UPSC 2014 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bijak is the collection of ideas and teachings of Kabir. Kabir was an Indian mystic poet and saint who lived in the 15th century. His verses may be found in the Sikhism’s holy book Guru Granth Sahib and his writings had an impact on the Bhakti movement in Hinduism. It is widely believed that Kabir was associated with Ramananda.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Vallabhacharya’s philosophy came to be known as Pushti Marga. He was one of the first to promote Krishna Bhakti on the basis of Maha Bhagavata Purana. He founded the philosophy of Shuddhadvaita which believed in the absolute union. He prescribed Pushtimarg as the means for salvation (extreme devotion to God).

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It leads to symptoms like bleeding gums, bruising, fatigue, and poor wound healing.

Pair 2 is correctly matched: Rickets occurs due to Vitamin D deficiency, which impairs calcium absorption, leading to soft and weak bones in children. In adults, it can lead to osteomalacia.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Night blindness is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin A, not Vitamin E. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, particularly in low-light conditions. Vitamin E deficiency, on the other hand, may lead to nerve and muscle damage or immune system issues.

Explanation

Diphtheria has not been eradicated in India. It remains a public health concern, with cases still reported annually. It is a bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing. A characteristic thick gray membrane forms on the throat and tonsils in severe cases. Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects. It is preventable through the DPT (Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus) vaccine, which is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). Chickenpox has not been eradicated in India. It is a common infectious disease, particularly among children, and continues to occur throughout the country. It is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with blisters. Symptoms include an itchy rash with red spots or blisters, fever, and fatigue. Following extensive surveillance and immunization campaigns, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared India free of smallpox in 1977. It is caused by the Variola virus, was one of the deadliest diseases in history, with a high mortality rate of 30%. It presented with symptoms like high fever, severe headache, and distinctive pus-filled blisters. Smallpox spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.

Explanation

Monasteries in Buddhism serve as centers of spiritual practice, meditation, and learning, preserving Buddhist teachings and traditions. They also foster community life and support the monastic community in pursuing enlightenment.

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Tabo Monastery is located in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh known for its ancient murals and manuscripts.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Lhotsava Lhakhang temple is in Nako village in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. Zanskar Valley is in the Kargil district of Ladakh. It has been identified as one of the hundred most endangered heritage sites by the World Monuments Fund.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: Alchi temple complex is situated in Alchi village of Leh district, Ladakh. It was associated with Guru Rinchen Zangpo around the 10th century.

Explanation

Article 51 is clear in dealing with the international peace and security and for achieving the same it directs the State to focus on:

Maintaining just and honourable relations with the nations. Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations. Encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

Explanation

The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum that includes the following eight member states:

1. Canada

2. Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands)

3. Finland

4. Iceland

5. Norway

6. Russia (Russian Federation)

7. Sweden

8. United States (United States of America) Japan and the United Kingdom are not full member states. They hold observer status in the Council. The Arctic Council was established in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration. Its primary mandate is to promote cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, particularly on matters of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic region. The Council serves as a platform for these eight member states to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic’s changing environment and the increasing interest in its resources. In addition to the core members and Indigenous Permanent Participants, other states, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations can hold observer status, allowing them to engage with the Council’s work and contribute their expertise. This inclusive structure fosters a collaborative approach to addressing the complex issues facing the Arctic region.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Chechnya is a federal subject of Russia, officially designated as the Chechen Republic. Located in the North Caucasus region, Chechnya has a complex history marked by periods of conflict and separatism. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chechnya declared independence, leading to two devastating wars with Russia in the 1990s and early 2000s. Currently, Chechnya remains a part of the Russian Federation, though it enjoys a degree of autonomy.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Darfur is a region located in western Sudan, not in Mali. The Darfur region has been the site of a prolonged and complex conflict, marked by widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which began in 2003, involved various armed groups, including the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Janjaweed militia, and has resulted in significant human rights abuses. Mali, on the other hand, is a country located in West Africa, distinct geographically and politically from the Darfur region.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The Swat Valley is situated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, not in Iraq. Known for its scenic beauty, the Swat Valley has also experienced periods of instability, particularly in the late 2000s when it was temporarily under the control of the Taliban.

Explanation

Biometrics identification is a form of identification and access control. Biometric identifiers are the distinct, measurable characteristics used to label individuals. Physiological characteristics are distinguished from behavioural traits when classifying biometric identifiers. Fingerprint, palm veins, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry, iris recognition, retina, and odour/scent are examples of physiological biometric identifiers. Visible and near - infrared light used captures and analyzes the unique patterns in the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. It is a highly reliable and accurate biometric method used in security and access control systems. It is used in Aadhaar biometric identification in India. Retinal scanning maps the unique pattern of blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye. This method is highly accurate but less commonly used due to its intrusive nature, requiring the user to position their eye close to the scanner. Voice recognition analyzes the unique characteristics of an individual’s voice, such as tone, pitch, and rhythm, for authentication. It is widely used in phone-based security systems and other applications requiring remote verification.

Explanation

India is second largest crude steel producer in the world. The steel industry is highly resource and energy-inten-sive, as well as significantly polluting. For instance, India’s current average emission intensity is 2.55 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of crude steel, while the global average is around 1.95 tonnes. Emissions from the steel sector have decreased by 15% from 2005 to 2022, and the government aims for an additional 10% reduction by 2030. The major environmental impacts of integrated steel mills are from coking and iron-making. Coke production is one of the major pollution sources from steel production. Air emissions such as coke oven gas, naphthalene, ammonium compounds, crude light oil, sulfur and coke dust are released from coke ovens. Steel production has a number of impacts on the environment, including air emissions (CO₂, CO SOx, NOx, PM2.5), wastewater contaminants, hazardous wastes, and solid wastes.

Explanation

Nanoparticles are used in the manufacture of scratch proof eyeglasses, crack-resistant paints, anti-graffiti coatings for walls, transparent sunscreens, stain-repellent fabrics, and self-cleaning windows, and ceramic coatings for solar cells. Additionally, stronger, lighter, cleaner, and more intelligent surfaces and systems can be created with nanoparticles.

Statement 1 is correct: A matter particle with dimension ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers is referred to as nanoparticle. Nanoparticles can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil.

Statement 2 is correct: Nanoparticles can also enter the food chain and cross cell membranes.

Statement 3 is correct: Nanoparticles can trigger free radicals and may damage cells in organs like the liver, heart, or blood.