Posted on by InsightsIAS
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

SOLUTIONS – INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test – 26 (Ancient History and The National Movement)

SOLUTIONS 

INSIGHTS REVISION TEST for Preliminary Exam 2018: Test – 26 (Ancient History and The National Movement)

 

  1. Consider the following statements.
    1. The basic teachings of Zoroaster are contained in the maxim “ Good thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds”
    2. Most of the Ashokan’s inscriptions were in Pali language.
    3. Arikamedu is a coastal settlement known for it being a site for unloading goods from distant lands.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) None of them

 

Solution: (c)

 

Answer Justification:

 

Statement 1:

Zoroaster was an Iranian prophet. His teachings are contained in a book called the Avesta. The language of the Avesta, and the practices described in it are very similar to those of the Vedas. The basic teachings of Zoroaster are contained in the maxim “Good thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds.” Here is a verse from the Zend Avesta: “Lord, grant strength and the rule of truth and good thinking, by means of which one shall create peace and tranquility.” For more than a thousand years, Zoroastrianism was a major religion in Iran. Later, some   Zoroastrians migrated from Iran and settled down in the coastal towns of Gujarat and Maharashtra. They were the ancestors of today’s Parsis. (Hence, statement 1 is correct).

 

Statement 2:

The most famous Mauryan ruler was Ashoka. He was the first ruler who tried to take his message to the people through inscriptions. Most of Ashoka’s inscriptions were in Prakrit and were written in the Brahmi script. (Hence, statement 2 is incorrect)

 

Statement 3:

Between 2200 and 1900 years ago, Arikamedu was a coastal settlement where ships unloaded goods from distant lands. A massive brick structure, which may have been a warehouse, was found at the site. Other finds include pottery from the Mediterranean region, such as amphorae (tall double-handled jars that contained liquids such as wine or oil) and stamped red-glazed pottery, known as Arretine Ware, which was named after a city in Italy. This was made by pressing wet clay into a stamped mould. There was yet another kind of pottery which was made locally, though Roman designs were used. Roman lamps, glassware and gems have also been found at the site.( Hence statement 3 is correct)

 

Source: Our past I NCERT class 6

  1. Which of the following place/s have/has been the source/s of inscriptional evidence for Mauryan Empire?
    1. Pataliputra
    2. Taxila
    3. Ujjain
    4. Allahabad

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) Only 3 and 4

b) Only 2,3 and 4

c) Only 4

d) All of them

Solution: (C)

Justification:

  1. Which of the following is/are the features of Mesolithic age?
    1. There seems to have been a shift from big animal hunting to small animal hunting and fishing during this age.
    2. First signs of domestication appear during this period.

 

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution :  C

It should be solution C

Justification:

Statement 1 and 2:

Mesolithic or Middle Stone Age falls roughly between 10000 B.C.and 6000 B.C. It was the transitional phase between the Paleolithic Age and Neolithic Age. Mesolithic remains are found in Langhanj in Gujarat, Adamgarh in Madhya Pradesh and also in some places of Rajasthan, Utter Pradesh and Bihar. The paintings and engravings found at the rock Shelters give an idea about the social life and economic activities of Mesolithic people. In the sites of Mesolithic Age, a different type of stone tools is found. These are tiny stone artifacts, often not more than five centimeters in size, and therefore called microliths. The Hunting-gathering pattern of life continued during this period. However, there seems to have been a shift from big animal hunting to small animal hunting and fishing. (Hence, statement 1 is correct)

 The use of bow and arrow also began during this period. Also, there began a tendency to settle for longer periods in an area. Therefore, domestication of animals, horticulture and primitive cultivation started. (Hence, statement 2 is correct)Animal bones are found in these sites and these include dog, deer, boar and ostrich. Occasionally, burials of the dead along with some microliths and shells seem to have been practiced.

 

Source: Tamil Nadu text book class 11

  1. Which of the following is NOT true about Neolithic age?

a) Signs of village communities appeared for the first time during this period.

b) Mud bricks houses were built instead of grass huts.

c) Pottery as a craft appeared for the first time during this period.

d) Paintings for the first time arose during this period.

 

Solution: (d)

 

Justification:

 

Paintings first began in Mesolithic Age

 

About Neolithic Age:

A remarkable progress is noticed in human civilization in the Neolithic Age. It is approximately dated  from 6000 B.C to 4000 B.C. Neolithic remains are found in various parts of India. These include the Kashmir valley, Chirand in Bihar, Belan valley in Uttar Pradesh and in several places of the Deccan. The important Neolithic sites excavated in south India are Maski, Brahmagiri, Hallur and Kodekal in Karnataka, Paiyampalli in Tamil Nadu and Utnur in Andhra Pradesh.

