UPSC IAS Archives

11. With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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All three statements describe potential and current applications of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is a versatile energy carrier.

– Hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel in modified or specially designed internal combustion engines.
– Hydrogen can be blended with natural gas (methane) and used in existing gas infrastructure and appliances for heating or power generation, reducing the carbon intensity of the natural gas stream.
– Hydrogen is a key fuel for hydrogen fuel cells, which electrochemically convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water, and heat, commonly used in fuel cell vehicles and stationary power generation.

Green hydrogen is considered a crucial part of future decarbonization efforts, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry, transport, and long-term energy storage. Its versatility allows for use in various energy applications, either directly, blended, or via conversion technologies like fuel cells.

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12. Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution : 1. G

Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution :

1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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Only one

Only two

All three

None

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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All three statements regarding mercury pollution are correct. Gold mining, coal-based thermal power plants, and the lack of a known safe exposure level are well-established facts related to mercury pollution and health impacts.

– Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is a major global source of anthropogenic mercury emissions due to the use of mercury to extract gold.
– Combustion of coal in power plants releases mercury that is naturally present in coal.
– According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no known safe level of exposure to elemental (metallic) mercury, as it is toxic even at very low concentrations.

Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative toxic substance. It can travel long distances in the atmosphere and settle in ecosystems, where it can be converted to highly toxic methylmercury, which bioaccumulates in food chains, particularly in fish. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.

13. Consider the following statements : 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-pr

Consider the following statements :

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1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

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 – 2023

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Both statements are incorrect. Statement 1 incorrectly describes both ballistic and cruise missiles. Statement 2 incorrectly identifies Agni-V and BrahMos.

– Ballistic missiles are rocket-powered in the initial phase, follow a trajectory primarily determined by gravity, and are not jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout.
– Cruise missiles are typically jet-propelled, fly within the atmosphere at lower altitudes, and are guided throughout their flight.
– Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), not a medium-range supersonic cruise missile.
– BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile, not a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Agni-V is a long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by India. BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia, producing a ramjet supersonic cruise missile. Different types of missiles are characterized by their propulsion, trajectory, range, and guidance systems.

14. Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation

Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System?

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Australia

Canada

Israel

Japan

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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Japan has its own operational regional satellite navigation system called the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). While not a global system like GPS or GLONASS, it provides highly accurate positioning information, primarily for Japan and the Asia-Oceania region.

– Japan’s QZSS is a regional satellite navigation system.
– Other countries with their own satellite navigation systems include the USA (GPS), Russia (GLONASS), Europe (Galileo), China (BeiDou), and India (NavIC).

Australia and Canada utilize global systems like GPS. Israel does not have its own independent satellite navigation system, although it is active in space technology. Regional systems enhance accuracy and reliability in specific geographical areas.

15. With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture

With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:

1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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Only one

Only two

All three

None

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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The correct option is A, indicating that only one of the given statements is correct.

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) use biofilters as a key component for water treatment.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Biofilters primarily treat dissolved waste products, particularly nitrogenous compounds. Solid wastes, such as uneaten fish feed and feces, are typically removed by mechanical filters (like drum filters or settling tanks) *before* the water reaches the biofilter. While the decomposition of uneaten feed *produces* substances that the biofilter treats, the biofilter itself does not remove the solid feed.
Statement 2 is correct. The main function of a biofilter in RAS is nitrification, which is the biological process where beneficial bacteria convert toxic ammonia (excreted by fish and from decomposition) first into nitrite and then into much less toxic nitrate. This is essential for maintaining water quality suitable for fish.
Statement 3 is incorrect. Biofilters are designed to remove or convert waste products, not increase nutrients for fish. While phosphorus is present in fish feed and waste, biofilters are primarily focused on managing nitrogen. Systems for nutrient addition for fish involve providing high-quality feed, not manipulating waste products in the water circuit.

RAS significantly reduces water usage compared to traditional aquaculture by recycling water. Effective biofiltration is crucial for removing metabolic wastes and maintaining a healthy environment for the fish. Other components of RAS often include mechanical filtration, oxygenation/aeration, pH control, and temperature control.

16. Consider the following actions: 1. Detection of car crash/collision

Consider the following actions:

1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive
3. Detection of the tilt of smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode

In which of the above actions is the function of a gyroscope is used?

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1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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The correct option is D, indicating that the function of a gyroscope is used in all three actions.

A gyroscope measures angular velocity (rate of rotation). In modern devices, gyroscopes are often used alongside accelerometers (which measure linear acceleration and tilt due to gravity) in Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to determine full 3D orientation and motion.
1. **Car crash/collision:** Advanced automotive crash detection systems use IMUs containing both accelerometers and gyroscopes. While accelerometers are crucial for detecting sudden deceleration (impact), gyroscopes can provide data on the vehicle’s rotation (pitch, roll, yaw) during a crash sequence, which is vital for determining the severity and type of crash (e.g., rollover) and optimizing airbag deployment strategies. Thus, the function of a gyroscope is used.
2. **Laptop accidental free fall:** Many modern laptops have sensors to detect free fall and suddenly stop the hard drive head to prevent damage upon impact. While accelerometers are primary in detecting the acceleration due to gravity and the subsequent impact deceleration, gyroscopes can be used in conjunction to better characterize the motion (e.g., determining if the laptop is rotating during the fall), improving the accuracy and reliability of the free fall detection system. Thus, the function of a gyroscope can be used.
3. **Smartphone tilt for display rotation:** While the basic detection of static tilt relative to gravity is done by accelerometers, modern smartphones use gyroscopes in combination with accelerometers (IMU) for more accurate, stable, and responsive orientation sensing. The gyroscope measures angular velocity, allowing the phone to detect rotations quickly and smoothly, distinguish intentional rotations from accidental movements, and provide faster screen transitions between portrait and landscape modes. Thus, the function of a gyroscope is used.

