Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Article 51 is clear in dealing with the international peace and security and for achieving the same it directs the State to focus on:

Maintaining just and honourable relations with the nations. Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations. Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

Explanation

The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum that includes the following eight member states:

1. Canada

2. Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands)

3. Finland

4. Iceland

5. Norway

6. Russia (Russian Federation)

7. Sweden

8. United States (United States of America) Japan and the United Kingdom are not full member states. They hold observer status in the Council. The Arctic Council was established in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration. Its primary mandate is to promote cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, particularly on matters of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic region. The Council serves as a platform for these eight member states to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic’s changing environment and the increasing interest in its resources. In addition to the core members and Indigenous Permanent Participants, other states, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations can hold observer status, allowing them to engage with the Council’s work and contribute their expertise. This inclusive structure fosters a collaborative approach to addressing the complex issues facing the Arctic region.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Chechnya is a federal subject of Russia, officially designated as the Chechen Republic. Located in the North Caucasus region, Chechnya has a complex history marked by periods of conflict and separatism. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chechnya declared independence, leading to two devastating wars with Russia in the 1990s and early 2000s. Currently, Chechnya remains a part of the Russian Federation, though it enjoys a degree of autonomy.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Darfur is a region located in western Sudan, not in Mali. The Darfur region has been the site of a prolonged and complex conflict, marked by widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which began in 2003, involved various armed groups, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Janjaweed militia, and has resulted in significant human rights abuses. Mali, on the other hand, is a country located in West Africa, distinct geographically and politically from the Darfur region.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The Swat Valley is situated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, not in Iraq. Known for its scenic beauty, the Swat Valley has also experienced periods of instability, particularly in the late 2000s when it was temporarily under the control of the Taliban.

Explanation

Biometrics identification is a form of identification and access control. Biometric identifiers are the distinct, measurable characteristics used to label individuals. Physiological characteristics are distinguished from behavioural traits when classifying biometric identifiers. Fingerprint, palm veins, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry, iris recognition, retina, and odour/scent are examples of physiological biometric identifiers. Visible and near - infrared light used captures and analyzes the unique patterns in the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. It is a highly reliable and accurate biometric method used in security and access control systems. It is used in Aadhaar biometric identification in India. Retinal scanning maps the unique pattern of blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. This method is highly accurate but less commonly used due to its intrusive nature, requiring the user to position their eye close to the scanner. Voice recognition analyzes the unique characteristics of an individual’s voice, such as tone, pitch, and rhythm, for authentication. It is widely used in phone-based security systems and other applications requiring remote verification.

Explanation

India is second largest crude steel producer in the world. The steel industry is highly resource and energy-inten-sive, as well as significantly polluting. For instance, India’s current average emission intensity is 2.55 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of crude steel, while the global average is around 1.95 tonnes. Emissions from the steel sector have decreased by 15% from 2005 to 2022, and the government aims for an additional 10% reduction by 2030. The major environmental impacts of integrated steel mills are from coking and iron-making. Coke production is one of the major pollution sources from steel production. Air emissions such as coke oven gas, naphthalene, ammonium compounds, crude light oil, sulfur and coke dust are released from coke ovens. Steel production has a number of impacts on the environment, including air emissions (CO₂, CO SOx, NOx, PM2.5), wastewater contaminants, hazardous wastes, and solid wastes.

Explanation

Nanoparticles are used in the manufacture of scratch proof eyeglasses, crack-resistant paints, anti-graffiti coatings for walls, transparent sunscreens, stain-repellent fabrics, and self-cleaning windows, and ceramic coatings for solar cells. Additionally, stronger, lighter, cleaner, and more intelligent surfaces and systems can be created with nanoparticles.

Statement 1 is correct: A matter particle with dimension ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers is referred to as nanoparticle. Nanoparticles can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.

Statement 2 is correct: Nanoparticles can also enter the food chain and cross cell membranes.

Statement 3 is correct: Nanoparticles can trigger free radicals and may damage cells in organs like the liver, heart, or blood.

Explanation

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are mixtures of man-made chemicals that are added to a wide variety of products, including for industrial use, to make them less flammable. They are used commonly in plastics, textiles and electrical/electronic equipment. Statements 1 is correct: Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)don’t degrade easily in fact they are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. Statements 2 is correct: Some brominated flame retardants were identified as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment and were suspected of causing neurobehavioral effects and endocrine disruption.

Explanation

In Medieval India, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate and the early Mughal period, the terms Mahattara and pattakila were the village headmen. Pattalika is generally identified with the modern Patel, believed to be the king’s representative in the village. Mahattara was a non-official and possibly a representative of the people. The Mahattara had significant authority within the village and was often tasked with overseeing the community’s activities and ensuring that taxes were collected and local disputes were settled.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Continental drift is the gradual movement of Earth’s continents due to tectonic plate activity. It causes geographical isolation, leading to divergent evolution and speciation. Species adapt to new environments, creating distinct biogeographical patterns like the unique primates in Australia and South America. This process has shaped evolutionary changes over time.

Statement 2 is correct: Periodic advances and retreats of ice sheets, impacting climate and sea levels. It creates environmental pressures, pushing species to adapt. Glacial cycles result in population bottlenecks, migration, or extinction and influences evolutionary paths. The Pleistocene glaciations played a crucial role in shaping the distribution and diversity of many species observed today

Explanation

Soil erosion is the process by which soil is displaced and transported from one location to another by natural forces such as wind or water. It is a natural process that occurs over time, but human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and construction can accelerate the process, leading to significant environmental damage.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Terrace cultivation is a *method to * prevent soil erosion, not a factor associated with it. Terraces are leveled platforms built into hillsides to slow down the flow of water and reduce soil loss. So, this option is incorrect.

Statement 2 is correct: Deforestation is one of the major reasons for soil erosion. It includes cutting and felling of trees, removal of forest litter. Browsing and trampling by livestock, forest fires, also leads to deforestation, etc. Vegetation plays a critical role in anchoring soil, reducing the impact of rainfall, and protecting against wind erosion. When forests are cleared, the soil becomes exposed and vulnerable to erosion.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While a tropical climate can contribute to soil erosion in some cases (heavy rainfall can increase water erosion) but it isn’t a direct cause in itself. Many tropical areas with dense vegetation have relatively low erosion rates. The lack of vegetation (often due to deforestation) in a tropical climate is the real problem.