Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

A is matched with 3: Cedar wood, known for its aromatic scent, durability, and reddish hue, is a valuable timber resource. While various species of cedar exist across the globe, Mexico is a notable source of cedar lumber, particularly from species found in its diverse forest ecosystems. B is matched with 2: Douglas Fir, a conifer native to western North America, is a commercially important timber species, particularly abundant in Canada. Known for its strength, straight grain, and relatively low cost, Douglas Fir is widely used in construction, including framing, flooring, and plywood production. C is matched with 4: Mahogany, a prized hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown color, fine grain, and durability, is a highly sought-after timber. Honduras, historically a major source of mahogany, has been associated with this valuable wood for centuries. Honduran mahogany has been used in fine furniture making, boatbuilding, and other high-end applications. D is matched with 1: Teak wood, renowned for its exceptional durability, water resistance, and golden-brown color, is a highly valued timber. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has long been a significant source of teak.

Explanation

A is matched with 3: Atropine is an alkaloid used primarily to dilate the pupil during eye exams or surgeries. It is also used in emergency situations to treat heart trouble, especially in cases of bradycardia (slow heart rate). B is matched with 1: Ether is an anesthetic and was historically used for local anesthesia or as a general anesthetic in surgeries. C is matched with 2: Nitroglycerine is used to treat heart trouble, especially angina (chest pain) by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart’s workload. D is matched with 4: Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide, derived from chrysanthemums, used for mosquito control and to manage other pests like lice.

Explanation

Royal haemophilia (also known simply as haemophilia) is a sex-linked recessive genetic disorder. It is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder characterized by impaired blood clotting due to deficiencies in clotting factors, primarily Factor VIII (Haemophilia A) or Factor IX (Haemophilia B). It primarily affects males, as the gene responsible for haemophilia is located on the X chromosome. Females can be carriers. Queen Victoria of England was a carrier of haemophilia B and passed the trait to several of her children, including her son Leopold, who died from a hemorrhage after a fall when he was 30.

Explanation

Lathyrism is a neurological disorder caused by the excessive consumption of khesari dal (also known as Lathyrus sativus), a type of legume commonly grown in India and some other regions. The condition is linked to the presence of toxic compounds in the dal, specifically -ODAP (-oxalylamino-L-alanine), which can cause damage to the nervous system, leading to symptoms like paralysis, muscle weakness, and spasticity.

Explanation

In tennis, the Grand Slam refers to winning all four major tournaments in the same calendar year. These four tournaments are:

1. Australian Open (held in Melbourne, Australia)

2. French Open (held in Paris, France)

3. Wimbledon (held in London, United Kingdom)

4. US Open (held in New York City, United States)

Explanation

Anthracite is a hard, brittle coal characterized by its high carbon content, typically ranging from 86% to 98%. It is considered the most metamorphosed type of coal, meaning it has undergone the most intense heat and pressure during its formation. This high carbon content makes anthracite the clean-est-burning type of coal, producing very little smoke or volatile matter. It is often referred to as "hard coal" and burns with a short, blue flame. Due to its cleaner-burning properties, anthracite is a preferred fuel source where minimizing air pollution is a priority. However, its relative scarcity and higher cost compared to other coal types limit its widespread use.

Explanation

Otto Schmidt, a Soviet geophysicist and astronomer, proposed a theory for the origin of the Earth and other planets in the solar system based on a cloud of gas and dust particles. His hypothesis, known as the "dust cloud hypothesis", suggested that the Sun, while already formed, captured or interacted with a surrounding cloud of interstellar material. This cloud, composed of gas, dust, and ice particles, began to rotate and flat-ten under the influence of the Sun’s gravity. Within this rotating disk, particles collided and clumped together, gradually forming larger and larger bodies. v v v

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 4: Pluto was considered the smallest planet in the solar system. It was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Note: If we consider only the eight classical planets, Mercury is the smallest. B is correctly matched with 3: Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of about 139,820 km. It is a gas giant and has a mass more than twice that of all the other planets combined. It features the iconic Great Red Spot, a giant storm. C is correctly matched with 2: Venus located between Mercury and Earth is the second planet from the Sun. Venus is often called Earth’s "twin" due to its similar size and composition. D is correctly matched with 1: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of 57.91 million km (0.39 AU). It has the shortest orbit of all planets, completing one revolution around the Sun in 88 Earth days.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Asteroids orbit the Sun in an elliptical path, similar to planets. They are rocky remnants from the early formation of the Solar System about 4.6 billion years ago. Their composition includes metals, silicates, and carbon-rich materials.

Statement 2 is correct: Most asteroids are much smaller, typically less than 1 km in diameter. There are millions of asteroids in the Solar System, ranging in size from tiny pebbles to massive bodies.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Most asteroids are located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, not Jupiter and Saturn. This region is called the Main Asteroid Belt, which contains the majority of known asteroids. Some asteroids such as Trojan asteroids, share orbits with Jupiter but are not found in the region between Jupiter and Saturn.

Explanation

Fawazil was the surplus or excess revenue collected by the Iqtadars beyond their prescribed share and remitted to the central treasury, ensuring financial accountability and contributing to the Sultanate’s centralized economy. Sikandar Lodhi (1489 to 1517) of the Lodi dynasty abolished the practice of sending "fawazil" to the central treasury. This move by Sikandar Lodi was part of his efforts to consolidate his power and reduce the financial control of the central government over the military officials, allowing them greater autonomy.