IMUs provide six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) motion sensing (three axes of acceleration, three axes of angular velocity). This combined data allows for robust tracking of movement and orientation in 3D space, enabling these and many other features in various devices.

17. Consider the following statements : 1. Carbon fibres are used in the

Consider the following statements :

1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircraftes.
2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.

Which of the statements give above is/are correct?

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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 – 2023

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The correct option is A, meaning only statement 1 is correct.

Statement 1 is correct. Carbon fibres and carbon fibre composites (CFRPs) are widely used in high-performance applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and corrosion resistance. They are integral in the manufacture of structural components for aircraft (e.g., wings, fuselage parts) and high-end automobiles (chassis, body panels), as well as sports equipment and wind turbine blades.
Statement 2 is incorrect. While challenging and less developed than traditional material recycling, carbon fibre composites *can* be recycled using various methods, including mechanical recycling (shredding/milling), pyrolysis (thermal decomposition), and solvolysis (chemical decomposition). Recycled carbon fibres can then be used in new composite materials. The infrastructure and economic viability are still developing, but it is not true that they *cannot* be recycled.

The recycling of carbon fibre composites is an active area of research and development aimed at reducing waste from manufacturing and end-of-life products and recovering valuable materials.

18. Consider the following statements in the context interventions being u

Consider the following statements in the context interventions being undertaken under Anaemin Mukt Bharat Strategy:

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1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

Only three

All four

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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The correct option is C, indicating that only three of the given statements are correct.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy primarily focuses on prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation across various age groups, including pre-school children, adolescents, and pregnant women. It does not typically involve prophylactic calcium supplementation for these groups under the core anaemia prevention strategy, although calcium is important for health.
Statement 2 is correct. Promoting delayed cord clamping at childbirth is an intervention under AMB to increase iron stores in the newborn, thereby helping to prevent iron deficiency anaemia later.
Statement 3 is correct. Periodic deworming for children and adolescents is a key component of AMB, as intestinal worms can cause blood loss and contribute to anaemia.
Statement 4 is correct. AMB adopts a multi-pronged approach that includes addressing non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic areas, such as malaria, hemoglobinopathies (like thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia), and other conditions like fluorosis or hookworm infestation, which exacerbate anaemia.

The Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy aims to reduce the prevalence of anaemia by 3 percentage points per year between 2018 and 2022 across six target groups: children (6-59 months), children (5-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years) – boys and girls, women of reproductive age (15-49 years), and pregnant women and lactating mothers. It has six intervention pillars.

19. Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojan

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana:

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1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one

Only two

Only three

All four

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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The correct option is B, meaning only two of the given statements are correct.

Statement 1 is incorrect. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM), implemented by State Health Departments, but not originating from them.
Statement 2 is correct. A primary objective of JSY is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
Statement 3 is correct. JSY aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women by providing cash incentives. This is a key strategy to achieve the objective mentioned in statement 2.
Statement 4 is incorrect. JSY primarily focuses on pregnant women and newborns around the time of childbirth and immediate postpartum period (up to 42 days). Providing comprehensive public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age is part of broader child health initiatives under NHM (like RBSK) and is not a specific objective of JSY.

JSY is a modified version of the National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS). It integrates cash assistance with delivery and post-delivery care. The success of JSY is measured significantly by the increase in institutional deliveries, especially in states with low institutional delivery rates.

20. ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the foll

‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?

Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna

Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues

Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants

Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2023

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The correct answer is A) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna.

Microsatellite DNA (also known as Short Tandem Repeats or STRs) consists of repeating sequences of a few nucleotides (typically 2-6 bp) found throughout the genome. These regions are highly variable in length among individuals and even among closely related species due to differences in the number of repeat units. This high variability makes microsatellites excellent genetic markers for population genetics studies, genetic diversity analysis, parentage testing, individual identification, and studying evolutionary relationships, particularly among populations within a species or among closely related species where there is sufficient variability.

Options B, C, and D are not primary applications of microsatellite DNA analysis. Stem cell differentiation (B) involves gene expression and signaling pathways. Clonal propagation (C) involves vegetative reproduction techniques, although microsatellites could be used for verifying clonality. Drug efficacy assessment (D) is part of clinical trials and often involves patient response, pharmacokinetics, and sometimes pharmacogenomics (which might use various genetic markers, but microsatellites are not typically the primary tool for drug *efficacy* assessment itself).

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