Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

About 71% of the earth’s surface is covered with water. Out of the total water present on the planet earth, the majority is in the form of seas and oceans (more than 97%) and is termed as saline water. While the remaining water is termed as freshwater.

Option (c) is correct: The decreasing order of proportion of freshwater in different forms: Snow caps, icebergs and glaciers groundwater soil moistures freshwater lakes atmosphere rivers. Groundwater makes the largest portion of freshwater after freshwater that exists as ice caps and glaciers.

Explanation

Recombinant DNA technology entails changing genetic material outside of an organism to produce living organisms or their products with improved and desired traits. Using the appropriate vectors, this approach entails inserting DNA fragments from a number of sources that have the desired gene sequence. Manipulation in an organism’s genome is carried out either through the introduction of one or several new genes and regulatory elements or by decreasing or blocking the expression of endogenous genes through recombining genes and elements. Recombinant DNA technology, also known as genetic engineering, enables the transfer of genes across different species, including:

Across different species of plants: Genes can be transferred between various plant species to introduce desirable traits. From animals to plants: Animal genes can be introduced into plants to confer new characteristics. From microorganisms to higher organisms: Microbial genes can be inserted into higher organisms, such as plants or animals, to impart beneficial properties.

Explanation

The Ajanta Caves located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra dates back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. The Caves were patronized by the Satavahanas during the early phase (2nd century BCE) and later by the Vakatakas, especially under King Harisena (5th-6th century CE). They are globally renowned for their exquisite mural paintings which depict Jataka tales, scenes from Buddha’s life and courtly settings. These paintings were created using the tempera technique (dry plaster method) showcasing remarkable artistry and intricate detailing. Some of the most famous artworks include Bodhisattva Padmapani, Bodhisattva Vajrapani and the Dying Princess. The Lepakshi Temple is located in Andhra Pradesh. It was built in the 16th century under the Vijayanagara Empire by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna. The Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi is particularly renowned for its mural paintings which adorn its ceilings and walls. These paintings depict Hindu deities, royal processions and mythological themes which showcases the distinct Vijayanagara style characterized by bright colors and intricate details.

Explanation

Tribhanga, literally meaning three parts break, where the body bends in one direction at the knees, the other direction at the hips and then the other again at the shoulders and neck. This pose goes back at least 2000 years. Tribhanga based sculptures can be seen in the temples of Khajuraho where it represents the harmony of the human form and spiritual ideals.

Option (a) is correct: The Tri-bent pose, also known as Tribhanga, is a standing position where the body is bent in three parts, creating three curves at the neck, waist, and knee. This results in a gentle "S" shape, with the body oppositely curved at the waist and neck. The Tribhanga pose is a hallmark of Odissi, one of the eight classical dance forms of India. Odissi dancers use this pose to convey various emotions and stories which is often inspired by the sculptures of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Explanation

Parliamentary System entails that the Executive is responsible to the legislature for its policies and legislations. The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, both at the Centre and in the States. The Parliamentary Government is also known as Cabinet Government/Responsible Government/Westminster Model. Some of its features are included in the details of statements analysis are as follows:

Statement 1 is correct: In the Parliamentary System of Government members of the Cabinet are members of the Parliament.

Statement 2 is correct: The ministers in the Parliament hold the office till they enjoy the confidence of the Parliament.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Head of the state is President and he/she does not head the cabinet, he is considered to be the nominal executive. The head of Govt(PM) heads the cabinet.

Explanation

Tebhaga Peasant Movement (1946) in Bengal aimed to reduce landlords’ share of the harvest from one-half to one-third. The movement, led by the Bengal Provincial Kisan Sabha, called for the implementation of the Floud Commission recommendations, demanding two-thirds of the produce for sharecroppers (bargadars) instead of the previous one-half. The main slogan, "nij khamare dhan tolo," urged sharecroppers to keep their paddy in their own homes, not at the landlord’s. The movement was strongest in North Bengal, particularly among the Rajbanshis and Muslims.

Explanation

Tropical rainforests, also called equatorial forests, are found near the equator between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. These forests thrive in areas with high temperatures and consistent rainfall, which support the rich and diverse vegetation.

Statement 1 is correct: This is a defining characteristic of tropical rainforests, also called equatorial forests. The trees are generally tall (often reaching 30-45 meters), and their crowns form a continuous canopy, which allows very little sunlight to reach the forest floor. The canopy helps in conserving moisture and maintaining the unique ecosystem.

Statement 2 is correct: Tropical rainforests are known for their high biodiversity, with a large number of species coexisting in close proximity. The climatic conditions (constant warmth and moisture) lead to intense ecological dynamics that promote coevolution, making these forests the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems on Earth.

Statement 3 is correct: Epiphytes, such as mosses, ferns, and orchids, are common in equatorial forests. These plants grow on other plants (usually trees) to reach sunlight, without drawing nutrients from the soil. Epiphytes are abundant in the tropics due to the high humidity and constant sunlight.

Explanation

The annual range of temperature refers to the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures over the course of a year. This range is typically higher in the interior of continents compared to coastal areas due to specific climatic factors.

Statement 1 is correct: Land heats and cools more rapidly than water due to its lower specific heat capacity. This leads to greater temperature extremes in continental interiors. In contrast, coastal areas experience moderate temperatures year-round be-cause water’s higher specific heat allows it to absorb and release heat more slowly, stabilizing the climate.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Altitude affects local temperature (higher altitudes are cooler), but it does not significantly influence the annual temperature range between coastal and interior regions. The question is about horizontal (coastal vs. interior) differences, not vertical (altitude) differences.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While winds affect the local temperature, strong winds do not have a direct relationship with the annual temperature range. Wind patterns influence the distribution of temperature but do not necessarily cause a high annual range in the interior of continents.

Statement 4 is incorrect: In fact, coastal areas usually receive more rainfall due to their proximity to large water bodies. Heavy rains tend to moderate temperatures by increasing humidity, which reduces temperature variations. Thus, this is not a factor in increasing the annual temperature range.

Explanation

"Economic Justice" is a key objective of the Indian Constitution, reflected both in the Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

Option(b) is correct:

The Preamble highlights economic justice as part of broader social, economic, and political justice, emphasizing non-discrimination based on economic factors. The DPSP, inspired by socialist principles, aims to reduce inequalities and promote social and economic welfare. The 44th Amendment (1978) amended Article 38 by adding Article 38(2) to the DPSP, mandating the state to minimize income and status disparities and ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources.

Explanation

The description of extreme climate, scanty rain-fall, and nomadic herding best fits the Central Asian Steppe Climate or Temperate Continental Climate or Temperate Grassland Climate:

Temperature: The continental climate of the Steppe regions is characterized by extreme temperature variations between summer and winter. Precipitation: The average rainfall is about 45 cm, but varies as per location from 25 cm to 75 cm. The heaviest rain in June and July (late spring and early summer). Lifestyle: Historically, the Central Asian Steppe was home to nomadic herders like the Kirghiz and Kazakhs, who relied on migratory animal grazing. However, nomadic lifestyles have largely declined due to modernization.