UPSC 2014 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Changpa are a semi-no-madic ethnic group. They are mainly found in the Changtan plateau that stretches across the cold desert of Ladakh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. They are also known as Champa. A smaller number resides in the western regions of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. They share linguistic and cultural affinities with Tibetans.

Statement 2 is correct: The Changpa community is known for rearing Changra goats, which produce the fine wool known as Pashmina. They are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, also known as pashmina once woven.

Statement 3 is correct: The Changpa community is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in the Union Territory of Ladakh. This classification provides them with certain constitutional safeguards and benefits.

Explanation

Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. These animals secrete a hard, calcium carbonate exoskeleton that provides a foundation for the growth of other corals and a diverse array of marine organisms. Coral reefs are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, particularly in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. Fig: Map showing distribution of Coral Reefs in India Options 1 is correct: Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago is home to some of India’s most diverse and well-developed coral reefs which supports a rich variety of marine life. Options 2 is correct: Gulf of Kachchh is situated along Gujarat’s western coast. This region features fringing reefs around its islands. Though less developed due to environmental factors, these reefs contribute significantly to marine biodiversity. Options 3 is correct: Gulf of Mannar is ocated between south-eastern India and Sri Lanka. The Gulf of Mannar hosts extensive fringing reefs around 21 islands. It is part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, known for its diverse marine species. Option 4 is incorrect: Sundarban is the largest deltaic region of the world and encompasses over hundreds of islands (105), with a maze of innumerable rivers, rivulets, and creeks but does not have any coral reef.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Under Article 356, President’s Rule is imposed if the President, upon receipt of the report from the Governor of the State or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This comes under the discretionary power of the Governor.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Article 164 (1) states that Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister, and the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.

Statement 3 is correct: As per Article 200 the Governor of a state can use his legislative power to reserve the bill for the consideration of the President.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government does not come under Governor’s discretionary power. In the Nabam Rebia judgement (2016), the Supreme Court held that the exercise of Governor’s discretion under Article 163 is limited and his choice of action should not be arbitrary or fanciful.

Explanation

Earlier sales tax was collected by the State Government, and the rate of sales tax varied from state to state. Toothpaste is a consumer good, and under the previous regime, it was subjected to Sales Tax or VAT (Value Added Tax), which was collected by the State Government. However, after the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, sales tax was largely subsumed under GST, which is a dual taxation system involving both the Centre and the State Governments.

Explanation

Planned expenditures are defined as the expenditure on the programmes that are mentioned in our country’s current five-year plan. For example, electricity, water, communication, transportation, agriculture and other activities, social services, etc. In simple terms, the Expenditure Report shows the expenditures made by Central Aid for state and federal needs and items under the Central Plan. In the context of the Union Budget of India, Non-Plan Expenditure refers to all expenditures of the government that are not part of the Five-Year Plans. This classification was used prior to 2017, after which the distinction between Plan and Non-Plan Expenditure was removed. Non-Plan Expenditure includes both developmental and non-developmental spending and is of-ten obligatory in nature. The major components of Non-Plan Expenditure are:

1. Defence Expenditure: This includes spending on the armed forces, procurement of defense equipment, and other related activities.

2. Interest Payments: These are payments made by the government to service its debt, both domestic and foreign.

3. Salaries and Pensions: This covers the salaries of government employees and pensions for retired personnel.

4. Subsidies: Financial support provided by the government to various sectors, including food, fertilizers, and petroleum, to keep prices low for consumers.

Explanation

The balance of payment(BoP) is a record of all monetary transactions made between the residents of one country and the rest of the world. A balance of payments deficit means the nation imports more than it exports. The current account and capital account are the two components that constitute the balance of payments.

Option (c) is correct: The Current Account of a country’s Balance of Payments (BoP) records the transactions of goods, services, income, and current transfers between residents and non-residents. It comprises the following components:

Balance of Trade (Goods): This is the difference between the value of a country’s exports and imports of tangible goods. Balance of Invisibles:

Services: Transactions involving services such as tourism, banking, and consulting. Income: Earnings from investments abroad (like interest and dividends) minus payments made to foreign investors. Foreign assets are part of the Financial Account, which records investments in financial instruments and assets between countries. SDRs are international reserve assets created by the Inter-national Monetary Fund (IMF) and are recorded in the Financial Account of the BoP.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: It is constituted by the President under Article 280 to give its recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States. It defines the financial relations between the Centre and the States. Therefore, it is not directly associated with "Planning" in the traditional sense.

Statement 2 is correct: Earlier, NDC served as "the highest decision-making authority" in the country on development matters. NDC used to advise the Planning Commission on planning.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Union Ministry of Rural Development is entrusted with the task of accelerating the socio-economic development of rural India.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The Union Ministry of Urban Development is entrusted with the formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to the housing and urban development in India.

Statement 5 is correct: Parliament is the supreme legislative institution of the Republic of India. It is directly responsible to make laws and devise plans and strategies for the welfare of the society. Therefore, it is indirectly associated with planning.

Explanation

India has a vast network of national highways, with a total length of 1,46,195 kilometers as per Annual Report 2024-25 of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched:: NH4 (National Highway 4) was one of the major national highways in India before the renumbering of highways in 2010. After renumbering, NH4 was largely replaced by NH48. It connected Mumbai to Chennai via Pune, Bengaluru, and other cities. It did not connect Chennai and Hyderabad.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched:: NH6 (National Highway 6) did not connect Mumbai and Kolkata directly. After renumbering, it was largely replaced by NH53 and NH16. Historically it connected Surat (Gujarat) to Kolkata, passing through states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched:: The old NH 15 ran from Pathan-kot in Punjab to Samakhiali in Gujarat, passing through cities like Bikaner and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. It did not connect Ahmedabad and Jodhpur.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The Ten Degree Channel lies between Little Andaman Island (southernmost island of the Andaman group) and Car Nicobar (northernmost island of the Nicobar group). This channel is about 150 km wide and is an important passage for maritime navigation.

Option (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Nicobar Islands and Sumatra (Indonesia) are separated by the Great Channel (or the Six Degree Channel), not the Ten Degree Channel. This channel lies south of the Nicobar Islands and serves as a major passage between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. The Maldives and Lakshadweep are far apart and separated by the Eight Degree Channel. It is located between Minicoy Island (southernmost Lakshadweep island) and the northernmost atoll of the Maldives. Sumatra and Java are separated by the Sunda Strait. It is a strategic maritime passage connecting the Java Sea with the Indian Ocean.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Dampa Tiger Reserve is the largest protected area in Mizoram covering approximately 500 sq. km in the Mamit district. It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1976 and later upgraded to a Tiger Reserve in 1994 under Project Tiger. It lies near the Bangladesh border and is part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The reserve is home to a variety of species, including tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, elephants, hoolock gibbons, and barking deer.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is not in Sikkim but in Tripura. It is located in Gomati district. This sanctuary is one of the largest sanctuaries in Tripura and is unique due to the presence of the Gumti Reservoir, a significant water body formed by the construction of the Gumti Dam. It supports a wide range of species, including elephants, Indian bison (gaur), barking deer, sambar, leopards, wild boars, and several species of primates. The reservoir attracts a variety of migratory birds, making it an important site for birdwatching.

Statement 3 is correct: Saramati Peak is the highest peak in Nagaland rising to an elevation of 3,841 meters. It is located in the Kiphire district, near the India-Myanmar border. It is a popular trekking destination, particularly during the Hornbill Festival, when adventurers attempt to scale the peak. The region is facing increasing threats from deforestation and shifting cultivation (jhum farming), impacting the biodiversity of the area.