UPSC 1997 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

In 1990, Dinesh Goswami headed the committee for electoral reforms recommendation in the electoral process. The Recommendations of Dinesh Goswami Committee Electoral Reforms: Proposed state funding for political parties, fresh delimitation (1981 census), and lowering the candidate age from 25 to 21 for assembly elections. Stricter Regulations: Limited candidates to contest in only two constituencies, increased security deposit to discourage non-serious candidates, and Anti-Defection Law amendments to restrict disqualification. Decision-Making: Disqualification of members to be decided by the President/Governor based on Election Commission advice.

Explanation

The distinctive pungent odour of garlic is due to sulphur-containing compounds, mainly allicin. These compounds are formed when alliin is converted by the enzyme alliinase during chopping or crushing.

Explanation

Eugenol is the active component in clove oil, contributing to its distinct aroma and analgesic properties. It is widely used in dental care and as a natural preservative.

Explanation

Mustard gas (sulfur mustard) was widely used as a chemical weapon during World War I. It causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, along with severe respiratory damage.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Hydrogen has the highest calorific value of around 120-150 MJ/kg, making it an efficient and eco-friendly fuel. Combustion of hydrogen produces only water, contributing to clean energy initiatives. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Charcoal: Has a calorific value of 30 MJ/kg(approx.), significantly lower than hydrogen. Natural gas: Primarily composed of Methane, With a fuel value of around 55 MJ/kg(approx.), it is lower than hydrogen but widely used due to availability. Gasoline: Though energy-dense around 47 MJ/kg (approx.), but lower than hydrogen.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Ethylene glycol is a widely used anti-freeze for automobile engines. It effectively lowers the freezing point of the coolant, preventing it from freezing in cold climates. Additionally, it raises the boiling point of the coolant, ensuring efficient heat transfer during engine operation. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Propyl alcohol is rarely used as an anti-freeze due to its lower efficiency and higher cost compared to ethylene glycol. While ethanol has some anti-freeze properties, it is volatile and less efficient than ethylene glycol. Although methanol can be used as an anti-freeze, it is highly toxic and less efficient compared to ethylene glycol.

Explanation

As per the 1991 Census, the literacy rates for the mentioned Union Territories were:

Pondicherry (Puducherry): 74.91% Delhi: 76.09% Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 73.74% Chandigarh: 78.73% Dadra & Nagar Haveli: 39.45%

Explanation

National Income refers to the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced by a country’s residents within a specific period, usually a year.

Option (b) is correct: NNP at factor cost is the total income earned by factors of production owned by a country’s residents. This is also called National Income (NI). It excludes indirect taxes (like GST) and adds subsidies granted by the government from NNP at market price. NNP(FC) =NNP(MP) -(Indirect Taxes)+(Subsidies) Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

NNP at market price is the total market value of all final goods and services produced by the residents of a country (both within and outside the domestic boundary) after adjusting for depreciation. This measure reflects the monetary worth of the economy’s output, including taxes and subsidies. NNP(MP)=GNP(MP)-Depreciation Net Domestic Product (NDP) at Market Price is the net value of all final goods and services produced within the domestic territory of a country after accounting for depreciation. This measure focuses on the domestic economy only (excludes foreign factor earnings). It includes indirect taxes and excludes subsidies. NDP(MP)=GDP(MP)-Depreciation Net Domestic Product (NDP) at Factor Cost is the total factor earnings from goods and services produced within a country’s borders. NDP at factor cost focuses solely on production within domestic boundaries and reflects the true earnings of factors without tax distortions. NDP(FC)=NDP(MP)-(Indirect Taxes)+ (Subsidies)

Explanation

A is matched with 4: Dr. C. Rangarajan headed the Disinvestment Commission in the 1990s, which was tasked with recommending strategies for the disinvestment of shares in Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) to improve efficiency and reduce the fiscal burden on the government. B is matched with 2: The Omkar Goswami Committee was formed to examine the issue of industrial sickness and suggest measures for the revival of sick industries. It focused on identifying the causes of industrial sickness and recommending policy interventions. C is matched with 1: Dr. Raja Chelliah chaired the Tax Re-forms Committee in the early 1990s, which laid the foundation for India’s tax reforms. The committee recommended simplifying the tax structure, broadening the tax base, and reducing tax rates to promote economic growth. D is matched with 3: The R.N. Malhotra Committee was constituted in 1993 to recommend reforms in the insurance sector. Its recommendations led to the opening up of the insurance sector to private players and the establishment of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA).

Explanation

As of the period around 1997, India’s gross domestic savings rate was estimated to be in the range of 20 to 25 percent of GDP. The savings rate has been an important indicator of economic health, influencing investment capacity and overall growth potential.