Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Assertion (A) is false: It is incorrect to assert that there are no tea plantations in any African country. Several African countries, such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Rwanda, are major tea producers. Kenya is the third-largest tea producer globally after China and India. Malawi was the first African country to grow tea (in the 19th century) and remains a key exporter. Reason (R) is true: Tea plants do need fertile soil with high humus. Tea plants thrive in fertile, well-drained soils with high humus content, which improves water retention and nutrient availability.

Explanation

Dalbergia species is a genus of trees and shrubs known for their high-quality timber, especially varieties used in furniture and musical instruments. Dalbergia includes species such as Dalbergia sissoo (Indian Rosewood) and Dalbergia latifolia (East Indian Rosewood), which are primarily used for rosewood timber. These trees are valued for their durability, aesthetic grain patterns, and strength, making them popular for crafting luxury furniture and decorative items. Dalbergia species are not associated with crops like cashew, coffee, or tea.

Explanation

In India, Judges of the High Courts and Supreme Court are appointed by the President and enjoy a high degree of security of tenure. The mode of removal of these judges is an important aspect of the judicial independence enshrined in the Constitution.

Statement 1 is correct: According to Article 124(4) of the Constitution, a judge of the Supreme Court can only be removed through impeachment by the Parliament, following the same procedure prescribed for the removal of a High Court Judge under Article 217(1).

Statement 2 is incorrect: As per Article 220 of the Constitution of India, retired judges of the High Courts are not allowed to practice in the same High Court where they served as a judge. However, they can practice in other courts or before any authority in India. This provision prevents any conflict of interest or unfair advantage that might arise if a retired judge were allowed to practice in the same High Court where they had previously served.

Explanation

T. S. Krishnamurthy, 13th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, conducted the 2004 General Elections, which saw the UPA come to power. Played a crucial role in electoral reforms and ensuring free and fair elections. Prior to being CEC, he served as an Election Commissioner of India from 2000 to 2004.He was also a civil servant in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) before joining the Election Commission. K.C. Pant was the Chairman of the 10th Finance Commission of India from 1995-2000. A. M. Khusro was a renowned economist and the Chairman of the 11th Finance Commission of India. He contributed significantly to India’s economic planning and policy formulation. R. C. Lahoti was the 35th Chief Justice of India (CJI) advocated for speedy justice and emphasized reducing delays in the judicial system. Played a role in key judgments related to constitutional law and governance.

Explanation

Nagaland (1963), originally part of Assam, became a state following the Naga nationalist movement. Known for its indigenous tribes and the Hornbill Festival, its capital is Kohima. Haryana (1966) emerged from Punjab based on linguistic lines, with Chandigarh as its capital. It is a key agricultural and industrial hub, home to Kurukshetra. Sikkim (1975), once an independent kingdom, merged with India through a referendum. Gangtok is its capital, and it is known for Kanchenjunga and organic farming. Arunachal Pradesh (1987), formerly part of NEFA, became a state due to strategic importance. With Itanagar as its capital, it borders China and hosts diverse tribal cultures.

Explanation

The Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) in Oragadam, Chennai (Tamil Nadu), is a National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) center supporting automobile R&D in India. It provides vehicle testing, homologation, and ensures safety, emissions, and performance compliance with global standards.

Explanation

Raghuram Rajan served as the Chief Economist and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2003 - 2006. He was the first Indian to hold this prestigious position at the IMF. Later, he became the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 2013 - 2016.

Explanation

Bhajan Sopori (1948-2022), Exponent of Santoor A legendary Santoor player from Jammu and Kashmir. Known as "Saint of Santoor" for his unique style. Recipient of Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and J&K State Award. Revived and popularised Sufi and Hindustani classical music on the Santoor. Birju Maharaj (1938-2022), Kathak Dancer A world-renowned Kathak exponent from the Lucknow Gharana. Grandson of Kalka-Bindadin Maharaj, who shaped the Lucknow style of Kathak. Awarded Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Kalidas Samman. Also choreographed dance sequences in Bollywood films like "Devdas" (2002) and "Vishwaroopam" (2013). Priyadarsini Govind, Bharatnatyam Dancer One of the leading Bharatanatyam dancers of India. Known for her expressive Abhinaya (facial expressions in dance). Received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contributions to Bharatanatyam. Trained under Kalanidhi Narayanan and S.K. Rajarathnam Pillai. T. V. Gopalakrishnan, Mridangam Maestro A renowned Carnatic percussionist, vocalist, and musicologist. Known for his mastery of Mridangam and contributions to Carnatic and Hindustani music. Trained several musicians and played with stalwarts like M. S. Subbulakshmi and Balamuralikrishna. Awarded Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Kalaimamani Award.

Explanation

P. V. Narasimha Rao, former Prime Minister of India (1991-1996), wrote the book "Ayodhya: 6 December 1992". The book provides his perspective on the Babri Masjid demolition, which took place on December 6, 1992, during his tenure as Prime Minister. It discusses the political events, legal aspects, and administrative challenges related to the Ayodhya dispute.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The frequency of sound produced by a flute is inversely proportional to its length. A shorter flute produces sound waves of higher frequency (higher pitch), while a longer flute produces sound waves of lower frequency (lower pitch).

Statement 2 is incorrect: Sound (or seismic waves) in rocks travels in both longitudinal (P-waves) and transverse (S-waves) forms. Longitudinal waves compress and expand the material, while transverse waves move the material perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.