Practice <strong>UPSC IAS Civil Services</strong> MCQ questions covering Indian History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Aligned with the latest UPSC Prelims syllabus — perfect for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Civil Services aspirants.
In case of a conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, which prevails?
Answer: C
While Article 37 states that DPSPs are not enforceable in courts, the Supreme Court has evolved the doctrine of harmonious construction, attempting to give effect to both.
However, generally Fundamental Rights take precedence.
In cases like Kerala Education Bill, the Court balanced both.
The Constitution itself recognizes potential conflict by making FR enforceable and DPSP non-enforceable.
Q.22Hard
Article 371 of the Constitution provides special provisions for certain states. Which of the following states is NOT included under Article 371?
Answer: D
Article 371 contains special provisions for states like Maharashtra (371-A), Gujarat (371-B), Nagaland (371-A), Manipur (371-B), Telangana (371-D), and others.
Goa doesn't have a specific Article 371 clause, though it has special constitutional status from other provisions.
The special articles were created to address unique historical, cultural, and administrative needs of these states.
Q.23Hard
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was modified by which constitutional amendment?
Answer: B
Article 370 was effectively abrogated through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order issued by the President in August 2019, coupled with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
This was not a formal constitutional amendment but was justified as invoking Article 370(1)(d) itself to abrogate Article 370.
Q.24Hard
Which of the following statements about the emergency provisions under the Indian Constitution is INCORRECT?
Answer: D
Article 352 (National Emergency) requires that the proclamation be laid before Parliament, and must be approved within 30 days.
If Parliament approves, it can last for 6 months and can be renewed.
However, it does have a maximum duration constraint through parliamentary renewal requirements.
The 44th Amendment Act imposed several safeguards on emergency provisions.
Q.25Hard
Consider the following statements about early Buddhism:
1. The Buddha rejected the authority of the Vedas and the Brahmanical caste system
2. The Sangha (monastic community) required members to renounce worldly life
3. Bodhi Sattva concept was central to early Buddhism
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Early Buddhism (Theravada) rejected Vedic authority and caste system, and the Sangha required renunciation.
Statement 3 is incorrect as Bodhisattva concept is central to Mahayana Buddhism, not early Buddhism.
Early Buddhism focused on the individual's path to Nirvana through the Eightfold Path.
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Q.26Hard
Jainism, as propounded by Vardhamana Mahavira, differs from contemporary Buddhism primarily in its concept of:
Answer: B
While both Buddhism and Jainism reject Vedic authority and emphasize ahimsa, they differ fundamentally on karma.
Jainism believes karma is a material substance that attaches to the soul (Jiva), while Buddhism denies the existence of an eternal soul.
Mahavira's emphasis on karma as material binding force distinguishes Jainism from Buddhist philosophy.
Q.27Hard
The Chola dynasty's maritime trade networks during the Sangam Age extended to which of the following regions?
Answer: B
Archaeological and literary evidence indicates Chola maritime trade extended to Southeast Asian regions (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia) and possibly Egypt.
Tamil inscriptions found in Southeast Asia and Roman coins found in South India confirm this extensive network.
Trade with China occurred but was not exclusive to China.
Q.28Hard
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, renounced worldly life at what age?
Answer: C
According to Jain texts, Mahavira (599-527 BCE) renounced his family and kingdom at the age of 30 and pursued ascetic practices for 12 years before attaining Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
He was a contemporary of Buddha.
Q.29Hard
The concept of 'Chakravartin' (universal monarch) in ancient India primarily implied:
Answer: B
Chakravartin (wheel-turner) denoted a paramount sovereign whose suzerainty was acknowledged by other rulers through tributary relationships.
It involved ritualistic chakravala (circular) conquests where enemies submitted peacefully.
This concept is found in Sanskrit texts and ancient Indian political theory.
Q.30Hard
Which of the following Ashoka edicts specifically addresses the relationship between the ruler and his subjects and emphasizes the welfare of all people?
Answer: B
Rock Edict VI emphasizes Ashoka's administrative accessibility to his subjects, stating that he is always available to hear their grievances and concerns regardless of their status.
It reflects his commitment to the welfare principle (praja-sukhe) inherent in his Dhamma policy.
Q.31Hard
Which early Buddhist council was responsible for the compilation of the Buddhist canon (Tipitaka) in the form recognized today?
Answer: C
The Third Buddhist Council, convened by Ashoka at Pataliputra (c. 250 BCE), standardized the Buddhist canon and sent missionaries to spread Buddhism.
The Tipitaka (Three Baskets) comprising Vinaya, Suttas, and Abhidhamma were formally compiled during this council.
This was crucial for establishing canonical orthodoxy.
Q.32Hard
The rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora contain significant Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments. Which dynasty is primarily credited with the construction of these caves?
Answer: A
The Ajanta caves (c. 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE) and Ellora caves (c. 5th to 10th century CE) were constructed over a long period.
The earlier Ajanta caves are primarily associated with the Satavahana dynasty, while Ellora caves were built by various dynasties including the Vakatakas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas.
However, the initial patronage and bulk of construction at Ajanta is credited to the Satavahanas, making them primary contributors to these monumental rock-cut structures.
