Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Guru Shikhar, literally translated as the ‘peak of the guru’’ stands as the highest point of the Aravalli Range in the state of Rajasthan, India. Guru Shikhar, at 1,722 meters is the highest peak in Rajasthan. It is a sacred site with a temple dedicated to the Dattatreya Temple believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). It houses the Mount Abu Infrared Observatory (MIRO), one of India’s most important astronomical observatories which is managed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.

Explanation

India’s rivers have profoundly shaped its cities, influencing their growth, culture, and identity. A is correctly matched with 4: Betul is located in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh near the Tapti River. The Tapti originates from the Satpura range in Multai (Betul district), Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the few rivers in peninsular India that follows a westward course. B is correctly matched with 1: Jagdalpur in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh lies on the Indravati River. The Indravati River originates in Odisha and is a tributary of the Godavari River. It flows through Chhattisgarh, carving deep gorges and supporting the famous Chitrakote Waterfalls, often referred to as the "Ni-agara of India." The river is crucial for the region’s biodiversity, especially for wildlife in the Indravati National Park. C is correctly matched with 2: Jabalpur is situated on the banks of the Narmada River. The Narmada is one of India’s most sacred rivers and is often called the "Lifeline of Madhya Pradesh." It originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Arabian Sea. The river forms the famous Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat, where it carves through white limestone, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The Dhuandhar Falls is located near Jabalpur on the Narmada. D is correctly matched with 3: Ujjain is located on the banks of the Shipra River. The Shipra is a tributary of the Chambal River and holds immense religious significance. Every 12 years it hosts the Kumbh Mela (Simhastha Kumbh), one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The river’s connection to Lord Shiva and Ujjain’s importance as one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities) in Hinduism make it highly revered.

Explanation

A-3, Vishwapati Trivedi served as the Chairman and Managing Director of Indian Airlines. B-4, Tulsi R. Tanti, founder and chairman of Suzlon Energy, played a key role in the wind energy sector. C-1, Shashi Ruia is a prominent figure in the Essar Group, a multinational conglomerate. D-2, D.S. Bikhchandani, founder of Info Edge India, is known for establishing Naukri.com, a leading online job portal.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006 establishes a National Judicial Council (NJC) t o investigate allegations of incapacity or misconduct against High Court and Supreme Court judges. It can act on complaints from individuals, MPs (50 from Rajya Sabha or 100 from Lok Sabha), or other sources. If allegations are proven, the NJC may impose minor penalties or recommend removal, which requires parliamentary impeachment.

Statement 2 is correct: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 enables a woman to petition a First Class Judicial Magistrate for relief, including protection, maintenance, and other remedies.

Explanation

In pitcher plants (Nepenthes) the leaf is modified into a pitcher-shaped structure that traps and digests insects. This adaptation helps the plant supplement its nutrient intake in poor soil conditions, such as those found in bogs or marshes. Pitcher plants are carnivorous in nature.The rim of the pitcher has nectar glands or patterns that attract insects. Once inside the insect faces slippery walls or downward-facing hairs that trap it. It falls into digestive fluid at the bottom where enzymes break it down. The plant absorbs the nutrients and thrives in nutrient-poorhabitats like bogs.

Explanation

In 2006, Rajasthan’s Shahgarh area in Jaisalmer gained attention for the discovery of high-quality natural gas reserves. This find was a key step in India’s hydrocarbon exploration efforts in the Thar Desert, boosting domestic gas production and reducing dependence on imports. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect Uranium deposits - Major uranium reserves in India are found in Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya. Zinc deposits - Rajasthan is known for zinc reserves, particularly in Rampura-Agucha mines (Bhilwara district) and Zawar mines (Udaipur district), but Shahgarh is not associated with zinc mining. Wind power units (d) - Rajasthan has many wind power projects, but Shahgarh’s 2006 news coverage was about gas reserves, not wind energy.

Explanation

Plant chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue (around 430-450 nm) and red (around 640-680 nm) regions of the spectrum. These wavelengths drive the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. This energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The absorption of blue light helps in the energy conversion, while red light plays a key role in the process of creating sugars. The green light is mostly reflected bach which is why plants appear green to us.

Explanation

V. P. Singh (1984-1987 under Rajiv Gandhi), R.

Venkataraman (1980-1982 under Indira Gandhi), Y. B. Chavan (1970-1974 under Indira Gandhi), and Pranab Mukherjee (1982-

1984 under Indira Gandhi, 2009-2012 under Manmohan Singh) have all served as Union Finance Ministers of India, playing crucial roles in shaping the nation’s economic policies.

Explanation

Nathu La Pass, located in Sikkim, was reopened on July 6, 2006, for trade between India and China after being closed for 44 years following the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It connects India’s Sikkim state with China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The reopening was part of efforts to improve bilateral relations and cross-border trade between the two countries.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: On October 28, 2006, ISRO conducted the first successful test of an indigenously developed cryogenic engine at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test lasted 50 seconds and was a crucial milestone in India’s space program.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The claim that India was the only country after the USA, Russia, and China to develop cryogenic technology is not true. By 2006, other countries like France and Japan had already developed and operationalized cryogenic rocket engine technology.