Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

India holds a significant position in the global oilseeds industry, contributing about 10% to the world’s total production. However, the demand for edible oils (including those derived from oilseeds, aside from palm oil) greatly exceeds domestic production, resulting in a reliance on imports for nearly 60% of the required supply.

Statement 1 is correct: With respect to the year 2018, Over the past five years, India’s edible oil imports have consistently surpassed domestic production, highlighting a significant dependence on foreign sources to meet consumption needs. This rising trend in imports persisted through 2023-24, reaching approximately 15.96 MMT. Meanwhile, domestic production has remained largely stagnant, accounting for only about 40% of the country’s total edible oil consumption. This imbalance highlights the widening gap between supply and demand, making large-scale imports essential to meet national requirements.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Indian government may impose customs duties on imported edible oils, adjusting rates to balance consumer interests and support domestic farmers. For instance, effective from September 14, 2024, a 20% basic customs duty was imposed on crude palm oil, crude soybean oil, and crude sunflower oil to support local oilseed farmers.

Explanation

The "Rule of Law Index" is an annual report published by the World Justice Project (WJP). It evaluates countries based on their adherence to the rule of law using factors such as:

Constraints on government powers Absence of corruption Open government Fundamental rights Order and security Regulatory enforcement Civil and criminal justice The index ranks countries based on data collected from experts and surveys to assess how well nations uphold legal principles. The index is widely used by governments, policymakers, and civil society organizations to identify strengths and weaknesses in the rule of law and to guide reforms.

Explanation

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-set price for crops. It helps prevent distress sales when market prices fall below this level. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) makes recommendations on MSP. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) announces the MSP based on these recommendations. MSP ensures that farmers receive a fair income.

Option (b) is correct: The government announces minimum support prices (MSPs) for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane. Amongst the above, Barley, Finger millet, Groundnut, Sesamum are part of MSP crop list. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect: Areca nut, coffee, and turmeric being commercial crops, are typically not covered under MSP.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: NSG members can engage in nuclear trade and obtain access to advanced nuclear technology and materials. This includes technologies for peaceful uses such as medicine, energy production, and research. India seeks NSG membership to improve its access to civilian nuclear technology and fuel for energy generation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: NSG membership does not automatically grant NPT membership. Adherence to NPT principles is often considered during NSG membership discussions but signing the NPT is not a mandatory requirement for joining the NSG. For instance, India seeks NSG membership without being an NPT signatory. China has blocked India’s entry into NSG by citing India’s non-signatory status in NPT.

Explanation

Yemen and South Sudan have experienced severe humanitarian crises in recent years, with millions of people suffering from famine, acute malnutrition, and starvation, primarily caused by ongoing wars and ethnic conflicts. Yemen has been experiencing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises due to a prolonged conflict since 2015. The war, combined with a blockade, has led to widespread famine-like conditions, with millions of people suffering from acute malnutrition and starvation. Over 80% of the population requires humanitarian aid, and millions are at risk of famine. Since its civil war began in 2013, South Sudan has faced severe food insecurity and famine conditions. Conflict has displaced millions, disrupted agricultural activities, and caused widespread hunger. In 2017, a famine was officially declared in parts of South Sudan, and even now, half the population faces extreme hunger.

Explanation

Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was undertaken after Mahatma Gandhi learned about the abuses suffered by farmers, who were forced into growing indigo by British planters and estate owners. Under the Tinkathia system in Champaran, tenants were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land for landlords. European planters imposed high rents and illegal fees, sparking passive resistance. This marked the beginning of Gandhian methods and the involvement of peasants in the Indian National Movement.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) lays down the minimum qualifications for teachers, not the State Councils of Teacher Education.

Statement 2 is correct: The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is conducted as per NCTE guidelines and is a mandatory requirement for teaching primary classes in government and private schools.

Statement 3 is incorrect: More than 90% of teacher education institutions are privately managed, and only a small percentage are directly run by State Governments.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Ninth Schedule and Article 31-B 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. A law passed by the Parliament and inserted into the Ninth Schedule receives protection under Article 31-B (validation of certain Acts and Regulations) and is thus exempt from judicial review. However in IR Coelho vs State of Tamil Nadu, 2007, the SC ruled that all laws (including those in the Ninth Schedule) would be open to Judicial Review if they violated the basic structure of the constitution.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The mandate of Ninth schedule is to prevent judicial scrutiny but according to the Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973, any violation with the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution is open to challenge in court of law. Again in IR Coelho vs State of Tamil Nadu, 2007, the SC ruled that all laws (including those in the Ninth Schedule) after 24 April 1973 would be open to Judicial Review if they violated the basic structure of the constitution.

Explanation

The concept of ‘Rule of Law’ was propounded by A.V.

Dicey. It is a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that everyone, including government officials, is governed by law.

Statement 1, 2 and 4 are correct: The concept of ‘equality before law’ as enshrined in Article 14 of constitution is aligned with "Rule of Law" whose key features include:

Limitation of Powers: Government authority must be constrained by law to prevent misuse of power. Equality Before the Law: All individuals, irrespective of status, are equal before the law. Liberty and Civil Rights: The Rule of Law protects individual freedoms and rights, ensuring the state cannot infringe on them arbitrarily.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The government is responsible/ accountable to the people. While citizens have duties and responsibilities, the Rule of Law primarily focuses on how power is exercised by the government and how citizens are protected under the law.

Explanation

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution deals with the protection of life and personal liberty. The Right to Privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring individuals’ autonomy and protection against unwarranted state interference. It was affirmed as a constitutional right by the Supreme Court in the landmark 2017 Puttaswamy judgment.The right may be restricted only by state action that passes each of the three tests:

Such state action must have a legislative mandate; It must be pursuing a legitimate state purpose; and It must be proportionate.