UPSC IAS

21. What are the benefits of imple- menting the ‘Integrated Watershed Deve

What are the benefits of imple- menting the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?

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  • 1. Prevention of soil runoff
  • 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
  • 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
  • 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation

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1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
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The Integrated Watershed Development Programme aims at holistic development of rainfed areas based on watershed approach. Its core objectives include soil and water conservation, promotion of vegetation cover, judicious use of water resources, and improving livelihoods through enhanced agricultural and allied activities.
Statement 1 is correct: Prevention of soil runoff is a primary objective achieved through techniques like contour bunding, terracing, and afforestation within the watershed.
Statement 3 is correct: Rainwater harvesting (e.g., check dams, farm ponds) and recharging the groundwater table (e.g., percolation tanks) are crucial components of watershed development to improve water availability.
Statement 4 is correct: Regeneration of natural vegetation (tree plantation, grassland development) is essential for soil conservation, improving water infiltration, and biodiversity enhancement within the watershed.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers is a massive infrastructure project under the National River Linking Project, which is distinct from the decentralized, area-based approach of watershed development.
– Watershed development focuses on managing land and water resources within a defined geographical area (watershed).
– Key goals include soil conservation, water harvesting, groundwater recharge, increasing vegetative cover, and improving agricultural productivity.
– It does not involve large-scale inter-basin transfer of water like river linking projects.
The Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) was launched in India to address issues of land degradation and water scarcity, particularly in rainfed areas. It employs a participatory approach involving local communities in planning and implementation. It was subsumed under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015-16, specifically under the ‘Watershed Development’ component (PMKSY-WDC).

22. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and sec

In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the

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Preamble to the Constitution
Directive Principles of State Policy
Fundamental Duties
Ninth Schedule
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The promotion of international peace and security is included in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Constitution of India.
The question requires knowing where specific principles related to the state’s policy are located in the Constitution.
Article 51 of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), states that the State shall endeavour to: (a) promote international peace and security; (b) maintain just and honourable relations between nations; (c) foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one another; and (d) encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

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23. The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Em

The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

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Katha Upanishad
Chandogya Upanishad
Aitareya Upanishad
Mundaka Upanishad
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The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Truth alone triumphs), is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
The question asks for the source of India’s national motto.
‘Satyameva Jayate’ is a mantra from the Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.6). It is inscribed in the Devanagari script at the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka and forms part of the national emblem of India.

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24. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

  • 1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
  • 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
  • 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
  • 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.

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1 only
1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
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Based on scientific projections, a global temperature increase beyond 3°C above pre-industrial levels would likely lead to the terrestrial biosphere becoming a net carbon source and widespread coral mortality. Statements 3 and 4 are considered too extreme and unlikely to be certain outcomes at this temperature increase level according to current scientific understanding.
The question assesses understanding of the projected impacts of significant global warming based on climate science.
A 3°C warming scenario is associated with severe impacts. Terrestrial ecosystems (like forests and soils) can shift from absorbing CO2 to releasing it (net source) due to factors like increased respiration, droughts, and wildfires (Statement 1). Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to thermal stress; exceeding 1.5°C is critical, and a 3°C increase would cause near-total loss and widespread mortality (Statement 2). While climate change will impact wetlands and agriculture significantly, the complete and permanent disappearance of ALL global wetlands (Statement 3) and impossibility of cereal cultivation ANYWHERE (Statement 4) are considered overly pessimistic and not certain outcomes even at 3°C warming. Some adaptation, resilience, or regional variations are expected.

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25. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in

What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north?
1. Bangkok
2. Hanoi
3. Jakarta
4. Singapore
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4-2-1-3
3-2-4-1
3-4-1-2
4-3-2-1
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The correct sequence of these cities from south to north is Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi.
The question requires knowledge of the relative geographical positions (latitudes) of major cities in South-East Asia.
Jakarta (Indonesia) is located in the Southern Hemisphere at approximately 6° S latitude. Singapore is just north of the equator at approximately 1.3° N latitude. Bangkok (Thailand) is further north at approximately 13.7° N latitude. Hanoi (Vietnam) is the northernmost among the listed cities at approximately 21° N latitude. Therefore, the sequence from south to north is Jakarta (3), Singapore (4), Bangkok (1), Hanoi (2), corresponding to option C (3-4-1-2).

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26. Turkey is located between

Turkey is located between

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Black Sea and Caspian Sea
Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea
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Turkey is geographically located between the Black Sea to its north and the Mediterranean Sea to its south.
The question tests knowledge of the geographical location of Turkey relative to major surrounding water bodies.
Turkey is a transcontinental country, located mainly in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Dardanelles strait connect the Black Sea and the Aegean/Mediterranean Seas and separate European Turkey from Asian Turkey.

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27. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity toget

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

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biosphere reserves
botanical gardens
national parks
wildlife sanctuaries
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The establishment of biosphere reserves is considered the most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life.
The question asks about the conservation strategy that best integrates biodiversity conservation with the preservation of traditional human life.
Biosphere reserves are designed to reconcile conservation of biodiversity with sustainable use of natural resources and sustainable development, actively involving local communities and traditional lifestyles. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries prioritize strict conservation, often restricting human activities. Botanical gardens focus on ex-situ plant conservation.

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28. Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India cont

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

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Second Schedule
Fifth Schedule
Eighth Schedule
Tenth Schedule
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The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of defection.
The question requires knowledge of the contents of the various Schedules of the Indian Constitution.
The Tenth Schedule was added to the Constitution by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985, also known as the Anti-Defection Law. The Second Schedule deals with emoluments, allowances, privileges, etc., of constitutional functionaries. The Fifth Schedule contains provisions relating to the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. The Eighth Schedule lists the recognized languages of India.

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29. Consider the following pairs : Hills : Region 1. Cardamom Hills : Coro

Consider the following pairs :
Hills : Region
1. Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast
2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast
3. Mahadeo Hills : Central India
4. Mikir Hills : North-East India
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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1 and 2
2 and 3
3 and 4
2 and 4
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Pair 3 (Mahadeo Hills : Central India) and Pair 4 (Mikir Hills : North-East India) are correctly matched.
The question tests knowledge of the geographical location of various hill ranges in India.
Pair 1 is incorrect; Cardamom Hills are part of the Southern Western Ghats, located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while the Coromandel Coast is the southeastern coast of India. Pair 2 is incorrect; Kaimur Hills are part of the Vindhya Range located primarily in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, while the Konkan Coast is the western coastline stretching across Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Mahadeo Hills are part of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh, which is indeed in Central India. Mikir Hills are located in Assam and are part of the Meghalaya Plateau/Purvanchal ranges, which are in North-East India.

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30. Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

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Mimamsa and Vedanta
Nyaya and Vaisheshika
Lokayata and Kapalika
Sankhya and Yoga
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Lokayata and Kapalika do not form part of the six orthodox (Astika) systems of Indian Philosophy recognized traditionally.
The question requires identification of the components of the traditional six systems of Indian Philosophy (Shad-darshanas).
The six orthodox systems of Indian Philosophy are Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa (or simply Mimamsa), and Uttara Mimamsa (or Vedanta). Lokayata (also known as Charvaka) is a heterodox (Nastika) materialistic school. Kapalika is a tantric sect of Shaivism.

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