UPSC IAS Archives

51. Consider the following : Cashew Papaya Red sanders How many of th

Consider the following :

Cashew
Papaya
Red sanders

How many of the above trees are actually native to India ?

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Only one

Only two

All three

None

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Out of the three trees listed, only Red Sanders is native to India.

– Cashew (*Anacardium occidentale*) is native to Brazil and was introduced to India by the Portuguese.
– Papaya (*Carica papaya*) is native to tropical America (southern Mexico and Central America) and was later spread globally.
– Red Sanders (*Pterocarpus santalinus*) is endemic to a specific geographical region in India, namely the Eastern Ghats mountain range in the southern part of the Indian peninsula.

Identifying native species is important for biodiversity conservation and understanding ecological roles. While Cashew and Papaya are now widely cultivated in India, they are not indigenous to the country’s flora. Red Sanders is valued for its rich red wood and is unfortunately listed as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN due to overexploitation.

52. Consider the following : Butterflies Fish Frogs How many of the a

Consider the following :

Butterflies
Fish
Frogs

How many of the above have poisonous species among them ?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

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Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC IAS – 2024

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All three groups listed – Butterflies, Fish, and Frogs – contain species that are poisonous.

– Butterflies: Some butterfly species, like the Monarch butterfly, are poisonous due to toxins accumulated from their host plants (e.g., milkweed). These toxins make them unpalatable to predators.
– Fish: Many fish species are poisonous if eaten (e.g., pufferfish containing tetrodotoxin). Additionally, many fish are venomous, possessing spines or barbs that deliver toxins (e.g., stonefish, lionfish, stingrays).
– Frogs: Numerous frog species, particularly brightly colored ones in tropical regions (like poison dart frogs), secrete potent toxins through their skin as a defense mechanism. These toxins can be extremely dangerous or even lethal to predators.

The terms “poisonous” (toxic when eaten or touched) and “venomous” (delivers toxin via bite, sting, etc.) are distinct, but both fall under the umbrella of containing toxins for defense or offense. The question asks about “poisonous species,” which generally encompasses both forms of toxicity in common usage, and in this context, species with either type of toxicity are found in all three groups.

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53. Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect

Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree ?

Fig

Mahua

Sandalwood

Silk cotton

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UPSC IAS – 2024

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The fig tree (genus *Ficus*) exhibits a unique and highly coevolved symbiotic relationship with specific fig wasps (family Agaonidae). Each species of fig tree is typically pollinated by only one or a few specific species of fig wasp, and the fig wasp relies entirely on the fig tree for reproduction. The female wasp enters the fig (which is an inverted flower structure called a syconium) to lay eggs and pollinate the flowers inside, while the male wasps are wingless and live and die within the fig.

– The fig-fig wasp relationship is a classic example of obligate mutualism and coevolution.
– This relationship is highly specific, with a particular fig species depending on a particular wasp species for pollination, and the wasp depending on that fig species for reproduction.

Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is primarily pollinated by bats and other nocturnal visitors, but also receives pollination from insects. Sandalwood (Santalum album) pollination is less well-documented but involves insects and potentially wind. Silk cotton (Bombax ceiba) is primarily pollinated by birds (like mynas and crows) and bats. None of these exhibit the kind of highly specific, obligate one-to-one coevolutionary relationship seen between figs and fig wasps.

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54. Consider the following : Battery storage Biomass generators Fuel c

Consider the following :

Battery storage
Biomass generators
Fuel cells
Rooftop solar photovoltaic units

How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”?

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Only one

Only two

Only three

All four

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UPSC IAS – 2024

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Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small, modular energy generation, storage, or demand-response technologies located at or near the point of consumption. This distributed nature contrasts with traditional centralized power generation.

– Battery storage stores energy and can be used locally, fitting the definition of a DER.
– Biomass generators can be deployed at various scales, including small-scale, localized generation which qualifies as a DER.
– Fuel cells are capable of providing localized power generation and can be considered DERs.
– Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) units are a quintessential example of DER, generating power at the point of use.

