Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The Siachen Glacier lies to the north of the Nubra Valley, which is situated in the northern part of the Ladakh region of India. It is located in the Karakoram Range in the northernmost part of the Indian subcontinent. It is positioned in the region claimed by both India and Pakistan and is the longest glacier in the world outside the polar regions, spanning approximately 76 kilometers (47 miles).The Nubra Valley, located at the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra Rivers, is a key geographical feature in the vicinity of the Siachen Glacier. It is also the world’s highest battlefield.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Mekong River originates in the icy headwaters of the Tibetan highlands. It flows through several countries in Southeast Asia, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It does not flow into the Andaman Sea. It empties into the South China Sea through the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Thames flows into the North Sea, not the Irish Sea. It is a major river in England, flowing through London. The Thames flows into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary.

Statement 3 is correct: The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. It runs through Russia with its delta flowing into the Caspian Sea just south of the Kazakhstan border.

Statement 4 is correct: The Zambezi River, which means "Great River" in the Tonga language is one of Africa’s most bio-diverse rivers, and the fourth-largest river basin on the continent. It flows into to the Indian Ocean. The river is known for the Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world.

Explanation

The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) was a series of Muslim dynasties that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent. It marked the introduction of Islamic governance and administration in India.

Statement 1 is correct: In the land revenue system of the Delhi Sultanate, the central government appointed amil to collect revenues in each subdivision called Amil.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Iqta system of land control was first introduced in the Delhi Sultanate by Iltutmish. The institution known by its Arabic name, iqta, had existed in the early Islamic world as a means of rewarding services to the state. In the administration of the Caliphate, it served as a means of funding operations and compensating civil and military leaders. It was not an ancient indigenous institution.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The office of Mir Bakshi was established under the Mughal empire, who was head of the military department, nobility, information and intelligence agencies.

Explanation

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation, by neutralizing targeted mRNA molecules. This technology has gained immense popularity because of its potential in gene silencing, therapeutic applications, and agricultural improvements.

Statement 1 is correct: RNAi technology is primarily used to silence specific genes by targeting the messenger RNA (mRNA) produced by a gene. When RNAi molecules (small interfering RNA or siRNA) are introduced into cells, they bind to complementary mRNA, causing its degradation and preventing protein translation. This has vast potential in treating genetic diseases caused by overactive or malfunctioning genes. Gene therapies targeting diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease use RNAi to silence mutant genes causing the disease.

Statement 2 is correct: Numerous studies have demonstrated that RNAi can provide a more specific approach to inhibit tumor growth by targeting cancer-related genes (i.e., oncogene). Researchers are investigating RNAi-based therapeutics to target these oncogenes selectively.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that involves replacing hormones in the body to alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances or deficiencies. Though RNAi has been investigated as a potential tool for regulating hormone-related genes, it is not a primary mechanism of action for HRT.

Statement 4 is correct: RNAi is increasingly applied in agriculture to create genetically modified crops that are resistant to viral infections. By silencing the genes of the virus or the plant’s genes that are required for viral replication, RNAi-based technologies offer a potential solution to combat viral pathogens that affect crops. Crops like papaya and potatoes have been genetically engineered using RNAi technology to confer resistance to viruses such as the papaya ringspot virus and potato virus Y.

Explanation

Vijayanagara art and architecture, flourishing from the 14th to 16th centuries, blends Dravidian styles with Islamic and Persian influences. Notable for grand temples like Virupaksha and the Hampi ruins, it features large gopurams, intricate carvings, and expansive courtyards, reflecting both devotion and royal splendor.

Option (d) is correct: Kalyan Mandapa (or Kalyana Mandapam) is an architectural feature commonly seen in South Indian temples, especially during the Vijayanagara period (14th-17th century). These mandapas were used for ceremonial purposes, such as the symbolic marriage of deities. The Virupaksha Temple and Hazara Rama Temple in Hampi are prime examples of Vijayanagara architecture which feature Kalyana Mandapams with intricately carved pillars and large open spaces. The Kalyan Mandapa serves as a ceremonial hall within the temple complex, specifically built for conducting marriage rituals of deities, symbolizing the divine wedding of the presiding deity. The mandapas are often elaborately decorated with sculptures, intricate carvings, and motifs depicting deities, mythological scenes, and floral patterns.

Explanation

Sohgaura is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Rapti River. The Sohgaura copper plate inscription, dating to the Mauryan period (possibly pre-Ashokan), was found here. The Sohgaura inscription belongs to the Mauryan era (not the Harappan civilization) and refers to famine relief measures, food grain storage, and granary management. It was written in Prakrit in the Brahmi script. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect: Kot Diji, Desalpur and Chanhudaro are Harappan sites. Kotdiji means "Fort of the Daughter’’ and is located in Khairpur province, Pakistan. Here copper-bronze objects, bangles and arrowheads; etched carnelian and other beads and numerous terracotta human, bull, and bird effigy figurines were found. Desalpur, located in Gujarat, is a key Harappan site known for its well-planned settlement, including fire altars and beads, highlighting its role in trade and craft production. Chanhudaro is located on the bank of the Indus River in Sindh, Pakistan. Bead makers’ shops have been found here.

Explanation

According to OECD the term social capital can be defined as "networks together with shared norms, values and understandings that facilitate co-operation within or among groups". It consists of trust, mutual understanding, shared values and behaviour that bind together the members of a community and make cooperative action possible. Such interaction enables people to build communities, to commit themselves to each other, and to knit the social fabric. The proportion of literates in the population and the size of population in the working age group can be the examples of human capital. The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines is the example of physical capital.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: From the Second Five Year Plan(1956-61), there was determined thrust towards substitution of basic and capital goods industries. This plan focused on Rapid Industrialization with an emphasis on capital goods and heavy industries. It was based on the PC Mahalanobis Model.

Statement 2 is correct: The Fourth Plan (1969-74) provided a necessary corrective to the earlier trend which helped particularly the stronger sections in agriculture as well as in industry to enable them rapidly to enlarge and diversify the production base. It has adopted the objective of correcting the earlier trend of increased concentration of wealth and economic power and eliminating disparities in income between different regions. Thus, it targeted Growth with Stability, progressive achievement of self-reliance and income distribution.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Fifth plan (1974-78) aimed at removal of poverty and attaining self-reliance. The financial sector became an integral part of the plan in the Ninth five -year plan(1997-2002). Note: Details on Five Year Plans are given in Q. 17 Explanation

Explanation

The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution governs the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. Article 244(1) defines these areas as specified by the President. In the landmark Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1997) case, the Supreme Court ruled that transferring tribal land to private parties, including for mining, is null and void, reinforcing safeguards for tribal rights. The Governor, with advice from the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), can make regulations for peace and good governance in these areas. These can include restrictions on land transfers, allotments, and money-lending activities involving scheduled tribes.

Explanation

The Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution was added by the 1st Amendment (1951) to protect the laws included in it from judicial scrutiny on the ground of violation of fundamental rights. At this time, Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister of India. He remained in the office from the year 1947 to 1964. This schedule deals with the provisions as to validation of certain Acts and Regulations of the state legislatures primarily dealing with land reforms and abolition of the zamindari system and of the Parliament dealing with other matters.