The chief characteristic features of the Neolithic culture are the practice of agriculture, domestication of animals, polishing of stone tools and the manufacture of pottery. In fact, the cultivation of plants and domestication of animals led to the emergence of village communities based on sedentary life.

There was a great improvement in technology of making tools and other equipments used by man. Stone tools were now polished. The polished axes were found to be more effective tools for hunting and cutting trees. Mud brick houses were built instead of grass huts.

Wheels were used to make pottery. Pottery was used for cooking as well as storage of food grains. Large urns were used as coffins for the burial of the dead. There was also improvement in agriculture. Wheat, barely, rice, millet were cultivated in different areas at different points of time. Rice cultivation was extensive in eastern India. Domestication of sheep, goats and cattle was widely prevalent. Cattle were used for cultivation and for transport. The people of Neolithic Age used clothes made of cotton and wool.

 

  1. Which of the following is the primary identity marker of a Civilization.

a) Presence of urban areas

b) Complexity of culture

c) Presence of trading communities

d) Presence of commercial agriculture.

 

Solution: (a)

 

Justification:

 

Though all the above are features of civilization but presence of Cities forms the basis of civilization because it leads to other features like complexity of culture, trading communities etc.

 

Source: https://msvurusic.weebly.com/6-characteristics-of-civilization.html

  1. Consider the following statements.
    1. Harappan script was mostly written from left to right
    2. There exist an evidence of Animism during the Harrapan Period.
    3. There are evidences of painted pottery in Harappan civilization

 

Which of the above statement/s is /are correct?

a) All of them

b) Only 2 and 3

c) Only 1 and 2

d) Only 3

Solution: (b)

Justification:

Statement 1:

The Harappan script has still to be fully deciphered. The number of signs is between 400 and 600 of which 40 or 60 are basic and the rest are their variants. The script was mostly written from right to left. (Hence, statement 1 is incorrect) In a few long seals the boustrophedon method – writing in the reverse direction in alternative lines – was adopted. Parpola and his Scandinavian colleagues came to the conclusion that the language of the Harappans was Dravidian. A group of Soviet scholars accepts this view.

 

Other scholars provide different view connecting the Harappan script with that of Brahmi. The mystery of the Harappan script still exists and there is no doubt that the decipherment of Harappan script will throw much light on this culture.

 

Statement 2:

 

From the seals, terracotta figurines and copper tablets we get an idea on the religious life of the Harappans.

  • The chief male deity was Pasupati, (proto-Siva) represented in seals as sitting in a yogic posture with three faces and two horns. He is surrounded by four animals (elephant, tiger, rhino, and buffalo each facing a different direction). Two deer appear on his feet.
  • The chief female deity was the Mother Goddess represented in terracotta figurines.
  • In latter times, Linga worship was prevalent.
  • Trees and animals were also worshipped by the Harappans. (Hence, statement 2 is correct)
  • They believed in ghosts and evil forces and used amulets as protection against them.

 

Statement 3:

The pottery from Harappa is another specimen of the fine arts of the Indus people. The pots and jars were painted with various designs and colours. Painted pottery is of better quality. (Hence, statement 3 is correct)

The pictorial motifs consisted of geometrical patterns like horizontal lines, circles, leaves, plants and trees. On some pottery pieces we find figures of fish or peacock.

 

Source: Tamil Nadu class 11

  1. Which of the following statement/s is/are true about the Vedic period?
    1. The basic unit of political organization during the period was Grama
    2. Sabha was the council of elders
    3. Temples were constructed during early Vedic period

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) Only 1 and 3

b) Only 2 and 3

c) Only 1 and 2

d) Only 2

Solution: (d)

Justification:

Statement 1 and 2:

The basic unit of political organization under Vedic period was kula or family. (Hence, statement 1 is incorrect). Several families joined together on the basis of their kinship to form a village or grama. The leader of grama was known as gramani. A group of villages constituted a larger unit called visu. It was headed by vishayapati. The highest political unit was called jana or tribe. There were several tribal kingdoms during the Rig Vedic period such as Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus and Purus. The head of the kingdom was called as rajan or king. The Rig Vedic polity was normally monarchical and the succession was hereditary. The king was assisted by purohita or priest and senani or commander of the army in his administration. There were two popular bodies called the Sabha and Samiti. The former seems to have been a council of elders and the latter, a general assembly of the entire people (Hence, statement 2 is correct)

