UPSC IAS Archives

11. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like m

Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The concern about brominated flame retardants (BFRs) stems from their environmental persistence and their ability to bioaccumulate in living organisms, including humans and animals.

Brominated flame retardants are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or candidates for this classification. POPs are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or the environment.

Some BFRs, such as certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been phased out or restricted in many countries due to concerns about their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation potential. Exposure to BFRs has been linked to potential adverse health effects, including effects on the endocrine system, neurological development, and reproductive health.

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12. The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

solve the problem of minorities in India

give effect to the Independence Bill

delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan

enquire into the riots in East Bengal

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is C.

The Radcliffe Committee, formally known as the Boundary Commission, was appointed in 1947 under the chairmanship of Sir Cyril Radcliffe. Its primary task was to demarcate the boundaries between India and Pakistan following the partition, based on the principle of contiguous majority areas of Muslims and non-Muslims. Options A, B, and D describe other aspects or consequences of the partition period, but not the specific purpose for which the Radcliffe Committee was appointed.

Sir Cyril Radcliffe was a British lawyer and was given only a few weeks to complete the complex and contentious task of drawing the boundary lines, leading to significant controversy and tragic consequences during and after partition.

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13. Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins?

1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers
2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers
3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally
4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 3 and 4 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is C.

Apart from poaching, several human-induced factors contribute to the decline of Ganges River Dolphins. Construction of dams and barrages (1) fragments their habitat, isolates populations, and reduces water flow and prey availability. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally (bycatch) (3) is a major cause of mortality. Pollution from agricultural runoff containing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides (4), as well as industrial and municipal waste, degrades water quality and affects dolphin health and their food chain. An increase in the population of crocodiles (2) is not considered a primary driver for the overall decline of the dolphin population, although predation might occur. Therefore, statements 1, 3, and 4 represent significant reasons for the decline.

The Ganges River Dolphin is an endangered species and is India’s National Aquatic Animal. Conservation efforts focus on reducing these threats and protecting their habitat.

14. Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution o

Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?

1. Continental drift
2. Glacial cycles

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is C.

Both Continental drift (1) and Glacial cycles (2) are major geological and climatic phenomena that have profoundly influenced the evolution of organisms. Continental drift alters the distribution of landmasses and oceans, creating or removing physical barriers, changing climate patterns, and leading to the isolation or mixing of populations, which drives speciation and extinction. Glacial cycles cause significant changes in climate, sea levels, and habitats, leading to species migrations, adaptations, extinctions, and the formation of new species through the creation of refugia and altered selective pressures.

The theory of plate tectonics explains continental drift and is a cornerstone of modern geology. Glacial cycles have occurred repeatedly throughout Earth’s history, most notably during the Pleistocene epoch (the ‘Ice Age’).

16. With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the

With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements :

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1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is B.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The first summit of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. Rio de Janeiro hosted the fourth BRICS summit in 2012. Statement 2 is correct in the context of the original BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). South Africa was invited to join in December 2010 and formally became a member on April 14, 2011, attending its first summit in Sanya, China, in 2011. Thus, South Africa was the last to join the BRIC grouping to form BRICS-5.

The term “BRIC” was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in 2001. The group’s first formal meeting was in 2006. As of January 1, 2024, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. However, the question likely refers to the grouping as it existed before this expansion.

17. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands Interna

With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

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1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is B.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Wetlands International is an international non-governmental organization (INGO), not an intergovernmental organization formed by Ramsar signatories. While it is a crucial partner of the Ramsar Convention and works closely with governments and other stakeholders, it is not constituted by countries. Statement 2 is correct. Wetlands International works globally and locally through offices and partners, engaging in research, monitoring, conservation projects, capacity building, and advocacy to promote the wise use and conservation of wetlands.

Wetlands International was founded in 1937 as the International Wildfowl & Wetlands Research Bureau. Its mission is to conserve and restore wetlands for their biodiversity and human livelihoods.

18. Consider the following pairs : 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram

Consider the following pairs :

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve	: Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary	: Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak	: Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

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1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is C.

Pair 1: Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in Mizoram. This pair is correctly matched. Pair 2: Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Tripura, not Sikkim. This pair is incorrectly matched. Pair 3: Saramati Peak is the highest peak in Nagaland, located on the border with Myanmar. This pair is correctly matched. Therefore, only pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

Dampa Tiger Reserve is part of Project Tiger. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is important for its biodiversity, including primates. Saramati Peak is part of the Naga Hills and is known for its snow cover during winter.

19. Consider the following languages : 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telug

Consider the following languages :

1. Gujarati
2. Kannada
3. Telugu

Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language/ Languages’ by the Government?

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1 and 2 only

3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is C.

As of the time this question was likely framed (and even currently, prior to any potential future additions), the languages declared as Classical Languages by the Government of India are Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014). Among the given options, Kannada (2) and Telugu (3) have been declared as Classical Languages. Gujarati (1) has not been declared a Classical Language.

Criteria for declaring a language as classical include high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years, a body of ancient literature/texts considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers, and originality, being distinct from modern language/literature.

20. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider th

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements :

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1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

None

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is A.

Statement 1 correctly distinguishes between Photovoltaics (PV) and Solar Thermal technologies. PV converts sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect, whereas Solar Thermal technology concentrates sunlight to heat a fluid, which is then used to generate steam to drive a turbine connected to a generator, thereby producing electricity indirectly. Statement 2 is incorrect; Photovoltaic cells inherently produce Direct Current (DC), which is then converted to Alternating Current (AC) by an inverter if needed for grid connection or AC appliances. Solar Thermal power plants typically use conventional generators which produce Alternating Current (AC). Statement 3 is incorrect; India has a significant manufacturing base for both Photovoltaic modules/cells and various components used in Solar Thermal power plants.

Photovoltaics are commonly used in rooftop solar panels and large solar farms. Solar Thermal systems are less common for small-scale applications but are used in utility-scale Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants.