UPSC 1996 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Living organisms require a variety of elements for various physiological functions. Among these, certain elements are required in major quantities (also known as macronutrients). The elements potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) are macronutrients required in relatively large amounts by living organisms:

Potassium (K) is vital for cell function, maintaining osmotic balance, and nerve transmission. Sodium (Na) is important for maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance, as well for nerve function. Magnesium (Mg) is essential for photosynthesis in plants, enzyme function, and the structural component of bones in animals. Calcium (Ca) is crucial for bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function.

Explanation

Seedless tomatoes can be produced through a process called parthenocarpy where fruits develop without fertilization and thus contain no seeds. This is achieved by spraying hormones like gibberellins or auxins on the flowers of the tomato plants. These hormones promote fruit development without the need for fertilization leading to seedless fruits.

Explanation

A is matched with 2: Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts where light energy is converted into chemical energy forming glucose and oxygen. B is matched with 1: Mineral uptake happens at the plasma membrane, where ions and nutrients are absorbed into the cell. C is matched with 3: Respiration takes place in the mitochondria, where glucose is broken down to release energy in the form of ATP. D is matched with 4: Protein synthesis occurs at the ribosomes where mRNA is translated into proteins.

Explanation

The potato is a modified stem known as a tuber. It is an underground stem that stores food and is capable of producing new shoots (vegetative reproduction). The "eyes" on the surface of a potato are actually buds from which new potato plants can grow. The sweet potato is also a modified root (specifically, a storage root) and not a stem. The coconut is a fruit and contains a seed, not a modified stem. Its outer husk is a part of the fruit, not a stem modification.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct:

Palk Bay is a shallow sea area situated between the southeastern coast of India (Tamil Nadu) and the northern coast of Sri Lanka. It connects the Gulf of Mannar (to the south) with the Bay of Bengal (to the north). The Palk Strait, which lies within Palk Bay, separates India from Sri Lanka. The Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), a chain of limestone shoals, partially separates Palk Bay from the Gulf of Mannar. Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat are located in Gujarat, unrelated to Palk Bay. Lakshadweep and Maldive Islands are island groups in the Arabian Sea, not related to Palk Bay. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, but not relevant to Palk Bay.

Explanation

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Idukki is not a thermal power station; it is a hydroelectric project in Kerala. The Idukki Dam, built on the Periyar River, is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Sabarigiri Hydroelectric Project is a hydropower project in Kerala, located on the Pamba River. It is one of the major hydropower projects in the state.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Ghatprabha Project is an irrigation project in Karnataka. The Ghatprabha River, a tributary of the Krishna River, is dammed to provide water for irrigation.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Ramganga Multipurpose Project is located in Uttarakhand, constructed on the Ramganga River. It serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.

Explanation

The river described above that thrice forks into two streams and reunites is the Cauvery River. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery River is known for splitting into multiple streams and forming islands:

Srirangapatna (Karnataka): The river splits and encircles the island town, famous for the Ranganathaswamy Temple. Shivanasamudra (Karnataka): The river divides into two branches, forming the Shivanasamudra Falls (Gaganachukki and Barachukki). Srirangam (Tamil Nadu): The river bifurcates and surrounds Srirangam Island, home to the renowned Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest functioning Hindu temple complex. These phenomena occur due to the unique geography and mean-ders of the Cauvery River.

Explanation

The place referred to in the quotation is Tranquebar (Tharangam-badi), located on the Tamil Nadu coast. It was a Danish colony from 1620 to 1845, when it was sold to the British. Tranquebar is known for its rich colonial heritage, including the Danish Fort (Fort Dansborg), built by the Danish East India Company, which stands as a reminder of Denmark’s presence in India. The New Jerusalem Church, constructed by Danish missionaries, adds to the town’s historical charm. The quaint streets and peaceful beachfront, often deserted, give the town a serene and timeless appeal. No other Indian coast shares a similar Danish colonial history, making the Tamil Nadu coast (Tranquebar) the correct answer.

Explanation

In 1996, India launched IRS-P3, an experimental earth observation mission undertaken by ISRO. The mission’s objectives were to process and interpret data generated by its two payloads, the Wide-Field sensor and Modular Optoelectric Sensor, developed by the German Aerospace Center. The mission was completed in January 2006 after serving for nine years and ten months.

Explanation

The Arjun is a modern Indian-made battle tank, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India. It is a third-generation main battle tank and was designed to enhance the Indian Army’s armored warfare capabilities. The tank features advanced firepower, protection, and mobility systems, and has been inducted into the Indian Army.