Statement 3:

Temple construction as an activity began during Post Mauryan Period:

Gods of the Early Vedic period like Indra and Agni lost their importance. Prajapathi (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Rudra (the destroyer) became prominent during the Later Vedic period. Sacrifices were still important and the rituals connected with them became more elaborate. The importance of prayers declined and that of sacrifices increased. Priesthood became a profession and a hereditary one. The formulae for sacrifices were invented and elaborated by the priestly class. Therefore, towards the end of this period there was a strong reaction against priestly domination and against sacrifices and rituals. The rise of Buddhism and Jainism was the direct result of these elaborate sacrifices. Also, the authors of the Upanishads, which is the essence of Hindu philosophy, turned away from the useless rituals and insisted on true knowledge (jnana) for peace and salvation.

 

(Hence, statement 3 is incorrect)

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

  1. Consider the following statements about Jainism.
    1. It believed in the existence of God.
    2. It believed that all objects both animate and inanimate have souls and various degrees of consciousness
    3. Practice of agriculture was considered sinful under it

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Only 3

d) Only 2 and 3

Solution: (d)

Justification:

Jainism didn’t believe in existence of god. (Hence, statement 1 is incorrect)

Right faith is the belief in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira. Right Knowledge is the acceptance of the theory that there is no God and that the world has been existing without a creator and that all objects possess a soul. Right conduct refers to the observance of the five great vows:

  • not to injure life
  • not to lie
  • not to steal
  • not to acquire property
  • not to lead immoral life.

 

Both the clergy and laymen had to strictly follow the doctrine of ahimsa. Mahavira regarded all objects, both animate and inanimate, have souls and various degrees of consciousness. (Hence, statement 2 is correct). They possess life and feel pain when they are injured.

Mahavira rejected the authority of the Vedas and objected to the Vedic rituals. He advocated a very holy and ethical code of life. Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful (Hence, statement 3 is correct) as it causes injury to the earth, worms and animals. Similarly the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation was also carried to extreme lengths by the practice of starvation, nudity and other forms of self-torture.

 

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

  1. Which of the following statement/s is /are correct?
    1. The first Jain Council was convened at Valabhi in the beginning of 3rd century B.C
    2. It was at the first council the final compilation of Jain literature was done.

 

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: (d)

Justification:

Statement 1: The first Jain Council was convened at Pataliputra by Sthulabahu, the leader of the Digambaras, in the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. (Hence, statement 1 is incorrect)

 

Statement 2: The second Jain Council was held at Valabhi in 5th century A.D. The final compilation of Jain literature called Twelve Angas was completed in this council. (Hence, statement 2 is incorrect)

 

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

  1. Match the following.

Buddhist Council                                               Place where it was held

  1. First                                                           Vaisali
  2. Second                                                       Kashmir
  3. Third                                                          Rajagriha
  4. Fourth                                                        Pataliputra

        A            B              C               D

a)     4            2               1               3

b)     2            4               1               3

c)     2            4               3               1

d)     4            2               3               1

 

Solution: (b)

 

Justification:

 

The first Buddhist Council was held at Rajagraha under the chairmanship of Mahakasapa immediately after the death of Buddha. Its purpose was to maintain the purity of the teachings of the Buddha.

 

The second Buddhist Council was convened at Vaisali around 383 B.C.

 

The third Buddhist Council was held at Pataliputra under the patronage of Asoka. Moggaliputta Tissa presided over it. The final Version of Tripitakas was completed in this council.

 

The fourth Buddhist Council was convened in Kashmir by Kanishka under the chairmanship of Vasumitra. Asvagosha participated in this council. The new school of Buddhism called Mahayana Buddhism came into existence during this council. (Hence, option b is correct)

 

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

 

  1. Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

 

  1. Mahajanapada                                                     Capital

a)     Vast                                                                   Kausambi

b)    Avanti                                                                  Ujjain

c)    Kosala                                                                 Vaishali

d)    Nandas                                                                Pataliputra

 

Solution: c

 

Justification:

Capital of Kosala is Ayodhya. Vaishali is the capital of Licchavis and Vajji.

