UPSC IAS Archives

42. Consider the following : 1. Birds 2. Dust blowing 3. Rain 4. Wind blow

Consider the following :
1. Birds
2. Dust blowing
3. Rain
4. Wind blowing

Which of the above spread plant diseases ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 3 only” option2=”3 and 4 only” option3=”1, 2 and 4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2018

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All the listed items can act as vectors or facilitators in the spread of plant diseases. Birds can carry pathogens externally or internally. Dust particles in the air can transport fungal spores or bacteria. Rain splash can move pathogens from infected plant parts or soil to healthy tissues. Wind is a primary agent for the long-distance dispersal of airborne plant pathogens.

Plant diseases are spread by various means, including abiotic factors (wind, rain, dust) and biotic factors (insects, birds, other animals, human activities).

For example, birds can spread diseases like bacterial blight of coffee. Wind is crucial for spreading spores of rusts and powdery mildew. Rain splash helps in the spread of bacterial leaf spots and anthracnose. Dust storms can carry pathogens over vast areas.

43. Consider the following statements : 1. The definition of “Critical Wil

Consider the following statements :
1. The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option1″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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Statement 1 is correct: The Forest Rights Act, 2006 explicitly defines “Critical Wildlife Habitat” for the purpose of relocating communities while preserving their rights. Statement 2 is correct: The Baiga community in Chhattisgarh was among the first to receive Habitat Rights under the FRA, which recognizes their customary rights over traditional territories. Statement 3 is incorrect: Habitat Rights under the FRA are community rights claimed by the Gram Sabha and processed through local and district-level committees, not decided and declared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) is a key legislation recognizing the rights of forest-dwelling communities, including individual rights (like cultivation) and community rights (like use of minor forest produce, grazing, and habitat rights). Critical Wildlife Habitats are defined under the Act to balance conservation needs with rights.

Habitat Rights are granted to Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and pre-agricultural communities, recognizing their rights over their customary habitat and providing for management and conservation. The process for claiming and verifying rights under the FRA is decentralized, starting with the Gram Sabha.

44. Consider the following items : 1. Cereal grains hulled 2. Chicken eggs

Consider the following items :
1. Cereal grains hulled
2. Chicken eggs cooked
3. Fish processed and canned
4. Newspapers containing advertising material

Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax) ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1, 2 and 4 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option3″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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Based on common GST exemptions in India, unbranded Cereal grains hulled (1) are exempt. Newspapers containing advertising material (4) are also exempt. Chicken eggs cooked (2) and Fish processed and canned (3) are generally considered processed food items and are taxable. However, given the options and common interpretation challenges in such questions, option C suggests that 1, 2, and 4 are considered exempt. While cooked eggs (2) are typically taxable, unofficial keys and question patterns sometimes imply specific interpretations. Assuming the question considers 1 and 4 as definitely exempt, and potentially treating 2 as exempt in this specific context (despite standard rules), option C (1, 2 and 4 only) emerges as the likely intended answer.

GST exemptions often apply to basic, unprocessed or minimally processed food items (especially unbranded) and essential services/goods like newspapers. Processed foods are usually taxed.

Unbranded food grains, pulses, flour etc. are typically exempt. Fresh eggs and fresh fish are typically exempt. However, cooking, canning, or branding generally makes these items taxable. Newspapers are explicitly listed as exempt under GST laws, regardless of advertising content. The exemption status of “Chicken eggs cooked” as presented in option C is inconsistent with standard GST rules, suggesting a potential ambiguity or error in the question/options as presented.

45. With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, co

With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements :

1. Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
2. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option2″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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Statement 2 is correct: As part of reforms to strengthen public sector banks, the merger of the five associate banks of SBI and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with the parent State Bank of India was completed in 2017. This was a significant step in consolidating public sector banking. Statement 1 is likely incorrect: While there have been significant government capital infusions into public sector banks over the last decade, particularly to address Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and meet capital adequacy norms, the infusion has not shown a steady increase year-on-year throughout the entire decade, but rather occurred in large tranches during specific periods.

Government intervention in public sector banks includes capital infusion for recapitalization and consolidation through mergers. The merger of SBI associates was a major reform move.

The government has undertaken various measures to improve the health of PSBs, including recapitalization programs and consolidation. After the SBI merger, the government also initiated the merger of other PSBs in subsequent years to create fewer, larger banks.

46. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the foll

With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements :

1. PSLV’s launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3″ option3=”1 and 2″ option4=”3 only” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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Statement 1 is correct: PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is commonly used for launching satellites into polar or Sun-synchronous orbits suitable for Earth observation, remote sensing, and resource monitoring. GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to place heavier satellites, such as communication satellites, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), which is then circularized into Geostationary Orbit (GSO).

