OPSC OAS Prelims Paper 1 Practice Test - 3 - OPSC OCS (Odisha) MCQ

• On the history of Cholas there is very little authentic written evidence available. Historians during the past 150 years have gleaned a lot of knowledge on the subject from a variety of sources such as ancient Tamil Sangam literature, oral traditions, religious texts, temple and copperplate inscriptions. The main source for the available information of the early Cholas is the early Tamil literature of the Sangam Period. There are also brief notices on the Chola country and its towns, ports and commerce furnished by the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (Periplus Maris Erythraei). Periplus is a work by an anonymous Alexandrian merchant and contains very little information of the Chola country. Writing half a century later, the geographer Ptolemy gives more detail about the Chola country, its port and its inland cities. Mahavamsa, a Buddhist text, recounts a number of conflicts between the inhabitants of Ceylon and the Tamil immigrants. Cholas are mentioned in the Pillars of Ashoka (inscribed 273 BC – 232 BC) inscriptions, where they are mentioned among the kingdoms which, though not subject to Ashoka, were on friendly terms with him.

• Rajaraja and Rajendra I marked their victories by erecting a number of Shiva and Vishnu temples at various places. The Chola rulers adopted the practice of having long inscriptions written on the walls of the temples they built, giving a historical narrative of their victories. That is why we know a great deal more about the Cholas than their predecessors.

• During the imperial Chola period the Prabhanda became the dominant form of poetry. The religious canons of Saiva and Vaishnava sects were beginning to be systematically collected and categorised.

• While there is little reliable information on the Cholas during the period between the early Cholas and Vijayalaya dynasties, there is an abundance of materials from diverse sources on the Vijayalaya and the Chalukya Chola dynasties. A large number of stone inscriptions by the Cholas themselves and by their rival kings, Pandyas and Chalukyas, and copper-plate grants, have been instrumental in constructing the history of Cholas of that period.

Vijay Jain, the Managing Director of Star Estate, was honored with the Times Power Icon 2024 Award, recognizing his contributions to the real estate sector. This award highlights the impact of leadership in driving growth and innovation in the industry.

Michel Talagrand was awarded the 2024 Abel Prize for his significant work in probability theory and the study of randomness. The Abel Prize is often regarded as the Nobel Prize of mathematics, reflecting the high esteem in which mathematical contributions are held.

The Gujarati film "Bharat Maro Desh Che," based on the book by Mittalben Patel, received six awards at the Gujarat State Awards 2021. The film's narrative focuses on the dignity and rights of nomadic tribes, emphasizing social issues through cinema.

Bina Agarwal and James K. Boyce were jointly awarded the inaugural 2024 Global Inequality Research Awards for their impactful research on gender inequalities and the connection between social inequality and environmental degradation. This award recognizes excellence in addressing critical global issues.

The "Order of the Druk Gyalpo" is Bhutan's highest civilian honor, awarded to PM Modi for his contributions to strengthening India-Bhutan relations. This award signifies mutual respect and recognition between the two countries, highlighting the diplomatic ties that enrich their partnership.

The 'Raksha Mantri Trophy' is awarded by the Ministry of Defence to recognize excellence in healthcare services provided by Armed Forces hospitals. This award aims to promote high standards of medical care and acknowledge the efforts of medical professionals in the armed forces.

Dr. Uma Rele received the Maharashtra Gaurav Award for her contributions to Bharata Natyam, showcasing her dedication to the classical dance form. This award recognizes her influence in the field of performing arts and her role in promoting cultural heritage.

The Chameli Devi Jain Award is established to honor exceptional journalism, particularly focusing on women's issues and social justice. This award highlights the importance of responsible journalism in advocating for change and raising awareness on critical societal matters.

Amitav Ghosh was awarded the 2024 Erasmus Prize for his significant contributions to literature, particularly in addressing issues related to climate change and the planetary crisis. The Erasmus Prize celebrates those who have made exceptional contributions in the fields of humanities and social sciences.