 

Source: Internet and TN class 11

  1. Consider the following statements
    1. Mudrarakshasa was a play written in Sanskrit by Vishakadatta
    2. It was written during the Mauryan Period.
    3. It describes the overthrow of Nandas by Chandragupta Maurya.

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

a) Only 1 and 3

b) Only 1

c) All of them

d) Only 3

 

Solution: (a)

 

Justification:

 

The Mudrarakshasa written by Visakadatta  (Hence, statement 1 is correct) is a drama in Sanskrit.

Although written during the Gupta period (Hence, statement 2 is incorrect) it describes how Chandragupta with the assistance of Kautilya overthrew the Nandas. (Hence, statement 3 is correct)

 It also gives a picture on the socio-economic condition under the Mauryas.(Hence statement 2 is incorrect)

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

  1. Consider the following statements
    1. Menander erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.
    2. It is the first inscriptional evidence of Vaishnavism.

 

Which of the above is/are correct?

a) Only 1

b) Only 2

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: (b)

Justification:

Statement 1:

Menander was also known as Milinda and the capital of his kingdom was Sakala (Sialcot). He evinced much interest in Buddhism and his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena was compiled in the Pali work, Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda).

He also embraced Buddhism. A Greek ambassador Heliodorus became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar.  (Hence, statement 1 is incorrect)

The Greek influence in India lasted for more than a century after the death Menander.

 

Statement 2:

Vaishnavism initiates during Post Mauryan period and becomes an organized sect during Gupta period. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

  1. Which of the following is NOT correct about reign of Kanishka?

a) Coins under Kanishka exhibited the images of not only Buddha but also Greek and Hindu gods.

b) Third Buddhist council was convened by him.

c) Mahayana Buddhism come into vogue during his period.

d) Famous physician Charka was patronized by him.

Solution: (b)

Justification:

Kanishka embraced Buddhism in the early part of his reign. However, his coins exhibit the images of not only Buddha but also Greek and Hindu gods. (Hence, option A is correct). It reflects the Kanishka’s toleration towards other religions.

In the age of Kanishka the Mahayana Buddhism came into vogue. (Hence, Option C is correct). It is different in many respects from the religion taught by the Buddha and propagated by Asoka. The Buddha came to be worshipped with flowers, garments, perfumes and lamps. Thus image worship and rituals developed in Mahayana Buddhism.

Kanishka also sent missionaries to Central Asia and China for the propagation of the new faith.

Buddhist chaityas and viharas were built in different places.

 He patronised Buddhist scholars like Vasumitra, Asvagosha and Nagarjuna. Asvagosha was a great philosopher, poet and dramatist. He was the author of Buddhacharita. Nagarjuna from south India adorned the court of Kanishka. The famous physician of ancient India Charaka was also patronized by him. (Hence, Option D is correct)

 He also convened the Fourth Buddhist Council to discuss matters relating to Buddhist theology and doctrine. (Hence, Option B is incorrect).  It was held at the Kundalavana monastery near Srinagar in Kashmir under the presidentship of Vasumitra. About 500 monks attended the Council. The Council prepared an authoritative commentary on the Tripitakas and the Mahayana doctrine was given final shape.

 

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

  1. Nasik inscription records the achievements of which of the following kings?

a) Pushyamitra Sunga

b) Gautamiputra Satakarni

c) Nahapana

d) Rudrasena I

Solution: (b)

Justification:

The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra Satakarni. He ruled for a period of 24 years from 106 to 130 A.D. His achievements were recorded in the Nasik inscription by his mother Gautami Balasri. Gautamiputra Satakarni captured the whole of Deccan and expanded his empire. His victory over Nagapana, the ruler of Malwa was remarkable. He patronized Brahmanism. Yet, he also gave donations to Buddhists.

 

Source: Tamil Nadu Text book class11

  1. The Pugalur inscription provides information related to which of the following Kingdoms?

a) Chera

b) Cholas

c) Pandyas

d) Pallavas

Solution: (a)

Justification:

The Cheras ruled over parts of modern Kerala. Their capital was Vanji and their important seaports were Tondi and Musiri. They had the palmyra flowers as their garland. The Pugalur inscription of the first century A.D refers to three generations of Chera rulers.

Padirruppattu also provides information on Chera kings. Perum Sorru Udhiyan Cheralathan, Imayavaramban Nedum Cheralathan and Cheran Senguttuvan were the famous rulers of this dynasty.

