UPSC CDS-2 Archives

1. Blue Baby Syndrome is caused by the contamination of

Blue Baby Syndrome is caused by the contamination of

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nitrite (NO2-)

sulphite (SO32-)

nitrate (NO3-)

sulphate (SO42-)

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The correct answer is nitrate (NO₃^–).

Blue Baby Syndrome, or methemoglobinemia, is primarily caused by the ingestion of water contaminated with high levels of nitrate. While nitrite (NO₂^–) is the substance that directly causes the conversion of hemoglobin to methemoglobin in the blood, the environmental contaminant commonly responsible, especially in drinking water from agricultural areas, is nitrate. Nitrate is converted to nitrite by bacteria in the digestive system, particularly in infants, leading to the syndrome.

Infants under six months are particularly susceptible because their digestive systems are more prone to converting nitrate to nitrite, and they have a less developed enzyme system to counteract methemoglobin formation. Sources of nitrate contamination in water often include fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and manure storage.

2. Which one of the following proteins gives lustrous shiny appearance to

Which one of the following proteins gives lustrous shiny appearance to silk fibre?

Fibrin

Sericin

Collagen

Nectin

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Silk fiber is primarily composed of two proteins: fibroin and sericin. Fibroin forms the core structure of the silk filament, providing its strength and elasticity. Sericin is a gummy protein that surrounds the fibroin filaments, binding them together in the raw silk thread as it is spun by the silkworm. Raw silk, coated with sericin, has a dull appearance. The lustrous, shiny appearance of finished silk is achieved by removing the sericin layer through a process called degumming, which reveals the smooth, reflective surface of the fibroin filament.
While scientifically, the lustre is primarily a characteristic of the fibroin protein structure once the dulling sericin is removed, some sources or older literature might attribute certain properties or roles to sericin in a broader sense or in specific processing contexts. Based on common acceptance for this specific past question, Sericin is often indicated as the correct answer, although it’s the removal of sericin that reveals the lustre of fibroin. Given the options, and eliminating clearly incorrect ones like Collagen, Nectin, and Fibrin (unrelated to silk), Sericin is the protein present in raw silk along with fibroin. If forced to choose among the given options, and accepting the possibility of a flawed question or accepted answer, Sericin is the most plausible choice among the listed proteins found in silk, despite the scientific nuance regarding lustre.

– Silk is composed mainly of fibroin (core filament) and sericin (gum coating).
– Sericin is removed (degumming) to produce shiny, lustrous silk.
– Fibroin is scientifically responsible for the inherent lustre of the degummed silk fiber.
– Among the given options, Sericin is a protein present in silk fiber. Fibrin, Collagen, and Nectin are not directly involved in silk production.

Fibroin is a highly ordered protein structure that forms the main body of the silk fiber. Its triangular cross-section and smooth surface contribute to light refraction and reflection, resulting in the characteristic sheen. Sericin, a globular protein, coats the fibroin and is largely removed during processing to enhance softness, shine, and dye uptake. The question might be based on a misunderstanding of which protein ‘gives’ the appearance, possibly linking sericin to the overall silk structure before processing. However, in the context of achieving *lustrous* silk, sericin’s role is primarily negative (dulling), which is then removed.

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3. Arrange the following Tiger Reserves of India from North to South : 1.

Arrange the following Tiger Reserves of India from North to South :
1. Dudhwa
2. Panna
3. Pench
4. Indravati
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

4, 3, 2, 1

2, 1, 4, 3

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 3, 2, 4

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To arrange the given Tiger Reserves from North to South, we need to know their geographical locations:
1. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve: Located in Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Nepal (Northern India).
2. Panna Tiger Reserve: Located in Madhya Pradesh, north-eastern part of the state (Central India, generally north of Pench).
3. Pench Tiger Reserve: Located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra (Central India).
4. Indravati Tiger Reserve: Located in Chhattisgarh, in the southern part of the state (East-Central India, generally south of Pench).
Arranging these from North to South based on their general location: Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh) is furthest north, followed by Panna (Madhya Pradesh), then Pench (Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra), and finally Indravati (Chhattisgarh) in the south.
Thus, the order is 1, 2, 3, 4.

– Dudhwa is in Uttar Pradesh (North).
– Panna is in Madhya Pradesh (Central, relatively North).
– Pench is in Madhya Pradesh/Maharashtra (Central).
– Indravati is in Chhattisgarh (East-Central, South).
– The arrangement from North to South is Dudhwa, Panna, Pench, Indravati.

