Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Capital Account Convertibility (CAC) allows the unrestricted exchange of the Indian rupee with foreign currencies for transactions related to investment and financial assets, such as foreign direct investment (FDI), portfolio investment, and external borrowings. Unlike current account convertibility, which deals with trade in goods and services, Capital account convertibility enables cross-border capital flows without regulatory restrictions. India has partially implemented Capital Account Convertibility, with restrictions on foreign investments in specific sectors and external borrowings.

Explanation

A is matched with 2: Dr. Raja Ramanna was a distinguished Indian physicist best known for his role in the development of India’s nuclear program, including the Pokhran-I nuclear test in 1974. B is matched with 5: Dr. Swaminathan is renowned for his contributions to the Green Revolution in India, which transformed the country into a self-sufficient food producer. His focus on developing high-yield and disease-resistant crop varieties, combined with sustainable agricultural practices, earned him global recognition in agricultural science. C is matched with 4: Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao was a visionary space scientist who led the design and launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. Also as the chairman of ISRO, he contributed significantly to advancing India’s space program. D is matched with 3: Prof. Meghnad Saha is celebrated for the Saha Ionization Equation, which explains the physical and chemical conditions in stars. He also made notable contributions to thermodynamics.

Explanation

Zirconium is an essential element for the construction of nuclear reactors due to its unique properties:

Low Neutron Absorption: Zirconium has a low neutron absorption cross-section, making it ideal for use in nuclear reactors as it does not interfere significantly with the nuclear chain reaction. High Corrosion Resistance: It is resistant to corrosion in the presence of coolant water, including high-temperature water, which is commonly used in nuclear reactors. Strength and Durability: Zirconium alloys are strong and durable, making them suitable for structural components like cladding for fuel rods. This combination of properties makes zirconium critical in the nuclear industry.

Explanation

The Tenth Schedule, known as the Anti-Defection Act, was added in 1985 during Rajiv Gandhi government by 52nd CAA to curb political defections and promote stability in the Indian political system. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

The Second Schedule contains provisions regarding the salaries and allowances of various constitutional office holders. Fifth Schedule addresses the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. Eighth Schedule lists the 22 recognized languages.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: The floating islands in Manipur, known as Phoomdis, are composed of weeds, decaying vegetation, and suspended silt. These islands provide a unique habitat for the people living in the region and have been a part of the local culture and ecology for centuries. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Tipis are traditional conical tents used by some Indigenous tribes of North America, especially the Plains Indians. They are made from wooden poles and animal skins, and they are not related to the floating islands in Manipur. Barkhans are crescent-shaped sand dunes typically found in deserts like the Sahara Desert. They are not related to floating vegetation islands and do not exist in Manipur. Izba is a term used for traditional wooden houses or cabins, typically in Russia or Slavic regions, and it does not relate to floating islands or structures in Manipur.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Damodar River is the east-flow-ing river that has a rift valley due to down warping. The river flows through the Damodar Valley, which is one of the most important industrial regions in India, situated between the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the Bengal Basin. The valley formed due to geological processes like down warping and faulting, which allowed the river to cut through the region.

Option (b) is incorrect: The Mahanadi is an east-flowing river that does not flow through a rift valley. It originates from the Chhattisgarh Plateau and flows towards the east into the Bay of Bengal.

Option (c) is incorrect: The Sone River is a tributary of the Ganga and flows in the region of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, but it does not have a rift valley.

Option (d) is incorrect: The Yamuna River is another major river in India, but it does not have a rift valley. It flows through the Himalayan foothills and North India before joining the Ganga.

Explanation

A is matched with 4: Blue vitriol is the common name for copper sulphate, known for its bright blue color. B is matched with 3: Epsom salt is the common name for magnesium sulphate, often used in bath salts and as a laxative. C is matched with 1: Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, used in cooking as a leavening agent. D is matched with 2: Caustic soda is the common name for sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong base used in industrial applications like soap making.

Explanation

A is matched with 2: Potassium bromide is widely used in the photographic industry. It acts as a restrainer in photographic developers and is used in the preparation of photographic emulsions. B is matched with 4: Potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter, is a key ingredient in gunpowder due to its oxidizing properties. It releases oxygen during combustion, aiding in the rapid burning of other materials. C is matched with 1: Potassium sulphate is an important fertilizer that supplies potassium, a vital nutrient for plant growth. It is especially used in chloride-sensitive crops like potatoes, tobacco, and citrus fruits because it contains no chloride ions. D is matched with 3: Monopotassium tartrate is extensively used in baking. It helps stabilize egg whites, prevents sugar crystallization, and is a component of baking powder, contributing to the leavening process in cakes and bread.

Explanation

An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with another metal. While many metals can form amalgams, iron does not readily form one because it has a very low affinity for mercury under normal. On the other hand, metals like zinc, copper, and magnesium can form amalgams.

Explanation

The Human Poverty Index (HPI) was introduced in the Human Development Report (HDR) 1997 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). HDI (Human Devel-opment Index) measures overall development based on three parameters: life expectancy, education (mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling), and per capita income. HPI (Human Poverty Index) focuses on deprivation in three areas:

Longevity (probability of not living beyond 40) Knowledge (adult illiteracy rate) Standard of living (access to clean water, healthcare, and underweight children)