UPSC 2008 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The first desalination plant in India, which produces one lakh litres of freshwater per day based on the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) principle, was commissioned in Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep. This plant was developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

Explanation

In the 1936-37 elections, the Indian National Congress formed a ministry in 8 out of 11 provinces under the Government of India Act, 1935. Congress ministries were formed, focusing on education, economic reform, and civil liberties. Assertion (A) is true: In 1939, all Congress ministries resigned from their positions in the provinces. The resignations marked the end of Congress-led governance under the Government of India Act, 1935, intensifying the freedom struggle. Reason (R) is true: Congress ministries resigned in 1939 because the Viceroy declared India a belligerent in WWII without consulting Indian leaders. While Congress believed India should decide independently, they also opposed supporting Britain’s war against Germany under colonial rule. This lack of consultation was the direct cause of their resignation. Therefore Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

Explanation

Hand-in-Hand 2007’ was a joint anti-terrorism military training exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. This was part of confidence-building measures between the two countries to improve bilateral military cooperation. The only joint military exercise between India and China.

Explanation

Kim Dae-jung, the Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2000, is from South Korea. He was the eighth president of South Korea, serving from 1998 to 2003, and was recognized for his work towards democracy and human rights in South Korea and East Asia, as well as his efforts towards peace and reconciliation with North Korea.

Explanation

The United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference (1944), commonly known as Bretton Woods conference, was held in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, USA to regulate the international monetary and financial order after the conclusion of World War II. During this conference, agreements were signed to establish the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Explanation

The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country, serving as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In case of the President’s absence or vacancy, the Vice President assumes the role of acting President. Mohammad Hidayatullah and Shankar Dayal Sharma were Vice-President and later became President of India. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad and Neelam Sanjiva Reddy were never a vice-President but did become President of India.

Explanation

India purchased the Barak anti-missile defence systems from Israel. The Barak system is developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is a surface-to-air missile designed to intercept and destroy incoming threats such as anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and drones. It is part of India’s naval defence system and is installed on various Indian Navy warships to enhance their anti-missile capabilities.

Explanation

5.5 ton class helicopter with twin engines. is an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for military and civilian applications. Equipped with twin Shakti engines, it operates at altitudes up to 20,000 feet, making it suitable for diverse terrains. Dhruv is used for troop transport, search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. Its variants include the armed Rudra and the upgraded Mark III. As a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defense, Dhruv has been exported to countries like Nepal and Mauritius, enhancing India’s defense diplomacy.

Explanation

Median age refers to the age at which half the population is younger and half is older. It reflects the demographic profile of a country, with higher median ages indicating older populations. With respect to year in which question has been asked:

India: India, being a developing nation with a younger population and a higher birth rate, has the lowest median age among these countries. China: China’s population control policies (like the one-child policy) and the country’s demographic transition have resulted in a population that is older than India’s but younger than that of the USA and the UK. USA: The USA has a relatively older population compared to India and China due to factors such as higher life expectancy and a stable birth rate. Therefore, the median age is higher than those of India and China but lower than the UK’s. UK: The UK, being an industrialized and developed nation with an aging population, has the highest median age among the four countries. The population has a stable growth rate and a higher proportion of elderly individuals, making the median age of the UK the highest.

Explanation

India’s National Population Policy, 2000, sets a long-term objective to achieve a stable population by the year 2045. This goal aligns with sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. The policy emphasizes addressing unmet needs for contraception, healthcare infrastructure, and personnel, aiming to bring the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to replacement levels by 2010. The medium-term objective is to achieve a TFR of 2.1 by 2010, and the long-term objective is to stabilize the population by 2045.