UPSC 2020 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar, originally from Maharashtra but residing in Bengal, was aligned with the ideas of Aurobindo Ghosh. He published Desher Katha in 1904, which sold over 15,000 copies before it was banned by the colonial authorities in 1910. Deuskar is also credited with introducing the Shivaji festival in Bengal. Additionally, he is believed to be the first to use the term ‘swaraj’ in a modern political context, in his 1902 pamphlet on Shivaji.

Statement 1 and 2 are correct: In overwhelming detail, the book "Desher Katha" summarised the work of M. G. Ranade and D. Naoroji in a popular idiom and warned in its concluding chapter against the colonial state’s "hypnotic conquest of the mind". "Desher Katha" had an immense repercussion in Bengal, captured the mind of young Bengal and assisted more than anything else in the preparation of the Swadeshi Movement.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Deuskar uses the word ‘desh’ in the context of the whole country.

Explanation

Gopal Baba Walangkar (1840-1900) was also known as Gopal Krishna, born into a family of the untouchable Mahar caste in Maharashtra. Gopal Baba Walangkar developed a racial theory to explain the oppression and also published the first journal targeted at the untouchable people. Vital-Vidhvansak (Destroyer of Brahmanical or Ceremonial Pollution), published in 1888 by Walangkar, was among the first journals targeted at the Dalit community, started publishing in 1888. He also wrote articles for Marathi-language newspapers such as Sudharak and Deenbandhu, as well as composed couplets in Marathi that were intended to inspire the people.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: India has historically faced a trade deficit in merchandise trade, meaning that the value of merchandise imports exceeds the value of merchandise exports. This is primarily due to India’s reliance on imports of crude oil, gold, electronics, and machinery, which are higher in value compared to its exports of textiles, gems, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals.

Statement 2 is incorrect: India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers, and machinery have not decreased in recent years. These imports have remained significant due to domestic demand and industrial requirements. For example, India imports a large quantity of fertilisers to meet agricultural needs and machinery for industrial and infrastructure development.

Statement 3 is correct: India has a surplus in services trade, meaning that the value of services exports (e.g., IT services, software, business process outsourcing) exceeds the value of services imports. The services sector is a major contributor to India’s economy and helps offset the trade deficit in merchandise trade.

Statement 4 is correct: India typically has a current account deficit, although the size of the deficit can vary from year to year. The current account includes merchandise trade, services trade, and other flows like remittances and investment income. Even though India has a surplus in services trade, the deficit in merchandise trade generally outweighs it resulting in an overall current account deficit. Table: Trade during December 2024 December 2024 (USD Billion) December 2023 (USD Billion) Merchandise Exports 38.01 38.39 Imports 59.95 57.15 Services* Exports 32.66 31.63 Imports 17.50 15.63 Total Trade (Merchandise + Services)* Exports 70.67 70.02 Imports 77.44 72.78 Trade Balance -6.78 -2.76

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: While Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can involve capital instruments like equity shares, it is not limited to listed companies. FDI typically involves acquiring a significant ownership stake (usually 10% or more) in a company, giving the investor management control or influence over business operations. FDI can occur in both listed and unlisted companies and often includes investments in infrastructure, manufacturing units, or joint ventures. In contrast, investments primarily in listed companies without control are characteristic of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), which is passive and doesn’t provide managerial influence.

Option (b) is correct: FDI involves equity investment, meaning investors acquire ownership or a significant interest in a company. Since it doesn’t require repayment like loans, it is considered a non-debt capital flow, contributing positively to the host country’s economy without creating debt obligations.

Option (c) is incorrect: Debt-servicing refers to making interest and principal payments on loans. FDI doesn’t involve such obligations, as it is equity-based. Debt-servicing is more relevant to External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) or other loan-based investment

Option (d) is incorrect: The investment can be made in equities or equity linked instruments or debt instruments issued by the company. Thus, FDI isn’t directly associated with government securities.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: As per the Aadhaar Act, 2016, metadata cannot be stored beyond six months, not three months.

Statement 2 is correct: The Supreme Court struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which allowed private entities to use Aadhaar for authentication or to enter into contracts involving Aadhaar data. The Supreme Court ruling (2018) restricted Aadhaar data sharing with private entities, ensuring privacy and limiting government contracts with private corporations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Aadhaar is not mandatory for purchasing insurance products as per IRDAI guidelines.

Statement 4 is correct: Aadhaar is required for availing benefits funded by the Consolidated Fund of India, as per Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act.

Explanation

The Siachen Glacier lies to the north of the Nubra Valley, which is situated in the northern part of the Ladakh region of India. It is located in the Karakoram Range in the northernmost part of the Indian subcontinent. It is positioned in the region claimed by both India and Pakistan and is the longest glacier in the world outside the polar regions, spanning approximately 76 kilometers (47 miles).The Nubra Valley, located at the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra Rivers, is a key geographical feature in the vicinity of the Siachen Glacier. It is also the world’s highest battlefield.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Mekong River originates in the icy headwaters of the Tibetan highlands. It flows through several countries in Southeast Asia, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It does not flow into the Andaman Sea. It empties into the South China Sea through the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Thames flows into the North Sea, not the Irish Sea. It is a major river in England, flowing through London. The Thames flows into the North Sea via the Thames Estuary.

Statement 3 is correct: The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. It runs through Russia with its delta flowing into the Caspian Sea just south of the Kazakhstan border.

Statement 4 is correct: The Zambezi River, which means "Great River" in the Tonga language is one of Africa’s most bio-diverse rivers, and the fourth-largest river basin on the continent. It flows into to the Indian Ocean. The river is known for the Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world.