UPSC 2011 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The blood group of the couple is AB Positive and O Negative. So their biological sons will have either blood group A or B. Thus we can infer that the blood group of the adopted son will be O.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: DVD stands for "Digital Versatile Disk" or "Digital Video Disc". It is a type of digital optical disc storage that can hold any kind of digital data but is frequently used to store pictures, audio, and video in standard definition. Blu-ray Disc is a digital disc storage format similar to CD and DVD, that is designed to record and play a large amount of data with high-definition quality.

Statement 2 is correct: Blu-ray Disc media include these features: 50GB capacity - Each disc can hold more than 10 standard DVDs.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The size of the Blu-ray disc is 120 millimetres in diameter with 1.2 millimetres thickness, which is the same as the size of a CD and DVD.

Explanation

The tissue just beneath the bark called the phloem layer is in charge of moving food produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to the roots. This process is called girdling, and it is fatal to trees because it disrupts the transport of nutrients. Without this nourishment, the roots eventually perish and stop supplying the leaves with water and nutrients. Later, the leaves wither. Because its roots are starved of vitality, a tree that has had its bark removed in a circular pattern all around near its base gradually dries up and dies.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The presence of ions, and not ozone, in the Ionosphere is responsible for radio communication. Ozone is primarily present in the Stratosphere and not in the Ionosphere.

Statement 2 is incorrect: They have frequencies from 300 GHz to as low as 3 kHz and corresponding wavelengths from 1 millimetre to 100 kilometres. They have a long range of wavelengths, so they can have very small wavelengths as well.

Explanation

Bt Brinjal is the first Genetically Modified food crop in India that has reached the approval stage for commercialization. Bt Brinjal is a genetically modified (GM) crop created by inserting Cry1Ac gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis into Brinjal. Brinjal plants now have resistance to lepidopteran pests such the Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) and Fruit Borer as a result of the gene’s insertion (Helicoverpa armigera).

Explanation

In reference to the year in which questions has been asked details of the options are given below Statement (a) is correct: VAT is a multi-point tax system be-cause it is levied at each stage of the production and distribution process. However, it is destination-based, meaning the tax is ultimately collected in the state where the goods or services are consumed. Statement (b) is correct: VAT is applied to the value added at each stage of the production and distribution process, which means businesses pay tax on the difference between the cost of inputs and the selling price of their products. Statement (c) is correct: VAT is ultimately a consumption tax, and it is the consumer who bears the final burden of the tax, even though businesses collect it at each stage. Statement (d) is incorrect: VAT is a joint subject of both the Central Government and State Governments in India. The Central Government implements Central VAT (CENVAT), and State Governments levy the State VAT. The system requires coordination between both levels of government.

Explanation

The Permanent Land Revenue Settlement of Bengal was extended to the provinces of Bihar and Orissa by Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The land where the zamindars had previously been responsible for collecting revenue was given to them as ownership. The demand for land revenue was predetermined and out of controlled revenue, 10/11th part was given to the company.

Option (d) is correct: The reforms increased the litigation after the introduction of the land settlement system and the main reason for this was the relief at the front of Court Fee and now everybody could drag anybody to the courts.

Explanation

Dadabhai Naoroji in "Poverty and UnBritish Rule in India" (1901), propounded the Drain of Wealth Theory. It refers to the constant one way flow of wealth from India to England for which India got no return. Home Charges played a significant role in the Drain of Wealth from India.

Statement 1 is correct: Funds used to support the India Office in London.

Statement 2 is correct: Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of British personnel engaged in India.

Statement 3 is incorrect: There are no clear references to using these funds for waging wars outside India by the British. Note: Here official answer given by UPSC is Option (b), However confusion with Statement 3 is understandable.

Explanation

The Indian wild ass also known as the Ghudkhur, is native to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. This region is characterized by sandy and saline desert conditions, which are the natural habitat of the Indian wild ass. The species has no natural predators in this area, but its survival is threatened due to habitat destruction, human encroachment, and competition for resources. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Explanation

Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as the "Orchid Paradise of India,". It boasts over 600 orchid species, accounting for approximately 40% of the country’s orchid diversity. The state’s sub-alpine and sub-tropical climates provide ideal conditions for orchid cultivation which makes it highly suitable for developing an export-oriented industry with minimal production costs.