UPSC NDA-2

1. Consider the following reaction: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O Which of the f

Consider the following reaction: CH₄ + 2O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
Which of the following about the reaction given above is/are correct ?

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  • 1. Carbon is oxidized.
  • 2. Hydrogen is oxidized.
  • 3. Hydrogen is reduced.
  • 4. Carbon is reduced.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
2 and 4 only
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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Statement 1 is correct: Carbon is oxidized. Statements 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
Oxidation is the process where an atom or molecule loses electrons or increases its oxidation state. Reduction is the process where an atom or molecule gains electrons or decreases its oxidation state. In the given reaction (combustion of methane), let’s look at the oxidation states:
– In CH₄: Hydrogen is +1, so Carbon is -4 (since CH₄ is neutral).
– In O₂: Oxygen is 0 (elemental form).
– In CO₂: Oxygen is -2, so Carbon is +4 (since CO₂ is neutral).
– In H₂O: Hydrogen is +1, so Oxygen is -2 (since H₂O is neutral).
Carbon’s oxidation state changes from -4 to +4 (increase), so Carbon is oxidized.
Hydrogen’s oxidation state remains +1 (no change), so Hydrogen is neither oxidized nor reduced.
Oxygen’s oxidation state changes from 0 to -2 (decrease), so Oxygen is reduced.
This reaction is a classic example of a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. Methane (CH₄) acts as the reducing agent (gets oxidized), and Oxygen (O₂) acts as the oxidizing agent (gets reduced). Combustion reactions are typically redox reactions where a fuel is oxidized rapidly, usually releasing heat and light.

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2. The desirable range of pH for drinking water is

The desirable range of pH for drinking water is

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6.5 to 8.5
5.0 to 6.5
6.5 to 7.0
7.0 to 8.5
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The desirable range of pH for drinking water is 6.5 to 8.5.
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water. A neutral pH is 7.0. Water with a pH less than 7 is acidic, and water with a pH greater than 7 is alkaline. The standard recommended range for potable water generally falls within the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline range, as extremely low or high pH can affect palatability, corrosion potential, and the effectiveness of disinfection.
Standards like those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Standard (IS 10500:2012) specify the acceptable limit for pH in drinking water as 6.5 to 8.5. While some standards might allow for slightly wider ranges in specific circumstances, 6.5-8.5 is the widely accepted desirable range to ensure safety and palatability.

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3. Which one of the following is a cause of acid rains?

Which one of the following is a cause of acid rains?

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Ozone
Ammonia
Sulphur dioxide
Carbon monoxide
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The correct answer is C.
Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the primary atmospheric pollutants that cause acid rain. They react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.
These pollutants are mainly emitted from the burning of fossil fuels by power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities. Ozone, Ammonia, and Carbon monoxide are also atmospheric pollutants, but SO₂ and NOx are the principal precursors of acid rain.

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4. The creation of the institution of Lokpal was first recommended by

The creation of the institution of Lokpal was first recommended by

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Law Commission
Santhanam Committee
Shah Commission
Administrative Reforms Commission
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The correct answer is D.
The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), in its report submitted in 1966, first recommended the establishment of an ombudsman-like institution in India, proposing the creation of Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in the states.
The idea was borrowed from the Scandinavian concept of Ombudsman, intended to address public grievances against administrative misconduct. The Santhanam Committee (1962-64) dealt with preventing corruption but did not propose the Lokpal institution. The Shah Commission (1977) inquired into the excesses of the Emergency.

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5. The Cabinet Mission Plan for India envisaged a

The Cabinet Mission Plan for India envisaged a

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Federation
Confederation
Unitary form of Government
Union of States
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The correct answer is A.
The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 proposed a three-tier structure for India: Provinces, Groups of Provinces, and a Union Centre. This structure, with powers divided between the Union and the provinces (with residuary powers vesting in provinces), is characteristic of a federal system.
The plan aimed to preserve the unity of India while accommodating the demands of the Muslim League for autonomy by allowing provinces to form groups with separate constitutions. The Union was proposed to have minimal powers (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications), making it a weak centre within a federal framework.

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6. Ashoka’s connection with Buddhism is evident from which one of the fol

Ashoka’s connection with Buddhism is evident from which one of the following edicts ?

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Major Rock Edict 13
Rock Edict 6
Minor Rock Edict 1
Pillar Edict 4
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The correct answer is C.
In Minor Rock Edict 1, Ashoka explicitly states that he became a lay follower of the Buddha (*Sakyaupasa*) about two and a half years ago and has been striving hard since then, indicating his personal connection with Buddhism.
Major Rock Edict 13 primarily deals with the Kalinga war and its aftermath, while Rock Edict 6 discusses his administrative measures for the welfare of his subjects. Pillar Edict 4 outlines the principles of Dhamma. While other edicts reflect Ashoka’s Buddhist principles (Dhamma), Minor Rock Edict 1 is the most direct statement about his personal adherence to Buddhism.

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7. Consider the following statements about the Nagara style of temple arc

Consider the following statements about the Nagara style of temple architecture :

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  • 1. This style of temples are commonly found in the areas between Himalayas and Vindhyas.
  • 2. The most striking feature of this style is its pyramidal shikhara.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The correct answer is A.
Statement 1 is correct. The Nagara style of temple architecture is predominantly found in the region spanning from the Himalayas in the north to the Vindhya mountains in central India.
Statement 2 is incorrect. While some sub-types of Nagara shikhara, like the Phamsana type, can be somewhat pyramidal, the most characteristic and striking feature of the main shikhara in the Nagara style is typically its curvilinear (Rekha-prasada) form, resembling a beehive, not a pyramid. Pyramidal superstructures are more characteristic of Dravidian Vimanas or the mandapas within the Nagara style.

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8. Which one of the following Ministries has launched a new programme on

Which one of the following Ministries has launched a new programme on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (ICPS) to foster and promote R&D ?

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Ministry of Earth Sciences
Ministry of Science and Technology
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The correct answer is B.
The Ministry of Science and Technology, through its Department of Science & Technology (DST), launched the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) to promote R&D in this emerging field.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are next-generation engineered systems that integrate computing, communication, and physical processes. The mission aims to create a strong foundation and ecosystem for CPS technologies and their applications across various sectors.

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9. Which one of the following is the theme of the World Health Day, 2017

Which one of the following is the theme of the World Health Day, 2017 celebrated by the World Health Organization ?

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Diabetes
Food Safety
Depression : Let's Talk
Ageing and Health
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The correct answer is C.
The theme of the World Health Day celebrated by the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 7, 2017, was “Depression: Let’s Talk”.
World Health Day is celebrated annually to mark the founding of WHO and to raise awareness about a specific health theme. The 2017 theme aimed to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage people to seek help.

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10. According to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2017

According to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2017 released by the World Economic Forum, among the 136 economies across the world, India ranked

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50<sup>th</sup>
40<sup>th</sup>
30<sup>th</sup>
20<sup>th</sup>
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The correct answer is B.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2017, India was ranked 40th among 136 economies.
The TTCI is a biennial report that assesses the factors enabling sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector. India’s ranking improved significantly in the 2017 report compared to previous years, highlighting its growing importance as a global tourism destination.

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