberty,' he declared in a speech delivered on July 9, 1943. — After being unable to take Imphal and Kohima, the supply starved INA, along with its Japanese allies, was forced to retreat, all while suffering heavy losses due to the enemy's air superiority and gunpowder, as well as starvation and disease. — By 1945, the British had launched their own campaign to retake Burma, and the INA once again found itself in retreat. — After the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrendered on August 15. (Source: How Bose's INA helped India win independence — but not on the battlefield) Points to Ponder Red Fort trials Regiments of INA Related Previous Year Questions It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years but for the experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. (2015) Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 103) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 103) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 102) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 103) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Economy MCQs on India's agricultural trade, oilseeds covered under MSP and more (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Economy to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to India's agricultural trade, consider the following statements: 1. India's agriculture exports decreased in 2024-25 from the preceding fiscal year ended March 2024. 2. India agricultural imports have increased in 2024-25 over 2023-24. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — India's agricultural exports increased 6.4% to $51.9 billion in 2024-25, up from $48.8 billion in the previous fiscal year, which ended March 2024. This was in contrast to the nearly flat 0.1% increase in the value of its overall goods exports, from $437.1 billion in 2023-24 to $437.4 billion in 2024-25. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — However, the value of imports was far higher. While total merchandise imports increased by 6.2% between 2023-24 and 2024-24 (from $678.2 billion to $720.2 billion), agriculture imports increased by 17.2%. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — All of this comes as India is negotiating trade agreements with the United States and the European Union, both of which want tariff reductions and increased market access for their agricultural exports. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. To read more: How FTAs with US, EU, UK will impact India's farm trade Food and fuel inflation are largely driven by: 1. Rainfall 2. Temperature 3. Production policies of major petroleum exporting nations 4. Weather-related phenomena affecting crop output. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — Between February 8, 2023 and February 6, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its key short-term 'repo' lending rate for banks unchanged at 6.5%. — During the roughly two-year period (February 2023 to January 2025), inflation based on the official consumer price index (CPI) averaged 5.2% year on year. The consumer food price index (CFPI) rose even higher, to 7.6%. — At the same time, the so-called core inflation rate, which removes food and fuel goods from the CPI when calculating yearly price increases, was only 4.1%. Many cited the comparatively low 'core' inflation as sufficient rationale for the RBI's monetary policy council to lower interest rates. — Food and fuel inflation is primarily driven by supply-side factors such as rainfall, temperature, and other weather-related phenomena affecting food output, as well as geopolitical developments and production policies in key petroleum exporting countries. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. The credit-to-deposit ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) marginally decreased during 2024-25. 2. The gap between credit and deposit growth narrowed, with banks continuing to increase their term deposit rates to mobilise deposits to bridge the funding gap. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — During the year 2024-25, the credit-to-deposit ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) grew modestly as bank credit growth exceeded deposit growth. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — However, the credit-to-deposit growth ratio has reduced, with banks continuing to raise term deposit rates in order to mobilise deposits and bridge the funding gap. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — SCBs saw further improvement in asset quality, as seen by lower gross NPA (GNPA) and net NPA (NNPA) ratios, as well as a continuing fall in the slippage ratio. The provision coverage ratio (PCR) and profitability metrics, such as return on asset (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), were strong, although the net interest margin (NIM) weakened. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Source: With reference to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), consider the following statements: 1. It seeks to put a tariff of up to 85 per cent on carbon intensive products such as iron, steel and aluminium. 2. It was first proposed by the World Trade Organisation. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — India's goods exports worth at least $775 million to the UK continue to face the risk of higher duties under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) despite the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this month. — CBAM, a policy first proposed by the European Union and later adopted by the United Kingdom, attempts to impose a 35 per cent tax on carbon-intensive items such as iron, steel, and aluminium. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are not correct. — During discussions, India sought to win an exception for MSMEs from the CBAM policy after exporters informed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that they were unable to meet the policy's stringent data requirements. Exporters were also concerned that complying with the carbon tax would compromise manufacturers' confidential trade data. — The UK official confirmed that CBAM was not included in the India-UK FTA, stating that these types of measures are typically not included in such agreements. — Arguing that CBAM is not WTO-compliant, India had also proposed a 'rebalancing mechanism' which would require UK to compensate Indian industries for losses incurred due to the policy. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Which of the following oilseeds are covered under the minimum support prices (MSP)? 1. Niger 2. Groundnut 3. Sunflower 4. Soyabean Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (d) 3 and 4 only Explanation — The Centre announced minimum support prices (MSP) for 14 crops for the 2025-26 Kharif Marketing Season (KMS), with moong seeing the lowest and ragi the highest increase. — In recent years, the government has promoted millet crops such as ragi and jowar, declaring them as Shree Anna. Ragi accounts for only 0.51 percent of the country's gross cropped area and is primarily farmed in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are the major jowar-producing states. — Among oilseeds, the MSP for niger seed has been established at Rs 9,537 per quintal, 9.41% more than the previous season, and soyabean (yellow) at Rs 5,328 per quintal, 8.91% higher. The MSP for groundnut and sunflower seeds has increased by 7% and 6%, respectively. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. To read more: Centre announces MSP hike for 14 Kharif crops; highest for ragi, 3% increase for paddy Sorry for the inconvenience caused. All remaining questions and answers are correctly marked. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 112) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 111) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
