DAY – 62 Insta 75 Days Revision Plan-2024: Topic – ART & CULTURE , PREVIOUS YEAR UPSC PAPER 2011 and Jan 2024 CA

Answer: c

Explanation:

• Recently, Kozhikode in Kerala has been added to the prestigious creative cities list of UNESCO for contributions in the fields of literature.
• The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.
• Almost 300 cities around the world currently make up this network.
• Every year, UNESCO seeks applications from various cities across the globe to put them under its UCCN project.
• The applications in India are routed through the Ministry of Culture.
• Kozhikode is a permanent venue for the annual Kerala Literature Festival and hosts several other book festivals.
• Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: a

Explanation:

• Gwalior as the City of Music:
• The city is widely regarded as the birthplace of Tansen, one of the greatest musicians and composers in Indian history, who was also one of the ‘Navratnas’ (nine jewels) in the court of Emperor Akbar.
• The city is also the origin of the Gwalior Gharana, the oldest and most influential school of Hindustani classical music.
• The city hosts one of the biggest annual music festivals in India, the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, which attracts thousands of music lovers and artists from across the country and abroad.
• In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the addition of 55 new cities to its Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Among the new entrants, two Indian cities made their mark: Kozhikode in Kerala as the ‘City of Literature’ and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh as the ‘City of Music’.
• Other Indian cities in the UCCN include Jaipur: Crafts and Folk Arts (2015), Varanasi: Creative City of Music (2015), Chennai: Creative City of Music (2017), Mumbai: Film (2019), Hyderabad: Gastronomy (2019), and Srinagar: Crafts and Folk Art (2021).
• Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: d

Explanation:

• Srinagar Smart City Ltd. and the Kashmir chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have joined hands to conserve vernacular elements of Dogra architecture in Kashmir.
• Dogra architecture refers to the traditional architectural style and building practices associated with the Dogra community. They primarily ruled over Jammu and Kashmir from 1846 to 1947.
• Examples of Dogra Architecture: Mubarak mandi, Jharokha style of balcony, Amar Mahal Palace.
• Dogra architecture primarily developed in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, which experiences extreme cold and snowfall due to its mountainous terrain and high altitude. As a result, the architectural features of Dogra buildings are specifically adapted to withstand these frigid conditions.
• For example, the use of sloping roofs allows for the shedding of snow, preventing the accumulation of heavy loads on the roof and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, the emphasis on utilizing locally available materials such as wood, stone, and clay helps in providing insulation and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature despite the cold exterior environment.
• Furthermore, the presence of intricate wood carvings and decorative elements not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also contributes to the functionality of the buildings by providing additional insulation and protection against the cold.
• Hence, option (d) is correct.

Answer: a

Explanation:

• Salabhanjika, also known as madanika, is indeed a mythical female figure often depicted near trees or engaged in artistic activities like music and dance. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Salabhanjika figures are not exclusively found on the outer walls of Hoysala temples. They are commonly depicted both on the outer walls and on the interior surfaces, including pillars and lintels, of Hoysala temples. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: b

Explanation:

• Archibold Carlleyle, made the initial discovery of prehistoric rock paintings in India. In 1867–68, Carlleyle stumbled upon these ancient artworks, marking a significant milestone in the understanding of India’s prehistoric past. His findings laid the foundation for further archaeological exploration and research into the rich cultural heritage of India’s ancient rock art. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Geometric patterns, such as circles, lines, dots, and spirals, are commonly found in prehistoric rock paintings across India. These patterns are often depicted using natural pigments like white, black, and red ochre. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• In prehistoric rock paintings, animals are often portrayed in a stylized or symbolic manner rather than a strictly realistic style. Human figures may also be depicted in various styles, ranging from abstract and schematic representations to more detailed and naturalistic renderings. There is no consistent pattern where animals are depicted realistically while human figures are abstract. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

• Tanjore paintings are characterized by their richly detailed and embellished style, typically featuring intricate depictions of Hindu deities, mythological scenes, or religious narratives. They are not known for emphasizing naturalistic landscapes but rather for their stylized and symbolic representations.
• Tanjore paintings actually originated in South India, particularly in the Tanjore (Thanjavur) region of present-day Tamil Nadu, during the 16th century under the patronage of the Nayakas of Thanjavur. While they were influenced by various artistic traditions, including indigenous Indian styles, they were not heavily influenced by Persian artistic elements.
• Tanjore paintings are renowned for their depictions of Hindu deities, goddesses, and other religious themes. The main subject, usually a deity or a divine scene, is often prominently placed at the center of the composition, and surrounded by richly detailed ornamentation and symbolic elements.
• Tanjore paintings are predominantly associated with religious and mythological themes, such as depictions of Hindu gods, goddesses, and divine narratives. While they may occasionally include secular elements, their primary focus is on religious and spiritual subject matter.
• Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: b

