Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used to rank countries based on human development levels. It comprises three key dimensions:

Health: Assessed by life expectancy at birth, reflecting the ability to lead a long and healthy life. Education: Measured by two indicators:

Mean years of schooling: The average number of years of education received by people aged 25 and older. Expected years of schooling: The total number of years of schooling a child entering the education system can expect to receive. Standard of Living: It is evaluated by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which reflects the average income of a country’s citizens.

Option (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect: HDI does not use GNP per capita, GDP or GDP per capita.

Explanation

The "Panchsheel" Agreement, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, was a set of guidelines established in 1954 between India and China. The principles are:

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

2. Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs

3. Equality and mutual benefit

4. Peaceful coexistence

5. Non-aggression Non-alignment is a separate concept, particularly associated with India’s foreign policy during the Cold War, where India refrained from aligning with any of the major power blocs. It is not one of the principles of Panchsheel. v v v

Explanation

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD), registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. RMK’s main objective is to provide micro-credit to poor women for livelihood support and income-generating activities at concessional terms, promoting their socio-economic development. Mahila Samridhi Yojana: It launched on October 2, 1993, aims to provide economic security to rural women, encouraging savings habits. Eligible women (18+ years) can open a savings account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 4 at their local rural post office. They receive a 25% encouragement amount on deposits not withdrawn for 1 year, and a 25% bonus, up to Rs. 300, every year. Indira Mahila Yojana: Launched in 1997, Indira Mahila Yojana aimed to empower poor women by promoting self-help groups (SHGs) at the village level for financial inclusion and skill development. Mahila Samakhya Programme: It began in 1988 as a direct initiative of the New Education Policy (1986) and its subsequent Programme of Action, with the objective of educating and empowering women in rural regions.

Explanation

In 1990, Dinesh Goswami headed the committee for electoral reforms recommendation in the electoral process. The Recommendations of Dinesh Goswami Committee Electoral Reforms: Proposed state funding for political parties, fresh delimitation (1981 census), and lowering the candidate age from 25 to 21 for assembly elections. Stricter Regulations: Limited candidates to contest in only two constituencies, increased security deposit to discourage non-serious candidates, and Anti-Defection Law amendments to restrict disqualification. Decision-Making: Disqualification of members to be decided by the President/Governor based on Election Commission advice.

Explanation

The distinctive pungent odour of garlic is due to sulphur-containing compounds, mainly allicin. These compounds are formed when alliin is converted by the enzyme alliinase during chopping or crushing.

Explanation

Eugenol is the active component in clove oil, contributing to its distinct aroma and analgesic properties. It is widely used in dental care and as a natural preservative.

Explanation

Mustard gas (sulfur mustard) was widely used as a chemical weapon during World War I. It causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, along with severe respiratory damage.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Hydrogen has the highest calorific value of around 120-150 MJ/kg, making it an efficient and eco-friendly fuel. Combustion of hydrogen produces only water, contributing to clean energy initiatives. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Charcoal: Has a calorific value of 30 MJ/kg(approx.), significantly lower than hydrogen. Natural gas: Primarily composed of Methane, With a fuel value of around 55 MJ/kg(approx.), it is lower than hydrogen but widely used due to availability. Gasoline: Though energy-dense around 47 MJ/kg (approx.), but lower than hydrogen.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Ethylene glycol is a widely used anti-freeze for automobile engines. It effectively lowers the freezing point of the coolant, preventing it from freezing in cold climates. Additionally, it raises the boiling point of the coolant, ensuring efficient heat transfer during engine operation. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Propyl alcohol is rarely used as an anti-freeze due to its lower efficiency and higher cost compared to ethylene glycol. While ethanol has some anti-freeze properties, it is volatile and less efficient than ethylene glycol. Although methanol can be used as an anti-freeze, it is highly toxic and less efficient compared to ethylene glycol.

Explanation

As per the 1991 Census, the literacy rates for the mentioned Union Territories were:

Pondicherry (Puducherry): 74.91% Delhi: 76.09% Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 73.74% Chandigarh: 78.73% Dadra & Nagar Haveli: 39.45%