UPSC 2000 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Among the given options, South Korea had the best performance in terms of Human Development Index (HDI) in the year 2000. South Korea consistently ranked higher than China, Malaysia, and the Philippines due to its strong education system, healthcare, high life expectancy, and economic development.

Explanation

In the Global Competitiveness Report 2000 published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the United States ranked first in terms of global competitiveness. The United States secured the top position due to its strong technological advancement, business dynamism, and innovation-driven economy.

Explanation

Resurgent India Bonds (RIBs) were issued in US Dollar (USD), Pound Sterling (GBP), and Deutsche Mark (DEM) in 1998.

Explanation

The powers and functions of the Parliament are mentioned in Chapter II of Part V of the Constitution. Under this, the Parliament is empowered to make laws on all matters listed in the Union list and Concurrent list of the Constitution.

Option (d) is correct: According to article 253, it can also formulate laws on any matter pertaining to the State list if it is deemed necessary for the implementation of International Treaties or Agreements concluded with foreign nations. This provision ensures that India can fulfill its international obligations effectively. Hence, no consent from the states is required.

Explanation

Statement (a) is incorrect: A Money Bill can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha on the prior recommendation of the President, as per Article 109 of the Indian Constitution. It cannot be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. Statement (b) is correct: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the final authority to decide whether a bill is a Money Bill or not. This decision is final and cannot be questioned in any court. However, in Rojer Mathew v South Indian Bank Ltd Case, 2019 Supreme court said that the speaker’s decision was not beyond judicial review though the scope was extremely restricted. Statement (c) is correct: After the Lok Sabha passes the Money Bill, it is sent to the Rajya Sabha. The Rajya Sabha has 14 days to either accept, reject, or recommend changes in the bill to the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha can either accept or reject all or any of the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha. Statement (d) is correct: Once the Money Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha (and the Rajya Sabha, if applicable), it is sent to the President for approval. The President may either give or withhold his assent to a Money Bill. The President cannot return a Money Bill to the Lok Sabha for reconsideration.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: The speaker of the Lok sabha can ask a member of the house to stop speaking and let another member speak. It is known as yielding the floor. Yielding the floor allows the smooth and orderly conduct of debate in the House. The Speaker may ask a member to stop speaking if they have exceeded their time or if another member is to speak on the matter at hand. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Decorum refers to the appropriate behavior and conduct expected in the House. Crossing the floor is a term used when a member switches allegiance from one party to another, particularly in the context of voting or support. Interpellation is a formal procedure where a member of the House asks a question to the government, which requires a written or oral response. The term "interpellation" is not formally used in Indian parliamentary practice.

Explanation

The remark, "In this instance we could not play off the Mohammedans against the Hindus," by Sir Charles Aitchison, refers to the Revolt of 1857. During the rebellion, the British were frustrated because their usual strategy of dividing Hindus and Muslims was ineffective. Instead of fighting each other, both communities united against the British, which posed a significant challenge to British rule. This unity between Hindus and Muslims during the revolt was unexpected and disrupted British efforts to exploit religious divisions.

Explanation

Option 1 is incorrect: While radial tyres improve handling and durability, they primarily reduce rolling resistance, which can have a minor impact on fuel efficiency. However, their primary benefit is not directly linked to significant fuel savings.

Option 2 is correct: A streamlined body reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing the car to move more efficiently through the air. This directly improves fuel efficiency, especially at higher speeds. An example of a car with a streamlined body is the Tesla Model S. Its sleek, aerodynamic design minimizes air resistance, improving both fuel efficiency (or energy efficiency in the case of electric cars) and performance.

Option 3 is correct: Multipoint Fuel Injection ensures that the right amount of fuel is injected into each cylinder, improving combustion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Option 4 is incorrect: While a catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions, it does not directly affect fuel efficiency. Its primary function is to convert toxic gases like carbon monoxide into less harmful substances. Direction: The following item consists of two statements, one labeled as the Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). You have to answer these items using the code given below.

Explanation

According to Newton’s first law of motion, " A body at rest will remain at rest, and a body in motion will continue in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force". According to Newton’s second law of motion, "The rate of change of momentum of a body is directly proportional to the applied force and occurs in the direction of the force". Assertion (A) is true: When the man whistles, he expels air from his lungs. This expelled air has mass and velocity, creating momentum in the forward direction and thus creating reaction force which pushes the man backward on the frictionless surface. This is based on Newton’s second law of motion. Reason (R) is true: The statement that ‘ if no external force acts on a system, its momentum cannot change’ is clearly stating Newton>s first law of motion which is clearly not explaining the Assertion (A). Thus, Reason (R) merely states Newton’s First Law of Motion and doen’s explain the Assertion (A) which is based on Newton’s Second Law of Motion.

Explanation

The state with the largest number of seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha is Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has a significant tribal population, including communities like Gonds and Bhils, and the reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha is proportionate to the tribal population in the state. The reserved seats ensure representation of Scheduled Tribes in Parliament to address their issues and protect their rights.