Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Korba (or Korwa) tribe is not associated with Kodagu. Instead, this tribe primarily inhabits regions in central and eastern India, such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Kodagu, on the other hand, is located in Karnataka and is well known as the homeland of the Kodava community, which is distinct from the Korba tribe. Pairs (a), (b) and (c) are correctly matched:

The Buksa, also known as Bhoksa, are indigenous people primarily residing in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, they are concentrated in districts such as Dehradun, Nainital, and Pauri Garhwal. The Kol tribe is native to central India, with areas like Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh being among their regions of habitation. The Munda tribe is predominantly located on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. They form a major tribal community in this region.

Explanation

The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, to collect demographic, social, and economic data about the population. Below are tables summarizing key census data for the states involved, for the years 1991, 2001, and 2011. Table 1. Population Density (persons per sq km) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census West Bengal 767 903 1,029 Uttar Pradesh ~600 698 829 Table 2. Adult Literacy Rate (% of people aged 15 and above) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Bihar 38.48% 903 ~47% ~58.44% Table 3. Sex Ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Kerala 1,036 ~1,040 ~1,045 Himachal Pradesh ~976 ~980 ~990

Option (d) is correct: Bihar had the lowest literacy rate in India in the 1991 Census at around 38.48%.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: The Ganga Plain, a part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain supports one of the highest population densities in India. This is primarily due to its fertile alluvial soil, which makes the land highly productive for agriculture. The region benefits from abundant water resources, a favorable climate, and flat terrain, all of which have historically encouraged dense human settlements. Reason (R) is True: The Ganga is the most harnessed river in India, with its waters extensively used for irrigation, drinking, industrial purposes, and hydroelectric projects. This extensive harnessing has been pivotal for the region’s agricultural productivity and development. R is not the correct explanation of A: The reason alone does not directly explain the high population density in the Ganga Plain. Population density is influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical, historical, economic, and cultural factors. The availability of fertile land for agriculture, historical settlement patterns, economic opportunities, and cultural factors play significant roles in determining population density.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of beef and has a significant cattle industry focused on meat production. The country’s vast grazing lands and favorable climate make it ideal for raising cattle for beef. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), beef production is a major agricultural activity, and Australia exports a significant portion of its beef to international markets. In contrast, dairy farming, while still important, is smaller in scale compared to the beef industry. Reason (R) is True: It is true that meat, particularly beef and lamb, forms a significant part of the Australian diet. This dietary habit reflects the cultural preferences in Australia, where a majority of the population consumes meat. Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion(A):

The reason provided does not directly explain why cattle rearing in Australia is predominantly for meat production. The primary factors influencing this include:

Geographical and Climatic Conditions: Australia’s expansive rangelands and favorable climate support large-scale grazing, making beef cattle rearing more efficient and economically viable than dairy farming. Agricultural Practices: The country’s agricultural infrastructure and export orientation have historically promoted beef production, irrespective of the local dietary habits.

Explanation

Among the given options, South Korea had the best performance in terms of Human Development Index (HDI) in the year 2000. South Korea consistently ranked higher than China, Malaysia, and the Philippines due to its strong education system, healthcare, high life expectancy, and economic development.

Explanation

In the Global Competitiveness Report 2000 published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the United States ranked first in terms of global competitiveness. The United States secured the top position due to its strong technological advancement, business dynamism, and innovation-driven economy.

Explanation

Resurgent India Bonds (RIBs) were issued in US Dollar (USD), Pound Sterling (GBP), and Deutsche Mark (DEM) in 1998.

Explanation

The powers and functions of the Parliament are mentioned in Chapter II of Part V of the Constitution. Under this, the Parliament is empowered to make laws on all matters listed in the Union list and Concurrent list of the Constitution.

Option (d) is correct: According to article 253, it can also formulate laws on any matter pertaining to the State list if it is deemed necessary for the implementation of International Treaties or Agreements concluded with foreign nations. This provision ensures that India can fulfill its international obligations effectively. Hence, no consent from the states is required.

Explanation

Statement (a) is incorrect: A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha on the prior recommendation of the President, as per Article 109 of the Indian Constitution. It cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. Statement (b) is correct: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the final authority to decide whether a bill is a Money Bill or not. This decision is final and cannot be questioned in any court. However, in Rojer Mathew v South Indian Bank Ltd Case, 2019 Supreme court said that the speaker’s decision was not beyond judicial review though the scope was extremely restricted. Statement (c) is correct: After the Lok Sabha passes the Money Bill, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has 14 days to either accept, reject, or recommend changes in the bill to the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha can either accept or reject all or any of the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha. Statement (d) is correct: Once the Money Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha (and the Rajya Sabha, if applicable), it is sent to the President for approval. The President may either give or withhold his assent to a Money Bill. The President cannot return a Money Bill to the Lok Sabha for reconsideration.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: The speaker of the Lok sabha can ask a member of the house to stop speaking and let another member speak. It is known as yielding the floor. Yielding the floor allows the smooth and orderly conduct of debate in the House. The Speaker may ask a member to stop speaking if they have exceeded their time or if another member is to speak on the matter at hand. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Decorum refers to the appropriate behavior and conduct expected in the House. Crossing the floor is a term used when a member switches allegiance from one party to another, particularly in the context of voting or support. Interpellation is a formal procedure where a member of the House asks a question to the government, which requires a written or oral response. The term "interpellation" is not formally used in Indian parliamentary practice.