Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

A-2: Jhumpa Lahiri is a renowned author known for her works like Interpreter of Maladies (which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000) and The Namesake (2003). She is widely recognized for her contributions to literature and novel-writing. B-1: Sunita Narain is an environmentalist and activist working on climate change, water management, and sustainable development. She is associated with the Centre for Science and Environment and has been a strong advocate for environmental policies in India. She received Padma Shri award in 2005. C-4: Naina Lal Kidwai is a banker and business executive, known for her leadership in HSBC India and being the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School. She has played a significant role in the financial and banking sector. D-5: Ravina Raj Kohli is a media executive and journalist. She has been involved in television media and has held leadership roles at channels like Star News and Sony Entertainment Television.

Explanation

Tarun Bharat Sangh, led by Rajendra Singh, is an Indian NGO known for water conservation efforts in Alwar, Rajasthan. Since 1975, it has revived traditional rainwater harvesting methods like Johads, restoring rivers such as Arvari and improving groundwater, irrigation, and drought resilience. It also promotes sustainable agriculture and rural development to combat climate change.

Explanation

The Fourth Schedule of the Indian Constitution specifies the allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha, detailing the representation of each state and union territory in the Council of States. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains the scheme of distribution of powers between the Union and the States. It is divided into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. recognized languages. The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains provisions regarding the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states, excluding Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Explanation

The services sector has attracted the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into India in the decade leading up to 2004. This includes banking, insurance, IT, and business process outsourcing (BPO). The liberalization of FDI norms, IT boom, and rapid urbanization contributed to significant investments in financial services, telecommunications, and IT-enabled services. As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Department for Pro-motion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reports, the services sector remained the largest recipient of FDI inflows, consistently contributing over 15-20% of total FDI inflows.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Strontium salts (e.g., strontium carbonate or strontium nitrate) are used to produce red color in fireworks. Barium salts (e.g., barium nitrate or barium chloride) are used to produce green color in fireworks. Options (a), (b) and (d) incorrect:

Zinc and Sulphur are not typically used for color in fireworks. Zinc can be used in fireworks for producing white sparks, but not for color. Potassium and Mercury are used for purple or lilac colors, but mercury is generally not used due to its toxicity and environmental concerns. Chromium and Nickel are not commonly used for coloring in fireworks. Chromium compounds can be used for green, but they are less common compared to barium and strontium.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The event sequence is 2-1-4-3. Formation of Haryana State from Punjab in 1966. Fourth general elections in India were conducted in 1967. Meghalaya and Tripura became full states in 1972. Mysore was renamed as Karnataka State in 1973.

Explanation

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) operates under the Ministry of Culture.The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), founded in 1861, oversees archaeological research, and the preservation of over 3,600 monuments and sites of national importance, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It conducts excavations and conservation projects to protect India’s cultural heritage.

Explanation

The correct sequence in descending order is Judges of the Supreme Court-Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha-Attorney General of India-Members of Parliament. The correct sequence in the descending order of precedence in the warrant of precedence is:

1. President of India

2. Vice President of India

3. Prime Minister of India

4. Governors of States within their respective States

6. Speaker of Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of India

7. Cabinet Ministers of the Union. 7A. Holders of Bharat Ratna decoration

8. Chief Ministers of States outside their respective States. Governors of States outside their respective States.

9. Judges of the Supreme Court

10. Deputy Chairman of RS

11. Attorney General of India

12. Member of Parliament

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 1: Giridih located in Jharkhand is one of India’s earliest coal mining sites. It is known for superior-quality metallurgical coal used in steel production. Giridih is part of the Jharia and Bokaro coal belt, which is among the richest in the country. B is correctly matched with 3: Alwar in Rajasthan is known for copper reserves, particularly in the Khetri Copper Belt. The Khetri Copper Complex (KCC) is operated by Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), extracts copper ore from this region. Rajasthan accounts for a significant portion of India’s copper production. C is correctly matched with 4: Dharwar in Karnataka is known for its rich manganese deposits. Manganese is crucial for steel manufacturing and is found in association with iron ore in Karnataka. Karnataka, along with Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, contributes majorly to India’s manganese production. D is correctly matched with 2: Jayamkondam town in Tamil Nadu is known for its lignite reserves. Lignite is a type of coal that is lower in carbon content than bituminous coal. It is used as a fuel for power generation. The Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) mines lignite extensively in Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 3: Gopinath Beach is located near the town of Bhavnagar in Gujarat. It is known for its rocky shores and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. The beach is named after the Gopinath Mahadev Temple located nearby. B is correctly matched with 1: Lawson’s Bay Beach is situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This scenic and serene beach is an extension of Ramakrishna Beach and is popular for swimming and sunbathing. It is a clean and less crowded destination compared to other beaches in Vizag. C is correctly matched with 5: Devbagh Beach is located near Karwar in Karnataka. It’s known for its pristine sands, clear waters, and the serene environment. The area surrounding Devbagh is also known for its natural beauty, including the backwaters and the nearby islands. D is correctly matched with 4: Sinquerim Beach is a popular beach in Goa located near the historic Aguada Fort. It is well known for water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. The beach is a favorite among tourists for its golden sands and stunning sunsets.