  1. Which of the following officers headed the Revenue Department in the Mauryan Kingdom?

a) Amatya

b) Samaharta

c) Yuvaraja

d) Adhyaksha

Solution: b

Justification:

Mauryan Administration

 

Central Government:

The ascendancy of the Mauryas had resulted in the triumph of monarchy in India. Other systems like republics and oligarchies that were prevalent in the pre-Mauryan India had collapsed. Although Kautilya the foremost political theorist of ancient India supported the monarchial form of government, he did not stand for royal absolutism. He advocated that the king should take the advice of his ministry in running the administration. Therefore, a council of matters. It consisted of Purohita, Mahamantri, Senapati and Yuvaraja. There were civil servants called Amatyas to look after the day-to-day administration. These officers were similar to the IAS officers of independent India. The method of selection of Amatyas was elaborately given by Kautilya. Asoka appointed Dhamma Mahamatras to supervise the spread of Dhamma. Thus the Mauryan state had a well-organized civil service.

 

Revenue Department:

Samharta, the chief of the Revenue Department, was in charge of the collection of all revenues of the empire.

 

Source: Tamil Nadu History text book class 11

  1. Consider the following statements.
    1. Caves under Mauryan rule had polished interior walls
    2. The Greeks called Samudragupta, ‘Amitragatha’ – meaning Slayer of Enemies

Which of the above statements is/are Correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Solution: a

Justification:

 

Statement 1:

The caves presented to the Ajivikas by Asoka and his son Dasaratha remain important heritage of the Mauryas. Their interior walls are polished like mirror. These were meant to be residences of monks. The caves at Barabar hills near Bodh Gaya are Wonderful pieces of Mauryan architecture. (Hence, Statement 1 is correct)

 

Statement 2:

Bindusara was called by the Greeks as “Amitragatha” meaning slayer of enemies. He is said to have conquered the Deccan up to Mysore. Taranatha, the Tibetan monk states that Bindusara conquered 16 states comprising ‘the land between the two seas’.The Sangam Tamil literature also confirms the Mauryan invasion of the far south. Therefore, it can be said that the Mauryan Empire under Bindusara extended up to Mysore. (Hence, statement 2 is incorrect).

 

Source: Tamil Nadu History text book class 11

  1. Which of the above statement is/are correct about Gandhara art?
    1. Its major theme was Mahayanism
    2. Realism was its dominant feature

 

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: c

Justification:

The salient features of Gandhara art are:

  • Moulding human body in a realistic manner with minute attention to physical features like muscles, moustache and curtly hair. (Hence, statement 2 is correct)
  • Thick drapery with large and bold fold lines.
  • Rich carving, elaborate ornamentation and symbolic expressions.
  • The main theme was the new form of Buddhism – Mahayanism. (Hence, statement 1 is correct)
  • The evolution of an image of Buddha.

Source: Tamil Nadu History text book class 11

  1. Which of the above statement is/are correct about Gupta Administration?
    1. Sandivigraha was a minister meant for foreign affairs.
    2. It consisted of an elaborate spy system.

 

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Solution: a

 

Justification:

According inscriptions, the Gupta kings assumed titles like Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, Parameswara, Samrat and Chakravartin. The king was assisted in his administration by a council consisting of a chief minister, a Senapati or commander-in-chief of the army and other important officials. A high official called Sandivigraha was mentioned in the Gupta inscriptions, most probably minister for foreign affairs. (Hence, statement 1 is correct)

 

The king maintained a close contact with the provincial administration through a class of officials called Kumaramatyas and Ayuktas. Provinces in the Gupta Empire were known as Bhuktis and provincial governors as Uparikas. They were mostly chosen from among the princes. Bhuktis were subdivided into Vishyas or districts. They were governed by Vishyapatis. Nagara Sreshtis were the officers looking after the city administration. The villages in the district were under the control of Gramikas. Fahien’s account on the Gupta administration provides useful information. He characterizes the Gupta administration as mild and benevolent. There were no restrictions on people’s movements and they enjoyed a large degree of personal freedom. There was no state interference in the individual’s life. Punishments were not severe. Imposing a fine was a common punishment. There was no spy system. (Hence, statement 2 is incorrect)

 

The administration was so efficient that the roads were kept safe for travelers, and there was no fear of thieves. He mentioned that people were generally prosperous and the crimes were negligible. Fahien had also appreciated the efficiency of the Gupta administration as he was able to travel without any fear throughout the Gangetic valley. On the whole the administration was more liberal than that of the Mauryas.

