Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The region with the fastest growth rate of urbanization in the last three decades, according to the UN-Habitat’s Global Report on Human Settlements 2009, is Asia.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: A meltdown, typically triggered by a black swan event, leads to a rapid loss of financial asset value and liquidity crises, as seen in India’s Sensex drop from 20,000 in 2008 to 10,000 in 2009.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: A recession is a broader economic phenomenon characterized by a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales. While a fall in the growth rate can be a precursor to or associated with a recession, it’s not the definition of a recession itself. A fall in the growth rate means the economy is still growing, but at a slower pace.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: An economic slowdown refers to a period of slower economic growth, but not necessarily a decline in GDP. GDP is still increasing (positive growth), but at a reduced rate. A "fall" in GDP signifies a contraction in the economy, which is closer to the definition of a recession.

Explanation

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was drawn up at the UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992. This conference, also known as the Earth Summit, set the foundation for global cooperation on climate change and sustainable devel-opment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: During 2010 (but correct at present, January 2025) the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) was on a monthly basis and on a weekly basis for primary and fuel items. However, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in 2012 decided to discontinue weekly data on primary and fuel items. These changes were on the recommendation of Abhijit Sen committee’s proposals in 2004-05. The current base year for WPI is 2011-12.

Statement 2 is correct: The WPI which is published by the Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Indus-try, gives less weight to food articles (24.38%) as compared to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI IW), which assigns a higher weight (39.17%) to food items in the new series with base year 2016. The WPI and CPI have different weightages for various components. In the WPI, the weightage for food articles is relatively lower compared to the CPI for Indus-trial Workers (CPIIW). The CPIIW gives a higher weight to food and beverages because it reflects the consumption pattern of industrial workers, who spend a significant portion of their income on food. In contrast, the WPI covers a broader range of goods, including manufactured products, fuel, and power, and thus assigns a lower weight to food articles.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Deflation is a persistent fall in the general price level of goods and services. It is just the opposite of inflation which is continuous increase in the general price level of goods and services. As per the IMF "Deflation is defined as a sustained decline in an aggregate measure of prices, such as the consumer price index or the GDP deflator. " Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

A sudden fall in the value of a currency against other currencies is currency depreciation. A persistent recession in both the financial and real sectors of the economy may become Depression. A fall in the rate of inflation over a period of time may not lead to fall in general price level but just less inflation. This is also called disinflation.

Explanation

The Cripps Mission of 1942 was sent by the British government to secure Indian support during World War II in exchange for a promise of post war constitutional reforms. The Congress Party engaged in negotiations, although the proposal was ultimately rejected.

Option (c) is correct: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were the official Congress negotiators with the Cripps Mission. They rejected the proposal because it did not grant immediate independence, allowed provinces to opt out of a united India, and retained British control during the war. Gandhi famously referred to the offer as a "post-dated cheque on a crashing bank", reflecting the discontent with the mission’s limited concessions.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bombay Manifesto openly opposed the preaching of socialist ideals, fearing that such policies would disrupt free enterprise and harm industrial growth. It was a response to the increasing influence of socialism within the Congress Party.

Statement 2 is incorrect: However the manifesto did not get support from a large section of the business community across India. The business community was positive about the government intervention and hand holding in running the enterprises and economy.

Explanation

After the Quit India Movement of 1942, C.

Rajagopalachari proposed a solution to the constitutional deadlock between the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League and the British Government through his pamphlet titled "The Way Out". It suggested that the Congress should accept the League’s demand for Pakistan through a plebiscite in Muslim-majority areas, provided the British granted complete independence to India. His proposal was an attempt to resolve the growing communal tensions and the deadlock over India’s future governance.

Explanation

Oceansat-2, launched by ISRO in 2009, is an Earth observation satellite designed to study oceanic and atmospheric conditions. It supports applications like ocean forecasting, fishing zone mapping, and monitoring coastal and atmospheric parameters.

Statement 1 is correct: Oceansat-2 is equipped with sensors such as the Scatterometer and Ocean Color Monitor (OCM), which help assess atmospheric parameters like water vapour content.

Statement 2 is correct: By measuring sea surface winds and temperatures, the satellite is capable of understanding and predicting monsoon dynamics, which are closely tied to oceanic and atmospheric interactions.

Statement 3 is correct: The Ocean Color Monitor onboard can detect chlorophyll concentrations, sediment levels, and other indicators of water quality, helping monitor and assess pollution in coastal regions effectively.

Explanation

The Karachi session of 1931, presided over by Sardar Patel, was significant for its adoption of the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru laying the foundation for India’s socio-economic vision.The Resolution advocated for key socio-economic reforms such as labor rights, minimum wages, equality, and universal adult suffrage. The resolution underscored Congress’ commitment to political independence and social justice, serving as a foundation for shaping governance priorities in independent India.