UPSC 2003 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: In 2001-02, India allowed 100% FDI in the tea sector, but with a condition that the foreign company must disinvest 33% of its equity in favor of an Indian partner within four years. This was done to ensure Indian participation in the tea industry.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indian government allowed 26% FDI in print media (news and current affairs publications). However, the single largest Indian shareholder was required to hold more than 26%, ensuring Indian control.

Explanation

In 2003, the Government of India held around 66% stake in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). This was part of its broader disinvestment and privatization strategy.

Explanation

FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) was enacted in 1999 and came into force in 2000. It replaced FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act), which was more stringent and focused on criminalizing violations of foreign exchange laws. Under FEMA, violations are treated as civil offenses, meaning that penalties may be imposed but the violation itself is no longer a criminal offense, unlike FERA where violations could lead to imprisonment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India’s import of crude and petroleum products during 2001-02 accounted for about 27% of total imports.

Statement 2 is incorrect: India’s exports did not increase by 10% in 2001-02; instead, they grew at a lower rate.

Explanation

The octopus is a mollusc in the class Cephalopoda (including squids and cuttlefish), part of the phylum Mollusca. Cephalopods are soft-bodied, bilaterally symmetrical, lack external skeletons, and have prominent heads with arms or tentacles. Octopuses lack an external shell, allowing for flexibility and the ability to squeeze through tight spaces. Their eight arms, equipped with suction cups, help with locomotion, prey capture, and interaction. Octopuses are highly intelligent, demonstrating problem-solving and tool use. Mollusca is a phylum of invertebrates, including snails, clams, and cephalopods.

Explanation

The word AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. This means deficiency of the immune system, acquired during the lifetime of an individual. ‘Syndrome’ means a group of symptoms. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a member of a group of viruses called retrovirus. It leads to various symptoms such as Swollen lymph nodes occur due to immune system deterioration, commonly affecting the neck, armpits, and groin. Night sweats and recurring fevers are signs of opportunistic infections as the body struggles to regulate temperature. Memory loss and cognitive impairment arise when the virus affects the nervous system, leading to neurological complications. Significant weight loss results from chronic infections, metabolic changes, and increased energy demands.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The renal artery is responsible for delivering oxygenated blood from the heart to the kidneys for filtration. After the kidneys filter the blood by removing waste products and excess substances, the cleansed blood is returned to the systemic circulation via the renal vein, not the renal artery.

Statement 2 is correct: From Bowman’s capsule, the glomerular filtrate(filtered liquid) passes into the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), where essential substances, including glucose, are actively reabsorbed. This reabsorbed glucose along with other nutrients is then transported into the peritubular capillaries and eventually returned to the bloodstream via the renal vein. This ensures that the body retains necessary nutrients while excreting waste.

Explanation

Milk does contain several B-vitamins such as Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) along with Vitamin D, calcium, and proteins. For instance, a 200ml glass of semi-skimmed milk provides approximately 0.47 mg of riboflavin, which is about 33% of the recommended daily intake. Options (b), (c) and (d) are correct:

Vitamin A is found in foods like carrots, liver, and dairy products and is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. A deficiency in vitamin A can cause xerosis (dry, scaly skin) due to its role in maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. Scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C. One of its symptoms is joint pain, along with others like fatigue, swollen gums, and bruising. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, amla, and guava. A severe deficiency in Vitamin B1(thiamine) can result in beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to heart failure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of the lower legs, and increased heart rate. It is present in whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: When hydrochloric acid (HCl) from the stomach enters the duodenum, it lowers the pH of intestinal contents. This triggers S-cells in the duodenal lining to release secretin. Secretin signals the pancreas to release bicarbonate-rich fluid. This fluid neutralizes the acid, creating an optimal environment for digestive enzymes to function.

Statement 2 is correct: Enterogastrone refers to a group of hormones secreted by the duodenal mucosa when dietary fats are present. These hormones, including secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK) slows down gastric motility and inhibit stomach secretions. This regulation ensures that chyme moves gradually from the stomach to the small intestine, promoting better fat digestion and absorption.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Victoria Falls, known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "The Smoke That Thunders," is located on the Zambezi River. It straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa and flows through several countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

The Amazon River, which is the largest river in the world by discharge, flows through South America, primarily through Brazil, but does not have Victoria Falls. The Missouri River is a major river in the United States, flowing through several states. It does not have any waterfalls as famous as Victoria Falls. The St. Lawrence River flows through Canada and the United States, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. While it has several rapids and is an important waterway for shipping, it is not associated with Victoria Falls.