Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

A is matched with 4: Malaria is Caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium (e.g., Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax), transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. India’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) aims to eliminate malaria by 2030 under the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). WHO has approved RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine for children. B is matched with 3: Polio is caused by the poliovirus (genus Enterovirus) which spreads via contaminated food, water, or contact. Widely available vaccines (OPV and IPV) prevent polio. India’s Pulse Polio Programme launched in 1995 achieved polio-free certification in 2014. C is matched with 2: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air. The BCG vaccine provides TB prevention in children. India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) offers free treatment and nutrition support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana, aiming for elimination by 2025. D is matched with 1: Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, or Epidermophyton. It affects the skin, hair, or nails, spreading through direct skin contact or contaminated surfaces.

Explanation

Haemophilia is a genetic disorder where the blood does not clot properly due to a deficiency of clotting factors (such as Factor VIII in Haemophilia A or Factor IX in Haemophilia B). This leads to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.

Explanation

The 2004 Summer Olympics took place in Athens, Greece from August 13 to August 29, 2004. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Athens as the host city in 1997, defeating cities like Rome, Cape Town, Buenos Aires, and Stockholm.

Explanation

Manigrama was a well-known corporation of merchants in ancient India, particularly in South India. It played a crucial role in trade and commerce, often dealing with long-distance trade.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct:

Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early formation of the Solar System. They vary in size from small pebbles to Ceres, which is nearly 946 km in diameter and classified as a dwarf planet. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Meteors do not revolve around the Sun in a fixed orbit like asteroids. They are small space debris or fragments of asteroids or comets that enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up due to friction with the air, producing a bright streak of light (commonly called a shooting star). Comets are not confined to the region between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy celestial bodies that originate from the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud (far beyond Neptune). They follow highly elliptical orbits around the Sun and develop a glowing coma and a tail when they approach the Sun due to ice subli-mation. Meteorites are meteors that survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere and land on Earth’s surface. Unlike asteroids they do not orbit the Sun.

Explanation

The Sun, positioned at the center of the Solar System, is the closest star to Earth, with a distance of roughly 93 million miles (approximately 8 light-minutes). Its proximity makes it crucial for life on Earth.

Option (d) is incorrect: Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, is one of the brightest stars visible from Earth. However, it is located approximately 8.6 light-years away, making it significantly farther than the Sun.

Explanation

The presence of ice caps and frozen water is the most critical condition for the potential existence of life on Mars. Water is fundamental for life as we know it. The presence of frozen water (ice caps) on Mars suggests the possibility of liquid water under certain conditions, making it the most crucial factor for life. Recent discoveries of underground water reservoirs beneath the Martian surface further highlight its importance.

Explanation

Abul Fazl, a historian and one of Navratnas in Akbar’s court, mentioned the discovery of America by Europeans in his monumental work ‘Ain-i-Akbari’. His writings provide insights into Akbar’s court, administration, and cultural milieu, showing the reach of Mughal intellectual pursuits. Other important writings of the Abul Fazl are:

Akbarnama The History of Akbar Insh-i-Abu’l Fazl Persian translation of the Bible

Explanation

Balban (reigned 1266-1287) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly known for his strong and centralized rule. He was part of the Slave dynasty which began with Qutb-ud-Din Aibak. After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of "Zil-i-Ilahi", which means "The Shadow of God" or "The Shadow of the Divine." This title was a reflection of his absolute authority and divine right to rule. By adopting this title, Balban sought to emphasize the sacred nature of his rule and his unquestionable authority, essentially equating his position with the will of God.

Explanation

The Seventh Five-Year Plan (1985-1990) focused on economic productivity, self-sufficiency, and modernization. It aimed at improving living standards and emphasizing agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. The plan also initiated measures toward economic liberalization, setting the stage for future re-forms.