These Tiger Reserves are important conservation areas under Project Tiger in India. Their locations span different biogeographic zones, supporting diverse ecosystems and tiger populations.

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4. Which one of the following islands is the largest?

Which one of the following islands is the largest?

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Borneo

Madagascar

New Guinea

Sumatra

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To determine the largest island among the given options, we compare their approximate areas:
– Borneo: approx. 743,330 sq km (world’s 3rd largest island)
– Madagascar: approx. 587,041 sq km (world’s 4th largest island)
– New Guinea: approx. 785,753 sq km (world’s 2nd largest island after Greenland)
– Sumatra: approx. 473,481 sq km (world’s 6th largest island)
Comparing these areas, New Guinea is the largest island.

– New Guinea is the second-largest island in the world.
– Borneo is the third-largest island in the world.
– Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world.
– Sumatra is the sixth-largest island in the world.
– Greenland is the largest island in the world.

The islands listed are among the largest in the world. Borneo is politically divided among Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. New Guinea is divided between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Madagascar and Sumatra are sovereign nations or major islands within sovereign nations (Madagascar is a country, Sumatra is part of Indonesia).

5. Who among the following geographers is related to ‘primate city’

Who among the following geographers is related to ‘primate city’ concept?

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August Losch

Mark Jefferson

Griffith Taylor

W. Christaller

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The concept of a ‘primate city’ was introduced by the geographer Mark Jefferson in 1939. He defined a primate city as a city which is at least twice as large as the next largest city in a country or region and which is the dominant center of the country’s or region’s social, political, and economic activity.

– Mark Jefferson is credited with developing the ‘primate city’ concept.
– A primate city is disproportionately large and dominant compared to other cities in a country.
– August Losch and W. Christaller are associated with Central Place Theory, which explains the spatial distribution and hierarchy of settlements.
– Griffith Taylor contributed to various fields of geography, including urban geography and racial geography.

The primate city concept is often contrasted with rank-size rule, which suggests a more regular hierarchy of city sizes in a country. Countries like France (Paris) and the United Kingdom (London) are often cited as examples exhibiting the primate city pattern.

6. Which one of the following tribal groups is dominantly found in the ‘B

Which one of the following tribal groups is dominantly found in the ‘Blue Mountains’?

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Lambadas

Gonds

Jarawas

Todas

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The ‘Blue Mountains’ is a common name for the Nilgiri Hills, located at the junction of the Western and Eastern Ghats in Southern India. The Toda people are a tribal community who are indigenous to the Nilgiri Mountains. They are known for their unique culture, language, and buffalo pastoralism.

– ‘Blue Mountains’ refers to the Nilgiri Hills.
– The Todas are an indigenous tribal group primarily residing in the Nilgiri Hills.
– Lambadas (or Banjaras) are found in different parts of India, notably Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, etc.
– Gonds are a large tribal group predominantly found in central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, etc.).
– Jarawas are an indigenous tribe of the Andaman Islands.

The Todas are a Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). Their traditional lifestyle is centered around the buffalo, and their unique barrel-vaulted houses are a distinctive feature of the Nilgiri landscape.

7. Some Indian territory was transferred in 2015 to Bangladesh by followi

Some Indian territory was transferred in 2015 to Bangladesh by following which procedure?

By an agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Bangladesh

By a legislation passed by the Parliament amending Schedule 1 to the Constitution of India

By amending Schedule 1 to the Constitution of India by exercising amending power of the Parliament

By amending Schedule 1 to the Constitution of India by exercising amending power of the Parliament and ratification by sixteen State Legislatures

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The transfer of Indian territory to Bangladesh in 2015 was done to implement the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement and its 2011 Protocol. According to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Berubari Union case (1960), the transfer of Indian territory to a foreign country requires a constitutional amendment under Article 368. Consequently, the 100th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2015, was passed by Parliament to give effect to the transfer of territories, including amending the First Schedule of the Constitution which lists the States and the Union Territories and their territories. This amendment was passed using the amending power of Parliament under Article 368.

– Transfer of Indian territory to a foreign country requires a constitutional amendment (Berubari case ruling).
– The 2015 transfer to Bangladesh was implemented through the 100th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2015.
– This amendment modified the First Schedule of the Constitution.
– The amendment was enacted using the power under Article 368.
– This specific amendment did not require ratification by state legislatures under the proviso to Article 368(2).

The 100th Amendment involved the exchange of 111 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh for 51 Bangladeshi enclaves in India, as well as addressing adverse possessions and the demarcation of a 6.1 km undefined border stretch. It settled a long-standing border dispute. The process involved amending the Constitution under Article 368, which requires passage by a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.