Explanation:

• Kalighat paintings are traditionally created using watercolors on paper. This medium allows for the vibrant colors and intricate details characteristic of Kalighat art. While other artistic mediums like oil on canvas, acrylic on wood, and ink on silk are used in various art forms, they are not typically associated with Kalighat paintings.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Answer: a

Explanation:

• The Samkhya School of philosophy postulates the existence of two independent realities: puruṣa (consciousness) and prakṛti (matter). These two entities are considered distinct and coexist. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Sage Kapila is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Samkhya School. His teachings are recorded in the philosophical text known as the Samkhya Sutras. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• According to Samkhya philosophy, there are multiple purushas (individual consciousness), but none of them is considered superior or controls the universe. Each purusha is independent and experiences the effects of prakṛti based on its karma. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• While Samkhya philosophy has influenced various philosophical systems, including Yoga, it is not the basis for Advaita Vedanta. Advaita Vedanta, founded by Adi Shankaracharya, derives its principles primarily from the Upanishads and is based on the concept of non-dualism (advaita). Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: a

Explanation:

• The Nyaya School of philosophy, one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Indian philosophy, is known for its systematic approach to logic, epistemology, and metaphysics. Founded by Sage Gautama (also known as Akṣapāda Gautama), Nyaya emphasizes the importance of reasoning and critical thinking in the pursuit of knowledge.
• Perception (Pratyakṣa), inference (Anumāna), comparison (Upamāna), and testimony (Śabda) are considered the four pramāṇas or valid means of knowledge in Nyaya epistemology.
• Hence, option (a) is correct.

Answer: c

Explanation:

• Cheigi Gadd-ga is a martial art from Manipur. It involves a fighting style that incorporates various techniques of hand-to-hand combat, including grappling, wrestling, and striking techniques. The name “Cheigi Gadd-ga” signifies its origin in Manipur, where it has been practiced for generations. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
• Inbuan Wrestling is a form of wrestling that originated in Mizoram. It is characterized by its grappling techniques, where opponents engage in bouts aiming to lift each other off the ground. Inbuan Wrestling has been a traditional sport among the Mizo people and is deeply rooted in their culture. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Saldu is actually a prominent sport of the Nicobarese tribe, an indigenous community residing in the Nicobar Islands. Saldu involves wrestling and is played on open grounds without any boundaries, making it a significant part of the Nicobarese tribal culture. Hence, pair 3 is incorrectly matched.
• Kathi Samu is an ancient martial art from Andhra Pradesh. It is known for employing various kinds of swords and fighting techniques. The practice of Kathi Samu has been a tradition among the royal armies of Andhra Pradesh, reflecting its historical significance in the region. Hence, pair 4 is correctly matched.
• Hence, option (c) is correct.

Solution: B

* Every medicine is made up of two main ingredients the chemically active API and the chemically inactive excipient- which is a substance that delivers the effect of API to one’s system.

* An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient is a chemical compound that is the most important raw material to produce a finished medicine

* in medicine is produces the intended affects to cure that disease.

Hence statement 1 is correct

* Fixed Dose combination drugs use multiple active Pharmaceutical ingredients while single dose drugs use just one API.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

* Penicillin G is the active Pharmaceutical ingredient used in several common antibiotics.

* It is a narrow spectrum antibiotic used for the treatment of several serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis , syphilis

* due to poor oral absorption it is generally administered intravenously or intramuscularly

* it may have side effects in certain patients.

Hence statement 3 is correct

Solution: B

* The Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle technology was developed in 1960 and first deployed in 1970 by the United States and then Soviet Union.

* Over the years France, the United Kingdom and eventually China have developed this technology; Pakistan to has claimed to have tested an MIRV equipped missile called Ababeel in 2017 and then in 2023.

* Recently India has announced that it had successfully tested Agni V missile capable of carrying multiple war heads and strike multiple targets and is integrated with MIRV technology

Hence statement 1 is incorrect

* Traditional missiles carry a single warhead or weapon that goes and hits the intended target.

* But MIRV equipped missiles can accommodate multiple warheads, each of which can be programmed to strike a separate target ; they can all be made to hit the same location too, one after the other, thus ensuring a complete destruction of the target.

