UPSC 2003 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

In India, The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram. Location of the given cities in comparison to the Tropic of Cancer is the following:

Delhi: 28.7041°N Jodhpur: 26.2389°N Tropic of Cancer: 23.5°N Kolkata: 22.5726°N Nagpur: 21.1458°N Thus, Kolkata is nearest to the Tropic of Cancer. Other cities near to the Tropic of Cancer:

Udaipur (Rajasthan): 24.5854°N.

Agartala (Tripura): 23.8315°N.

Aizawl (Mizoram): 23.7271°N.

Ranchi (Jharkhand): 23.3441°N.

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): 23.2599°N.

Gandhinagar (Gujarat): 23.2156°N.

Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): 23.1815°N.

Kolkata (West Bengal): 22.5726°N.

Explanation

Ionic compounds are chemical compounds composed of positively and negatively charged ions held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction.

Statement 1 is correct: Ionic compounds generally dissolve in water due to its high polarity, but alcohols are less polar compared to water, which makes most ionic compounds insoluble in alcohol.

Statement 2 is incorrect: In the solid state, the ions in ionic compounds are fixed in a rigid lattice structure and cannot move freely, which prevents the conduction of electricity.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The magnetic quantum number of an element specifies the orientation of an orbital in space relative to an external magnetic field. It determines the number of orbitals and their spatial orientation within a given subshell (defined by the azimuthal quantum number, l). Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect: Shape is determined by the azimuthal quantum number; Size is determined by the principal quantum number; Spin is determined by the spin quantum number, which specifies the spin orientation of the electron.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Liquid sodium is used as a coolant in certain types of nuclear reactors, particularly fast breeder reactors. Sodium is an effective coolant because of its high thermal conductivity and low neutron absorption properties, which are ideal for cooling the reactor core. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Dental amalgams are typically made of silver, mercury, and other metals. Calcium carbonate is not a must-include ingredient in toothpastes. Though it is sometimes used in toothpaste as an abrasive that helps remove plaque, stains, and debris from teeth. Bordeaux mixture is made from copper sulfate and lime (calcium hydroxide). It is used as a fungicide and pesticide in agriculture to prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew in crops. Zinc amalgam is not commonly used in dental fillings, although zinc oxide is sometimes used in dental cements and temporary fillings.

Explanation

The Kelkar Committee, led by Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar, recommended tax reforms to simplify India’s tax system. It proposed reducing tax rates, eliminating exemptions, broadening the tax base, and improving tax administration. The committee also advocated for GST-like reforms and lower customs and excise duties.

Explanation

Trishul, a short-range surface-to-air missile under India’s IGMDP, had a 9 km range, not 30 km. It was supersonic and later discontinued in 2008.

Option (a), (b) and (d) are correct:

Prithvi-II is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO. It was inducted into the Indian Air Force, making it the only air force in the world to operate ballistic missiles at the time. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a multi-role fighter aircraft of the IAF, is capable of launching precision-guided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles like BrahMos, Astra, and Kh-59. INS Prabal is a missile boat of the Indian Navy, capable of launching sea-to-sea missiles like SS-N-25 ‘Switchblade’ anti-ship missiles.

Explanation

A-2: Brijmohan Lal Munjal was the founder of Hero Group, he played a key role in making Hero MotoCorp the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers. B-3: Kiran Karnik was the former President of NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), he significantly contributed to India’s IT and software industry growth. C-1: Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is the founder of Biocon. She is a pioneer in India’s biotechnology sector and has played a crucial role in pharmaceutical and bioscience innovations. D-4: Sunil Mittal is the founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, India’s leading telecom company. He played a significant role in revolutionizing India’s telecom sector.

Explanation

Statement (b) is incorrect: The Saka calendar was adopted as India’s official calendar in 1957. Chaitra falls on 22nd March in a leap year and 21st March in a normal year, not the vice-versa. Statements (a), (c) and (d) are correct:

Vande Mataram was composed in Sanskritized Bengali by Bankimchandra Chatterji in his novel Anandamath (1882). It was later adopted as India’s National Song. The Tricolor flag was adopted on 22nd July 1947 by the Constituent Assembly as the National flag of independent India. Jana Gana Mana was originally written in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911. It was adopted as the National Anthem in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950.

Explanation

The Bokaro Thermal Power Plant is located in Bokaro district, Jharkhand. It is one of India’s important coal-based power plants, operated by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and NTPC. It is a coal-fired power plant, utilizing coal from nearby Jharia and Bokaro coalfields. It plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Explanation

The Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains laws initially intended to be exempt from judicial review, especially regarding their compatibility with fundamental rights. However, judicial review is permissible if such laws violate the basic structure of the Constitution. The Ninth Schedule was introduced to protect land reform laws and other social justice legislation from being challenged in courts. It was added through the First Amendment to the Constitution in 1951.