UPSC 2015 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is the first of its kind, designed to explore the cosmos from deep within the ice at the South Pole. It is operated by the IceCube Collaboration, an international team of scientists conducting research in this field. By detecting high-energy cosmic neutrinos, IceCube enables the study of some of the universe’s most violent astrophysical events, including stellar explosions, gamma-ray bursts, and catastrophic interactions involving black holes and neutron stars.

Statement 1 is correct: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is the largest neutrino detector globally, occupying a cubic kilometer of ice at the South Pole. It detects high-energy neutrinos from cosmic sources like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.

Statement 2 is correct: IceCube plays a critical role in the search for dark matter by detecting neutrinos produced when dark matter particles, such as WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles), interact or annihilate. This makes it a vital tool in astrophysical and particle physics research.

Statement 3 is correct: IceCube’s detectors are buried at depths between 1,450 meters and 2,450 meters in Antarctic ice. This depth reduces interference from cosmic rays and other particles, allowing it to detect faint light signals from neutrino interactions.

Explanation

Inflation is the general rise in prices of goods and services within a particular economy wherein, the purchasing power of consumers decreases, and the value of the cash holdings erode. Reserve Bank of India is the authority to control inflation through monetary policies which it does by increasing bank rates, repo rates, cash reserve ratio, buying dollars, regulating money supply and availability of credit. Statement (a) is incorrect: While the government plays a key role in controlling inflation through fiscal policies (such as taxation, subsidies, and public expenditure), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also plays a key role in controlling inflation through its monetary policies (such as adjusting inter-est rates and controlling money supply). Statement (b) is incorrect: The RBI is central to controlling inflation in India. Since 2016, the RBI has adopted an inflation targeting framework, aiming to keep inflation at 4%, with a tolerance band of 2% on either side. The RBI uses tools like repo rates and reverse repo rates to influence inflation. Statement (c) is correct: When the central bank decreases the money supply in the economy (by increasing interest rates or selling government securities) it leads to less money circulating in the market. This reduces demand and, consequently, controls inflation. This process is known as tight monetary policy. Statement (d) is incorrect: Increasing money circulation typically leads to demand-pull inflation, where more money in the system drives up prices. To control inflation, reducing the money supply (through higher interest rates and other measures) is more effective.

Explanation

Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are primarily designed for Earth observation and resource management. Their applications encompass various fields, including agriculture, water resources, urban planning, rural development, mineral prospecting, environment, forestry, ocean resources, and disaster management.

Option (a) is correct: Indian Remote Sensing satellites play a crucial role in agriculture. They provide data on crop health, soil conditions and vegetation cover which are essential for assessing crop productivity. The satellites capture multispectral and hyperspectral images that help in monitoring crop growth, predicting yields, and identifying areas affected by drought or pests. IRS satellites are instrumental in identifying potential groundwater resources. They use remote sensing techniques to map geological features, soil moisture, and vegetation patterns that indicate the presence of groundwater. ISRO’s Bhuvan portal provides satellite-based groundwater prospect maps. IRS satellites are used in mineral exploration by providing detailed images of the Earth’s surface which help geologists identify mineral-rich areas based on spectral signatures of rocks and soils. This reduces the need for extensive ground surveys. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) collaborates with ISRO to use remote sensing data for mineral exploration. IRS satellites are not designed for telecommunications. Telecommunications satellites such as the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) series are used for communication purposes including television broadcasting, internet services, and telephony. Traffic studies typically rely on data from ground-based sensors, GPS and other real-time monitoring systems. While satellites can provide broad-scale urban planning data but IRS satellites are not specifically designed for traffic management.

Explanation

The Goldilocks Zone, or habitable zone, refers to the region around a star where conditions are "just right" for liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface--a key factor for life as we know it. This zone depends on the star’s size and temperature. Earth lies within the Sun’s Goldilocks Zone, enabling its rich biodiversity. Exoplanets within their star’s habitable zones, such as Kepler-452b, are prime candidates in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Explanation

A high-powered mission of three British Cabinet members-Lord Pethick-Lawrence (the Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps(President of the Board of Trade) and A. V. Alexander(the First Lord of the Admiralty) reached Delhi on 24th March 1946.

Statement 1 is correct: The Cabinet Mission proposed a Three-tier executive and legislature at provincial, section and union levels which essentially means a federal government. All subjects other than Union subjects and residuary power would vest in the provinces of British India. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect: The plan did not include the enlargement of the powers of the Indian Court nor provided for more Indians in the ICS.

Explanation

India follows a Parliamentary System of Government, where the executive (Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister) is collectively accountable to the legislature (Lok Sabha). This fundamental principle is outlined in Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that the Council of Ministers remains collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. This provision ensures executive accountability and is a defining feature of parliamentary democracy.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: As per the Article 53(1), the executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Cabinet Secretary is the top-most executive official and senior-most civil servant of the Government of India and he/she is the ex-officio head of the Civil Services Board.

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: Saltpetre (Potassium nitrate) is not used in steel production. It is used in the production of fertilizers, rocket propellants, fireworks, and tree stump removal.

Option (b) is incorrect: Rock phosphate is used in the production of fertilizers, not in steel production. It is primarily a source of phosphorus.

Option (c) is correct: Coking coal is crucial for steel production. It is used in the process of converting iron ore into iron and then into steel. India has limited reserves of high-quality coking coal, and more than 60% of the coking coal requirement of the domestic steel industry is met through imports.

Explanation

IndARC is India’s underwater observatory in the Arctic, established for long-term climate and oceanographic research. It monitors water temperature, salinity, ocean currents, and marine life, providing crucial data on climate change and Arctic ecosystems. Despite its geographic distance, India recognizes the Arctic’s global climate impact and its relevance to the Indian subcontinent. IndARC underscores India’s commitment to Arctic research, aiding climate predictions, policy decisions, and global scientific collaboration.

Explanation

Following approval by the Union Cabinet on February 20, 2014, the Odia (Odia) language became the country’s sixth classical language. Odia (Oriya) is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in Odisha and one of six classical languages of India, recognized for its rich literary and cultural heritage. Its history dates back to the ancient Kalinga kingdom, with inscriptions from the 10th century and a literary tradition spanning over a thousand years. Sarala Dasa, a medieval poet, is renowned for his Odia Mahabharata, a landmark literary work.