Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: The Gharial is critically endangered. Once found across the Indian subcontinent, its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss, reduction in prey species, entanglement in fishing nets, and water pollution. It is now confined to a few river systems, especially in the Chambal River. The Gharial is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Option 2 is correct: The Leatherback turtle is the largest species of sea turtle and is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. The species faces numerous threats, including accidental capture in fishing nets, habitat destruction (especially nesting sites), and illegal hunting. It is found along India’s coasts, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of the Tamil Nadu coast. However many subpopulations (such as in the Pacific and Southwest Atlantic) are Critically Endangered.

Option 3 is correct: The Swamp deer (also called the Barasingha) is endangered. It is found in wetland areas in parts of In-dia, such as Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. Habitat destruction, hunting, and the drainage of wetlands have contributed to its population decline. Note: According to UPSC Answer Key Option C is correct

Explanation

Option 1 is correct: Star Tortoise (Geochelone ele-gans) is naturally found in India. It is a species of tortoise that inhabits the dry forests and scrublands of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Tamil Nadu. It is easily recognizable due to the star-like patterns on its shell. The species is endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trade. There is a huge international demand for these animals as exotic pets which threatens their survival.

Option 2 is correct: Monitor lizards are found in India and are widespread across the country. Several species, including the Indian monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis), can be found in forests, grasslands, and even near human settlements. These lizards are known for their size, strength, and scavenging habits.

Option 3 is correct: Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania) is naturally found in India, specifically in the grasslands of Assam. It is a critically endangered species and is the smallest wild pig in the world. The Pygmy hog’s population has been reduced due to habitat destruction, especially the loss of grasslands in the region.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The Spider monkey is not naturally found in India. It is native to Central and South America, specifically the tropical forests of the Amazon Basin.

Explanation

Mammals are warm-blooded animals with hair and vertebrates, or backbones. Unlike other classes of animals, female mammals produce milk to nourish their young. Almost all mammals give birth to live young (except for the platypus and echidna, which lay eggs). Statements 1 is correct: Dugong belongs to the order Sirenia and is a marine mammal found in warm coastal waters. The Dugong (Dugong dugon) is the sea cow found in Indian waters. They are herbivorous and are known for their gentle nature. They give birth to live young and nurse them with milk, characteristic of mammals. They are found in over 30 countries and in India are seen in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Sea Horse is not a mammal but a fish, part of the genus Hippocampus. Despite its name, the sea horse is a small marine creature, known for its unique horse-like head and upright swimming posture. It is an ectother-mic species (cold-blooded) and lays eggs, unlike mammals which give birth to live young Statements 3 is correct: Sea Lion is a mammal. It belongs to the family Otariidae and is a type of pinniped (a group of fin-foot-ed mammals). Sea lions are marine mammals that live in coastal areas and are known for their external ear flaps and ability to "walk" on land using their front flippers.

Explanation

Bio-fertilizers are living or biologically active products or microbial inoculants of bacteria, algae and fungi (separately or in combination) which are able to enrich the soil with nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter etc.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Agaricus refers to a genus of fungi, commonly known for species like Agaricus bisporus, the common button mushroom. While it is used in culinary and medicinal contexts, it is not used as a biofertilizer. They are not involved in nitrogen fixation or other activities that promote soil fertility, which are characteristic of biofertilizers.

Statement 2 is correct: Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is often used as a biofertilizer because of its ability to enhance soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can utilize. Nostoc is commonly found in rice paddies and is used to improve nitrogen content in the soil, especially in organic farming.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Spirogyra is a genus of green algae that primarily plays a role in freshwater ecosystems. While it is important for oxygen production and can contribute to the aquatic environment, it is not used as a biofertilizer. Unlike Nostoc, Spirogyra does not have significant nitrogen-fixing capabilities.

Explanation

Lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) are endemic to India, found only in the Western Ghats. They inhabit evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforests, typically at elevations up to 1,500 meters, and are often associated with broadleaf trees. This species is of conservation importance due to its primitive traits. Despite having a relatively wide range, their habitat is small and highly fragmented. The Lion-tailed Macaque has a distinctive appearance with a dark coat, silver-white mane, long tail, and pink face. It resides in monsoon forests and disturbed habitats across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, but is absent in Andhra Pradesh.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The objective of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is to provide free legal services to weaker sections of society for securing justice and are not denied to any citizen by reasons of economic or other disabilities.

Statement 2 is correct: In every State, there is a State Legal Service Authority to give effect to the policies and directions of the NALSA and to give free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in the State.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Tamang, Limbu, Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas are important tribal communities of Sikkim.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Karbi is a tribal community from Karbi Anglong of Assam, not Himachal Pradesh. Other important tribes from the state include Bodo, Kachari, Miri, Mishimi, Rabha.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: The Dongaria Kondh is a particularly vulnerable tribal group found in the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha. They are known for their unique cultural practices and traditional agriculture.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: The Bonda tribe is one of the oldest and most primitive tribes in India, residing in the hilly regions of the Malkangiri district in southwestern Odisha, not in Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

The Narmada River is unique among India’s major peninsular rivers due to its westward flow into the Arabian Sea, contrasting with the predominantly eastward flow of other large rivers in the region.

Statement 1 is correct: The Narmada River flows through a linear rift valley which is a geological depression created by the subsidence of the Earth’s crust. It is flanked by the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south. This rift valley naturally channels the river westward, distinguishing it from most other peninsular rivers that flow eastward.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Though the Narmada does flow between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges but it not the cause of its westward flow. The ranges themselves are remnants of older folded mountains.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While most rivers in the Indian peninsula flow eastward towards the Bay of Bengal. This is due to the region’s natural slope to the west from Central India. But the Narmada River’s westward course is dictated by its unique geological setting within a rift valley.

Explanation

National Parks in India are biodiversity hotspots, often intertwined with rivers that sustain their ecosystems.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is traversed by the Ramganga River, not the Ganga. The Ramganga is a significant tributary within the park, supporting its rich biodiversity.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Kaziranga National Park is circumscribed by the Brahmaputra River, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries, and the Mora Diphlu, which forms the southern boundary. The Manas River flows through the Manas National Park.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Silent Valley National Park is located in Kerala. It is drained by the Kunthipuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River. The Kaveri River flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, not Kerala.

Explanation

Annie Besant (1847-1933) made her first visit to India as a member of the Theosophical Society. She had embraced Theosophy after meeting Helena Blavatsky in 1889. Following her arrival, the society relocated its headquarters to Adyar, near Madras (now Chennai). Besant went on to serve as the society’s president from 1907 until her passing in 1933. In Benares, she established the Central Hindu College (CHC) and later founded the newspapers New India and Commonweal to promote her ideas and advocacy.

Statement 1 is correct: Annie Besant was instrumental in initiating the Home Rule Movement in India. In 1916 she established the All India Home Rule League which advocated for self-governance and dominion status for India within the British Empire. This movement sought to promote political awareness and mobilize Indian citizens towards the cause of self-rule.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 in New York by Helena Blavatsky, Henry Olcott, and William Judge. Annie Besant joined in 1889 after meeting Blavatsky and later became its president in 1907 andserving until her death in 1933. However, she was not its founder.

Statement 3 is correct: Annie Besant achieved the distinction of being the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress. She was elected as the President in 1917 reflecting her significant influence and commitment to India’s independence movement.