DERs can improve grid reliability, resilience, and efficiency by reducing transmission losses and providing local support during peak demand or outages. They also play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. Other examples of DERs include small wind turbines, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, and electric vehicles capable of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power flow.

55. Which one of the following is the correct description of “100 Million

Which one of the following is the correct description of “100 Million Farmers”?

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It is a platform for accelerating the transition towards food and water systems that are net-zero (carbon), nature-positive and that aims to increase farmer resilience.

It is an international alliance and a network of individuals and farming organisations interested in supporting and strengthening the development of the organic animal husbandry.

It is a digital platform fully integrated with service providers and built on blockchain that lets buyers, sellers and third parties trade fertilizers quickly and securely.

It is a platform with the mission of encouraging the farmers to form Farmer Product Organisations or Agribusiness Consortiums, thus facilitating the access to global open markets to sell their products.

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UPSC IAS – 2024

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The “100 Million Farmers” initiative is a global program, notably supported by organizations like the World Economic Forum (WEF). It aims to support farmers, particularly smallholders, in adopting sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. The core goals include improving farmer livelihoods, enhancing food security, and making food systems more sustainable and resilient to climate change. Option A accurately captures the broad objectives of such an initiative: transitioning towards environmentally sustainable practices (net-zero carbon, nature-positive) and building resilience among farmers. Options B, C, and D describe more specific or limited initiatives related to agriculture (organic animal husbandry, fertilizer trading platform, FPO promotion) that do not fully encompass the scope and ambition of a large-scale program like “100 Million Farmers”.

– “100 Million Farmers” is a major global initiative related to sustainable agriculture.
– Its focus is on environmental sustainability (net-zero, nature-positive) and farmer resilience.

Initiatives like “100 Million Farmers” often involve multi-stakeholder collaborations, bringing together governments, businesses, NGOs, and farmers themselves, to drive large-scale transformation in agricultural practices and value chains. They typically focus on a range of interventions including capacity building, access to technology, finance, and markets for sustainably produced goods.

56. Consider the following statements : 1. Lions do not have a particular

Consider the following statements :

1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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UPSC IAS – 2024

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Let’s evaluate each statement:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. This statement is generally correct. Lions can breed throughout the year, although the timing of births might be influenced by local conditions such as prey availability, which can lead to peak periods in some areas. However, they are capable of breeding year-round, unlike some animals with strict seasonal breeding.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. This statement is correct. Cheetahs belong to the genus *Acinonyx*, while the roaring big cats (lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, snow leopard) belong to the genus *Panthera*. Cheetahs vocalize with chirps, purrs, hisses, and growls but lack the anatomical structure (specifically, the hyoid bone structure) that allows true roaring.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. This statement is incorrect. Leopards, both male and female, are solitary and highly territorial. They actively scent mark their territories using urine, feces, and by rubbing scent glands against objects. Male lions also scent mark, although their territorial behaviour is linked to the pride structure. The statement’s assertion that male leopards *do not* scent mark is false.
Based on the analysis, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

– Lions can breed year-round.
– Cheetahs cannot roar; they chirp, purr, etc.
– Both male lions and male leopards use scent marking to define territory.

The ability to roar is linked to the morphology of the hyoid bone. In roaring cats (*Panthera* genus), the hyoid bone is not fully ossified, allowing for a wider range of vocalization, including roaring. Non-roaring cats, including cheetahs and domestic cats, have a fully ossified hyoid bone and purr instead of roar.

57. Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization

Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization :

1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.

2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.

