UPSC 1997 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

A is matched with 3: The Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world, formed due to massive volcanic eruptions during the late Cretaceous and early Eocene periods (about 66 million years ago). These lava flows cover a vast part of western and central India. B is matched with 1: The Western Ghats, that include Sahyadri Hills, are part of the Late Cenozoic formations, meaning they formed relatively recently in geological history. These mountains are the result of faulting and uplift processes. C is matched with 2: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, dating back to the Pre-Cambrian era. It is heavily eroded and was once part of a much larger mountain system. D is matched with 5: The river valleys of the Narmada and Tapi belong to the Pleistocene era (about 2.5 million to 11,700 years ago). They have alluvial deposits from recent geological periods due to sedimentation from river action.

Explanation

The 18°C January isotherm is used as the dividing line between the tropical and subtropical zones in India. This isotherm runs roughly along the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N latitude) and helps distinguish the warmer tropical climate of southern India from the relatively cooler subtropical climate of northern India. Areas south of the 18°C isotherm (covering most of Peninsular India) experience tropical climate with higher temperatures, minimal winter, and a distinct monsoon pattern. Areas north of the 18°C isotherm (including northern states like Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh) fall under the subtropical zone, experiencing cooler winters and greater temperature variations between seasons.

Explanation

The Alamatti Dam is constructed on the Krishna River in Karnataka. It is a part of the Upper Krishna Irrigation Project and is located in Bagalkot district. The dam plays a crucial role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water management in Karnataka. It is one of the largest reservoirs in South India and helps regulate the flow of the Krishna River.

Explanation

The Farakka Barrage was constructed across the Ganga River in West Bengal with the aim of diverting water to the Hooghly River to ensure that the Kolkata Port remains navigable. The Farakka Feeder Canal is responsible for carrying the diverted water into the Hooghly River. Canal Capacity: The canal has a designed carrying capacity of 40,000 cusecs, which is the amount of water it can carry per second. This is an important feature of the Farakka Barrage, as it ensures the flow of sufficient water into the Hooghly River to prevent silting and to support the navigation in Kolkata’s port.

Explanation

Pair (d) is correctly matched: Sundari is a type of mangrove tree that is found in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal. It is well known for its role in the coastal ecosystem of the Sundarbans and is the dominant species in the mangrove forest. Pairs (a), (b) and (c) are incorrectly matched:

Teak is predominantly found in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, not in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is known for coniferous trees like Chir Pine and Fir. Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is primarily found in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, not in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has a variety of other trees like Sal and Saja. Sandalwood (Santalum album) is native to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Kerala is not popularly known for sandalwood cultivation, although the tree may grow there in some areas.

Explanation

Fluorine is the most reactive halogen because:

Small Atomic Size: Fluorine has the smallest atomic radius among halogens, leading to a strong attraction for electrons. High Electronegativity: It is the most electronegative element in the periodic table, making it highly effective in gaining electrons. Low Bond Dissociation Energy: The F-F bond in molecular fluorine is weak due to electron repulsion between the two small atoms, which makes it highly reactive. Reactivity Trend in Halogens:

Fluorine > Chlorine > Bromine > Iodine

Explanation

A is matched with 3: The President of India takes an oath to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution" and uphold the Constitution of India, which corresponds to the oath of faith and allegiance to the Constitution. B is matched with 4: Judges of the Supreme Court swear to "discharge their duties without fear or favor" and uphold the Constitution and the law, aligning with the oath of upholding the Constitution and the law. C is matched with 2: Members of Parliament pledge to "bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India," which corresponds to the oath of faith and allegiance to the Constitution. D is matched with 1: According to Article 75(4), ministers take an oath to uphold secrecy and faithfully discharge their duties.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic used to rank countries based on human development levels. It comprises three key dimensions:

Health: Assessed by life expectancy at birth, reflecting the ability to lead a long and healthy life. Education: Measured by two indicators:

Mean years of schooling: The average number of years of education received by people aged 25 and older. Expected years of schooling: The total number of years of schooling a child entering the education system can expect to receive. Standard of Living: It is evaluated by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which reflects the average income of a country’s citizens.

Option (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect: HDI does not use GNP per capita, GDP or GDP per capita.

Explanation

The "Panchsheel" Agreement, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, was a set of guidelines established in 1954 between India and China. The principles are:

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

2. Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs

3. Equality and mutual benefit

4. Peaceful coexistence

5. Non-aggression Non-alignment is a separate concept, particularly associated with India’s foreign policy during the Cold War, where India refrained from aligning with any of the major power blocs. It is not one of the principles of Panchsheel. v v v

Explanation

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD), registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. RMK’s main objective is to provide micro-credit to poor women for livelihood support and income-generating activities at concessional terms, promoting their socio-economic development. Mahila Samridhi Yojana: It launched on October 2, 1993, aims to provide economic security to rural women, encouraging savings habits. Eligible women (18+ years) can open a savings account with a minimum deposit of Rs. 4 at their local rural post office. They receive a 25% encouragement amount on deposits not withdrawn for 1 year, and a 25% bonus, up to Rs. 300, every year. Indira Mahila Yojana: Launched in 1997, Indira Mahila Yojana aimed to empower poor women by promoting self-help groups (SHGs) at the village level for financial inclusion and skill development. Mahila Samakhya Programme: It began in 1988 as a direct initiative of the New Education Policy (1986) and its subsequent Programme of Action, with the objective of educating and empowering women in rural regions.