Previous Year UPSC Questions

Explanation

The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’, and ‘Standard Model’ are primarily associated with the observation and understanding of the Universe. Event Horizon is the boundary of a black hole where escape velocity exceeds the speed of light and thus nothing, including light, can escape once crossed. A gravitational singularity is a region in space where matter is infinitely dense, and gravitational forces become infinite. It is found at the center of black holes, where spacetime curvature becomes infinite, and the equations of general relativity fail to provide a meaningful description. String Theory is a theoretical framework in physics that attempts to reconcile quantum mechanics and general relativity by positing that fundamental particles are not point-like but rather one-dimensional "strings." It is a candidate for a theory of everything, aiming to explain all fundamental forces and particles in the Universe. Standard Model is the theory in particle physics that describes three of the four known fundamental forces (electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions) and classifies all known elementary particles. It is a cornerstone of modern physics and helps explain the behavior of matter and energy in the Universe.

Explanation

The evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA) is a mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA) to detect and measure gravitational waves. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by massive cosmic events, such as merging black holes or neutron stars. eLISA aims to provide a new way of observing the universe by directly measuring these waves which are otherwise invisible to traditional telescopes. Unlike ground-based detectors like LIGO, eLISA will operate in space, allowing it to observe lower-frequency gravitational waves that cannot be detected on Earth.

Explanation

Democracy thrives on active citizen participation. It is shaped by the collective wisdom, judgment, and moral character of the people. Unlike authoritarian systems that concentrate power in a few hands, democracy nurtures the intelligence and character of individuals. It empowers ordinary men and women to take part in decision-making. This ensures that governance reflects public interest, accountability, and justice. People can express their opinions, contribute to society, and help shape the nation’s future. Democracy stands out for fostering widespread involvement and collective responsibility.

Explanation

The proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat was aimed at establishing a second population of Asiatic lions in Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative is part of the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project, which seeks to ensure the genetic stability and conservation of the species. The last wild population of the Asiatic lion is found in the region of Gir Forest National Park, in the state of Gujarat.

Explanation

Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 covers endangered species that need rigorous protection. The species are granted protection from poaching, killing, trading etc. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was passed in order to safeguard various plant and animal species. Some of the animals granted protection under the Schedule I include, Black Buck, Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Himalayan Bear, Asiatic Cheetah, Kashmiri Stag, Fishing Cat, Lion-tailed Macaque, Musk Deer, Rhinoceros, Brow Antlered Deer, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Capped Langur, Golden Langur, Hoolock Gibbon etc. Species declared protected under Schedule I are prohibited to be hunted throughout India, except under threat to human life or in case of a disease that is beyond recovery. Thus tortoise species declared under Schedule I enjoys the same level of protection as iconic species like the tiger and elephant. Note: Updated schedules have been added in the vermin question of 2024.

Explanation

Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, certain species are granted varying levels of protection through classification into different schedules. Species listed in Schedule I receive the highest level of protection, prohibiting hunting except under specific circumstances such as threat to human life, if the animal is disabled or diseased beyond recovery or for scientific research. The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a critically endangered crocodilian, is listed under Schedule I, providing it with stringent protection measures. The Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), found primarily in the Rann of Kutch, is also listed under Schedule I, ensuring its protection. The Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee), native to parts of central India, is included in Schedule I, reflecting its endangered status and the need for strict conservation efforts. Note: Updated schedules have been added in the vermin question of 2024."

Explanation

Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) operates through the existing national and international channels for political cooperation and dialogue. It became the main project of the Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+) in 2015 with strategic focus on promoting the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Statement 1 is correct: The Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) is an initiative of the European Union.

Statement 2 is correct: It was launched to enhance dialogue and cooperation on climate change, this initiative focuses on supporting developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are most vulnerable to its effects. It provides technical and financial assistance to help these nations integrate climate change into their development strategies and budgets.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization focused on the intersection of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a CEO-led community of over 200 sustainable businesses working towards a net-zero, nature-positive, and equitable future. Both WRI and WBCSD drive private-sector sustainability initiatives like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, but they are not directly linked to the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA).

Explanation

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to bridge the gap between higher educational institutions and rural India by addressing developmental challenges through technology-driven solutions. It aims to leverage knowledge from premier educational institutions like IITs, NITs, and universities to enhance rural development and focuses on sustainable devel-opment, water management, energy, and organic farming. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is the nodal agency for implementing the program.

Explanation

Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is a voluntary alliance of governments, intergovernmental organisations, corporations, academic institutions, and organisations from civil society dedicated to enhancing air quality and defending the environment by taking steps to reduce short-lived climate pollutants.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the governments of Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States joined forces in 2012 to launch initiatives to handle short-lived climate pollutants as an urgent and collective concern. CCAC is not an initiative of G20 countries.

Statement 2 is correct: CCAC works to reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants which includes black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons. By addressing these pollutants, the coalition aims to achieve near-term climate benefits, improve air quality, and promote public health.

Explanation

The Vidyanjali Yojana was launched by the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD) in 2016 as an initiative to enhance the quality of education in government schools through community and private-sector participation.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The scheme does not allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India. It is focused on improving public education at the school level through volunteer participation rather than international collaborations.

Statement 2 is correct: The scheme seeks to give quality education in government schools by engaging volunteers from various fields, including retired professionals, working professionals, and college students, to contribute their knowledge and skills to students through non-teaching activities such as reading, mentoring, and extracurricular programs.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While Vidyanjali 2.0, launched in 2021, allows for voluntary donation of resources, the original Vidyanjali Yojana did not focus on monetary contributions or infrastructure development. The primary goal was community engagement rather than financial donations.