Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Chapchar Kut is a spring festival celebrated in Mizoram, marking the completion of the jungle-clearing (Chapchar) for shifting cultivation. It is the most popular Mizo festival, featuring traditional dances, music, and cultural performances.

Explanation

The East Asian Financial Crisis (1997) demonstrated the risks of excessive reliance on short-term portfolio investments, which led to currency instability and market crashes. FDI, on the other hand, is less volatile and contributes to sustainable growth.

Option (b) is correct: Among the various forms of capital in-flows, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is considered the most stable and beneficial for a host country’s economy. Unlike Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) and External Commercial Borrowings (ECB), which can lead to financial volatility, FDI brings in:

Long-term capital investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, and services. Technology transfer and skill enhancement. Employment generation and economic stability.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) is India’s largest power utility, responsible for generating a significant portion of the country’s electricity.

Statement 2 is incorrect: ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) is a major oil and gas producer but does not account for half of India’s LPG production. LPG production is distributed among multiple refineries and companies.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) does not operate all refineries in India. Other entities like HPCL, BPCL, and private players (Reliance, Nayara Energy, etc.) also operate refineries.

Statement 4 is correct: Indian Ordnance Factory (IOF) is the largest departmentally run industrial undertaking in India, operating under the Ministry of Defence, producing arms, ammunition, and defense equipment.

Explanation

Nargis Dutt was the first Indian actress to receive the Padma Shri Award in 1958 for her outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. She is best known for her role in the iconic film Mother India (1957).

Explanation

The National Renewal Fund (NRF) was established in February 1992 by the Government of India as a social safety net to mitigate the adverse effects of economic liberalization and industrial restructuring on workers. The objectives include financial aid, training, and counseling for retrenched workers, skill development for redeployment, and support for companies in restructuring through social security funding.

Explanation

Autobiography of an Unknown Indian - Written by Nirad C. Chaudhuri, a memoir on British India and his early life. India: A Wounded Civilization - Written by V.S. Naipaul, analyzing India’s post-colonial struggles. Confessions of a Lover - Written by Mulk Raj Anand, a semi-autobiographical novel on love and emotions. The English Teacher - Written by R.K. Narayan, a novel reflecting personal loss and spirituality.

Explanation

Hira Battacharya: Known for contributions to the art of puppetry. Malini Rajurkar: A renowned classical singer specializing in Hindustani music. Pratibha Prahlad: A famous Bharatanatyam dancer and cultural promoter. Vempati Chinna Satyam: A legendary dancer who popularized Kuchipudi worldwide.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true: Synthetic detergents, unlike soap, work efficiently in hard water because they do not form insoluble scum with calcium and magnesium ions, which are present in hard water. This enables better lathering. Reason (R) is true: Synthetic detergents are mainly non-ionic or anionic, allowing them to form soluble complexes with calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scum formation. Unlike soap, which forms insoluble salts, these detergents continue to lather in hard water. Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A) because synthetic detergents form soluble complexes with calcium and magnesium, preventing scum and aiding lathering in hard water. Direction: The following item consists of two statements. One labeled as the ‘Assertion (A)’ and the other as "Reason (R)". You have to answer this item using the code given below:

Explanation

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs ensures the smooth functioning of Parliament and communication with Members of Parliament (MPs). It establishes consultative committees, like the Consultative Committee for Railway Zones(Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Railways), where MPs from different constituencies discuss and provide input on railway-related issues. This committee helps MPs understand and address the functioning, development, and challenges of railway zones, allowing them to offer suggestions and raise concerns. The ministry coordinates these meetings to facilitate collaboration between MPs and the Ministry of Railways, enhancing railway services’ efficiency and responsiveness in specific zones.

Explanation

Dichogamy refers to the condition in a bisexual flower where the male (androecium) and female (gynoecium) reproductive organs mature at different times to prevent self-pollination. This ensures cross-pollination between different plants or flowers which increases genetic diversity.