The 96th Academy Awards recognized various achievements in film, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor among others. This annual event highlights excellence in the film industry, celebrating artistic achievements across multiple categories.

Ratan Tata received the prestigious PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for his philanthropic work in Mumbai. This award honors individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to social welfare and humanitarian causes, reflecting Tata's profound impact on society.

The film "12th Fail," directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, clinched the Best Feature Film award at the Critics' Choice Awards 2024. The film's narrative resonates with themes of perseverance and success, making it a celebrated piece of cinema.

"D-SII" stands for Domestic Systemically Important Insurers, which are insurance companies deemed 'too big to fail' due to their significance in the financial system. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) identifies these companies to ensure financial stability and consumer protection.

Maharashtra topped the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) list with an impressive Rs 1,00,112 crore, reflecting its strong economic environment and attractiveness for investors. This positions Maharashtra as a vital player in India's economic landscape.

The book "An Illustrated Guide to the Lepidoptera of India" focuses on the taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of butterflies and moths in India. Authored by experts from the Zoological Survey of India, it serves as a crucial resource for entomologists and conservationists interested in these winged insects.

Goa received 'The Best Destination of the Year' award at the ITB Berlin Convention, showcasing its appeal in tourism. This recognition highlights Goa's continued efforts in promoting itself as a premier travel destination, renowned for its beaches, culture, and hospitality.

Razorpay launched India's first UPI-Led QR stack for enterprises, allowing seamless integration of QR-based and contactless payments. This innovation aims to enhance digital payment adoption among businesses and improve customer transaction experiences.

The National Creators Award aims to recognize and celebrate the achievements of content creators across various domains, including gaming, health, education, and more. It highlights the growing impact of digital creators in shaping societal narratives and promoting cultural values.

Pradeep V. Mahajan received the Maharashtra Bhushan Award for his groundbreaking work in stem cell and regenerative medicine. His research has significantly contributed to advancements in treatments for various medical conditions, enhancing the field of medical science in India.

The theme of the National Youth Parliament Festival was "Young Voices: Engage and Empower for Nation’s Transformation." This theme emphasizes the importance of youth participation in democratic processes and their crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Madhubani painting (Mithila painting) was traditionally created by the women of various communities in the Mithila region of the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally, painting was one of the skills that were passed down from generation to generation in the families of the Mithila Region, mainly by women.

• Statement 2 is correct: The paintings were traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice.

• Statement 3 is correct: These paintings are 2 dimensional.

About Madhubani Paintings

• Madhubani art (or Mithila painting) is practiced in the Mithila region of the Indian subcontinent. This painting is done with a variety of tools, including fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks and using natural dyes and pigments. It is characterized by its eye-catching geometrical patterns.

• Statement 1 is correct: Under Firoz Tughlaq, iqta system was not only revived but it was also made hereditary. He was the first Sultan to impose irrigation tax. But at the same time he dug irrigation canals and wells.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: Diwan-i-Khairat was created by him to take care of orphans and widows. Free hospitals and marriage bureaus for poor Muslims were also established by Firoz Tughlaq.

A number of popular saints called nayanars and alvars who were devotees of Shiva and Vishnu flourished in the Tamil region between the sixth and ninth centuries. They composed their works in Tamil and other languages of the area. The writings of these saints, which were collected into eleven volumes under the name of ‘Tirumirais’ in the early part of the twelfth century, are considered sacred and are looked upon as the fifth veda.

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Avalokiteshvara/Padmapani: One of the three protective deities around Buddha. He is described as holding Lotus flower and is also known as Padmapani. The painting can be found at Ajanta Caves. He is the most acknowledged among all the Bodhisattvas. The bodhisattva of compassion, the listener of the world’s cries who uses skillful means to come to their aid. He appears unofficially in Theravada Buddhism in Cambodia under the name Lokesvara. He is depicted as a female also and is said to incarnate in His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: Vajrapani: One of three protective deities around Buddha and is also depicted in Ajanta Caves. Vajrapaṇi is contemplated to manifest all the powers of Buddha as well as the power of all five tathagatas namely Vairocana, Akshobhya, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava and Amoghasiddhi.

