Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

In December 2002, the Prime Minister of India signed the "Delhi Declaration" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, strengthening India-Russia strategic partnership and cooperation in defense, trade, and global security.

Explanation

The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2002 was awarded to Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for her efforts in humanitarian work and refugee protection worldwide.

Explanation

The EXIM (Export-Import) Policy of India was revised to be more liberal and market-oriented to encourage global trade. This was influenced by international trade agreements and reforms under GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade), which played a major role in the liberalization of economies worldwide by reducing trade barriers and promoting free trade. Thus, GATT’s influence explains the shift in India’s EXIM policy.

Explanation

Statement (1) is incorrect: While India’s software exports did grow rapidly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a 60% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over five years is an overestimation. The growth rate was high but not consistently at that level.

Statement (2) is correct: The software and service industry in India did register around 28% growth in rupee terms during 2001-2002, as reported by NASSCOM and other industry sources.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: In 2001-02, India allowed 100% FDI in the tea sector, but with a condition that the foreign company must disinvest 33% of its equity in favor of an Indian partner within four years. This was done to ensure Indian participation in the tea industry.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indian government allowed 26% FDI in print media (news and current affairs publications). However, the single largest Indian shareholder was required to hold more than 26%, ensuring Indian control.

Explanation

In 2003, the Government of India held around 66% stake in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). This was part of its broader disinvestment and privatization strategy.

Explanation

FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) was enacted in 1999 and came into force in 2000. It replaced FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act), which was more stringent and focused on criminalizing violations of foreign exchange laws. Under FEMA, violations are treated as civil offenses, meaning that penalties may be imposed but the violation itself is no longer a criminal offense, unlike FERA where violations could lead to imprisonment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India’s import of crude and petroleum products during 2001-02 accounted for about 27% of total imports.

Statement 2 is incorrect: India’s exports did not increase by 10% in 2001-02; instead, they grew at a lower rate.

Explanation

The octopus is a mollusc in the class Cephalopoda (including squids and cuttlefish), part of the phylum Mollusca. Cephalopods are soft-bodied, bilaterally symmetrical, lack external skeletons, and have prominent heads with arms or tentacles. Octopuses lack an external shell, allowing for flexibility and the ability to squeeze through tight spaces. Their eight arms, equipped with suction cups, help with locomotion, prey capture, and interaction. Octopuses are highly intelligent, demonstrating problem-solving and tool use. Mollusca is a phylum of invertebrates, including snails, clams, and cephalopods.

Explanation

The word AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. This means deficiency of the immune system, acquired during the lifetime of an individual. ‘Syndrome’ means a group of symptoms. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a member of a group of viruses called retrovirus. It leads to various symptoms such as Swollen lymph nodes occur due to immune system deterioration, commonly affecting the neck, armpits, and groin. Night sweats and recurring fevers are signs of opportunistic infections as the body struggles to regulate temperature. Memory loss and cognitive impairment arise when the virus affects the nervous system, leading to neurological complications. Significant weight loss results from chronic infections, metabolic changes, and increased energy demands.