Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Chandraketugarh is not located in Odisha. It is actually an archaeological site in West Bengal, near Kolkata. It is known for its historical significance as an ancient trading hub and port town, dating back to the pre-Mauryan and Gupta periods. It is an urban centre of the ancient state of Gangaridai belonging to the trans-Bengal region at the interface of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The antiquity of the area dates back to eras as early as 4th century BCE, a period much prior to the Mauryan era and shows evidence in the continuity of subsequent Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, Pala and Sena dynasties.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Inamgaon is a chalcolithic site in Maharashtra. After the disintegration of the Indus civilization, in a phase known as the Early Jorwe (1400-1000 BC), hundreds of agrarian villages flourished in the Deccan region of west-central India. Environmental degradation, combined with unsustainable agricultural practices, contributed to the abandonment of many communities around 1000 BC. Inamgaon was one of a handful of villages to persist into the Late Jorwe phase (1000-700 BC), wherein reliance on dry-plough agricultural production declined. The site provides evidence of early farming communities, pottery, and burial practices. It is considered a key site for understanding the Deccan Chalcolithic culture.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Mangadu is a Megalithic Site in Kerala. The megalithic monuments at Mangadu consisted of 28 hard compact and unhewn laterite blocks within an area of 5 cents of land. The pottery at Mangadu can be classified into three categories namely the huge urns, the medium sized jars are hand made. The associated potteries are of wheel-made pottery and the fabric is black and red and red wares.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Salihundam is a Buddhist Site in Andhra Pradesh as early as the 2nd century CE to the 12th century CE. Here, Buddhism flourished under the patronage of various dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, and the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The archaeological excavations have revealed numerous stupas, chaityas, viharas and a congregation hall, indicating the importance of this site in the transmission of Buddhist knowledge and wisdom. Rock cut caves are not found in Salihundam.

Explanation

Economic activities are actions undertaken by individuals, businesses, or governments to produce, distribute, exchange, or consume goods and services with the aim of earning income or generating value. These activities form the backbone of an economy and are classified based on their nature and purpose. Economic activities are generally classified into four sectors based on their nature and role in the economy:

Primary activities involve the direct extraction of natural resources and are labor-intensive, relying on environmental conditions. Examples include agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, and oil drilling. Secondary activities focus on processing raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods through industrial production. This sector includes manufacturing industries such as steel production, textile weaving, car manufacturing, and construction. Tertiary activities provide services rather than goods and support both the primary and secondary sectors. Key examples include banking, healthcare, education, retail, transportation, and IT services. Quaternary activities are knowledge-based and involve research, technology, and innovation. These include IT services, scientific research, financial consulting, and higher education. Each of these sectors plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and development.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: The storage of agricultural produce is part of the tertiary sector, as it involves services like warehousing and logistics rather than manufacturing or production.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Dairy farming falls under the primary sector, as it involves the direct use of natural resources (livestock) for milk production.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Mineral exploration is part of the primary sector, as it involves the extraction of natural resources from the earth.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Weaving cloth involves manufacturing and processing, which are activities of the secondary sector.

Explanation

The membrane bioreactor (MBR) has emerged as an efficient compact technology for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. These systems have the advantage of combining a suspended growth biological reactor with solids removal via filtration. Membranes in MBR systems are designed to function efficiently in compact spaces while effectively removing contaminants like nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and total suspended solids (TSS). The filtration process supports higher biomass concentrations, enabling the use of smaller bioreactors. The effluent from MBRs contains low concentrations of bacteria, total suspended solids (TSS), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). This facilitates high-level disinfection. Effluents are readily discharged to surface streams or can be sold for reuse, such as irrigation.

Explanation

Options 1, 2 and 4 are correct:

Italy has a low birth rate and ageing population. The country has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world at around 1.3 children per woman (well below the replacement rate of 2.1). This has led to a rapidly ageing population, with a significant proportion of the population over 65 years old. Japan is often highlighted for its aging population and declining population. The country has one of the oldest populations in the world with over 28% of its population aged 65 or older. Japan’s birth rate is also very low, at around 1.4 children per woman leading to a shrinking population. South Korea is frequently mentioned for its extremely low birth rate, which is the lowest in the world at around 0.7-0.8 children per woman. This has led to concerns about a rapidly ageing population and a declining workforce. Options 3 and 5 are incorrect:

Nigeria has one of the highest fertility rates in the world at around 4.5-5.3 children per woman and a very young population. The median age in Nigeria is approximately 18 years which makes it one of the youngest countries globally. South Africa is not typically associated with low birth rates or an ageing population. Fertility rate remains at around 2.2-2.4 children per woman which is more than the replacement rate. The country also has a relatively young population with a median age of approximately 28 years.

