Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Bt Brinjal is the first Genetically Modified food crop in India that has reached the approval stage for commercialization. Bt Brinjal is a genetically modified (GM) crop created by inserting Cry1Ac gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into Brinjal. Brinjal plants now have resistance to lepidopteran pests such the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) and Fruit Borer as a result of the gene’s insertion (Helicoverpa armigera).

Explanation

In reference to the year in which questions has been asked details of the options are given below Statement (a) is correct: VAT is a multi-point tax system be-cause it is levied at each stage of the production and distribution process. However, it is destination-based, meaning the tax is ultimately collected in the state where the goods or services are consumed. Statement (b) is correct: VAT is applied to the value added at each stage of the production and distribution process, which means businesses pay tax on the difference between the cost of inputs and the selling price of their products. Statement (c) is correct: VAT is ultimately a consumption tax, and it is the consumer who bears the final burden of the tax, even though businesses collect it at each stage. Statement (d) is incorrect: VAT is a joint subject of both the Central Government and State Governments in India. The Central Government implements Central VAT (CENVAT), and State Governments levy the State VAT. The system requires coordination between both levels of government.

Explanation

The Permanent Land Revenue Settlement of Bengal was extended to the provinces of Bihar and Orissa by Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The land where the zamindars had previously been responsible for collecting revenue was given to them as ownership. The demand for land revenue was predetermined and out of controlled revenue, 10/11th part was given to the company.

Option (d) is correct: The reforms increased the litigation after the introduction of the land settlement system and the main reason for this was the relief at the front of Court Fee and now everybody could drag anybody to the courts.

Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji in "Poverty and UnBritish Rule in India" (1901), propounded the Drain of Wealth Theory. It refers to the constant one way flow of wealth from India to England for which India got no return. Home Charges played a significant role in the Drain of Wealth from India.

Statement 1 is correct: Funds used to support the India Office in London.

Statement 2 is correct: Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India.

Statement 3 is incorrect: There are no clear references to using these funds for waging wars outside India by the British. Note: Here official answer given by UPSC is Option (b), However confusion with Statement 3 is understandable.

Explanation

The Indian wild ass also known as the Ghudkhur, is native to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. This region is characterized by sandy and saline desert conditions, which are the natural habitat of the Indian wild ass. The species has no natural predators in this area, but its survival is threatened due to habitat destruction, human encroachment, and competition for resources. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Explanation

Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the "Orchid Paradise of India,". It boasts over 600 orchid species, accounting for approximately 40% of the country’s orchid diversity. The state’s sub-alpine and sub-tropical climates provide ideal conditions for orchid cultivation which makes it highly suitable for developing an export-oriented industry with minimal production costs.

Explanation

Brahmaputra makes a "U" turn in its course to flow into India due to the Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas. The Himalayan mountains’ gently arching ranges on their western and eastern extremities are abruptly bent southward in deep knee bends known as syntaxial bends. The massive mountains seem to bend around a pivotal point on both the ends. The westernmost point is located where the Hindu Kush joins the Karakoram south of the Pamir. Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern border features a similarly abrupt, almost hairpin curve when the mountain’s strike abruptly shifts from an easterly to a southerly tendency.

Explanation

The above characteristics clearly define Gujarat.

The northern region of Gujarat comprises the Kutch and Banaskantha districts, which are characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions due to low annual rainfall (less than 500 mm). The Thar Desert extends into parts of Gujarat, contributing to the dry climate. Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton in India (~30% of national production). The central districts, such as Ahmedabad, Surendranagar, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar, have ideal black soil (Regur soil) that supports cotton cultivation. Gujarat is highly commercialized in agriculture, focusing on cotton, groundnut, tobacco, and castor rather than food crops. The Saurashtra and Kutch regions specialize in cash crops due to their soil type and climatic conditions.

Explanation

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 added a new part IX to the Constitution of India. This part is entitled "The Panchayats" and contains articles 243 to 243 O.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act provides for a District Planning Committee to consolidate the plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities (Article 243ZD) not 73rd Amendment.

Statement 2 is correct: According to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, the conduct of Panchayati Raj elections is vested in the state election commission(under Article 243-k) consisting of a state election commissioner appointed by the Governor of the state.

Statement 3 is correct: Under article 243-I. 73rd Amendment Act also mandates for the establishment of State Finance Commissions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Article 243 ZE of Part IX A provides for establishment of the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC). Formation of Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs)is mandated in all metropolitan areas where population is above 10 Lakh. The elected officials of the municipalities and the heads of the panchayats in the metropolitan area elects 2/3rd of the MPC members from among themselves. 1/3rd are nominated. Elected members are proportionate to the rural: urban population ratio.

Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 243-ZE, MPC prepares the draft development plans for the metropolitan area.

Statement 3 is incorrect: MPC helps in draft planning and not in implementing the Govt sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.