UPSC IAS Archives

21. Consider the following statements: The Parliamentary Committee on Pu

Consider the following statements:

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts
1. consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha
2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of the Government
3. examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 and 3 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2013

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Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts examines the appropriation and finance accounts of the Government and scrutinizes the reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). Statement 1 is incorrect as the committee consists of 22 members, not 25.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is the oldest financial committee of the Indian Parliament. Its primary function is to examine the accounts showing the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament for expenditure and the annual finance accounts of the Union government, particularly focusing on the reports of the CAG.

The PAC consists of 22 members – 15 elected by the Lok Sabha from amongst its members and 7 elected by the Rajya Sabha from amongst its members by means of the single transferable vote. The term of office is one year. The Chairman of the committee is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and is traditionally from the opposition party.

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22. Consider the following minerals : 1. Calcium 2. Iron 3. Sodium Wh

Consider the following minerals :

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1. Calcium
2. Iron
3. Sodium

Which of the minerals given above is/are required by human body for the contraction of muscles?

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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Calcium and Sodium are minerals required by the human body for the contraction of muscles.

– **Calcium:** Calcium ions (Ca²⁺) are essential for initiating muscle contraction. In skeletal muscle, the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum triggers the binding of myosin to actin filaments, leading to the sliding filament mechanism of contraction.
– **Sodium:** Sodium ions (Na⁺) play a critical role in the electrical signaling that initiates muscle contraction. An action potential, involving the influx of sodium ions across the muscle cell membrane, causes depolarization, which in turn leads to the release of calcium ions. Potassium ions (K⁺) are also crucial for repolarization and maintaining the membrane potential.
– **Iron:** Iron is vital for overall muscle function, primarily because it is a component of myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle cells, and enzymes involved in energy metabolism. However, it is not directly involved in the biochemical process of muscle fiber contraction itself in the same way calcium and sodium are.

Muscle contraction is a complex physiological process involving nerve impulses, changes in membrane potential, release of neurotransmitters, and the interaction of contractile proteins (actin and myosin) mediated by calcium ions. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are all important for proper muscle and nerve function.

23. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

NO₂, O₃ and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight

CO, O₂ and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight

CO, CO₂ and NO₂ at low temperature

high concentration of NO₂, O₃ and CO in the evening

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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Photochemical smog is a complex mixture of air pollutants that forms when sunlight reacts with certain chemicals in the atmosphere. Key components and precursors include nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The resulting smog contains pollutants like ozone (O₃), peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and aldehydes.

The formation of photochemical smog is driven by sunlight. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a primary pollutant that photodissociates in sunlight to form nitric oxide (NO) and atomic oxygen (O). This atomic oxygen quickly reacts with molecular oxygen (O₂) to form ozone (O₃). VOCs react with NOx and other atmospheric components in the presence of sunlight to form a variety of secondary pollutants, including PAN. Therefore, NO₂, O₃ (as a product), and PAN (as a product), with sunlight as the driving force, are central to photochemical smog.

Photochemical smog is often referred to as “Los Angeles smog” because it was first recognized in Los Angeles. It differs from traditional “London smog” (sulfurous smog), which is caused by the burning of fossil fuels containing sulfur and occurs under cool, humid conditions. Photochemical smog is more common in sunny, dry climates with significant vehicular traffic.

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24. Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space

Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?

Ecotone

Ecological niche

Habitat

Home range

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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The term that describes both the physical space occupied by an organism and its functional role in the community is “Ecological niche”.

– **Habitat:** Refers primarily to the physical environment or location where an organism lives.
– **Ecotone:** Is a transition zone between two different ecosystems.
– **Home range:** Is the area an animal traverses in its activities, but it doesn’t define its functional role.
– **Ecological niche:** Encompasses not just the physical space (like habitat) but also the organism’s role, including how it interacts with other organisms (predators, prey, competitors), what it consumes, how it reproduces, and how it is affected by its environment. It is often described as the organism’s “profession” or “address + profession” within the ecosystem.

The concept of the ecological niche was first described by Joseph Grinnell (focused on habitat) and later refined by Charles Elton (focused on the functional role) and G. Evelyn Hutchinson (mathematical definition of the ‘n-dimensional hypervolume’). The principle of competitive exclusion states that no two species can occupy exactly the same niche in the same habitat for a prolonged period.

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25. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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All three statements are applicable to Jain doctrine.

1. **Penance (Tapas):** Jainism strongly emphasizes ascetic practices and penance as a means to burn off accumulated Karma and attain liberation. It is considered essential for purifying the soul and annihilating Karmic matter.
2. **Soul in every object:** Jain philosophy believes that souls (Jiva) exist not only in humans and animals but also in plants, water bodies, air, and even subtle particles (nigodas). This belief underlies the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) towards all forms of life.
3. **Karma as bane of the soul:** Jainism views Karma as subtle matter that attaches to the soul, binding it to the cycle of birth, death, and suffering (samsara). The ultimate goal is to shed all Karmic matter to achieve Moksha (liberation) and attain the soul’s pure state of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.

