UPSC 2021 Prelims Questions with Answers

Explanation

In November 1945 officers of the Indian National Army (INA) were court-martialed at the Red Fort in Delhi. Among the senior officers tried were Major General Shah Nawaz Khan, Colonel Prem Kumar Sahgal, and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, trusted allies of Subhas Chandra Bose. Amid widespread protests and unrest across India, the British eventually released them. Jawaharlal Nehru, along with Bhulabhai Desai and Tej Bahadur Sapru, were part of the defence team of the INA officers in court.

Explanation

Inflation is the general rise in prices of goods and services within an economy wherein, the purchasing power of consumers decreases, and the value of the cash holdings erode. The creation of new money to finance a Budget Deficit is highly inflationary. The government prints new money or borrows directly from the central bank (RBI in India) to fund its deficit. This directly increases the money supply in the economy without a corresponding increase in goods and services. It leads to excess liquidity in the economy causing demand-pull inflation.

Explanation

A fall in the gross domestic product (GDP) for two or more consecutive quarters is often regarded as an economic recession. Recessions are brought on by high interest rates because they reduce liquidity, or the quantity of money available for investment.

Option (b) is correct: An increase in expenditure on public projects will lead to an increase in investments, leading to an increase in GDP and income in the economy and in turn increase in demand, completing the virtuous cycle of investment.

Option (a), (c) and (d) is incorrect:

Cutting taxes can increase disposable income, encouraging consumption and investment, which helps in a recession. However, raising interest rates makes borrowing more expensive, discouraging investment and consumption, which contradicts the objective of stimulating the economy during a recession. When income is falling in the economy then an increase in tax rates accompanied by a reduction of interest rate is not desirable at the moment. Reduction of expenditure on public projects in the time of recession will not be favourable as it will reduce the output of the economy.

Explanation

Demand-pull inflation is caused by an increase in demand and wherein the demand in the economy outgrows the supply in the economy. It can be summed up as a condition of ‘too much money chasing too few goods’. With reference to the Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused/increased by the following:

1. Expansionary policies: Money in the market rises when the government spends more freely. It leads to an increase in demand for the goods and fuels demand-pull inflation.

2. Fiscal Stimulus: Fiscal stimulus is a government-driven strategy that involves adjusting government spending and taxes to stimulate the economy. It also increases the money in the market which leads to an increase in demand for the goods and fuels demand-pull inflation

3. Higher Purchasing Power: Consumers feel more confident and spend more when they have a better income. As a result, demand increases, driving up inflation. Rising interest rates will reduce the money supply in the market. Borrowing money will become costlier, creating a credit crunch in the economy. So, it can not cause demand to pull inflation in the economy. Inflation-indexing wages means wages are linked to the inflation which means wages move as inflation changes in the economy. Such indexing is provided to reduce the effect of inflation on wages. It can not lead to demand pull inflation in the economy. Effective change in the wages is zero and it does not increase/ decrease purchasing power. So it cannot lead to demand-pull inflation in the economy.

Explanation

A constitutional government is one where the powers of the government are limited by a constitution, ensuring rule of law, separation of powers, and the protection of citizens’ rights. It operates within legal limits set by the constitution, preventing arbitrary rule and ensuring accountability. Checks and balances are in place to prevent the misuse of power, while fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens remain safeguarded. Although both democratic and non-democratic states can have a constitution, a true constitutional government ensures that all authorities function within legal constraints, upholding transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Indian Parliamentary system is based on constitutional supremacy, hence power of the Parliament to legislate is limited. Whereas, the British Model is based on Parliamentary sovereignty. So, as regards the legislation, the British Parliament is supreme.

Statement 2 is correct: In India, the Supreme Court has judicial review powers and can examine the constitutionality of parliamentary laws and amendments. Under Article 145(3), Cases involving substantial constitutional questions can be referred to a Constitution Bench. This also ensures that Parliament operates within constitutional limits and cannot amend the Basic Structure (Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973). In Britain, the scenario is different, here Parliament is supreme, and no court can question or strike down its laws. Unlike India, there is no concept of judicial review over parliamentary legislation, making Parliament’s decisions final and legally unchallengeable.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Sugarcane is the least water-ef-ficient crop. It requires around 1800 to 2200 mm of water, making it a water-intensive crop. It has high water requirements, primarily because it is grown in tropical climates where irrigation is essential for optimal growth.

Option (b) is incorrect: Major oilseeds like soyabean, castor seeds, cotton seeds, linseed and sunflower, etc. requires around 672.4 mm of water, which is considerably lower than sugarcane’s water needs, making it more water-efficient.

Option (c) is incorrect: Millets can be grown even in dry regions without irrigation facilities. Pearl millet is a drought-resistant crop that requires only 350 mm of water, making it highly water-efficient, especially in dry regions.

Option (d) is incorrect: Red gram (pulses) requires 200-450 mm of water, making it relatively more water-efficient compared to crops like sugarcane. Crop Water Requirement (mm) Crop Water Requirement (mm) Rice 900-2500 Chillies 500 Wheat 450-650 Sunflower 350-500 Sorghum 450-650 Castor 500 Maize 500-800 Bean 300-500 Sugarcane 1500-2500 Cabbage 380-500 Groundnut 500-700 Pea 350-500 Cotton 700-1300 Banana 1200-2200 Soybean 450-700 Citrus 900-1200 Tobacco 400-600 Pineapple 700-1000 Tomato 600-800 Gingelly 350-400 Potato 500-700 Ragi 400-450 Onion 350-550 Grape 500-1200

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The 32nd Summer Olympics, originally scheduled for 2020 but held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was one of the most unprecedented edi-tions in Olympic history. The official motto for Tokyo 2020 was "United by Emotion," a departure from the 2016 Rio Olympics’ motto, "A New World."

Statement 2 is correct: The Tokyo Olympics saw the addition of five new sports, Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate, and Baseball/Softball (which returned after being removed in 2008). These sports were included to enhance youth engagement and bring more diversity to the Games.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Reserve Bank’’s affairs are governed by a central board of directors. The board is appointed by the Government of India in keeping with the Reserve Bank of India Act,1934.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Constitution of India does not contain provisions granting the Central Government the authority to issue directions to the RBI. However, such authority is provided under Section 7 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. This section allows the Central Government to issue directions to the RBI in matters of public interest.Accordingly the Central Government may from time to time give such directions to the Bank as it may, after consultation with the Governor of the Bank, consider it necessary in the public interest.

Statement 3 is correct: The powers and functions of the RBI Governor are derived from the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Act outlines the roles, responsibilities, and authority of the Governor in managing the affairs of the RBI.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Laureus World Sports Award, also known as the ‘Oscar of Sports’, recognizes exceptional performances in global sports annually. Tiger Woods was the first-ever winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award in 2000, following his dominance in golf.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Formula One drivers have received the award, but it has not been mostly won by them. Instead, tennis, golf, and athletics players have been frequent recipients.

Statement 3 is correct: Roger Federer holds the record for the most wins (5 times: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2018) in the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year category.