3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

2 only

3 only

1 and 2

2 and 3

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UPSC IAS – 2024

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Let’s evaluate each statement about the World Toilet Organization (WTO):
1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations. This is incorrect. The World Toilet Organization is an international non-profit organization founded in 2001, not an agency of the United Nations.
2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. This is correct. WTO organizes the World Toilet Summit and founded World Toilet Day (which is now officially recognized by the UN as 19 November). It also runs the World Toilet College to provide training in sanitation.
3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation. This is incorrect. While WTO works towards improving sanitation globally, its primary function is advocacy, raising awareness, capacity building through education and training (like the World Toilet College), and fostering innovation and collaboration. Granting large-scale funds is typically the role of development banks, governments, and larger international aid organizations, not the core activity of WTO.
Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

– World Toilet Organization is a non-profit, not a UN agency.
– WTO initiated World Toilet Day (now a UN observance) and holds summits and training programs.
– WTO focuses on advocacy, education, and capacity building rather than being a primary funding body.

World Toilet Day, initiated by the WTO, was officially declared a United Nations day in 2013. It serves to raise awareness of the global sanitation crisis and mobilize action towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which includes the target of ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and ending open defecation by 2030.

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58. Consider the following pairs : Country Animal found in its n

Consider the following pairs :

	Country	Animal found in its natural habitat
1.	Brazil	Indri
2.	Indonesia	Elk
3.	Madagascar	Bonobo

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

Only one

Only two

All three

None

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Let’s evaluate each pair:
1. Brazil, Indri: The Indri (Indri indri) is the largest living lemur and is found only in Madagascar, not Brazil. Incorrect match.
2. Indonesia, Elk: The term “Elk” usually refers to *Cervus canadensis*, native to North America and East Asia. While some deer species in Indonesia might be colloquially referred to with “elk” in their name (like the Sambar deer or ‘Indian Elk’), the standard “Elk” is not naturally found in Indonesia. Incorrect match.
3. Madagascar, Bonobo: Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are found only in the Congo Basin in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo), not in Madagascar. Incorrect match.
None of the given pairs are correctly matched regarding the natural habitat of the animals.

– Indri are native to Madagascar.
– Bonobos are native to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
– Elk (*Cervus canadensis*) are native to North America and East Asia.

Zoogeography, the study of the geographical distribution of animal species, reveals that different regions of the world have distinct faunas due to evolutionary history, climate, and geographical barriers. Madagascar is famous for its unique biodiversity, including many endemic species of lemurs.

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59. Consider the following statements: Statement-I : Many chewing gums fou

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I :
Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
Statement-II :
Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2024

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Statement-I is correct. Discarded chewing gum is a significant source of litter and environmental pollution. It is sticky, difficult to remove from surfaces like pavements, and takes a very long time to degrade. Statement-II is correct. The gum base used in most modern chewing gums is made of synthetic polymers, which are essentially types of plastic (e.g., polyisobutylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene). These synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable or degrade extremely slowly. The fact that chewing gum contains non-biodegradable plastic explains why it persists in the environment when discarded and is considered a pollutant. Therefore, Statement-II provides the reason for Statement-I.

– Chewing gum litter is a persistent environmental problem.
– Modern chewing gum bases are often made of synthetic polymers (plastics).
– Plastic components contribute to the non-biodegradability of discarded gum.

Traditional chewing gums were made from natural latexes like chicle. However, since the mid-20th century, synthetic alternatives have become predominant due to cost and consistency. The plastic nature of the gum base is the primary reason for the environmental concerns associated with its disposal.

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60. The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are :

The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater” are :

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Birds

Fish

Insects

Reptiles

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UPSC IAS – 2024

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Cicadas, Froghoppers, and Pond skaters are all members of the class Insecta.
– Cicadas are well-known for their noisy songs and belong to the order Hemiptera.
– Froghoppers, also known as spittlebugs, are small insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, superfamily Cercopoidea.
– Pond skaters, also known as water striders, are insects in the family Gerridae, also part of the order Hemiptera, adapted to live on the surface of water.
All three are common examples of insects.

– Cicadas are insects known for sound production.
– Froghoppers are insects known for producing spittle.
– Pond skaters are insects that live on water surfaces.

The order Hemiptera includes a diverse range of insects, often characterized by having piercing-sucking mouthparts. It contains many familiar insects like true bugs, aphids, cicadas, leafhoppers, and scale insects.