Key principles of Jainism include Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). The path to liberation involves following the three jewels (Triratna): Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).

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26. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to

Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?

1. Chikungunya
2. Hepatitis B
3. HIV-AIDS

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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 – 2013

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Hepatitis B and HIV-AIDS can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing if contaminated equipment is used.

Tattooing involves piercing the skin. If needles or other instruments used for tattooing are not properly sterilized and have been contaminated with infected blood, blood-borne viruses can be transmitted.
1. Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, not through blood-to-blood contact via needles.
2. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne virus that can be transmitted through contaminated needles, syringes, or other sharp instruments.
3. HIV-AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is primarily transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Sharing contaminated needles is a known risk factor for HIV transmission.

Other infections that can potentially be transmitted through unsterile tattooing practices include Hepatitis C, tetanus, and various bacterial infections. Proper sterilization techniques and single-use needles are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases during tattooing.

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27. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus

Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

1 and 2 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

None of the statements given above is correct

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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Based on current archaeological evidence, only statement 2 accurately characterizes the people of the Indus Civilization.

1. There is no strong evidence of grand palaces or temples in the Indus Civilization sites. Their architecture suggests well-planned cities with focus on civic amenities and dwelling units, not monumental religious or royal structures.
2. Evidence from seals and figurines suggests the worship of a male deity (often identified as ‘proto-Shiva’) and numerous female figurines implying the worship of a Mother Goddess.
3. While the presence of the horse in the Indus Valley is debated and evidence is scarce, there is no clear indication of the widespread use of horse-drawn chariots in warfare, unlike later periods in South Asia.

The Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) was known for its urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, standardized weights and measures, and seals with undeciphered script. Major sites include Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, and Dholavira.

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28. In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for

In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for

economic development

redemption of public debt

adjusting the balance of payments

reducing the foreign debt

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2013

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In India, deficit financing is primarily used for raising resources for economic development.

Deficit financing refers to the practice where the government spends more than it receives in revenue, making up the difference by borrowing (from domestic or foreign sources) or, historically, by printing money (borrowing from the central bank). In developing economies like India, where tax revenues are often insufficient to fund large-scale infrastructure and development projects, deficit financing has been a common tool to mobilise resources needed for planned expenditure aimed at economic growth and development.

While deficit financing can lead to inflation if not managed properly, it has been used as a means to stimulate investment and growth, particularly in the early stages of development planning. Options B, C, and D are not the primary reasons for employing deficit financing; in fact, deficit financing can sometimes complicate balance of payments (if funded externally) or increase public/foreign debt.

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29. An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the

An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the

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market rate of interest is likely to fall

Central Bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks

Central Bank is following an easy money policy

Central Bank is following a tight money policy

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2013

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An increase in the Bank Rate indicates that the Central Bank (RBI in India) is following a tight money policy.

The Bank Rate is the rate at which the RBI is prepared to buy or rediscount bills of exchange or other commercial paper. Historically, it was the rate for long-term lending to banks. An increase in the Bank Rate makes borrowing from the central bank more expensive for commercial banks. This discourages banks from borrowing, limits credit creation, and tends to push up overall interest rates in the economy, thereby curbing inflation and economic activity. This is characteristic of a tight or dear money policy.

In modern monetary policy, the repo rate (the rate at which banks borrow from RBI for short term against government securities) has largely replaced the Bank Rate as the primary tool for signalling monetary policy stance and managing liquidity. However, the principle remains the same: raising these policy rates signals monetary tightening, while lowering them signals easing.

30. The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of

The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of

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1. liquidity of assets
2. branch expansion
3. merger of banks
4. winding-up of banks

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 and 4 only

2, 3 and 4 only

1, 2 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2013

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank and the primary regulatory authority for commercial banks in India. It has extensive powers to control and regulate various aspects of banking operations.

The RBI regulates commercial banks on matters including:
1. **Liquidity of assets:** Through tools like Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).
2. **Branch expansion:** Banks need prior permission from RBI to open new branches.
3. **Merger of banks:** Mergers and acquisitions involving banks require approval from the RBI.
4. **Winding-up of banks:** The RBI plays a critical role in the process of winding up or resolution of distressed banks under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act.
All four listed points fall under the regulatory purview of the RBI.

The Banking Regulation Act, 1949, provides the legal framework for the regulation of banking business in India. The RBI’s regulatory powers extend to licensing, management, operations, auditing, and supervision of banks to ensure financial stability and protect depositors’ interests.