Hence statement 2 is correct

* A missile defence system is a network of Technology aimed at detecting, tracking, intercepting and destroying an incoming missile

* It involves deployment of sophisticated radars, communication system and interceptor missiles

* A part from the advantage of inflicting multiple damages with a single strike, MIRV Technology has ability to penetrate missile defence systems- an advantage for which it is widely sort after by military worldwide.

Hence statement 3 is correct

Solution: B

* The Atmospheric Research Testbed is an open field focused observation and analytical research program.

* It has been developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences at a cost of Rs 125 crore

* the Indian Institute of Tropical Metrology, Pune is in charge of its operation.

Hence statement 1 is incorrect

* The first phase of India’s ART in Central India was inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh

* the 100 acre facility houses 25 high end meteorological instruments for studying vital cloud processes associated with India’s Monsoon Core Zone

* The facility aims to conduct ground based observations of weather parameters like temperature and wind speeds and on-site observations of the transient synoptic systems like low pressure areas and depression forming in the Bay of Bengal during the southwest monsoon season from June to September.

Hence statement 2 is correct

Solution: A

* Inflection 2.5 is an upgrade to a Large Language Model created by Inflection AI (a California based company).

* Recently the world’s friendliest chat box Pi, powered by the new Inflection 2.5 has emerged as a breakthrough in conversational AI Technology offering Deep and meaningful interactions

* Pi offers empathetic, helpful and safe conversations setting it apart from other chatbots

* Infection 2.5 allows Pi to access and process information from real time web, providing users with up to date answers to questions

* Inflection 2.5 competes with leading LLM like GPT 4 while using only 40% of its computational power for training.

Large Language Model

* These are specific class of generative AI models that are trained to understand and generate human like text

* these are built using deep learning techniques particularly using neural network

* they can generate coherent and contextually relevant text given a prompt or input.

Hence option A is correct

Solution: B

* Recently the cabinet committee on security cleared a Rs.15000 crore project to design and developed the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft- India’s 5th generation fighter multi role fighter jet.

* The Aeronautical Development Agency under the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence will be the nodal agency for executing the program and designing the aircraft.

Hence statement 1 is correct

* The AMCA Mk1 variant will have the US built GE14 engine of the 90 kilonewton class, while the advanced AMCA Mk2 will fly on the more powerful 110 kilo Newton engine which will be developed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with a foreign defence major.

* GTRE has been working on the development of Kaveri engine to power India’s indigenously developed combat aircraft.

Hence statement 2 is incorrect

* The 25 tonne Twin engine aircraft bigger than other fighters in the Indian Air Force inventory will have advanced stealth features to avoid detection by enemy radar

* The feature that sets this aircraft apart is primarily the stealth feature

* the aircraft will have a low electromagnetic signature which will make it difficult for enemy radars to detect it

* at the same time it will have powerful sensors and new weapons so it is able to register the signature of enemy aircraft and take them out.

Hence statement 3 is correct

Solution: b)

Justification:

Q Source: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/01/27/mission-2024-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-27-january-2024/

Solution: a)

Justification:  An ibex is any of several species of wild goat, distinguished by the male’s large recurved horns, which are transversely ridged in front. Ibex are found in Europe (Alpine Ibexes), Russia (Siberian Ibexes), India (Himalayan Ibexes), North Africa and East Africa.

Across Asia, Ibex inhabits elevations from 500 m to 6,700 m in countries like India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Southern Siberia, and China, with the least concern about IUCN status. The Himalayan Ibex (a distinct species and NOT part of Siberian Ibex) is primarily found in the trans-Himalayan ranges of the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Himachal Pradesh.

Climate change is impacting Alpine ibexes (IUCN: Least Concern), a species of mountain goats in the European Alps. Warmer temperatures are forcing these goats to shift from diurnal to nocturnal (from daytime to nighttime) habits to escape excess heat, making them vulnerable to predators like wolves.

This shift may have negative consequences on foraging efficiency, antipredator behaviours, and overall reproduction and survival rates. It also presents challenges for conservation planning and population estimates, as animals become less detectable during nocturnal hours.

Q Source: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/01/27/mission-2024-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-27-january-2024/

Solution: b)

Justification: Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, spans approximately 59,947 km² and is shared by Kenya (6%), Uganda (43%), and Tanzania (51%). Fed by rivers like Kagera, Katonga, Sio, Yala, Nyando, Sondu Miriu, and Mara, it contributes to the River Nile’s water. As one of the African Great Lakes, Lake Victoria holds significance as Africa’s largest lake by area, the world’s largest tropical lake, and the second-largest freshwater lake globally after Lake Superior in North America.

