Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Being a confluence of different biogeographical zones Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. The Himalayas act as a natural transition zone between several major bio-geographical regions, leading to high species diversity and endemism. There are ten biogeographic zones in India:

1. Trans-Himalayan zone. 2. Himalayan zone

3. Desert zone. 4. Semi Arid zone.

5. Western ghat zone. 6. Deccan plateau zone.

7. Gangetic plain zone. 8. North east zone.

9. Coastal zone 10. Islands

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The African and Eurasian desert belt (Sahara, Arabian, Thar, Gobi) lies in the sub-tropical high-pres-sure zone (20°-30° latitudes). In this region, descending dry air from the Hadley Cell suppresses cloud formation and rainfall, creating arid conditions. This becomes the main reason for the formation of these deserts.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Warm ocean currents increase evaporation followed by humidity, leading to higher rainfall in coastal areas rather than desert formation. Deserts are mainly found near cold ocean currents (e.g., the Atacama Desert near the Peru Current, the Namib Desert near the Benguela Current), which cool the air and reduce its moisture-holding capacity, causing dry conditions. Moreover, many deserts in this belt are landlocked, far from direct oceanic influence.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The lower stratosphere is mostly free from clouds and water vapor, as most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere below. This impacts the clear air conditions, making it ideal for jet aircraft to fly smoothly.

Statement 2 is correct: The stratosphere is a stable layer with no vertical air movements like convection currents. In contrast, the troposphere experiences turbulence due to rising and falling air masses. The absence of vertical winds in the lower stratosphere ensures a steady flight for jet aircraft.

Explanation

Mangroves function as a safety hedge due to their extensive root systems. These roots act as a natural barrier, protecting coastlines from erosion and the impact of strong waves during storms, cyclones, and tsunamis. The dense network of roots helps to dissipate the energy of waves, reducing their im-pact on the shoreline.

Explanation

Any substance that can inhibit the formation of unstable molecules known as free radicals, which harm DNA, cell membranes, and other components of cells, is referred to as an "antioxidant." Free radicals grab electrons from other molecules in order to complete their electron complement, which causes those molecules to suffer damage. Regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended because they are rich sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining health and promoting longevity by neutralizing free radicals produced during metabolism. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, contributing to ageing and various diseases. By donating electrons, antioxidants stabilize free radicals, thereby preventing cellular damage and supporting overall health.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) was a protest against the British government’s tax demands on Gujarat farmers whose crops had failed due to drought. Despite the revenue code allowing remission, the government insisted on full payment, threatening to seize property. Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and others, Gandhi encouraged farmers to resist paying taxes peacefully. The government eventually agreed to return confiscated property and suspend tax collection for the year.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Permanent Settlement was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 and it was confined in the areas of Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Varanasi (United Provinces), Northern Karnataka. It was never introduced in Gujarat.

Explanation

Statement (a) is correct: Yukti Kalpataru, written by the Indian scholar Bhoja in the 11th century CE, is a work of great significance that discusses a wide range of topics, including shipbuilding. This text does provide evidence of the advanced shipbuilding techniques of the time, offering insight into how ships were constructed and used for trade and warfare. Indian maritime history of Shipbuilding dates back to the Harappan civilization. India had a well-developed maritime tradition, but other civilizations, like China, also had advanced shipbuilding. Statement (b) is correct: The South Indian rulers always patronized traders and monks due to their knowledge and wisdom. Heavy grants and lands were issued for their knowledge about the outside world. The Cholas, Pallavas, and Srivijaya kingdom had strong maritime links due to royal patronage of trade and cultural exchanges. Statement (c) is correct: Indians have been familiar with the monsoon winds since the Gupta era. Although the Bay of Bengal’s monsoon winds made sea travel easier, this was not the only factor in India’s early commerce and cultural connections with Southeast Asia. Note: Although all the statements seems correct but UPSC has given option (c) as the most convincing correct answer.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Though the Constitution of India does not define the term ‘minorities’. Article 30 of the Constitution mandates that all minorities have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

Statement 2 is incorrect: As per the constitution, there is no provision of communal representation in Lok Sabha.

Statement 3 is correct: The objective of the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme is to enhance opportunities for education and ensure an equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment, through existing and new schemes, enhanced credit support for self-employment, and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs in those districts which have substantial minority populations.

Explanation

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, enshrines several fundamental human rights. Let’s analyze each of the given rights:

Right to Education: Article 26 of UDHR explicitly recognizes the right to education. It states that education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages, and that higher education shall be equally accessible to all based on merit. Right to Equal Access to Public Service: Article 21(2) of UDHR guarantees that everyone has the right to equal access to public service in their country. This ensures that no one is discriminated against in accessing government-provided services. Right to Food: Article 25(1) of UDHR recognizes the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care. This establishes food as a fundamental human right necessary for survival and well-being.

Explanation

Micro-irrigation is the slow distribution of water to the soil using surface drip and micro-sprinkler systems in the form of discrete or continuous drips, tiny streams, or miniature spray. Benefits of micro irrigation systems: Helps in water-saving and checking further depletion, Increased irrigation efficiency, Higher yields, Less water loss, Energy efficient, Lower consumption of fertilizers, Weed and disease reduction, Cost savings, Precision farming.

Statement 1 is correct: An efficient drip irrigation system reduces the consumption of fertiliser through fertigation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Dryland farming is defined as the production of crops without irrigation in regions that receive rainfall of less than 500mm annually. Crop selection, Microcatchments and Runoff farming are some other methods of irrigation in dry-land farming.

Statement 3 is correct: Micro-irrigation helps in water-saving and checking further groundwater depletion.