UPSC IAS Archives

41. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which

H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

AIDS

Bird flu

Dengue

Swine flu

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The H1N1 virus is the primary cause of swine flu.

H1N1 is an influenza A virus subtype that is the most common cause of human influenza (flu).

The 2009 swine flu pandemic was caused by a new strain of H1N1 that resulted from a mix of human, swine, and bird flu viruses. While H1N1 strains circulate in various animals, this particular strain was referred to as “swine flu” because genetic analysis showed it originated from pigs. Bird flu is typically caused by other influenza subtypes like H5N1. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Dengue is caused by the Dengue virus, transmitted by mosquitoes.

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42. There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the

Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people

Parliament can amend the Constitution

Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved

Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha

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The correct option is D (Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha). This is the defining characteristic of the Parliamentary System of Government in India.

– In a parliamentary system, the executive (Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister) is part of the legislature and is collectively responsible to the lower house of the legislature (Lok Sabha in India).
– This means the government remains in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the majority in the Lok Sabha. If the Lok Sabha passes a no-confidence motion, the government must resign.
– Option A (Lok Sabha is elected directly) is a feature of a democratic system with a representative legislature, but not exclusive to a parliamentary system.
– Option B (Parliament can amend the Constitution) describes a legislative power, common to many systems.
– Option C (Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved) describes the permanent nature of the upper house, which is a feature of India’s bicameral legislature, but not the core principle of parliamentary executive responsibility.

Article 75(3) of the Indian Constitution explicitly states: “The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha).” This establishes the fundamental link between the executive and the legislature that defines India’s parliamentary system, in contrast to a presidential system where the executive (President) is elected independently and is not directly responsible to the legislature.

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43. The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural productio

The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of

labour-augmenting technological progress

capital-augmenting technological progress

capital-reducing technological progress

None of the above

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The correct option is B (capital-augmenting technological progress). The substitution of a steel plough for a wooden plough is an example of capital-augmenting technological progress.

– A plough is a form of physical capital used in agricultural production.
– Replacing a wooden plough with a steel plough implies an improvement in the efficiency, durability, or effectiveness of the capital good.
– Capital-augmenting technological progress makes capital more productive, meaning more output can be produced with the same amount of capital, or the same output with less capital (relative to labour), or it increases the effective amount of capital available. A stronger, more efficient steel plough allows for better tilling, potentially faster, requiring less effort to achieve the same result, or enabling tilling of harder soil, thus increasing the productivity derived from the capital input.
– Labour-augmenting technological progress increases the productivity of labour. While a better plough *might* allow a farmer to work faster or more effectively, the direct technological improvement is in the tool (capital), making the capital itself more productive.
– Capital-reducing technological progress is not a standard term in this context; the change here is about making capital *more* productive or effective, not necessarily reducing the absolute amount of capital used (though fewer trips might be needed, it’s primarily about enhanced capital productivity).

Technological progress can be classified based on how it affects the marginal productivity of labour and capital. Hicks-neutral technology leaves the ratio of marginal productivities unchanged. Harrod-neutral technology is labour-augmenting. Solow-neutral technology is capital-augmenting. In this specific example, the improvement in the plough enhances the productivity of the capital good itself.

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44. The ideal of ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution is enshrined i

The ideal of ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its

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Preamble

Directive Principles of State Policy

Fundamental Rights

Seventh Schedule

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The correct option is B (Directive Principles of State Policy). The ideal of a ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution is primarily reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs).

– The Preamble outlines the objectives of the Constitution, including securing justice (social, economic, political), equality, and fraternity, which contribute to the idea of a welfare state, but the DPSPs are more direct mandates to the state to achieve this ideal.
– Part IV of the Constitution, containing DPSPs (Articles 36-51), lays down principles that the State should follow in governance, aiming to create a social order in which justice, social, economic and political, shall inform all the institutions of national life. Examples include provisions related to securing adequate means of livelihood, preventing concentration of wealth, equal pay for equal work, right to work, education and public assistance, living wage, participation of workers in management, public health, etc.
– Fundamental Rights (Part III) are limitations on the state’s power and protect individual liberties, rather than directly enshrining the ideal of a welfare state.
– The Seventh Schedule deals with the distribution of legislative powers between the Union and States.

While DPSPs are not legally enforceable in courts, they are considered fundamental in the governance of the country and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws (Article 37). They serve as a moral compass for the government towards establishing a welfare state.

45. Consider the following countries : 1. China 2. France 3. India 4.

Consider the following countries :

1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan

Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

1 and 2 only

1, 3, 4 and 5 only

2, 4 and 5 only

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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The correct option is A (1 and 2 only). Among the given countries, only China and France are recognized as Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

– The NPT defines a Nuclear-Weapon State as one which has manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to January 1, 1967.
– The five states recognized by the NPT as NWS are the United States, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, France, and China. These are also the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
– India, Israel, and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons but are not signatories to the NPT as NWS. They are often referred to as de facto or non-NPT nuclear weapons states.

The NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. India, Pakistan, and Israel have not signed the NPT. North Korea signed but later withdrew from the treaty.

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46. With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statement

With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?

Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only

The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation

Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation

Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation

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The correct option is C (Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation).

– Inflation is generally caused by excessive demand or reduced supply, often fuelled by an increase in the money supply beyond the growth of output.
– Controlling inflation is a joint responsibility of the government and the central bank (RBI). The RBI is statutorily mandated to maintain price stability, often through monetary policy. Therefore, A and B are incorrect.
– Monetary policy tools aimed at controlling inflation typically involve reducing the money supply and credit availability or increasing interest rates, which leads to decreased money circulation (tight monetary policy). This curbs aggregate demand, helping to cool down inflationary pressures.
– Increased money circulation (loose or expansionary monetary policy) typically stimulates demand and can exacerbate inflation. Therefore, D is incorrect.

The Government sets an inflation target for the RBI (currently 4% with a band of +/- 2%). The RBI uses various instruments like Repo rate, Reverse Repo rate, CRR, SLR, and OMOs to manage liquidity and influence inflation. Fiscal measures like controlling government expenditure, taxation, and managing supply-side issues also play a role in controlling inflation.

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47. With reference to Indian economy, consider the following: 1. Bank ra

With reference to Indian economy, consider the following:

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1. Bank rate
2. Open market operations
3. Public debt
4. Public revenue

Which of the above is/are component/components of Monetary Policy?

1 only

2, 3 and 4

1 and 2

1, 3 and 4

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The correct option is C (1 and 2). Bank rate and Open Market Operations are standard instruments of Monetary Policy.

– Monetary policy is the policy adopted by the central bank of a country to control the money supply and interest rates to promote macroeconomic stability.
– Instruments of monetary policy include quantitative measures like Bank Rate (discount rate), Open Market Operations (OMOs), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), Repo Rate, and Reverse Repo Rate.
– Bank rate (Statement 1) is the rate at which the central bank lends money to commercial banks without any security.
– Open market operations (Statement 2) involve the buying and selling of government securities by the central bank in the open market to control liquidity.
– Public debt (Statement 3) and public revenue (Statement 4) are components of Fiscal Policy, which relates to government spending and taxation. Fiscal policy is formulated and implemented by the government, not the central bank.

Monetary policy primarily targets inflation and growth by influencing the cost and availability of money and credit in the economy. Fiscal policy influences aggregate demand through government expenditure and revenue. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy.

48. The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which amo

The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?

1. People’s participation in development
2. Political accountability
3. Democratic decentralization
4. Financial mobilization

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1, 2 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

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The correct option is C (1 and 3 only). The fundamental objectives of the Panchayati Raj system are primarily people’s participation in development and democratic decentralization.

– The Panchayati Raj system, formalized by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, aims to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
– Democratic decentralization (Statement 3) is the core principle, transferring power and responsibilities from the central/state government to local elected bodies.
– This decentralization enables and encourages people’s participation in the planning and implementation of development programs (Statement 1).
– Political accountability (Statement 2) exists as the elected representatives are accountable to the local electorate, but it’s a consequence of democratic setup rather than the primary objective itself.
– Financial mobilization (Statement 4) is crucial for the functioning of PRIs and undertaking development projects, but it’s a means to achieve the objectives of development and governance, not the fundamental objective for establishing the system.

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) is credited with recommending the three-tier Panchayati Raj system for democratic decentralization. The 73rd Amendment Act gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, aiming to make them effective instruments of local self-governance and rural development.

49. Which one of the following is the best description of the term

Which one of the following is the best description of the term ‘ecosystem’?

A community of organisms interacting with one another

That part of the Earth which is inhabited by living organisms

A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live

The flora and fauna of a geographical area

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The correct option is C (A community of organisms together with the environment in which they live). This is the standard definition of an ecosystem.

– An ecosystem comprises both biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (physical environment like soil, water, air, sunlight, temperature) components.
– The organisms within an ecosystem interact with each other (biotic interactions) and also with their physical environment (biotic-abiotic interactions).
– Option A describes only the biotic community.
– Option B describes the biosphere or habitable part of the Earth.
– Option D describes flora and fauna, which are only parts of the biotic community.

The term ‘ecosystem’ was coined by A.G. Tansley in 1935. Ecosystems can vary greatly in size, from a small pond to a large forest or ocean. Energy flows through the ecosystem, typically originating from the sun and transferred through trophic levels, while nutrients are cycled within the ecosystem.

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50. “To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India”

“To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India” is a provision made in the

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Preamble of the Constitution

Directive Principles of State Policy

Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Duties

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The correct option is D (Fundamental Duties). The phrase “To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India” is explicitly mentioned as one of the Fundamental Duties of every citizen of India.

– This statement is found in Article 51A(c) of the Constitution, which lists the Fundamental Duties.
– The Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. There are currently eleven Fundamental Duties.

– The Preamble mentions “unity and integrity of the Nation” but not the duty “to uphold and protect” them.
– The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) are guidelines for the state, aiming for social and economic welfare, not specific duties of citizens.
– Fundamental Rights (Part III) are rights guaranteed to individuals against the state.
– The emphasis on sovereignty, unity, and integrity reflects the importance of national cohesion and solidarity.