Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Republicans did not win the majority in the US House of Representatives in the 2006 elections. In fact, the Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in the 2006 midterm elections, ending 12 years of Republican rule.

Statement 2 is correct: Bobby Jindal, a Republican, did win a seat in the US House of Representatives for the second time in 2006.

Explanation

Andrew Z. Fire and Craig C. Mello won the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering RNA interference (RNAi), a key gene regulation process. Their research showed how siRNAs silence specific genes by interfering with mRNA, revolutionizing molecular biology. RNAi plays a vital role in gene expression, disease suppression, and biotechnology, with potential treatments for genetic disorders, viral infections, and cancers.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is false: As per the Article 75(3) the Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok sabha) only. Reason (R) is true: As per article 75(5) A Minister who for a period of six consecutive months is not a member of either House of Parliament shall at the expiration of that period cease to be a Minister. Thus members of both houses can be a Minister of the Union Government of India. However a person that is not a member of either house can be a minister for a maximum of 6 months.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: In November 2006, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India conducted a successful test of the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) system, which used the Prithvi-II missile as an interceptor to destroy an incoming target missile. The Prithvi-II missile has been instrumental in validating India’s BMD technologies, ensuring readiness to protect against ballistic missile threats. This test marked a significant milestone in India’s ballistic missile defence program.

Statement 2 is correct: While the primary role of the Prithvi-II is as a surface-to-surface missile but it has been adapted for air defense purposes also. It is part of India’s Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, which is designed to protect major cities from ballistic missile attacks.

Explanation

Nicaragua has proposed constructing an alternative to the Panama Canal, known as the Nicaraguan Canal or Interoceanic Grand Canal, to connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This ambitious project aims to enhance global maritime trade by offering a new route that could reduce shipping distances and costs.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Jawaharlal Nehru was in PM’s Office for four terms (1947-52, 1952-57, 1957-62 and 1962-64 until death).

Statement 2 is incorrect: JL Nehru represented Phulpur Lok Sabha Constituency near Allahabad. Indira Gandhi represented Rae Bareilly while Rajiv Gandhi represented Amethi LS constituencies.

Statement 3 is correct: Morarji Desai, from the Janata Party, became the first non-Congress Prime Minister on March 24, 1977.

Explanation

The Galileo Project is a multi-satellite navigation system being developed by the European Union (EU). Galileo consists of 24 satellites orbiting Earth at an altitude of 23,000 km. The signals of Galileo are freely transmitted to anyone who has a device capable of receiving its signals (e.g., smartphone). Galileo is four times more accurate than GPS providing 1 meter accuracy and a broad range of services. It is designed to provide an independent global positioning system (GPS) for civilian and commercial use, reducing reliance on GPS systems controlled by other countries, such as the United States. Galileo aims to offer highly accurate and reliable positioning and timing information worldwide, supporting applications in transportation, telecommunications, and other critical sectors.

Explanation

Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU on January 1, 2007, after implementing key judicial, anti-corruption, and economic reforms to meet accession criteria. Bulgaria negotiated since 2000, focusing on market regulations and governance reforms, while Romania, in talks since 1995, improved agriculture and judiciary standards. Their simultaneous accession followed sustained reforms and positive EU evaluations.

Explanation

Japan upgraded its defence agency to a full-fledged ministry to strengthen its defence capabilities and better address emerging security challenges. This decision was driven by rising regional threats and shifting global security dynamics.

Explanation

In the latter half of 2006, a significant political event unfolded in Thailand:

On 19 September 2006, the Royal Thai Army staged a coup against PM Thaksin Shinawatra, dissolving parliament, banning protests, and imposing martial law. General Sonthi Boonyaratglin led the coup, forming the Council for National Security (CNS) and appointing Surayud Chulanont as interim PM. Elections were held on 23 December 2007 after Thaksin’s party was dissolved.