UPSC 2006 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

In 2005, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) made significant progress in reprocessing the uranium-plutonium mixed carbide fuel used in the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR). Reprocessing the spent fuel from the FBTR posed significant challenges due to its intense radioactivity and the distinct chemical characteristics of the mixed carbide fuel. The accomplishment of successful reprocessing showcased India’s expertise in managing and recycling this advanced type of nuclear fuel. It also provided critical knowledge for the advancement of next-generation fast breeder reactors, including the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam.

Explanation

New Zealand was among the early adopters of measures to directly regulate greenhouse gas emissions. In 2008, New Zealand implemented the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS), an all-gases, partial-coverage, uncapped domestic emissions trading scheme that features price floors, forestry offsetting, free allocation, and auctioning of emissions units.

Explanation

"Paheli" (2005) is a Hindi fantasy film directed by Amol Palekar and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. Based on Vijayadan Detha’s story "Duvidha", it follows Lachchi (Rani Mukerji), whose husband Kishanlal (Shah Rukh Khan) leaves for business, while a ghost takes his form and wins her love. Set in Rajasthan, the film explores love, fidelity, and the supernatural, leading to a unique resolution when the real Kishanlal returns.

Explanation

Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, is an independent, international non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides medical humanitarian aid in crisis-affected regions worldwide.

Explanation

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the long-time President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He played a pivotal role in the UAE’s formation in 1971 and remained President until his passing in 2004.

Explanation

The Bundala Biosphere Reserve, located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, is a significant ecological site recognized for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. In 2005, UNESCO designated Bundala as a Man and Biosphere Reserve, making it the only coastal biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka.

Explanation

In 2005, ONGC-Mittal Energy Limited (OMEL), a joint venture between India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Videsh (ONGC) and Mittal Investment Sarl, entered into an agreement with the Nigerian government to explore offshore oil and gas blocks OPL-279 and OPL-285.

Explanation

In 2005-2006, Niger suffered a severe food crisis, particularly in Maradi, Tahoua, Tillaberi, and Zinder, due to early rainfall shortages and desert locust infestations, which damaged crops and pasturelands. Poor harvests and reduced grazing areas worsened food scarcity. High food prices and widespread poverty further restricted access to essential supplies, leading to severe malnutrition and starvation.

Explanation

The Revolt of 1857 was a major upheaval against the British Rule in India which is also called as "sepoy mutiny". The revolt started at Meerut(Uttar Pradesh). John Lawrence called it a sepoy mutiny.

Option (a) is correct: Lord Canning (1856-62) was the Governor-General of India during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Establishment of three universities at Calcutta, Madras and Bombay in 1857 and enactment of Indian Councils Act of 1861 also happened during Canning’s time. Transfer of control from East India Company to the Crown through the Government of India Act, 1858 and ‘White Mutiny’ by European troops in 1859 were other notable events during his tenure as Governor General.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Article 249 empowers the Rajya Sabha to pass a resolution allowing Parliament to legislate on matters in the State List if it is in the national interest. This resolution requires a two-thirds majority and remains in effect for one year, with the possibility of extension through subsequent resolutions.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The proclamation of emergency must be approved by a special majority of both the Houses of Parliament within one month from the date of its issue under article 352(6). If a proclamation of emergency is issued when the Lok Sabha is dissolved, or if it dissolves within one month without approval, the proclamation remains valid for 30 days from the first sitting of the newly reconstituted Lok Sabha, provided the Rajya Sabha approves it in the meantime. If approved by both the houses, the Emergency continues for 6 months and can be extended to an indefinite period with an approval of the Parliament for every six months.