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8. The right to form associations and unions is a right

The right to form associations and unions is a right

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guaranteed to everybody

to freedom guaranteed to citizens only

to equality before law

to life and personal liberty

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The right to form associations and unions is guaranteed by Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution of India. Article 19 guarantees certain freedoms, including the right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession. These rights are available only to citizens of India.
Therefore, the right to form associations and unions is a right to freedom guaranteed to citizens only.

– The right to form associations and unions is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(c).
– Article 19 rights are available exclusively to citizens of India.
– Other options refer to different fundamental rights: A (Incorrect – Article 19 is not for everybody), C (Equality before law is Article 14, available to persons), D (Life and personal liberty is Article 21, available to persons).

While citizens have the fundamental right to form associations and unions, the state can impose reasonable restrictions on this right in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, public order, or morality. The rights under Article 19 are distinct from other fundamental rights like equality (Article 14) or life and personal liberty (Article 21), which are available to ‘any person’ (citizens and foreigners).

9. Which one of the following statements with regard to the National Comm

Which one of the following statements with regard to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is not correct?

The Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting Scheduled Tribes.

All the reports of the Commission and its recommendations shall be laid only before Lok Sabha.

The Commission, while investigating any matter, has all the powers of a Civil Court.

The Commission has the power to regulate its own procedures.

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The question asks for the statement that is NOT correct regarding the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Statement A: The Union and every State Government shall consult the Commission on all major policy matters affecting Scheduled Tribes. This is correct. Article 338A(9) mandates this consultation.
Statement B: All the reports of the Commission and its recommendations shall be laid only before Lok Sabha. This is incorrect. Article 338A(6) and (7) state that the reports of the Commission are presented to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament. Reports relating to a state government are sent to the Governor, who causes them to be laid before the state legislature.
Statement C: The Commission, while investigating any matter, has all the powers of a Civil Court. This is correct. Article 338A(8) grants the Commission specific powers of a civil court trying a suit.
Statement D: The Commission has the power to regulate its own procedures. This is correct. Article 338A(8) allows the Commission to regulate its own procedure.
Therefore, statement B is not correct.

– NCST is a constitutional body under Article 338A.
– Governments must consult NCST on major policy matters affecting STs.
– NCST has powers of a civil court during investigations.
– NCST regulates its own procedure.
– NCST reports are laid before Parliament (both Houses) and respective State Legislatures.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes was established by the 89th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, by bifurcating the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Its duties include investigating matters relating to safeguards for STs, inquiring into specific complaints, participating and advising on socio-economic development, and presenting reports on the working of those safeguards.

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10. Which of the following statements with regard to the conduct of electi

Which of the following statements with regard to the conduct of elections in India is/are not correct?
1. The responsibility for the preparation of the electoral rolls is vested in the Election Commission of India.
2. The Model Code of Conduct comes into existence as soon as the date of the election is announced.
3. The laws relating to delimitation of constituencies are made by the Election Commission of India.
4. No election shall be called in question except by an election petition.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

3 only

1, 2 and 4

1, 2 and 3

4 only

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The question asks for the statement(s) that are NOT correct.
Statement 1: The responsibility for the preparation of the electoral rolls is vested in the Election Commission of India. This is correct. Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, vest this responsibility with the ECI.
Statement 2: The Model Code of Conduct comes into existence as soon as the date of the election is announced. This is correct. The MCC is enforced by the ECI from the date of announcement of the election schedule until the completion of the election process.
Statement 3: The laws relating to delimitation of constituencies are made by the Election Commission of India. This is incorrect. Delimitation of constituencies is done by a Delimitation Commission established by an Act of Parliament. While the ECI is involved in the electoral process, the laws governing delimitation are made by the Parliament.
Statement 4: No election shall be called in question except by an election petition. This is correct. Article 329(b) of the Constitution bars questioning the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats to such constituencies and states that no election shall be called in question except by an election petition presented to such authority and in such manner as may be provided for by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature.
Therefore, only statement 3 is incorrect.

– ECI prepares electoral rolls.
– MCC is effective from election announcement date.
– Delimitation laws are made by Parliament, not ECI.
– Election disputes are resolved through election petitions.

The Delimitation Commission is an independent body constituted under the Delimitation Commission Act passed by the Parliament. Its orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. The ECI plays a crucial role in supervising and conducting elections, but legislative powers regarding delimitation reside with the Parliament.

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