Ans: B

Exp 

The CAT exercises original jurisdiction in relation to recruitment and all service matters of public servants covered by it. Its jurisdiction extends to the

• All-India services

• • The Central civil Service,

• Civilian employees of defence services

• Civil posts under the Centre and State governments.

However, the members of the defence forces, officers and servants of the Supreme Court, and the secretarial staff of the Parliament are not covered by it.

Ans: D

Exp 

The original Constitution did not contain provisions with respect to tribunals. The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added a new Part XIV-A to the Constitution. This part is entitled ‘Tribunals’ and consists of only two Articles–Article 323 A dealing with administrative tribunals and Article 323 B dealing with tribunals for other matters. The Central Administrative Tribunal is established under the Tribunals Act 1985 following Article 323-A of the constitution. Thus, it is a statutory body.

In the Chandra Kumar case (1997), the Supreme Court declared those provisions of these two articles that excluded the jurisdiction of the high courts and the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. Hence, judicial remedies are now available against the orders of these tribunals.

Ans: C

Exp:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Samudragupta was succeeded by his son Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. He not only extended his father’s empire but also consolidated his position through matrimonial alliances with other royal dynasties of the period. An iron pillar inscription at Mehrauli in Delhi indicates that his empire included even north-western India and Bengal.

Statement 2 is correct: The Allahabad Prasasti, also called the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, glorifies Samudragupta’s rule and military conquests, notably in the southern regions, listing the rulers and tribal republics he subjugated.

Statement 3 is correct: Chandragupta’s son and successor, Samudragupta, significantly expanded the Gupta kingdom. His remarkable military prowess is celebrated by his court poet, Harishena. He wrote a glowing account of the military exploits of Samudragupta, which is inscribed on the Allahabad Pillar.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Chandragupta I seems to have been a ruler of considerable importance because he started the Gupta era in AD 319–20, which marked the date of his accession.

Ans: B

Exp:

Chandragupta II adopted the title Vikramaditya, i.e., the one who is as powerful as the sun, and is traditionally considered a greater Shakari than the Ujjain ruler who started the Vikrama Samvat era in 58–57 BC. He is famous for patronising scholars and poets like Kalidasa and Amarasimha and for his contributions to Indian history and culture. The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Fa Hien visited India during his reign. Chandragupta II’s reign is often referred to as a golden period in Indian history, marked by cultural and intellectual achievements. 

Ans: A

Exp:

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

The Gupta empire was undermined by the rise of feudatories. Over time, the Gupta rulers faced challenges in maintaining centralised control over their vast empire. The feudatories, who were appointed by the Gupta rulers to govern different regions, began to assert more independence and autonomy. Example- The governors appointed by the Gupta kings in north Bengal and their feudatories in Samatata, or south-east Bengal, tended to declare themselves independent. The later Guptas of Magadha established their power in Bihar. Alongside them, the Maukharis rose to power in Bihar and UP and had their capital at Kanauj.