• Statement 3 is correct: Manjusri: One of three protective deities around Buddha is also depicted in Ajanta Caves. He is associated with the Wisdom of Buddha and is a male odhisattva with a wielding sword in his hand.

The government of India currently follows the following criteria to determine the eligibility of language to be considered for classification as “classical language”:

• High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.

• A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.

• The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.

• The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms

Languages so far declared to be Classical language are:

• Tamil in the year 2004

• Telugu in the year 2008

• Malayalam in the year 2013

• Sanskrit in the year 2005

• Kannada in the year 2008

• Odia in the year 2014

The Government has been criticised for not including Pali as a classical language as experts argue that it fits all the above mentioned criteria.

• British Government passed the Limitation Law in 1859, to control the debts mounting on ryots in Deccan. In 1832, a large area of land was demarcated as Damin-i-Koh, on the slopes of Rajmahal hills and was given to the Santhals. But with time they found that their land was slipping away from their hands as state was levying heavy taxes and moneylenders were charging high rates of interest on them. Hence, Santhal Rebellion happened in 1855-56.

• Deccan Riot Commission was assigned to make a report on the revolt by ryots in Deccan. The report was presented in British Parliament in 1878.

• The first revenue settlement system in Bombay, Deccan was made in the 1820s. It was known as ‘Ryotwari settlement, where the revenue was directly settled with the ‘ryots’ (peasants).

• Swami Vivekananda was born on 12th January 1863 in a Bengali family in Calcutta and was originally named Narendranath Datta.

  • In his honour, the Government of India in 1984 declared his birthday National Youth Day.

• He was well-read in many subjects and would meditate in front of the images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

  • He met the religious leader Ramakrishna Paramhansa, who later became his Guru and he remained devoted to him until the latter died in 1886.

  • In 1893, he took the name ‘Vivekananda’ after Maharaja Ajit Singh of the Khetri State requested him to do so, changing from ‘Sachidananda’ that he used before.

• He was one of India’s greatest spiritual leaders and inspired the youth of India to become better, leading a life of purity and setting an example for the world.

  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had called him the “Maker of Modern India”.

• He played an important role in introducing the philosophies of Yoga and Vedanta to the West.

  • He preached ‘neo-Vedanta’, an interpretation of Hinduism through a Western lens and believed in combining spirituality with material progress.

  • He is best known for his speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893.

  • After coming back to India, he formed the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.

  • In 1899, he established the Belur Math, which became his permanent abode.

• In February 1909, the public prosecutor was shot dead in Calcutta and in February 1910, a deputy superintendent of police met the same fate while leaving the Calcutta High Court. In 1908, Barrah dacoity was organised by Dacca Anushilan under Pulin Das to raise funds for revolutionary activities.

• Rashbehari Bose and Sachin Sanyal staged a spectacular bomb attack on Viceroy Hardinge while he was making his official entry into the new capital of Delhi in a procession through Chandni Chowk in December 1912. (Hardinge was injured, but not killed.)

• The western Anushilan Samiti found a good leader in Jatindranath Mukherjee or Bagha Jatin and emerged as the Jugantar (or Yugantar). Jatin revitalised links between the central organisation in Calcutta and other places in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

• During the First World War, the Jugantar party arranged to import German arms and ammunition through sympathisers and revolutionaries abroad. Jatin asked Rashbehari Bose to take charge of Upper India, aiming to bring about an all-India insurrection in what has come to be called the ‘German Plot’ or the ‘Zimmerman Plan’. The Jugantar party raised funds through a series of dacoities which came to be known as taxicab dacoities and boat dacoities, so as to work out the Indo-German conspiracy.

• Statement 1 is not correct: The convention is held once every two years.

• Statement 2 is correct: on this day Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa, is celebrated grandly to strengthen the engagement of the Government of India with the overseas Indian community.

• Statement 3 is correct: The main idea behind this event is to reconnect the Non-Resident Indian community with their original roots.