Explanation

Physical capital refers to tangible, man-made assets that businesses purchase or invest in to produce goods or services. It is part of one of the three factors of production, alongside land (natural resources) and labor (human resources). Physical capital includes assets like machines, vehicles, computers, and buildings. It is categorized into two types:

Fixed capital consists of long-term physical investments used repeatedly in production over multiple accounting periods. These assets, such as buildings and machinery, are not consumed during production but have a long-term value that may depreciate over time. Examples include a farmer’s plough, a computer etc. Working capital refers to liquid assets like cash, inventory, or materials that can be quickly converted into currency. It is utilized during the production process to create the final product. Yarn used by a weaver, petrol etc are examples.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: A farmer’s plough is a long-term asset used repeatedly over many years in the production process. It is classified as fixed capital, not working capital.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: A computer is a durable asset used in production over a long period, making it part of fixed capital.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Yarn is a raw material consumed during production, so ishoul be classified as working capital, not fixed capital.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Petrol is consumed in the production process and needs regular replenishment, making it part of working capital. 6 Indian Economy

Explanation

Nitric oxide is a naturally synthesized molecule in the human body that plays a crucial role in vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. It is produced by endothelial cells lining the blood vessels through the action of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on L-arginine. Nitric oxide diffuses into the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. It activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase, which increases the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP causes the relaxation of smooth muscles, leading to the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation). By relaxing the smooth muscles of blood vessels, nitric oxide increases blood flow and helps regulate blood pressure. It also has important functions in immune response and neurotransmission.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 was a joint military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, not Bangladesh.

Statement 2 is correct: The ninth edition of the Joint Military exercise "Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023" was held at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune.

Statement 3 is correct: The primary objective of the exercise was to rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter focusing on joint responses during counter-terrorism operations. Activities included raids, search-and-destroy missions, and heliborne operations. The Scope of the exercise included synergising joint responses during counter-terrorist operations.

Statement 4 is correct: Indian Air Force was part of this as both sides practiced tactical actions such as raid, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, etc. For the first time, Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 included participation from the Indian Air Force (15 personnel) and the Sri Lankan Air Force (5 personnel) making it a bi-service exercise.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Argentina has been experiencing a severe economic crisis characterized by hyperinflation, a depreciating peso, and fiscal instability. Persistent fiscal deficits and chronic inflation are longstanding issues in Argentina. The inflation rate averaged 190% between 1944 and 2023, and the government defaulted on its sovereign debt nine times (of which three occurred during the past two decades).

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This civil war has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: As of February 2025, Turkey remains a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It plays a strategic role in the alliance particularly due to its geographic location bridging Europe and Asia. 10 International Relations and Current Affairs

Explanation

Statement I is correct: The Sumed Pipeline serves as a crucial conduit for transporting oil from the Persian Gulf to Europe especially when transit through the Suez Canal is not feasible. It provides an alternative route, ensuring the continuous flow of energy supplies to European markets.

Statement II is correct: The Sumed Pipeline runs through Egypt, linking the Ain Sukhna terminal on the Red Sea coast to the Sidi Kerir terminal on the Mediterranean coast. This connection facilitates the movement of oil between these two significant bodies of water. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I: The pipeline’s connection between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea is the reason it serves as a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil shipments to Europe.

Explanation

The International Grains Council (IGC) is an inter-governmental organization established in 1949 to promote cooperation and stability in the global grain trade. It operates under the Grains Trade Convention (GTC), 1995, which aims to enhance market transparency and international policy coordination. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the IGC has 30 member countries, including India, the USA, the EU, China, and Russia, working together to monitor grain supply, demand, and trade policies worldwide.

Statement 1 is correct: The IGC is an intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation in the global grain trade. India, along with 29 other countries, is a member of the International Grains Council (IGC).

Statement 2 is incorrect: A country does not need to be a member of the IGC to export or import rice and wheat. Membership in the IGC is not a prerequisite for engaging in international trade of grains. Many countries actively participate in the global grains market without being members of the IGC.