PSLV and GSLV are India’s primary satellite launch vehicles developed by ISRO. They are designed for different types of orbits and payload capacities. PSLV for LEO/SSO (lighter payloads, remote sensing), GSLV for GTO/GSO (heavier payloads, communication).

Statement 2 is incorrect: Satellites that appear permanently fixed from a particular location on Earth are in Geostationary Orbit (GSO). PSLV typically launches satellites into Low Earth Orbits (LEO) or Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO), where they orbit the Earth and are not fixed in the sky relative to an observer. Statement 3 is incorrect: GSLV Mk III (now LVM3) is a three-stage launch vehicle, not four. It uses solid boosters in the first stage, a liquid stage in the second, and a cryogenic stage in the third.

47. In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary loca

In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Arunachal Pradesh” option2=”Manipur” option3=”Meghalaya” option4=”Nagaland” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Pakke Tiger Reserve, is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh in North-East India.

Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known protected area, primarily recognized for its population of tigers and hornbills. It is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The sanctuary was declared a tiger reserve in 2002. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including various species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The habitat consists of lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forest.

48. Consider the following: 1. Areca nut 2. Barley 3. Coffee 4. Finge

Consider the following:

1. Areca nut
2. Barley
3. Coffee
4. Finger millet
5. Groundnut
6. Sesamam
7. Turmeric

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above?

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2, 3 and 7 only” option2=”2, 4, 5 and 6 only” option3=”1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only” option4=”1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7″ correct=”option2″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) announces Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for various crops based on recommendations by the CACP. Among the listed items, MSP is announced for Barley (Rabi crop), Finger millet (Ragi – Kharif/Nutri-cereal), Groundnut (Kharif oilseed), and Sesamum (Sesame/Til – Kharif oilseed). MSP is not typically announced for Areca nut, Coffee, or Turmeric.

MSP is a price support mechanism by the government for selected agricultural crops to protect farmers from price fluctuations. The list of crops covered includes various cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and certain commercial crops. Plantation crops like Areca nut and Coffee, and spices like Turmeric are generally not included in the MSP list.

The government announces MSP for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane. The mandated crops include 14 Kharif crops, 6 Rabi crops, and 2 other commercial crops. Barley is a Rabi cereal. Finger millet (Ragi), Groundnut, and Sesamum are Kharif crops among the mandated list. Areca nut, Coffee, and Turmeric fall outside this list.

49. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life an

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution” option2=”Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV” option3=”Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III” option4=”Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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The Supreme Court of India, in the K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India case (2017), ruled that the Right to Privacy is a fundamental right protected under the Constitution. It held that privacy is an intrinsic part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and flows from other fundamental freedoms guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution. Therefore, Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III correctly and appropriately imply this statement.

The landmark Puttaswamy judgment established Right to Privacy as a fundamental right. The court linked it primarily to Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) but also recognised its connection to other freedoms under Part III.

Article 14 deals with equality before the law. Article 17 deals with the abolition of untouchability. Article 24 deals with the prohibition of child labour. Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) are not justiciable fundamental rights. The 42nd and 44th Amendments are significant constitutional amendments but do not directly establish the right to privacy as derived from Article 21; this was a judicial interpretation.

50. Consider the following events : 1. The first democratically elected

Consider the following events :

1. The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India.
2. India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.
3. Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
4. Goa became a part of independent India.

Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events ?

[amp_mcq option1=”4-1-2-3″ option2=”3-2-1-4″ option3=”4-2-1-3″ option4=”3-1-2-4″ correct=”option2″]

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UPSC IAS – 2018

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The events in chronological order are: Air India was nationalised (1953), Imperial Bank of India was renamed State Bank of India (1955), the first democratically elected communist government was formed in Kerala (1957), and Goa became part of independent India (1961). This sequence corresponds to option B (3-2-1-4).

Key dates for these events are: Air India nationalisation – 1953; SBI formation – 1955; First communist government in Kerala (EMS Namboodiripad) – 1957; Goa Liberation (Operation Vijay) – 1961.

Air India was nationalised through the Air Corporations Act, 1953. The State Bank of India was formed by nationalizing the Imperial Bank of India under the State Bank of India Act, 1955. The Communist Party of India won the assembly elections in Kerala in 1957, forming the first non-Congress government and the first democratically elected communist government in an Indian state. Goa, a Portuguese colony, was integrated into India through military action in 1961.