UPSC MCQs Set-2: Dharma in Action — 10 Tough UPSC-Level Questions with Smart Explanations

MCQ 1: (Bharat & Culture – Ancient Dharma)

In the context of Indian philosophy, the term ‘Rta’ primarily refers to:
A) Ritualistic sacrifice for cosmic balance
B) Caste-based duty in Vedic society
C) Cosmic order and moral law governing the universe
D) Political power sanctioned by divine authority

Answer: C) Cosmic order and moral law governing the universe

Why C is correct:
‘Rta’ is a foundational concept in Sanatan Dharma, especially Vedic philosophy, meaning the natural, moral and cosmic order. Everything from seasons to dharma is aligned with Rta.

Why not others:

• A) Ritual is part of Vedic life but not the meaning of Rta

• B) Varna-based duties (Svadharma) is different from universal Rta

• D) Divine sanction of rule = Rajadharma, not Rta

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MCQ 2: (Bharat & Culture – Women in Dharma)

Which of the following statements about women in Vedic Bharat is/are correct?

1. Women composed hymns in the Rigveda

2. Women underwent the Upanayana ceremony

3. Women participated in Shastrartha (philosophical debates)

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D) 1, 2 and 3

Why D is correct:

• Lopamudra, Gargi, Maitreyi — all composed hymns or debated.

• Upanayana for girls existed (esp. among Brahmanas) in early Vedic phase.

• Participation in Shastrartha is a known tradition – Gargi debated in Janaka’s court.

Why not others:

• A/B/C each drop one true fact. All three statements are historically and scripturally valid.

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MCQ 3: (Polity – Indian Constitution)

The concept of ‘Directive Principles of State Policy’ in the Indian Constitution is borrowed from which country?
A) USA
B) UK
C) Ireland
D) Germany

Answer: C) Ireland

Why C is correct:
The concept of non-justiciable guiding principles to the state was borrowed from the Irish Constitution (1937).

Why not others:

• A) USA: Fundamental Rights

• B) UK: Parliamentary system

• D) Germany: Emergency powers, suspension of rights

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MCQ 4: (Modern History – Reform Movements)

Which reformer promoted women’s education and widow remarriage, and founded the ‘Brahmo Samaj’?
A) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
B) Shri Raja Ram Mohan Roy ji
C) Swami Dayanand Saraswati
D) Gopal Hari Deshmukh

Answer: B) Shri Raja Ram Mohan Roy ji

Why B is correct:
He was a pioneer in abolishing Sati, promoting widow remarriage, and establishing Brahmo Samaj.

Why not others:

• A) Vidyasagar promoted widow remarriage but not Brahmo Samaj

• C) Dayanand founded Arya Samaj

• D) Deshmukh was a social reformer but came later

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MCQ 5: (Economy – Planning)

Which Five-Year Plan was called the ‘Gadgil Yojana’?
A) First
B) Second
C) Fourth
D) Third

Answer: D) Third

Why D is correct:
Gadgil Formula came during the Third Five-Year Plan (1961–66) for resource allocation to states.

Why not others:

• A) First Plan was agriculture focused (Harrod–Domar model)

• B) Second Plan was Nehru-Mahalanobis model

• C) Fourth came post-Indo-China war, different priorities

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MCQ 6: (Governance – Ethics)

Which of the following is NOT a value promoted under ‘Public Service Ethics’?
A) Integrity
B) Accountability
C) Secrecy of Decision-Making
D) Transparency

Answer: C) Secrecy of Decision-Making

Why C is correct (as 'NOT'):
Secrecy is discouraged unless in national interest. Public ethics encourages openness and transparency.

Why not others:

• A/B/D are core values in UPSC Ethics syllabus

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MCQ 7: (Environment – Schemes)

The ‘Amrit Dharohar’ scheme launched under Budget 2023–24 aims to:
A) Protect tribal forest dwellers
B) Promote river-based tourism
C) Enhance biodiversity in Ramsar Wetlands
D) Increase groundwater recharge in dry regions

Answer: C) Enhance biodiversity in Ramsar Wetlands

Why C is correct:
It is targeted at improving Ramsar sites’ biodiversity and eco-tourism, aligning with the SDG agenda.

Why not others:

• A) Related to Forest Rights Act

• B) May overlap but not primary focus

• D) Is covered under schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojana

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MCQ 8: (Science-Tech – AI & UPSC)

Which Indian initiative focuses on building a large-scale AI ecosystem?
A) AI@India Mission
B) National AI Mission (N-AIM)
C) Bharat Intelligence Grid
D) DeepTech Bharat Scheme

Answer: B) National AI Mission (N-AIM)

Why B is correct:
Launched by NITI Aayog, now expanded under IndiaAI initiative (2023).

Why not others:

• A/D are fictitious or not official schemes

• C is about data grid, not AI specifically

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MCQ 9: (IR – Indian Diplomacy)

Which grouping focuses on energy security, technology, and maritime cooperation involving India, Israel, UAE, and USA?
A) BRICS
B) SCO
C) I2U2
D) QUAD

Answer: C) I2U2

Why C is correct:
I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA) is a West Asian QUAD-like platform, focusing on innovation, food, energy security.

Why not others:

• A/B are other platforms with different focus

• D) QUAD is Indo-Pacific, not West Asia

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MCQ 10: (Society – Tribal Culture)

Which tribal group is known for their matrilineal system in Bharat?
A) Khasi
B) Santhal
C) Bhil
D) Gond

Answer: A) Khasi

Why A is correct:
Khasi tribe of Meghalaya follows a unique matrilineal system — lineage, property, and name go from mother to daughter.

Why not others:

• B/C/D are mostly patriarchal in social structure.