UPSC 2010 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bombay Manifesto openly opposed the preaching of socialist ideals, fearing that such policies would disrupt free enterprise and harm industrial growth. It was a response to the increasing influence of socialism within the Congress Party.

Statement 2 is incorrect: However the manifesto did not get support from a large section of the business community across India. The business community was positive about the government intervention and hand holding in running the enterprises and economy.

Explanation

After the Quit India Movement of 1942, C.

Rajagopalachari proposed a solution to the constitutional deadlock between the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League and the British Government through his pamphlet titled "The Way Out". It suggested that the Congress should accept the League’s demand for Pakistan through a plebiscite in Muslim-majority areas, provided the British granted complete independence to India. His proposal was an attempt to resolve the growing communal tensions and the deadlock over India’s future governance.

Explanation

Oceansat-2, launched by ISRO in 2009, is an Earth observation satellite designed to study oceanic and atmospheric conditions. It supports applications like ocean forecasting, fishing zone mapping, and monitoring coastal and atmospheric parameters.

Statement 1 is correct: Oceansat-2 is equipped with sensors such as the Scatterometer and Ocean Color Monitor (OCM), which help assess atmospheric parameters like water vapour content.

Statement 2 is correct: By measuring sea surface winds and temperatures, the satellite is capable of understanding and predicting monsoon dynamics, which are closely tied to oceanic and atmospheric interactions.

Statement 3 is correct: The Ocean Color Monitor onboard can detect chlorophyll concentrations, sediment levels, and other indicators of water quality, helping monitor and assess pollution in coastal regions effectively.

Explanation

The Karachi session of 1931, presided over by Sardar Patel, was significant for its adoption of the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru laying the foundation for India’s socio-economic vision.The Resolution advocated for key socio-economic reforms such as labor rights, minimum wages, equality, and universal adult suffrage. The resolution underscored Congress’ commitment to political independence and social justice, serving as a foundation for shaping governance priorities in independent India.

Explanation

Bhuvan (means Earth in Sanskrit) is a Geoportal of ISRO, to evince the Indian Earth Observation capabilities from the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) series of satellites. It is an interactive versatile Earth-Browser which showcases multi-sensor, mutli-platform and multitemporal images with capabilities to overlay thematic information along with near real-time information from Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) information, disaster support related information like forest fire alerts, periodic agricultural drought assessment etc. Bhuvan provides 2D/3D imaging and visualization of India’s geographic data. It allows users to access and analyze spatial information, similar to Google Earth, but with a focus on Indian data and applications such as urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management. But due to security concerns, the images available do not include any military installations in India.

Explanation

The National Investment Fund (NIF) was created in India to receive the proceeds from the disinvestment of public sector undertakings (PSUs). The idea was to use these funds strategically for social sector development and investment.

Statement 1 is incorrect: the NIF’s assets were managed by selected public sector mutual funds, namely UTI Asset Management Company Ltd., SBI Funds Management Private Ltd., and LIC Mutual Fund Asset Management Company Ltd., not directly by the Union Ministry of Finance.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The NIF was kept outside the Consolidated Fund of India. This was done to ensure that the disinvestment proceeds were used for their intended purpose (social sector development) and not simply absorbed into general government expenditure.

Statement 3 is correct: The Government appoints Asset Management Companies (AMCs) from the public sector to manage the fund.

Statement 4 is correct: 75% of the annual income from NIF is allocated to social sector schemes (education, health, employment). 25% is used for capital investment in profitable/ revivable CPSEs to support their expansion and diversification.

Explanation

India receives significant FDI from Mauritius primarily due to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between the two countries. DTAA is a tax treaty that prevents individuals/entities from being taxed twice on the same income. It promotes cross-border investments by offering tax relief. Historically, this agreement allowed Mauritius-based investors to route investments into India with tax benefits, leading to higher FDI flows compared to countries like the UK and France. India has DTAA with several countries, including Mauritius, Singapore, USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Canada, France, Australia, Netherlands, China, and Bangladesh. India does not have DTAA with Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan.

Explanation

Tamil Nadu is a leading producer of mill-made cotton yarn in India due to the availability of a rich pool of skilled labor, which is crucial for operating the state’s large textile industry. The state has a long tradition of textile manufacturing, supported by well-developed infrastructure and favorable government policies.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Black cotton soil is often considered ideal for cultivating cotton because of its moisture-retaining properties. However, this soil type is not predominant in Tamil Nadu. Instead, black cotton soil is commonly found in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The cotton used in Tamil Nadu’s mills is primarily sourced from these cotton-growing regions, rather than being grown locally on black cotton soil.

Statement 2 is correct: Tamil Nadu has a long-established tradition in textile manufacturing. The state is renowned for its skilled and semi-skilled workers who efficiently manage complex mill operations, machinery, and quality control. This expertise is one of the major reasons behind its leading position in the cotton yarn industry.

Explanation

The Covenanted Civil Service of India, later known as the Indian Civil Service, was created by Lord Cornwallis during his tenure as Governor-General (1786-1793). He reorganized India’s administration, introducing a system where British recruits were sent to India as high-paid administrators with various privileges. Civil Services in British India were classified as covenanted and uncovenanted services on the basis of the nature of work, pay-scales and appointing authority.

Explanation

The "Instrument of Instructions" from the Government of India Act of 1935 were important guidelines from the British Government. They directed the Governors in British India on how to use their discretionary powers. In 1950, these guidelines influenced the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India (Part IV). These principles help the State create laws and policies that improve people’s welfare and build a fair and just society.