UPSC 2004 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Assertion (A) is true: The west-flowing rivers of Peninsular India, such as the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Mandovi, generally do not form deltas due to the following reasons:

Steep Gradient and Short Course: These rivers flow through steep slopes of the Western Ghats and have a short course before reaching the Arabian Sea. This rapid flow prevents sediment deposition. Narrow Continental Shelf: The western coast has a narrow continental shelf, causing sediments to be quickly carried into deeper waters rather than accumulating near the mouth to form deltas. High Energy Waves and Currents: The Arabian Sea experiences strong wave action and currents that disperse sediments away from river mouths, further inhibiting delta formation. Reason (R) is false: While some west-flowing rivers might carry less alluvial sediment compared to east-flowing rivers that tra-verse vast plains, it’s not accurate to say they carry no alluvial sediments. The absence of deltas is due to the factors like the steep gradient of the rivers, the nature of the terrain they flow through, and the lack of a significant continental shelf where sediment could be deposited to form a delta. Thus, Assertion (A) is true and Reason (R) is false.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is false: Mangalore, being a coastal city on the western coast of India, receives significantly more rain-fall than Bangalore. Coastal areas in this region are directly impacted by the southwest monsoon. Reason (R) is true: Bangalore does receive rainfall from both the southwest and northeast monsoons. However, the amount of rainfall from the northeast monsoon is relatively small, and the rainfall from the southwest monsoon is also less compared to coastal areas like Mangalore. While the reason is true, it does not explain why Bangalore would have more rainfall than Mangalore; in fact, the opposite is the case. Thus, Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.

Explanation

A-4: My Presidential Years is an autobiography written by R. Venkataraman, who served as the 8th President of India (1987-1992). B-1: The Hindu View of Life is authored by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President and second President. C-2: Voice of Conscience is a book written by V. V. Giri, the 4th President of India (1969-1974). First acting President to be later elected. First unopposed elected President. D-3: Without Fear or Favour was written by N. Sanjiva Reddy, the 6th President of India (1977-1982).

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: As of 2004, Haryana has the minimum total forest cover among the given states. Haryana’s forest cover was only 1587 sq. km, accounting for 3.59 % of its geographical area, significantly lower than Sikkim, Goa, and Kerala, which have much higher forest coverage percentages. Even today, Haryana has the minimum total forest cover among the given states. Due to its predominantly agricultural and urban landscape, forest cover in Haryana is relatively low compared to states like Sikkim, Goa, and Kerala, which have more significant forested areas. According to the India State of Forest Report (SFR) 2023, Haryana has a total forest cover of 1602.44 square kilometers, which constitutes about 3.62% of the state’s geographical area, way below the national target of having 33% of forest cover. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect: As of 2004, the forest cover data for the other three states is as follows:

Sikkim: Forest cover was 3,262 sq. km, constituting 45.97% of its geographical area. Goa: Forest cover was 2,229 sq. km, constituting around 60.21% of its geographical area. Kerala: Forest cover was approximately 11,125 sq. km, constituting around 28.90% of its geographical area.

Explanation

A-1: B.P. Mishra served as the Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He was a prominent figure in India’s international financial relations and represented India in the IMF. B-3: Suresh Kalmadi was the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). He played a significant role in the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. C-4: Praful Patel served as the Vice-President for the South Asian Region at the World Bank. His role focused on managing the World Bank’s engagement with countries in South Asia, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and economic development. D-2: V.S. Jain was the Chairman of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), the largest steel producer in India.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: Ronu Mazumdar is a renowned flute exponent in the classical music world. He is known for his mastery of the Indian bamboo flute and has performed at various prestigious platforms worldwide. Mazumdar is widely regarded as one of the leading classical flutists in India.

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

Debu Chaudhuri: He is a sitar player and not associated with the flute. Madhup Mudgal: He is a distinguished vocalist in Hindustani classical music, not a flute player. Sahafaat Ahmad: He was one of the leading tabla maestros in the field of Hindustani classical music.

Explanation

Tawang Monastery, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest Buddhist monastery, is in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district near the Tibet and Bhutan borders. Founded in 1680-81 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso under the 5th Dalai Lama’s guidance, it remains a key center of Tibetan Buddhism, preserving monastic traditions and spiritual heritage.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Islamic (Hijri) Calendar is a lunar calendar and consists of 354 or 355 days, while the Gregorian Calendar is a solar calendar with 365 or 366 days. As a result, the Islamic calendar is shorter by approximately 11-12 days compared to the Gregorian calendar each year. The Islamic calendar is based on 12 lunar months, a new month begins when a new moon is sighted.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Islamic calendar began in 622 AD not 632 AD, the year of the Hijra, when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Gregorian Calendar is a solar calendar i.e. it is based on the Earth’s revolution around the Sun (365.24 days per year). It is not a lunar calendar.

Explanation

A-2: Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (Mumbai, Maharashtra) - Research in geomagnetism and space physics. It is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and technology. B-4: ARCI (Hyderabad, Telangana) - Focus on advanced materials and powder metallurgy. It was established in 1997, is an Autonomous Research and Development Centre of Department of Science and Technology (DST). C-1: Salim Ali Centre (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) - Bird research and natural history. Salim Ali, who was known as the father of Indian Ornithology. D-3: TFRI (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) - Tropical forest research and conservation. It is one of the nine regional institutes under the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education. The Institute came into existence in April 1988, although its origin goes back to 1973 when a Regional Centre of FRI, Dehradun was established at Jabalpur.

Explanation

Pair (b) is incorrectly matched: Central Organization for Railway Electrification (CORE) was set up in 1979, with headquarters at Prayagraj. Pairs (a), (c) and (d) are correctly matched:

The Railway Staff College is located in Vadodara, Gujarat. It is responsible for training senior railway officers and enhancing the administrative and managerial capabilities of the Indian Railways. The Wheel and Axle plant of the Indian Railways, also known as the Rail Wheel Factory (RWF), is situated in Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka. The Rail Coach Factory is located in Kapurthala, Punjab. It is one of the premier manufacturers of railway coaches in India.