2009 Archives

81. Which one of the following statements is not correct about Biosphere R

Which one of the following statements is not correct about Biosphere Reserves ?

[amp_mcq option1=”They are protected areas meant for conservation of Biodiversity” option2=”Each Biosphere reserve has three zones” option3=”There is a network of biosphere reserves world over” option4=”They were first started by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources)” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The statement that Biosphere Reserves were first started by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) is not correct.

Biosphere Reserves were initiated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) under its Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which was launched in 1971.

A) They are protected areas meant for conservation of Biodiversity: This is correct. Biosphere reserves aim to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
B) Each Biosphere reserve has three zones: This is correct. The typical zonation includes a core area (strictly protected), a buffer zone (allowing limited activities compatible with conservation), and a transition area (allowing sustainable economic and human activities).
C) There is a network of biosphere reserves world over: This is correct. Biosphere reserves form a global network under the MAB programme.
IUCN is a prominent international organization involved in nature conservation but did not originate the biosphere reserve concept.

82. Which one of the following statements is not correct about “Flavr Savr

Which one of the following statements is not correct about “Flavr Savr” tomatoes ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is genetically engineered” option2=”Its ripening process is slow” option3=”The fruit cannot be left on the plant for a long period” option4=”They have increased yield and better flavour” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The statement “The fruit cannot be left on the plant for a long period” is not correct about “Flavr Savr” tomatoes.

The Flavr Savr tomato was genetically engineered to slow down the ripening process by inhibiting the enzyme polygalacturonase. This characteristic allowed the tomato to stay on the vine longer, enabling it to develop more flavour before being harvested, and also extended its shelf life. Therefore, the fruit *could* be left on the plant for a longer period compared to conventional tomatoes picked green for transport.

A) It is genetically engineered: This is correct. Flavr Savr was the first commercially grown genetically engineered food.
B) Its ripening process is slow: This is correct. The genetic modification specifically targeted slowing down the ripening process.
D) They have increased yield and better flavour: The primary goal was better shelf life and allowing vine ripening for potentially better flavour. Increased yield was not a direct outcome of this specific modification. While allowing longer vine ripening might contribute to better flavour compared to artificially ripened tomatoes, claiming “increased yield and better flavour” as a definitive characteristic is debatable, but statement C is clearly and definitively incorrect based on the technology’s purpose.

83. Which of the following is not true about Giant Panda ?

Which of the following is not true about Giant Panda ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is a logo of WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature)” option2=”Giant Pandas are naturally found in Tibet and Southwest China” option3=”Giant Pandas are worst invasive species of the world” option4=”Giant Pandas feed on Bamboos” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a well-known symbol of conservation and is the logo of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) (Statement A is true). They are native to a few mountain ranges in central China, primarily Sichuan, but also Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, which is part of Southwest China and historically related to Tibetan areas (Statement B is true). Their diet consists almost exclusively of bamboo (Statement D is true). Giant Pandas are critically endangered or vulnerable (status changes over time due to conservation efforts) native species, not invasive species. Invasive species are non-native species that cause harm to the new environment.

– Giant Pandas are native to China, primarily feeding on bamboo.
– They are the logo of WWF and are a vulnerable/endangered species.
– Giant Pandas are not invasive species; they are native to their habitat and are facing threats, not posing them to a new environment.

Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and breeding programs, have helped improve the status of Giant Pandas from endangered to vulnerable in recent years, although significant threats still remain.

84. Aquatic animals breathe much faster than terrestrial animals because o

Aquatic animals breathe much faster than terrestrial animals because of :

[amp_mcq option1=”low amount of dissolved oxygen in water” option2=”low amount of hemoglobin in their blood” option3=”high metabolic rate of aquatic animals” option4=”large amount of dissolved nitrogen in water” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Aquatic animals breathe dissolved oxygen from water using gills or other specialized structures. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in water is significantly lower (only about 5-10 ml per litre, or 5-10 parts per million) and fluctuates more compared to the concentration of oxygen in air (about 210 ml per litre, or 210 parts per million). To extract sufficient oxygen from this lower concentration, aquatic animals need to process a much larger volume of water, resulting in faster breathing rates compared to terrestrial animals which breathe air with a much higher oxygen concentration.

