UPSC 2009 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a primary component of the electrolyte paste used in dry cells. Zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) serves as the negative electrolyte, and it is often mixed with ammonium chloride in a paste to form the electrolyte for the dry cell. These components, along with a zinc anode and a carbon cathode, are commonly used in the construction of dry cells, which power small devices such as flashlights and radios.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Nikkei (Japan) tracks the performance of 225 major companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Shanghai Composite Index (Shcomp) is the stock market index of China, not Singapore. The correct index for Singapore is the Straits Times Index (STI).

Pair 3 is correctly matched: FTSE (UK), The Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE 100) represents the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Pair 4 is correctly matched: Nasdaq (USA), technology-heavy stock exchange index in the United States, tracking major firms like Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

Explanation

Option (d) is correct: Nitroglycerine is a highly explosive compound, commonly used in the production of dynamite. It is a liquid with high sensitivity to shock and heat, making it a powerful and widely used explosive in mining and demolition. Options (a), (b) and (c) are incorrect:

Phosphorus Trichloride is a chemical used in the manufacture of pesticides, not an explosive. Mercuric Oxide is an oxidizing agent used in batteries and chemical synthesis, not explosive. Graphite is a form of carbon used in lubricants and as an electrode material, not an explosive.

Explanation

The Central Statistical Organization (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for publishing the "Energy Statistics" report from time to time. This publication provides comprehensive data on energy production, consumption, and resources in India, covering sectors like coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity, and renewable energy. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is a government body responsible for statistical data collection, analysis, and dissemination in India. It oversees the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). MoSPI publishes key reports like Economic Census, Energy Statistics, and National Accounts Statistics which aids in policy formulation and economic planning.

Explanation

The Kalka-Shimla Railway was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2008 as part of the Mountain Railways of India. This recognition was given due to its historical significance and outstanding engineering achievement in a difficult mountainous terrain.

Explanation

Amrita Sher-Gil: A pioneering modern Indian painter who blended Indian and Western styles. Notable works: Bride’s Toilet, Self Portrait, Village Scene. Bikash Bhattacharjee: A Bengali painter known for realistic, figurative works with social commentary. Notable works:

The Red Door, The Prodigal Son.

N.S. Bendre: A modern Indian art pioneer who fused Indian folk traditions with Western abstraction. Notable works:

Figures in Landscape, Rural Scene.

Subodh Gupta: A contemporary artist known for sculptures and installations using everyday objects. Notable works:

Very Hungry God, What Does the Mirror Reflect?.

Explanation

Mahamastakabhisheka is a grand religious event that is associated with Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara), a revered figure in Jainism. The event is celebrated once in every 12 years at the Shravanabelagola temple in Karnataka, India.

Explanation

A-3, Anil Agarwal: Founder of Vedanta Resources, a global natural resources company in metals, mining, and oil & gas. B-2, Gautam H. Singhania: Chairman & MD of Raymond Ltd., known for fabric manufacturing and apparel. C-1, Sanjay Dalmia: Associated with Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd. (GHCL), a key player in chemicals and textiles. D-4, Venugopal Dhoot: Founder of Videocon Group, a major consumer electronics and home appliances company.

Explanation

India’s largest private sector sea port, called the Krishnapatnam Port, was commissioned in Andhra Pradesh. Krishnapatnam Port, located in Nellore district was developed by Navayuga Engineering Company, it handles diverse cargo. Strategically significant for both domestic and international trade, the port plays a crucial role in boosting regional economic activity.

Explanation

The National Water Resources Council (NWRC) oversees water management, distribution, and conservation in India. Chaired by the Prime Minister, it plays a crucial role in policy-making, addressing water scarcity and inter-state river disputes. The National Water Resources Council (NWRC) adopted the National Water Policy in September 1987.