Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Bioasphalt is not derived from fossil fuels but from renewable biomass sources like plant-based oils, algae, and bio-waste. This makes it a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based asphalt.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The claim that bioasphalt is made from non-renewable resources is wrong because its raw materials come from renewable sources such as biomass and organic waste. Unlike conventional asphalt, which relies on finite petroleum reserves, bioasphalt can be continuously replen-ished.

Statement 3 is correct: Bioasphalt can be produced from organic waste materials, such as agricultural residues, used cooking oil, and forestry waste. This reduces waste accumulation and promotes circular economy practices by repurpos-ing waste into construction materials.

Statement 4 is correct: Using bioasphalt lowers greenhouse gas emissions as it reduces dependency on fossil fuels and utilizes carbon-sequestering biomass. It contributes to sustainable road infrastructure, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints in construction.

Explanation

"Unto This Last" & Gandhi Written by John Ruskin (1860), the book deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi. The message that transformed Mahatma Gandhi was "The good of individual is contained in the good of all" Gandhi translated it into Gujarati as "Sarvodaya" (The Welfare of All). Core message: Individual well-being is tied to societal welfare, promoting ethical economics, self-sufficiency, and equitable wealth distribution. Inspired Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement in South Africa and self-reliant village development in India. v v v

Explanation

If the Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha, it indicates a lack of confidence in the government’s financial proposals. Since the government is responsible for presenting and managing the budget, this failure typically results in a crisis of confidence. In such a scenario, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are expected to resign, as the government’s authority is effectively undermined.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: During the time of approaching elections, it is not practical to present a full budget, therefore the government presents an interim budget. Interim Budget can be presented by all governments whether incumbent or regular or caretaker.

Statement 2 is correct: The Appropriation Bill becomes an Act after Presidential assent, authorizing withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund of India. Since its enactment takes time, the government cannot withdraw funds beyond March 31. To address this, the Lok Sabha grants a ‘Vote on Account’, allowing advance funds for essential expenses, usually for two months, covering one-sixth of the total estimated expenditure, until the Appropriation Bill is passed. A vote-on-account contains only the expenditure of the government’s budget while an Interim Budget is a complete set of accounts i.e. it includes both expenditure and receipts.

Explanation

In India, Commercial Banks have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities. As of 2019-20, they accounted for approximately 76.83% of the total agricultural credit disbursed because:

Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms require banks to lend at least 18% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to agriculture. Commercial banks have the widest reach and higher lending Institutions like NABARD help commercial banks in refinancing agricultural loans. Most KCC loans are provided by commercial banks. RBI & Government have encouraged commercial banks to expand rural branches and digitize farm credit. Options (b) is incorrect: Cooperative banks have been pivotal in providing credit to the agricultural sector, particularly in rural areas. These banks cater to small farmers, especially those with lower creditworthiness who may not have access to commercial banks. Despite their importance in the past, cooperative banks’ share in agricultural credit has declined due to several factors:

Weak Financial Health:

Limited Reach Declining Role Options (c) is incorrect: Regional Rural Banks were established in 1975 with the objective of providing credit to rural and semi-rural areas. RRBs were created to support rural farmers and small entrepreneurs who had limited access to mainstream banking. Over time, RRBs have increased their contribution to agricultural credit. Their share increased from 6.86% in 1999-2000 to about 13% in 2015-16. Options (d) is incorrect: Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide small loans to low-income individuals and groups, often in rural areas. While they contribute to rural credit, their share in overall agricultural credit disbursement is smaller compared to commercial banks, cooperative banks, and RRBs.

Explanation

Inclusive growth is economic growth that delivers social benefits, tackles inequalities and spreads benefits more fairly between people and places. In the context of the Indian economy, several initiatives contribute significantly to this objective:

Statement 1 is correct: Self-Help Groups are community-based groups that enable people to come together for mutual support, primarily in rural areas. These groups provide a platform for individuals, especially women, to access financial services like savings, credit, and insurance. SHGs contribute to inclusive growth by empowering women, improving financial literacy, and enhancing social capital.

Statement 2 is correct: MSMEs play a pivotal role in India’s economic landscape by generating employment, fostering innovation, and contributing to exports. They encourage equitable distribution of wealth and act as engines of economic progress. The MSME sector has the highest employment growth rate, positively impacting both exports and industrial growth.

Statement 3 is correct: The RTE Act mandates free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years, ensuring that disadvantaged groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), have access to quality education. By providing educational opportunities to marginalized sections, the act aims to uplift backward communities and promote inclusive development.

Explanation

Microfinance is a financial service designed to assist low-income groups, including self-employed individuals and consumers by providing them with essential financial products. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) provide small loans(credit facilities) to low-income individuals, particularly those who do not have access to traditional banking services. These loans are often used for income-generating activities, such as starting or expanding small businesses. Microfinance institutions offer savings accounts to low-income individuals, allowing them to safely deposit their earnings and build financial security. Savings facilities encourage financial discipline and provide a safety net for emergencies. Microinsurance is a key component of micro-finance, providing low-income individuals with access to affordable insurance products. These products cover risks such as health, life, and crop failure, which are critical for the financial stability of low-income households. Microfinance institutions facilitate fund transfers, enabling low-income individuals to send and receive money securely and efficiently. This service is particularly important for migrant workers and their families.

Explanation

Sir William Wedderburn was President of INC in Bombay, 1889 and Allahabad, 1910 sessions. Together with Dadabhai Naoroji and other supporters of India, Sir William Wedderburn and W. S. Caine established the "Indian Parliamentary Committee" in 1893. The Indian Parliamentary Committee’s mission is to lobby the House of Commons for political reforms in India. In 1895, Wedderburn represented India on the Welby Commission (i.e. Royal Commission) on Indian Expenditure.

Explanation

In severe winter, a lake’s surface freezes while the bottom remains liquid due to the anomalous density behavior of water. Unlike most substances, water reaches its maximum density at 4°C, meaning that as it cools, denser water sinks while colder, lighter water (below 4°C) stays at the surface. When temperatures drop below 0°C, the surface water freezes first, forming an insulating ice layer that prevents further heat loss from the deeper water, keeping it in a liquid state. This phenomenon protects aquatic life, as it prevents the entire lake from freezing solid

Explanation

Salinization refers to the accumulation of soluble salts in the soil resulting from irrigation practices where water evaporates, leaving salts behind. This process adversely affects soil structure and fertility.

Option (a) is incorrect: Salinization reduces crop yields as excess salts in the soil create osmotic stress on plants which hin-ders their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This leads to stunted growth and lower productivity.

Option (b) is correct: Salinization causes soil particles to disperse and clog pores which makes the soil impermeable. This is known as sodic soil degradation. This dispersion leads to the clogging of soil pores, reducing permeability and making the soil less capable of absorbing water. Thus water infiltration decreases and the soil becomes impermeable.

Option (c) is incorrect: Salinization generally occurs due to poor drainage but it does not necessarily raise the water table. On the contrary, a high water table can exacerbate salinization by bringing saline groundwater closer to the root zone through capillary action.

Option (d) is incorrect: Salinization does not directly fill air spaces in the soil with water. It can lead to waterlogging due to reduced soil permeability which indirectly affects soil aeration. Waterlogging displaces air from soil pores which deprives plant roots of oxygen.