Q Source: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/01/26/mission-2024-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-26-january-2024/

Solution: c)

Justification: The Direct Tax to GDP ratio is a financial metric that represents the percentage of a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) contributed by direct taxes. A higher ratio implies a larger share of tax revenue relative to the overall economic activity. It gives an estimate of a country’s ability to mobilise resources to fuel its development. Direct taxes contributed over 54% to the overall tax collection during FY23.

The Tax Buoyancy decreased from 2.52 to 1.18 compared to the previous year. Tax buoyancy measures the efficiency of tax collection in response to GDP growth. It signifies buoyancy when tax revenues increase more than proportionately with GDP growth, even if tax rates remain constant.

Q Source: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/01/26/mission-2024-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-26-january-2024/

Solution: c)

Justification: Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiatives:

Government Initiatives in India: National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change, National Innovation on Climate Resilient Agriculture, Soil Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Biotech-KISAN, and Climate Smart Village.

Public and Private Sector Involvement: Farmer-producer organizations, NGOs, and various entities are actively contributing to CSA adoption.

Research Programs: The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) addresses challenges of food security, poverty, and climate change on a global scale, National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)

World Bank Group: Provides financial support and technical assistance for CSA projects in developing countries.

Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA): A voluntary platform fostering collaboration among governments, civil society, farmers, research institutions, and the private sector to promote knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and investment in CSA.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN): Comprises young individuals from various countries dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on CSA among youth and other stakeholders.

National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) One of the missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Q Source: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2024/01/24/mission-2024-insights-daily-current-affairs-pib-summary-24-january-2024/

Answer: C

Explanation:

Option (c) is correct: Environmental inhibitors are one of the approaches used to minimize the harmful effects of agri-food systems on the environment.

Not only can they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane from ruminants or limit the loss of nitrogen from cultivated fields and pastures, but also improve the efficiency of livestock and crop production.”

However, an inadvertent presence of environmental inhibitors in food commodities can raise health concerns as well as trade disruption if standards or appropriate measures are not established.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Option (d) is correct: The launch of Project PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals).

• The project is a joint collaboration between the IOM India and Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
• Project PRAYAS not only aligns with Government of India’s priorities for the promotion of safe and orderly migration, but also aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Fly ash is the finest of coal ash particles. It is called fly ash because it is transported from the combustion chamber by exhaust gases.

Statement 2 is correct: The cementations and pozzolanic properties make some fly ashes useful for cement replacement in concrete and many other building applications.

Properties of fly ash vary significantly with coal composition and plant operating conditions. Fly ash is referred to as either cementations or pozzolanic.

A cementations material is one that hardens when mixed with water. A pozzolanic material will also harden with water but only after activation with an alkaline substance such as lime.

Statement 3 is not correct: Fly ash is the fine powder formed from the mineral matter in coal, consisting of the non-combustible matter in coal and a small amount of carbon that remains from incomplete combustion.

Fly ash is used in concrete and cement products, road base, oil stabilizer, clean fill, filler in asphalt, metal recovery, and mineral filler.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Option (c) is correct: An alternative investment is a financial asset that does not fit into the conventional equity/income/cash categories.

• Conventional categories include stocks, bonds, and cash.
• Common forms of alternative investments include real estate, commodities, cryptocurrency, and collectibles.
• Private Equity or venture capital, hedge funds, real property, commodities, and tangible assets are all examples of alternative investments.
• Alternative assets have high initial minimums and upfront investment fees.

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Terms of trade (TOT) represent the ratio between a country’s export prices and its import prices.

Statement 2 is correct: TOT indexes are defined as the value of a country’s total exports minus total imports.

Statement 3 is correct: A TOT is dependent to some extent on exchange and inflation rates and prices. A variety of other factors influence the TOT as well, and some are unique to specific sectors and industries.

Statement 4 is not correct: A TOT can be calculated using so-called implicit price deflators.

Answer: C

For survival and achieving success humans need knowledge. But knowledge alone will do more harm than good—therefore statement 2 is correct. Knowledge should be coupled with principles—hence statement 1 is correct. Investment in education will not give automatic common good—thus statement 1 is correct.

Answer: A

The passage obviously tells people without values are not good for populace so 1 is correct. Yet passage also tells if one wants to reach greatness then also principles are needed, so even for personal growth principles have utility so 2 is wrong.

Answer A) G, H

The couples in the family are –

G & H, M & A

Option A) 1

Option B) Fifth