History · 7 Aug 2026

ancient DNA analysis techniques

With reference to constitutional protections available to non-citizen residents of India such as political refugees, consider the following statements:

  1. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) was constituted in 1973 to protect the applicability of Muslim personal law in India.
  2. Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech and expression specifically to citizens and does not by its text extend the same guarantee to every person residing within India's territory.
  3. A long-term refugee resident's continued stay in India and protection from being returned to a country where they face threats is primarily secured through Article 19(1)(a).

How many of the above statements are correct?

AStable isotope analysis reveals the paternal lineage of an individual.
BMitochondrial DNA analysis reveals the maternal lineage of an individual.
CY-chromosome DNA analysis reveals the dietary habits of an individual.
DRadiocarbon dating is used to determine the ancestry of an individual.
About this question

Why in news

A 1,000-year-old skeleton excavated at Rajghat, Varanasi in 1957 is undergoing ancient DNA and stable isotope testing by CDFD Hyderabad and BHU, echoing the 2019 Rakhigarhi genome study.

Why for UPSC

UPSC increasingly tests the specific scientific mechanics behind archaeological/genetic findings rather than just the headline fact, rewarding candidates who understand what each method actually establishes.

Prelims summary

In aDNA studies: mitochondrial DNA traces maternal lineage, Y-chromosome DNA traces paternal lineage, stable isotope analysis reconstructs diet and radiocarbon dating establishes age - four distinct techniques testing four distinct things.

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