DART 14-08-26 - Questlink IAS

Polity

Q1. Consider the following description:

It refers to the practice of filling a vacancy reserved for a particular category as an unreserved vacancy. It is generally subject to a prescribed procedure and is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

Which one of the following terms best describes the practice mentioned above?

(a) Carry forward of vacancies

(b) De-reservation

(d) Relaxation of qualifying standards

Ans: (b)

Explanation

NCSC’s decision to review de-reservation proposals for government posts, amid concerns over safeguards and effective implementation of the reservation policy.
Reservation policy provides different mechanisms for ensuring adequate representation, dealing with unfilled vacancies and providing reservations to specific categories.
Carry forward of vacancies refers to retaining unfilled reserved vacancies for filling in subsequent recruitment years, subject to applicable rules. Hence, option (a) is not correct.
De-reservation means filling a vacancy reserved for a particular category as an unreserved vacancy. It is subject to prescribed procedures and exceptional circumstances. Hence, option (b) is correct.
Horizontal reservation operates across vertical categories and does not involve converting a reserved vacancy into an unreserved vacancy. Hence, option (c) is not correct.
Relaxation of qualifying standards concerns eligibility or qualifying requirements and is distinct from changing the category of a reserved vacancy. Hence, option (d) is not correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Art & Cul

Q2. With reference to the Bhakti tradition and Nihang Sikhs, consider the following statements:

The Alvars were associated primarily with devotion to Shiva, while the Nayanars were associated primarily with devotion to Vishnu.
Nihang Sikhs are associated with the Sikh warrior tradition and trace their origins to the Khalsa tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh.

Which of the statements given above are not correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Explanation

The recent discussion around the Nihang Sikhs highlights their distinctive place in Sikh history as a warrior order associated with the Khalsa tradition, martial practices and characteristic blue attire.
The statement reverses the associations of the two major South Indian Bhakti traditions. The Alvars were primarily devotees of Vishnu, whereas the Nayanars were primarily devotees of Shiva. Hence, Statement 1 is not correct.
Nihang Sikhs are associated with the Sikh warrior tradition and their origins are linked to the Khalsa established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Governance

Q3. With reference to Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), consider the following statements:

It is a platform for youth in the age group of 15–29 years.
It is a technology-enabled platform that integrates volunteering, experiential learning, leadership, skilling and career support.
It is implemented exclusively as a financial assistance scheme for start-ups established by young entrepreneurs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Explanation

MY Bharat is a nationwide platform aimed at promoting youth-led development and civic participation by bringing multiple opportunities together in a single ecosystem.
It caters to youth in the age group of 15–29 years. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
The platform provides opportunities related to volunteering, experiential learning, leadership, skilling and career support. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
MY Bharat is not exclusively a financial assistance scheme for start-ups; it has a broader mandate related to youth engagement, participation and development. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Polity

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to police custody under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023:

X stated that under the BNSS, the period of police custody is confined strictly to the first 15 days of remand and cannot be authorised thereafter.

Y stated that under Section 187(2) of the BNSS, police custody may be authorised in parts, subject to an aggregate limit of 15 days, during the prescribed initial 40- or 60-day window, as applicable.

Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below:

(a) X is correct in the interpretation of the law, including the view on non-extension of police custody.

(b) The view of Y that police custody may be authorised in parts is not correct.

(d) The view of only Y is correct.

Ans: (d)

Explanation

Section 187(2), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 provides that police custody may be authorised, in whole or in parts, for a period not exceeding 15 days in aggregate, during the initial 40 days or 60 days, as applicable, of the total permissible detention period.
In The State of Andhra Pradesh vs Suda Suresh Veera Venkata Naga Raju, the Supreme Court clarified that Section 187(2) enlarges the window during which police custody may be sought. Thus, unlike the earlier position under Section 167 of the CrPC, police custody is not necessarily confined only to the initial 15 days of remand, though the total police custody cannot exceed 15 days.
Therefore, X's view is not correct, whereas Y's view correctly reflects the statutory position and the Supreme Court's interpretation.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Science & Tech

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding India's AI ecosystem:

AI Kosh hosts datasets and AI models to support researchers, developers and innovators.
Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence are intended to strengthen domain-specific research, innovation and application development.
Responsible AI projects approved under the IndiaAI Mission address issues such as deepfake detection, privacy-preserving AI and explainability.
The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems has established Technology Innovation Hubs exclusively for semiconductor fabrication research.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(d) All four

Ans: (c)

Explanation

Semiconductor and AI technologies are increasingly becoming strategic drivers of economic growth, technological self-reliance and national competitiveness, prompting India to strengthen its capabilities in both sectors.
As of July 2026, AI Kosh hosted over 14,000 datasets and 331 AI models for researchers and innovators. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
AI Centres of Excellence are intended to strengthen domain-specific research, innovation and application development. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
Responsible AI projects cover challenges including bias mitigation, machine unlearning, deepfake detection, privacy-preserving AI, explainability and AI risk assessment. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
The Technology Innovation Hubs support a broader range of emerging technologies, including AI, robotics, cybersecurity and quantum technologies, and are not exclusively meant for semiconductor fabrication. Hence, Statement 4 is not correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.