UPSC 1996 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Upamanyu Chatterjee’s English, August: English, August: An Indian Story was adapted into a full-length feature film in 1994, directed by Dev Benegal. This was one of the earliest Indian English-language films to gain international recognition.

Option (a) is incorrect: R.K. Narayan’s Malgudi Days: Malgudi Days was not made into a full-length feature film, but it was adapted into a popular TV series in the 1980s, directed by Shankar Nag.

Option (b) is incorrect: Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children:

Midnight’s Children was adapted into a film much later, in 2012, directed by Deepa Mehta.

Option (c) is incorrect:Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy: A Suitable Boy was not made into a film in 1996, but in 2020, it was adapted into a BBC TV series directed by Mira Nair.

Explanation

India last won a gold medal in the 1980 Moscow Olympics in men’s field hockey. This was the country’s eighth Olympic gold in field hockey and the last gold medal India won in field hockey. India’s men’s hockey team has won 8 Olympic gold medals: 1928 Amsterdam: India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal was won at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics under the leadership of Dhyan Chand. 1932 Los Angeles 1936 Berlin 1948 London 1952 Helsinki 1956 Melbourne 1964 Tokyo 1980 Moscow

Explanation

Plastic surgery is the earliest medical advancement among the options listed. It dates back to ancient India, where Sushruta, known as the “Father of Surgery,” described advanced reconstructive surgical techniques in the 6th century BCE. He performed reconstructive procedures such as rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction). These procedures were significantly ahead of their time and predates other medical milestones by centuries.

Explanation

As per the WHO reports around 1996, Tuberculosis (TB) which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis was responsible for the highest number of deaths globally. It primarily affects the lungs and is prevalent in developing countries due to poverty, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to healthcare. TB has remained a significant global health burden despite being curable and preventable. However, currently Heart diseases are the largest reason behind human mortality.

Explanation

Xerophthalmia, caused by Vitamin A deficiency, is a critical public health issue in India. It primarily affects children and can lead to dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea, eventually resulting in blindness if left untreated. Addressing this condition through improved dietary intake and supplementation programs is a top priority for reducing malnutrition and its consequences in India.

Explanation

Option (b) is correct:

A is matched with 2: Carotene, specifically beta-carotene, is a provitamin A carotenoid found in plant foods. It is converted into vitamin A (retinol) in the human body which plays a crucial role in vision, immune function, and skin health. B is matched with 1: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. C is matched with 4: Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands that regulate physiological processes. Progesterone is a steroid hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. D is matched with 3: Proteins are large biomolecules made of amino acids that perform a variety of functions in the body. Keratin is a structural protein found in hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.

Explanation

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by higher blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) due to either insufficient insulin production or reduced insulin sensitivity. Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated.

Explanation

Option 1, 2 and 4 are correct: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), caused by the HIV virus, is transmitted through:

Sexual intercourse: HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal and anal intercourse with an infected partner. The virus is present in bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions. Blood transfusion: Receiving blood transfusions contaminated with HIV can transmit the virus. HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This mode of transmission is known as vertical or mother-to-child transmission. It is transferred from an infected mother to her foetus across the placenta. These are the primary modes of transmission as confirmed by WHO. Option 3 is incorrect: HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquitoes or other blood-sucking insects because the HIV virus does not survive or replicate in these organisms.

Explanation

Malnutrition refers to a state of improper nutrition, which can arise from overnutrition (excess intake of food or nutrients), undernutrition (deficiency of essential nutrients), and imbalanced nutrition (inadequate or excessive intake of specific nutrients relative to others). Overnutrition: Consuming excessive calories or nutrients can lead to obesity and associated health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Undernutrition: A lack of essential nutrients causes deficiencies like protein-energy malnutrition (e.g., kwashiorkor, marasmus), anemia, and weakened immunity. Imbalanced nutrition: A diet lacking in proper proportions of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) can cause health problems, even if calorie intake is sufficient. All these conditions impair the body’s ability to function optimally and lead to health complications.

Explanation

In 1995, Indian hockey saw a resurgence due to the following key achievements:

India won the Azlan Shah Cup in 1995, which was a significant achievement in international hockey. India defeated Bangladesh in the final of the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games (now called the South Asian Games), further boosting morale. By 1995, India had successfully qualified for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, ensuring participation in the prestigious event.