Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, can contribute to dietary intake of these minerals, but prolonged consumption may lead to kidney stones and urinary tract issues, particularly for susceptible individuals. Research indicates that high calcium levels can affect renal function.

Statement 2 is correct: When hard water is used with soap, it forms soap scum, which reduces lather and makes washing less effective. Scum leaves residue on clothes, making them feel rough and unclean. This can also increase detergent usage.

Statement 3 is correct: The minerals in hard water like calcium carbonate and magnesium salts, form scale in boilers and pipes, reducing thermal efficiency and leading to energy wastage and equipment failure.

Statement 4 is correct: Continuous irrigation with hard water results in soil salinization, decreasing permeability and crop yield. Excess minerals like calcium and magnesium hinder plant nutrient absorption due to reduced soil’s permeability. Directions: The following two Items consist of statements. One labeled as the ‘Assertion (A)’ and the other as ‘Reason (R)’. You have to answer these items using the code given below: (1999)

Explanation

Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies - Varanasi A premier institute for Tibetan studies, Buddhist philosophy, and ancient Indian wisdom, located in Uttar Pradesh. Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research - Mumbai A research institution focusing on economic development and policy studies, located in Maharashtra. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) - Bangalore A leading center for mental health and neuroscience research, based in Karnataka. Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (now EFLU) - Hyderabad A prestigious university specializing in English and foreign language studies, situated in Telangana.

Explanation

Mineral Oil - Venezuela Venezuela has some of the largest oil reserves in the world, primarily in the Orinoco Belt. Copper - Zambia Zambia is a major producer of copper, particularly from the Copperbelt region, which contributes significantly to its economy. Manganese - Gabon Gabon is one of the world’s top manganese producers, with significant deposits in the Moanda region. Bauxite - Guyana Guyana is a key bauxite-producing country, with large deposits found in Linden and Berbice.

Explanation

M/s Gowthami Solvents Oil Ltd, Andhra Pradesh - Rice husk This plant utilizes rice husk, an agricultural waste product, as a biomass fuel for power generation. M/s K.M. Sugar Mills, Uttar Pradesh - Distillery spent wash The sugar mill uses distillery spent wash, a byproduct of sugar and ethanol production, for energy generation. M/s Satia Paper Mills, Punjab - Black liquor A paper mill that generates power from black liquor, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry. M/s Al Kabeer Exports Ltd, Andhra Pradesh - Slaughterhouse waste This plant generates biogas from slaughterhouse waste, which is used for energy production.

Explanation

Code (a) is correct.

Balamurali Krishna - Carnatic Vocal M.

Balamuralikrishna was a renowned Carnatic vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Mita Pandit - Hindustani Vocal Mita Pandit was a prominent Hindustani classical vocalist, known for her expertise in Kirana Gharana. Kanyakumari - Ghatam A renowned percussionist, Kanyakumari is associated with the Ghatam, a traditional Indian clay pot instrument. Nikhil Banerjee - Sitar A celebrated sitar maestro, Nikhil Banerjee belonged to the Maihar Gharana and was known for his intricate renditions.

Explanation

The passage, "instil into the vast millions of workers, men and women, who actually do the job, a sense of partnership and of cooperative performance," pertains to the Community Development Programme in India. Community Devel-opment Programme (CDP) was launched in 1952 which aimed to promote holistic rural development by encouraging active participation from local communities. The initiative sought to empower villagers by involving them in decision-making processes and fostering a sense of ownership and cooperation in implementing development projects. The emphasis was on collective effort and partnership among community members to achieve sustainable development goals.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Baki Itihas is a famous Bengali play by Badal Sarkar, known for his "Third Theatre" movement.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Sita Swayamvar is a Marathi musical play (Sangeet Natak) written by Vishnu Das Bhave, considered the father of Marathi theatre.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Yayati is a well-known Kannada play by Girish Karnad, based on the Mahabharata character Yayati.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: Giddha is a traditional Punjabi dance performed by women, not a play or film directed by Jabbar Patel, who is known for Marathi films and plays like "Ghashiram Kotwal" and "Umbartha".

Explanation

A is matched with 4: The UNDP publishes the Human Development Report, which provides comprehensive analyses on global human development issues. HDI is a composite index that measures average achievement in human devel-opment based on three dimensions:

Long and Healthy Life-Life expectancy at birth Knowledge-Education Index Expected years of schooling Mean years of schooling A Decent Living Standard-Gross national income (GNI) per capita at PPP in the US dollars. B is matched with 2: NCAER is an independent economic think tank in India which publishes the India Development Report. The report provides in-depth analysis and data on the Indian economy. C is matched with 1: IGIDR is an advanced research institute in India and contributed significantly to the development of the UN India Human Development Report which focuses on human development within India. D is matched with 3: The World Bank releases the World Development Report, an annual publication that examines global economic development topics.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct Raga Todi is a morning raga, usually sung in the late morning (around 9 AM to noon). It is known for its deep, meditative, and serious mood. Options (b), (c), and (d) are incorrect Raga Darbari is a late-night raga, often associated with serenity and pathos. Raga Bhopali is an early evening raga, known for its light and uplifting nature. Raga Bhimpalasi is a late afternoon raga, conveying a romantic and devotional mood.

Explanation

The life expectancy at birth in India is almost the same as that of Indonesia is false. Life Expectancy At Birth in India is 62.4 while in Indonesia, it is 64.

Option (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

India’s Adult Literacy Rate is 52 which is much lower than other countries which are above 80%. Korea has the highest Life Expectancy at Birth while Malaysia has the second highest. Life Expectancy at Birth is the average number of years a newborn is expected to live if current mortality patterns remain constant throughout their life. There is an inverse relationship between the Infant Mortality Rate and Adult Literacy Rate. The Infant Mortality Rate is the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year. It is a key indicator of the overall health and well-being of a population, reflecting factors such as healthcare access, nutrition, sanitation, and maternal health.