UGC NET/JRF EXAM, INTERNATIONAL & AREA STUDIES, December-2023 (PAPER-II)

Total Questions: 100

91. Read the following passage and answer the following questions.

The 'Arthashastra' is one of the world's oldest treatises on the economic administration of a state. The aim of the three main types of economic activities - agriculture, cattle rearing and trade, was to generate resources in the form of grains, cattle, gold, forest produce and labours.

Using these, the king obtained a treasury and an army which were then used to bring under his control both own people and the people of the enemy. Wealth alone enabled the creation of more wealth.

A king with a depleated treasury ate into the very vitality of the country. The wealth of the state was the totality of the surplus stored in the king's treasury, the commodity warehouse, the granary, the store for forest produce and the ordnance depots.

Of these, the treasury was the most important; the king was advised to devote his best attention to it, because all the activities of the state depended on it.

 Which one of the following is the world's oldest treaties on the economic administration of the state?

Correct Answer: B. Arthashastra by Kautilya
Solution:Arthashastra by Kautilya is considered one of the world’s oldest treatises on the economic administration of a state. It provides comprehensive details on various economic activities such as agriculture, cattle rearing, and trade.

The other options, such as “The moral and political thought of Mahatma Gandhi” by Raghvan Iyer, “War and political Theory” by Brian Orend, and “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, do not focus on economic administration of a state.

Arthashastra specifically emphasizes the importance of a well-managed treasury and other resources, underscoring its relevance in economic administration.

92. Which one of the following is not an economic activity?

Correct Answer: D. Waging war
Solution:Waging war is not considered an economic activity in the context of the Arthashastra. The text outlines agriculture, cattle rearing, and trade as the main economic activities aimed at generating resources such as grains, cattle, gold, forest produce, and labor.

These resources are crucial for maintaining a treasury and army. While war may utilize these resources, it is not categorized as an economic activity that generates resources. Therefore, options A, B, and C correctly represent economic activities.

93. Economic activity was used to generate resources. Which of the following was not part of the resources mentioned in the Kautilyan Economy?

Correct Answer: C. Rivers
Solution:Rivers are not mentioned as part of the resources generated by economic activities in the Arthashastra. The text focuses on grains, cattle, gold, forest produce, and labor as the primary resources generated through economic activities.

These resources are crucial for building a strong treasury and maintaining the state’s wealth.

While rivers may be important for agriculture and other activities, they are not explicitly listed as a resource in this context. Thus, options A, B, and D represent resources, and C is not.

94. Which one of the following was not the wealth of the state?

Correct Answer: D. Villager's produce
Solution:Villager’s produce is not listed as part of the state’s wealth in the Arthashastra. The wealth of the state is defined by the totality of the surplus stored in the king’s treasury, the commodity warehouse, the granary, the store for forest produce, and the ordnance depots.

These elements are critical for the state’s economic stability and administration. Villager’s produce, while important, is not included in the state’s wealth as defined by the Arthashastra. Therefore, options A, B, and C correctly represent the state’s wealth.

95. Wealth alone enabled creation of:

Correct Answer: B. More wealth
Solution:Wealth alone enabled the creation of more wealth, according to the Arthashastra. The text emphasizes that a king with a depleted treasury would undermine the country’s vitality, indicating the importance of maintaining and growing the state’s wealth.

This principle underscores the idea that a robust treasury can generate additional resources, which, in turn, strengthen the state’s economic foundation. Options A, C, and D do not align with this principle as stated in the Arthashastra, making B the correct choice.

96. Read the following passage and answer the following questions.

Transitioning to 'Clouds' offers immense benefits, especially, in terms of cost, flexibility, scalability and agility. Cloud technology is a great opportunity for users, service and technology provider organisations.

However, there are major challenges - non tarrif barriers in the form of restrictions on the global data flows, jurisdictional issues because of location of servers in the cloud, stringent investigations/Surveillance regulations in countries that give legal rights to Law Enforcement Agencies

for accessing data, concerns over security and privacy of sensitive business and personal information hosted in the cloud and sharing of ownership and accountability between the user and provider organisations.

Full potential of the cloud can only be realised if these challenges are addressed through appropriate policy measures, standard contracts, legislation and diplomacy.

Which of the following is not a benefit of transitioning to 'Cloud'?

Correct Answer: D. Technical disability
Solution:Technical disability is not considered a benefit of transitioning to the cloud. The passage outlines cost, flexibility, scalability, and agility as the main benefits of cloud technology.

These attributes allow users and organizations to manage resources efficiently and adapt to changing needs.

Technical disability, on the other hand, is a hindrance rather than a benefit. Options A, B, and C correctly represent the benefits mentioned in the passage, making D incorrect.

97. Cloud technology is not a great opportunity for:

Correct Answer: B. Passive population
Solution:Passive population does not benefit from cloud technology as outlined in the passage. The passage emphasizes the advantages for users, service providers, and technology provider organizations.

These groups can leverage cloud technology for various operational benefits such as cost savings, flexibility, and scalability.

The passive population, which does not actively engage with or utilize cloud services, does not experience these benefits. Thus, options A, C, and D correctly represent the groups that benefit from cloud technology.

98. Which one of the following is not a major challenge to cloud technology ?

Correct Answer: D. Power play between the weak powers
Solution:Power play between the weak powers is not listed as a major challenge to cloud technology in the passage. The passage highlights non-tariff barriers, jurisdictional issues, stringent investigation regulations, and concerns over security and privacy as the primary challenges.

These challenges affect the implementation and utilization of cloud technology on a global scale. Power play between weak powers does not directly relate to the issues described. Therefore, options A, B, and C correctly identify the challenges.

99. Countries that gave legal rights to Law Enforcement Agencies could :

Correct Answer: B. Misuse personal information
Solution:Countries that gave legal rights to Law Enforcement Agencies could misuse personal information. The passage highlights concerns over security and privacy of sensitive business and personal information stored in the cloud.

When law enforcement agencies have legal rights to access data, there is a potential risk of misuse of this information. This misuse can lead to breaches of privacy and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

While accessing data (option A) is part of the legal rights, the primary concern raised in the passage is the risk of misuse. Options C and D discuss other aspects but do not directly address the risk of misuse.

Therefore, option B correctly identifies the main concern regarding legal rights given to law enforcement agencies.

100. Full potential of Cloud Technology can only be realised if:

Correct Answer: C. Policy measures are violated