UPSC 2000 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The Indian National Army (INA) was formed during World War II with the objective of fighting against British rule in India. The idea of INA was first conceived in Malaya by Captain Mohan Singh in 1942. The Indian National Army was officially formed in Singapore in 1943. It was led by Subhas Chandra Bose, who sought support from the Axis powers (primarily Japan) to organize an army that could help achieve Indian independence. Bose gave the INA the slogan "Chalo Delhi" to inspire the troops to march towards Delhi to overthrow British rule.

Explanation

As the partition of India became imminent in 1947, Mahatma Gandhi opposed the idea of dividing the country along communal lines. Gandhi proposed that Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, be invited to form the central government of India as a last-ditch effort to avoid partition. Gandhi believed this move would address Jinnah’s demand for Muslim representation and avert the division of the country. However, this suggestion was not accepted by either the Congress or the Muslim League.

Explanation

The native state of Tripura, a princely state during British rule, became involved in the freedom movement due to its geographical proximity to Bengal and the political dynamics of the early 20th century. The native state of Tripura became part of the freedom movement early in the 20th century because some groups in the state were against the king’s rule and his support from the British. They wanted to challenge the king’s power and reduce British influence in the region. These efforts were linked to the larger fight for India’s independence, inspired by the freedom movement in nearby Bengal and other areas.

Explanation

The Quit India Movement (August Movement) of 1942 was a significant phase in India’s struggle for independence. The movement saw widespread participation from various sections of society, including students, workers, and peasants. Assertion (A) is true: Lord Linlithgow considered the Quit India Movement a significant challenge, as it led to widespread uprisings, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of administration. Reason (R) is true: In regions like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, and Maharashtra, peasants actively participated, leading to violent clashes with British authorities, giving the movement a mass character. Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

Explanation

During the time of India’s partition in 1947, as the Indian subcontinent was divided into India and Pakistan, there were various political movements and regional aspirations for different parts of British India. Some groups in Punjab, including the Akali Dal, proposed that the province should remain united and independent instead of being split between India and Pakistan. They were worried about the division of the region. However, this idea was not accepted, and Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan.

Explanation

The Balkan Plan refers to a proposal that aimed at dividing India which was one of the strategies considered to address the political situation leading to the partition of India in 1947. The idea was inspired by the division of Balkan States in Europe. Balkan Plan (1947) was the brainchild of Lord Mountbatten. He proposed dividing India into smaller regions along religious lines and transferring power to separate provinces with Punjab and Bengal given the option to vote for partition of their provinces.

Explanation

Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Korba (or Korwa) tribe is not associated with Kodagu. Instead, this tribe primarily inhabits regions in central and eastern India, such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Kodagu, on the other hand, is located in Karnataka and is well known as the homeland of the Kodava community, which is distinct from the Korba tribe. Pairs (a), (b) and (c) are correctly matched:

The Buksa, also known as Bhoksa, are indigenous people primarily residing in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, they are concentrated in districts such as Dehradun, Nainital, and Pauri Garhwal. The Kol tribe is native to central India, with areas like Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh being among their regions of habitation. The Munda tribe is predominantly located on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. They form a major tribal community in this region.

Explanation

The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, to collect demographic, social, and economic data about the population. Below are tables summarizing key census data for the states involved, for the years 1991, 2001, and 2011. Table 1. Population Density (persons per sq km) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census West Bengal 767 903 1,029 Uttar Pradesh ~600 698 829 Table 2. Adult Literacy Rate (% of people aged 15 and above) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Bihar 38.48% 903 ~47% ~58.44% Table 3. Sex Ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Kerala 1,036 ~1,040 ~1,045 Himachal Pradesh ~976 ~980 ~990

Option (d) is correct: Bihar had the lowest literacy rate in India in the 1991 Census at around 38.48%.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: The Ganga Plain, a part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain supports one of the highest population densities in India. This is primarily due to its fertile alluvial soil, which makes the land highly productive for agriculture. The region benefits from abundant water resources, a favorable climate, and flat terrain, all of which have historically encouraged dense human settlements. Reason (R) is True: The Ganga is the most harnessed river in India, with its waters extensively used for irrigation, drinking, industrial purposes, and hydroelectric projects. This extensive harnessing has been pivotal for the region’s agricultural productivity and development. R is not the correct explanation of A: The reason alone does not directly explain the high population density in the Ganga Plain. Population density is influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical, historical, economic, and cultural factors. The availability of fertile land for agriculture, historical settlement patterns, economic opportunities, and cultural factors play significant roles in determining population density.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of beef and has a significant cattle industry focused on meat production. The country’s vast grazing lands and favorable climate make it ideal for raising cattle for beef. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), beef production is a major agricultural activity, and Australia exports a significant portion of its beef to international markets. In contrast, dairy farming, while still important, is smaller in scale compared to the beef industry. Reason (R) is True: It is true that meat, particularly beef and lamb, forms a significant part of the Australian diet. This dietary habit reflects the cultural preferences in Australia, where a majority of the population consumes meat. Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion(A):

The reason provided does not directly explain why cattle rearing in Australia is predominantly for meat production. The primary factors influencing this include:

Geographical and Climatic Conditions: Australia’s expansive rangelands and favorable climate support large-scale grazing, making beef cattle rearing more efficient and economically viable than dairy farming. Agricultural Practices: The country’s agricultural infrastructure and export orientation have historically promoted beef production, irrespective of the local dietary habits.