 

Source: Tamil Nadu History text book class 11

21) Tropical cyclones and subtropical cyclones are named to provide ease of communication between forecasters and the general public regarding forecasts, watches, and warnings. Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean basin are named by

a) International Meteorological Organization

b) World Meteorological Organization

c) Indian Meteorological Department

d) National Weather Service, USA

 

Solution: c)

 

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/01/insights-daily-current-affairs-01-december-2017/

 

The Cyclones worldwide are named by 9 regions — North Atlantic, Eastern North Pacific, Central North Pacific, Western North Pacific, North Indian Ocean, South West Indian Ocean, Australian, Southern Pacific, South Atlantic. Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean basin are named by the Indian Meteorological Departmentand the first tropical cyclone was named in 2004 as Onil (given by Bangladesh).

 

Tropical cyclones and subtropical cyclones are named by various warning centers to provide ease of communication between forecasters and the general public regarding forecasts, watches, and warnings. The names are intended to reduce confusion in the event of concurrent storms in the same basin. Generally once storms produce sustained wind speeds of more than 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph), names are assigned in order from predetermined lists depending on which basin they originate. However, standards vary from basin to basin: some tropical depressions are named in the Western Pacific, while tropical cyclones must have a significant amount of gale-force winds occurring around the centre before they are named in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

22) With reference to the Controller General of Accounts, consider the following statements

  1. It  is the apex Accounting Authority of the Central Government
  2. It ensures a sound and effective internal audit and pre-check system in the Civil Ministries

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Solution: c)

 

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/01/insights-daily-current-affairs-01-december-2017/

 

Don’t get confused with CAG in first statement. CAG is apex Auditing authority whereas CGA is accounting authority. However, as per CAG instructions it has the responsibility to  ensure a sound and effective internal audit and pre-check system in the Civil Ministries.

 

It is the Principal Accounting Adviser to Government of India and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound Management Accounting System. The Office of CGA prepares monthly and annual analysis of expenditure, revenues, borrowings and various fiscal indicators for the Union Government.

 

You can read functions of CGA here: https://www.finmin.nic.in/relatedlinks/controller-general-accounts

 

23) With reference to the Hornbill Festival, consider the following statements:

  1. It is usually celebrated in the month of July, when monsoons are around
  2. It is organised by the government to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Solution: b)

 

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/02/insights-daily-current-affairs-02-december-2017/

 

Hornbill Festival is the most anticipated festivals of Nagaland held between December 1st to December 10th every year.

 

 

The state of Nagaland is home to several tribes, which have their own distinct festivals. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve around agriculture. The Nagas consider their festivals sacred, so participation in these festivals is essential.[2] To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. The first festival was held in 2000.[3] The festival is named after the Indian hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state’s tribes.

 

24) With reference to the Election Commission and Election Commissioners, consider the following statements:

  1. As per the Constitution of India the procedure for removal of the two Election Commissioners is same as that for the Chief Election Commissioner
  2. The CEC and the Election Commissioners have a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65, whichever is earlier, and enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Supreme Court judges

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 Only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

 

Solution: b)

 

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/02/insights-daily-current-affairs-02-december-2017/

 

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court arguing that though the proviso to Article 324 (5) of the Constitution safeguards the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) from arbitrary removal, the same provision is silent about the procedure for removal of the two Election Commissioners.

It only provides that they cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the CEC. The petition said the ambiguity about the removal procedure of the Election Commissioners may affect the functional independence of the Commission.

Constitutional provisions:

The CEC and the Election Commissioners have a tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65, whichever is earlier, and enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Supreme Court judges.

Removal of ECs: The CEC and the Election Commissioners enjoy the same decision-making powers which is suggestive of the fact that their powers are at par with each other. However, Article 324(5) does not provide similar protection to the Election Commissioners and it merely says that they cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the CEC.

25) With reference to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), consider the following statements:

  1. Indian is not a member of IMO
  2. IMO  is the United Nations specialized agency
  3. IMO has responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

a) 1 and 3 Only

b) 2 Only

c) 2 and 3 Only

d) 1,2 and 3

 

Solution: c)

 

https://www.insightsonindia.com/2017/12/04/insights-daily-current-affairs-04-december-2017/

 

India has been one of the earliest members of the IMO, having ratified its Convention and joined it as a member-state in the year 1959. India has had the privilege of being elected to and serving the Council of the IMO, ever since it started functioning, and till date, except for two years for the period 1983-1984.

 

About IMO:

The International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.