Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Buddhist philosophy emphasizes the Four Noble Truths, which teach that suffering (dukkha) arises from craving (tanha) and that the cessation of suffering is possible through the Eightfold Path. In Buddhism, Nirvana is the ultimate goal of the spiritual path, and it refers to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the end of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It is achieved by extinguishing the "flame of desire". It is often described as the extinction of three fires- greed(raga), aversion(dwesha) and ignorance(moksha). When these flames are extinguished, the cycle of rebirth is skipped. Achieving Nirvana is the goal of the Buddhist path, attained through ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.

Explanation

According to Article 37 of the Indian Constitution, though Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are not enforceable by any court, but the principles therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. DPSP constitutes a comprehensive socio-economic and political programme for a modern democratic State. DPSP are ‘positive in nature’, which embodies the concept of a ‘welfare state’ and not that of a ‘police state’. DPSP are the constitutional instructions or recommendations to the State in legislative, executive and administrative matters.

Explanation

In Jainism, penance (tapas) is a key practice to purify the soul and annihilate karma. Through austerities, self-discipline, and spiritual practices, Jains believe one can reduce and eventually destroy karmic influences. Jainism teaches that all living beings, as well as non-living objects, possess a form of soul (jiva). This worldview leads to Jains’ strong commitment to ahimsa (non-violence), as every soul, whether human, animal, plant or even minute organisms, is considered sacred. Karma is considered the bane of the soul and must be ended to achieve liberation. Karma is viewed as a powerful force that binds the soul (jiva) to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation (moksha) by ending the influence of karma through right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Regions where warm and cold ocean currents meet are highly productive fishing grounds due to:

Plankton Growth: Cold currents bring nutrient-rich deep water, while warm currents stabilize conditions, fostering plankton blooms, the base of the marine food chain. Fish Abundance: These regions attract fish feeding on plankton, creating rich fishing zones like Newfoundland (Labrador Current meets Gulf Stream), North Sea (Gulf Stream meets Arctic currents), and seas near Japan (Kuroshio meets Oyashio).

Explanation

Water Pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities. Heavy metal water pollution is the contamination of water with toxic heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium etc. Heavy metals can enter the water through natural processes and human activities. Options 1, 3 and 5 are correct: Arsenic, Fluoride, Iron, Uranium, Nitrate, are some major groundwater pollutants in India.

Option 2 is incorrect: Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in fruits and plants with diuretic, laxative and cathartic properties. It is not related with drinking water pollution.

Option 4 is incorrect: Formaldehyde is used to preserve fish longer. The use of this chemical is banned in fresh foods by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of WHO classifies formaldehyde as "carcinogenic to humans". Formaldehyde is not established as a drinking water pollutant.

Explanation

E-waste is any electrical or electronic equipment that’s been discarded. Recently, India’s first e-waste clinic was inaugurated in Bhopal. E-waste Sources Constituents PCBs, glass panels, and Computer monitors Lead Resistors & Semiconductors Cadmium Relays and switches, &PCBs Mercury Galvanised steel plates & decorator or hardener Chromium Cabling, Computer & housing Plastics & PVC Electronic equipments & circuit boards Brominated flame-retardants Front panels of CRTs Barium, Phosphorus & Heavy metals Copper wires, PCB tracks Copper Nickel Cadmium batteries Nickel Lithium-ion battery Lithium Motherboards Beryllium Options 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are correct: All elements in these options are the harmful constituents that are released into the environment due to improper disposal of e-waste.

Option 4 is incorrect: Heptachlor is a pesticide classified under Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) per the Stockholm Convention. It is unrelated to e-waste.

Option 7 is incorrect: Plutonium, while used in some industrial and military applications, is a radioactive material and is not classified as part of e-waste.

Explanation

Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6 when pH falls below this; it is called Acid rain (pH 4.2 to 4.4). Acid rain results when Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) & Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) react with water, oxygen & other chemicals to form Sulfuric & Nitric acids. NOx + SO₂ + Moisture + other chemicals Acid Rain (HNO₃ + H₂ SO₄) Acid rain harms microorganisms in the soil; inhibits the activity of nitrogen fixation bacteria; soil acidification; ocean acidification; affects the growth of plants; food chain; kills aquatic animals; corrosion of metals and weathering of stone buildings & statues.

Explanation

Photochemical smog, often referred to as "Los Angeles smog," is most commonly found in urban areas with high numbers of automobiles. It does not require smoke or fog to form. This type of smog is formed from the nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon (peroxyacetyl nitrate, a hazardous pollutant) vapors released by vehicles and other sources, which then undergo photochemical reactions in the lower atmosphere in the presence of sunlight.

Explanation

Aflatoxins are produced by certain species of fungi (moulds), specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which often grow on stored grains and oilseeds under conditions of high humidity and temperature. Exposure to aflatoxins can lead to serious health issues, including liver cancer, especially in children. Beyond health risks, aflatoxins cause significant economic losses, with an estimated 25% of global food crops affected annually.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: An amendment of the Constitution can be initiated by the introduction of a bill in either house of the Parliament. (not only in Lok Sabha).

Statement 2 is incorrect: If the bill seeks to amend the Federal provisions of the Constitution, then it must also be ratified by the legislatures of half of the states by a simple majority and not all the states.