UPSC NDA-2 Archives

41. The genetic material of bacteria is found in

The genetic material of bacteria is found in

[amp_mcq option1=”nucleus” option2=”cytoplasm” option3=”cell membrane” option4=”ribosome” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

The genetic material of bacteria is found in the cytoplasm.

Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, meaning their cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus. Their genetic material, which typically consists of a single circular chromosome, is located in a specific region within the cytoplasm called the nucleoid. Unlike eukaryotic cells, there is no nuclear envelope separating the genetic material from the rest of the cytoplasm.

In addition to the main chromosome in the nucleoid, bacteria may also contain smaller, circular DNA molecules called plasmids, which are also located in the cytoplasm. Ribosomes, also found in the cytoplasm, are the sites of protein synthesis, not the location of the primary genetic material. The cell membrane encloses the cytoplasm but does not contain the main genetic material.

42. The LPG cooking gas contains propane and butane as the constituents. A

The LPG cooking gas contains propane and butane as the constituents. A sulfur containing compound is added to the LPG, because

[amp_mcq option1=”it lowers the cost of production” option2=”it enhances the efficiency of LPG” option3=”it facilitates easy detection of leakage of the gas” option4=”it assists in liquefying hydrocarbons” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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The addition of a sulfur-containing compound to LPG cooking gas facilitates the easy detection of leakage.

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which primarily consists of propane and butane, is naturally odorless. Leaked gas can accumulate and pose a significant fire and explosion hazard if not detected. To ensure safety, a strong-smelling substance, usually a volatile organic sulfur compound like ethyl mercaptan (ethanethiol), is added as an odorant. This allows even small leaks to be detected by smell, prompting corrective action before a dangerous concentration of gas builds up.

The amount of odorant added is very small, typically only a few parts per million, which is sufficient to make the gas detectable by the human nose at concentrations well below the flammability limit. The odorant does not affect the combustion properties or efficiency of the LPG.

43. When one strikes a safety match, the first step is

When one strikes a safety match, the first step is

[amp_mcq option1=”burning of sulfur” option2=”decomposition of potassium chlorate into potassium chloride and oxygen” option3=”conversion of a small amount of red phosphorus into white phosphorus” option4=”burning of glue and starch” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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When one strikes a safety match, the first step (after generating friction) is the conversion of a small amount of red phosphorus into white phosphorus.

A safety match head contains oxidizer (like KClO₃), fuel (sulfur), and binder. The striking surface contains red phosphorus, glass powder, and binder. Striking the head against the surface creates friction, which generates heat. This heat energy is sufficient to convert a tiny amount of red phosphorus on the strip into the highly reactive white phosphorus, which ignites instantly in air. This initial ignition then provides the heat to decompose the potassium chlorate in the match head, releasing oxygen, which oxidizes the sulfur, causing the main flame.

Burning of sulfur (A), decomposition of potassium chlorate (B), and burning of glue/starch (D – part of the binder) are subsequent steps that occur after the initial ignition triggered by the red phosphorus/white phosphorus conversion.

44. Which one of the following statements is correct ?

Which one of the following statements is correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Covalent bonds are directional” option2=”Ionic bonds are directional” option3=”Both covalent and ionic bonds are directional” option4=”Both covalent and ionic bonds are non-directional” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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Covalent bonds are directional.

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons between specific atoms, leading to electron density concentrated in defined regions (orbitals) oriented in space. This directional nature of covalent bonds determines the geometry and shape of molecules, including bond angles and lengths.

Ionic bonds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. This attraction is isotropic and extends in all directions equally around the ion. Thus, ionic bonds are non-directional, leading to the formation of extended crystal lattices rather than discrete molecules with fixed shapes determined by bond angles.

45. Which one of the following species is not capable of showing dispropor

Which one of the following species is not capable of showing disproportionation reaction ?

[amp_mcq option1=”ClO⁻” option2=”ClO₂⁻” option3=”ClO₃⁻” option4=”ClO₄⁻” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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ClO₄⁻ (Perchlorate) is not capable of showing disproportionation reaction.

Disproportionation is a redox reaction where an element in a specific oxidation state is simultaneously oxidized to a higher oxidation state and reduced to a lower oxidation state. For this to happen, the element must be in an intermediate oxidation state. In ClO₄⁻, Chlorine is in its highest common oxidation state of +7. It can only be reduced to a lower state (e.g., +5, +3, +1, 0, -1), but it cannot be oxidized further. Therefore, it cannot undergo disproportionation.

In ClO⁻ (+1), ClO₂⁻ (+3), and ClO₃⁻ (+5), Chlorine is in intermediate oxidation states and can be both oxidized and reduced, hence capable of disproportionation.

46. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List I (Element)	List II (Highest Valency)
A. Sulfur	1. Five
B. Phosphorous	2. Six
C. Lead	3. Two
D. Silver	4. Four

Code :

	A	B	C	D
(a)	2	4	1	3
(b)	2	1	4	3
(c)	3	1	4	2
(d)	3	4	1	2

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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The correct match is A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.

The highest common valency (or oxidation state) for the elements are:
– Sulfur (S): Can exhibit +6 (e.g., in sulfates), so highest valency is Six (2).
– Phosphorus (P): Can exhibit +5 (e.g., in phosphates), so highest valency is Five (1).
– Lead (Pb): Can exhibit +4 (e.g., PbO₂), so highest valency is Four (4).
– Silver (Ag): The most common valency/oxidation state is +1. While higher, unstable oxidation states exist, +1 is the standard. The option provides ‘Two’ (3) as the highest valency for Silver. Assuming this option set is intended, the pairings match option B for A, B, and C.

Based on standard chemistry, the highest common valency for Silver is 1. However, matching the provided options, A-2, B-1, C-4 align with common understanding, leading to option B being the most probable intended answer despite the inaccuracy regarding Silver’s listed highest valency.

47. Which of the following statements concerning Scheduled Castes (SC) pop

Which of the following statements concerning Scheduled Castes (SC) population in India are correct ?

1. The highest percentage of SC population out of the total population of the state is found in Punjab
2. Bihar is the second largest state in respect of total SC population in India
3. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of SC population in India
4. Among the Indian states, the lowest percentage of SC population out of the total population of the state is found in Goa

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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Statements 1 and 3 are correct.

According to Census 2011 data:
Statement 1: Punjab has the highest percentage of SC population relative to its total population (around 31.9%). This is correct.
Statement 3: Uttar Pradesh has the highest total number of SC population in India (over 4 crore). This is correct.

Statement 2 is incorrect; while Bihar has a large SC population, it is not the second largest by total numbers (West Bengal is typically second after UP). Statement 4 is incorrect; Goa has a relatively low percentage of SC population (1.7%), but several North-Eastern states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh have significantly lower or negligible percentages.

48. Arrange the following states in decreasing order of their total area u

Arrange the following states in decreasing order of their total area under forest cover :

1. Jharkhand
2. Chhattisgarh
3. Arunachal Pradesh
4. Madhya Pradesh

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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The correct decreasing order of total area under forest cover is Madhya Pradesh > Arunachal Pradesh > Chhattisgarh > Jharkhand.

Based on forest cover data (e.g., India State of Forest Report 2015/2017), the total forest cover area of the given states is approximately: Madhya Pradesh (~77,462 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (~67,248 sq km), Chhattisgarh (~55,586 sq km), and Jharkhand (~23,478 sq km). Arranging these in decreasing order gives 4 – 3 – 2 – 1.

Madhya Pradesh consistently ranks among the top states in India by total forest cover area. Note that forest cover percentages can yield a different ranking than total area.

49. Which of the following statements concerning Mediterranean climatic re

Which of the following statements concerning Mediterranean climatic region are correct ?

1. It is found in the latitude range 30° to 45° northern and southern hemisphere
2. Mediterranean climate experiences extreme temperature conditions
3. In Mediterranean climate, rainfall occurs mainly during summer season
4. In Mediterranean climate, rainfall is mainly due to Westerlies

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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Statements 1 and 4 are correct.

Mediterranean climate is typically found in the latitude range of 30° to 45° in both hemispheres. It is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The winter rainfall is primarily brought by the Westerlies (extratropical cyclones associated with the polar front) as the pressure belts shift poleward during the winter season in that hemisphere.

Statement 2 is incorrect because Mediterranean climates experience mild conditions in winter and hot conditions in summer, but not typically ‘extreme’ temperature ranges compared to continental climates. Statement 3 is incorrect because rainfall occurs mainly during the winter, not the summer season, which is characterized by drought.

50. Recently Microsoft announced its 26.2 billion dollar acquisition of wh

Recently Microsoft announced its 26.2 billion dollar acquisition of which one of the following professional networking sites ?

[amp_mcq option1=”PartnerUp” option2=”PerfectBusiness” option3=”StartupNation” option4=”LinkedIn” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2016

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Microsoft announced its acquisition of LinkedIn.

In June 2016, Microsoft announced its acquisition of the professional networking platform LinkedIn for a sum of $26.2 billion. This was one of the largest technology acquisitions at the time.

LinkedIn is a business and employment-focused social media platform that operates via websites and mobile apps.