UPSC 2020 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

The MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices and is announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. The main objectives of establishing the MSP are:

To protect farmers from distress sales To procure food grains for the public distribution system (PDS).

Statement 1 is incorrect: While the government does ensure procurement at MSP for certain crops, the procurement is not unlimited. There are limits to the amount that can be procured at MSP, and these limits are determined by the government’s procurement policies and the capacity of procurement agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The government may also limit procurement based on market conditions, storage capacity, and other factors.

Statement 2 is incorrect: MSP is the minimum price at which the government purchases crops, but it does not ensure that the market price will never surpass the MSP. Market prices can exceed the MSP due to factors like demand, supply, and overall market conditions. While MSP affects market prices, it is not the only factor determining them.

Explanation

Gene therapy is the ability to improve genes through the correction of misplaced (mutated) genes or site-specific alterations with therapeutic treatment as the target. A gene abnormality that has been identified in a child or embryo can be corrected using a variety of techniques known as gene therapy. In this instance, genes are injected to treat an illness into a person’s cells and tissues.

Statement 1 is correct: Genetic modifications can be made to germ cells (sperm or eggs) of prospective parents. Techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 allow for precise editing of DNA in these cells, potentially preventing the transmission of genetic diseases to offspring.

Statement 2 is correct: Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, allow scientists to precisely modify DNA at the early embryonic stage to correct genetic defects. This approach, called germline editing, involves altering the genome of an embryo at its earliest stage of development, ensuring that all cells in the resulting organism carry the change. These genetic modifications are heritable, meaning they can be passed down to future generations. While this technique offers the potential to prevent inherited genetic disorders, it also raises serious ethical concerns, such as the possibility of creating "designer babies" and safety challenges, including the risk of unintended genetic changes (off-target effects) that could cause unforeseen health issues.

Statement 3 is correct: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been experimentally integrated into pig embryos to create interspecies chimeras. This research aims to understand developmental biology and explore organ transplantation possibilities, such as growing human-compatible organs in animals.

Explanation

The protection against untouchability is specifically provided under Article 17 of the Indian Constitution, which is part of the Right to Equality. Article 17 explicitly abolishes untouchability and makes its practice an offense. It is a direct form of discrimination based on caste, and its prohibition is a cornerstone of the right to equality in India. Articles 14 to 18 deals with ‘Right to Equality’:

Equality before Law (Article 14) Prohibition of discrimination based on grounds of religion, race, caste etc. (Article 15) Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment (Article 16) Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17) Abolition of titles (Article 18)

Explanation

During the Gupta period, different land measures were known in different regions such as Nivartana, Kulyavapa, and Dronavapa. These units of measurement, including Kulyavapa and Dronavapa, are mentioned in inscriptions from Bengal, as well as in texts like the Arthashastra and other regional inscriptions of the Gupta period. The term ‘’vap" means ‘’to sow". Kulyavapa means the area required to sow one kulya of grain and the Dronavyapa was the area required to sow one drona of grain. One kulya is equal to eight drona.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by emphasizing justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Article 3 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) (1948) says that "Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person."

Statement 2 is correct: DPSPs are the principles that aim at providing social and economic justice and set the path towards the welfare state. This DPSP has a resemblance with UDHR Article 22. The article 22 of UDHR 1948 says that "Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security."

Statement 3 is correct: Fundamental duties (Article 51A) are basically civic and moral obligations of all citizens of India. Similarly Article 29 of the UDHR emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between individual rights and duties to the community.

Explanation

During the Gupta period, maritime trade flourished, with ports like Surat, Chaul, and Tamralipti facilitating trade with regions such as Southeast Asia, Persia, and the Roman Empire. The Gupta Empire’s thriving seafaring commerce included goods like spices, textiles, and precious stones.

Option (a) is correct:

Ghantasala: Located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, it was a port town during the Gupta period. It was known for its proximity to the sea and played a role in maritime trade, particularly with Southeast Asia. Kadura: identified with a modern day coastal town in Karnataka, is believed to have been a key coastal town with commercial and trade significance. Chaul: located on the west coast of India in present-day Maharashtra, was a prominent port town during the Gupta period. It was an active center for foreign trade, particularly with Persia and Arabia.

Explanation

Fertigation is a technique for applying fertilizer where the drip irrigation system incorporates the fertilizer into the irrigation water. In this technology, irrigation is used to evenly disperse fertiliser solutions. Fertigation is practised extensively in commercial agriculture and horticulture. Fertigation is used to supplement nutrients that are already present or to make up for nutrient shortages found during plant tissue analysis.

Statement 1 is correct: Drip irrigation also avoids water spill-age on the field which could have promoted weed growth or increased soil alkalinity due to water logging.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Rock phosphate is not water-solu-ble and thus not suitable for fertigation. Only water-soluble fertilizers are effectively used in fertigation systems.

Statement 3 is correct: Accurate placement of nutrient, where the water goes the nutrient goes as well. Thus, increased nutrient absorption by plants.

Statement 4 is correct: Fertigation mixes fertilizers into irrigation water so that plants receive small, measured amounts of nutrients regularly, which minimizes the risk of nutrient losses through leaching.

Explanation

The practice of sowing seed without tillage or preparation of soil is called Zero-tillage or No-till farming. In some cases it may reduce labour, fuel, irrigation and machinery costs. Another possible benefit is that because of the higher water content, instead of leaving a field fallow it can make economic sense to plant another crop instead. No-till farming decreases the amount of soil erosion tillage causes in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain.

Statement 1 is correct: Zero tillage is the process where the crop seed will be sown through drillers without prior land preparation and disturbing the soil where previous crop stubbles are present.

Statement 2 is correct: Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) is a viable option to reduce the unproductive water flows, with increasing shortage of water, dry-DSR with minimum or zero tillage further enhances the benefits of this technology by saving labour.

Statement 3 is correct: Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change. No-tillage farming has been claimed to increase soil organic matter, and thus increase carbon sequestration.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: PCVs protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. This is particularly important in India, where pneumococcal diseases contribute significantly to child mortality.

Statement 2 is correct: By preventing pneumococcal infections, PCVs decrease the need for antibiotics, thereby mitigating the risk of developing and spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Like other vaccines, PCVs can have mild side effects such as fever, redness at the injection site, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions. No vaccine is completely free of side effects.

Explanation

Sustainable Agriculture is farming in such a way to protect the environment, aid and expand natural resources and to make the best use of nonrenewable resources. Options 1, 2 and 3 are correct:

Mixed cropping or diverse cropping: When two or more crops are cultivated concurrently on a field, it is known as mixed cropping or diversified cropping. In the unlikely event that one crop fails, the other crops will mitigate the risk of a complete crop failure. Legume intensification: A category of plants known as leguminous plants (legume) contain edible roots or knobs that help nitrogen-rich soil grow vegetables or other meals. A leguminous crop is typically cultivated alongside the primary crop. Legumes contribute to increased soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere. Crop Rotation: It entails the methodical planting of various crops in a specific order over the course of several years in the same growing space. It contributes to the preservation of soil nutrients, the reduction of soil erosion, and the prevention of pests and disease in plants. Tensiometer: A tensiometer is a device used to measure soil moisture levels, helping in precision irrigation. Farmers and other irrigation managers can use tensiometers to help them decide when to water the land. It helps in reducing excessive water use and promotes water conservation in agriculture. Option 4 is incorrect: Vertical farming is the process of raising crops in vertical layers and frequently combines soilless farming methods and controlled-environment agriculture, which attempts to maximise plant development.