– Dissolved oxygen levels in water are much lower than oxygen levels in the air.
– Aquatic animals breathe faster to compensate for the lower oxygen concentration in their environment.

Temperature and salinity affect the solubility of oxygen in water; higher temperatures and salinity generally lead to lower dissolved oxygen levels. This can further impact the breathing rates of aquatic animals.

85. A farmer sows beans in his fields after harvesting a crop of wheat. Wh

A farmer sows beans in his fields after harvesting a crop of wheat. Which one of the following agricultural practice is he following ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Multiple cropping” option2=”Crop rotation” option3=”Fallow field” option4=”Mixed cropping” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The practice of growing different types of crops sequentially in the same area across a series of growing seasons is called Crop Rotation. In this specific example, a farmer grows beans (a legume) after wheat (a cereal). Legumes like beans have root nodules containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefiting subsequent crops like wheat. This practice helps maintain soil fertility, prevent depletion of specific nutrients, control pests and diseases, and improve soil structure.

– Crop rotation involves growing different crops in sequence on the same land over time.
– Sowing nitrogen-fixing legumes like beans after cereals like wheat is a common practice in crop rotation to improve soil health.

Multiple cropping involves growing two or more crops on the same land in one year. Fallow field refers to leaving the land uncultivated for a period. Mixed cropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field.

86. Adulteration of mustard oil has led to several outbreaks of Epidemic D

Adulteration of mustard oil has led to several outbreaks of Epidemic Dropsy in India. Which one of the following contaminant is responsible for it ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Automobile oil” option2=”Linseed oil” option3=”Argemone oil” option4=”Rapeseed oil” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Epidemic Dropsy is a clinical state resulting from consuming edible oils (most commonly mustard oil) that have been contaminated with Argemone oil. Argemone oil contains the toxic alkaloid sanguinarine, which is responsible for the symptoms of epidemic dropsy, including edema (swelling), skin lesions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and even heart failure. The contamination occurs when seeds of the Argemone mexicana plant, which visually resemble mustard seeds, are accidentally or intentionally mixed with mustard seeds.

– Epidemic Dropsy is caused by the consumption of edible oil contaminated with Argemone oil.
– The toxic substance in Argemone oil is sanguinarine.

Argemone mexicana is also known as Mexican poppy or prickly poppy. The seeds are small, black, and round, similar to mustard seeds, making accidental contamination during harvesting or processing possible.

87. In May 2008, the Supreme Court of India laid down six parameters to ma

In May 2008, the Supreme Court of India laid down six parameters to make the police effective, accountable and insulated from political interference and set up a monitoring committee to ensure that states implement police reforms. Which one of the following is not a directive of the apex court in this regard ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Setting up of a state security commission in every state to ensure that the state government did not exercise unwarranted influence or pressure on the state police” option2=”Selection of state’s director general of police would be from “amongst the three senior most officers”” option3=”Fixing a minimum tenure of five years for police officers on operational posts unless they face disciplinary proceedings or were convicted in a criminal offence” option4=”Setting up a separate investigation police force to ensure that criminal are prosecuted effectively” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The Supreme Court’s directives in the Prakash Singh case (2006, not May 2008, though follow-up happened) aimed at reforming the police force. Key directives included:
1. Setting up a State Security Commission (SSC) in each state (Option A is correct).
2. Selecting the DGP through a merit-based process from a panel of three senior officers and giving them a minimum tenure of **two** years (Option B is correct, but the tenure mentioned in C is incorrect).
3. Ensuring a minimum tenure of **two** years for other police officers on operational duties (Superintendent of Police and Station House Officer) (Option C states five years, which is incorrect).
4. Separating the investigation and law & order functions of the police (Option D is a correct directive).
5. Setting up Police Establishment Boards (PEB) for transfers, postings, etc.
6. Setting up Police Complaints Authorities (PCAs) at state and district levels.
The statement that specifies a minimum tenure of *five* years for police officers on operational posts is incorrect; the Supreme Court mandated a minimum tenure of two years.

– The Supreme Court’s directives in the Prakash Singh case laid down parameters for police reforms.
– Directives included establishing commissions/boards/authorities and ensuring minimum tenure for officers.
– The minimum tenure mandated for officers on operational posts was two years, not five years.

Despite the Supreme Court’s directives, implementation of police reforms across various states in India has been slow and faces significant challenges, including political will and resource constraints.

88. Consider the following statements about the End Use Monitoring Agreeme

Consider the following statements about the End Use Monitoring Agreement (EUMA) signed between USA and India in July, 2009 :

1. It clears the way for the sale of US military equipment to India
2. It allows the US to verify whether India is using the weapons purchased from USA for the stated purpose
3. It restricts India to pass on the US military technology to any country other than Afghanistan (till US forces are there)

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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The End Use Monitoring Agreement (EUMA), signed between India and the USA in July 2009, was a crucial step allowing the US to verify how American military equipment sold to India is used, stored, and secured. This agreement facilitates the sale of advanced US military technology and equipment to India by providing assurances to the US regarding the proper use and security of sensitive items (Statement 1 and 2 are correct). The agreement places restrictions on the transfer of US military technology or equipment to any third country without explicit US authorization. Statement 3 is incorrect as it specifies Afghanistan as an exception until US forces are there, which is not a general or explicit clause of the EUMA; the restriction is typically on any third party transfer without US consent.

– EUMA facilitates the sale of US military equipment to India.
– It allows the US to monitor and verify the end-use of sold equipment.
– The agreement restricts India from transferring US military technology to third parties without US approval.

The EUMA was a bilateral agreement following the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. It addressed US concerns about proliferation and security, paving the way for India to purchase sophisticated US defence equipment, which was previously difficult due to lack of such an agreement.

89. Which one of the following is not a World Heritage Site ?

Which one of the following is not a World Heritage Site ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Kaziranga National Park” option2=”Sundarbans National Park” option3=”Kangchendzonga National Park” option4=”Keoladeo National Park” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Kaziranga National Park (Assam, inscribed 1985), Sundarbans National Park (West Bengal, inscribed 1987), and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan, inscribed 1985) are all recognized UNESCO World Heritage Sites (all Natural sites). Kangchendzonga National Park (now Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim) was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Mixed category) much later, in 2016. Therefore, at the time this question was likely framed (based on other questions, likely before 2016), Kangchendzonga was not a World Heritage Site.

– Kaziranga, Sundarbans, and Keoladeo are long-standing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
– Khangchendzonga National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016.

India has a total of 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2023. These include cultural, natural, and one mixed site (Khangchendzonga).

90. Consider the following statements about former Australian cricketer St

Consider the following statements about former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh :

1. He is the author of the book “True Colours : My Life”.
2. He is deeply influenced by the deeds of Mother Teresa.
3. He is working for the cause of the children afflicted by leprosy in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2009

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Steve Waugh’s autobiography is titled “Out of My Comfort Zone”. “True Colours: My Life” is the autobiography of Shane Warne. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect. Steve Waugh has openly acknowledged being deeply influenced by Mother Teresa’s humanitarian work (Statement 2 is correct). He has been actively involved with Udayan, a home in Kolkata for children of leprosy patients, and has worked for the cause of children affected by leprosy in India for many years (Statement 3 is correct). Thus, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

– Steve Waugh is the author of “Out of My Comfort Zone”, not “True Colours”.
– He was inspired by Mother Teresa and actively supports humanitarian causes in India, particularly related to children affected by leprosy.

Steve Waugh’s association with Udayan began during a cricket tour of India in the late 1990s. He continues to support the charity and has helped raise significant funds for it.