2013

31. “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be noma

“Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.”
The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

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African Savannah
Central Asian Steppe
North American Prairie
Siberian Tundra
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The correct answer is B) Central Asian Steppe.
The description perfectly fits the geographical and cultural characteristics of the Central Asian Steppe. This region experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations between summer and winter. Rainfall is typically scanty, classifying it as a semi-arid grassland. Historically, the people of this region were largely nomadic herders due to the vast grasslands suitable for grazing livestock and the need to move in search of pasture.
African Savannah has distinct wet and dry seasons with moderate to high rainfall. North American Prairie has a temperate climate with more consistent rainfall allowing for extensive agriculture in many parts. Siberian Tundra has an arctic climate, permafrost, and low-growing vegetation, not typically supporting large-scale nomadic herding in the manner described.

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32. Consider the following crops: 1. Cotton 2. Groundnut 3. Rice 4. W

Consider the following crops:

  • 1. Cotton
  • 2. Groundnut
  • 3. Rice
  • 4. Wheat

Which of these are Kharif crops?

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1 and 4
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
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The correct answer is C) 1, 2 and 3. Cotton, Groundnut, and Rice are all Kharif crops.
Kharif crops, also known as monsoon crops, are sown at the beginning of the southwest monsoon season (typically June-July) and harvested at the end of the monsoon season (typically September-October). Rice, cotton, and groundnut are prominent examples of Kharif crops in India. Wheat is a Rabi crop, sown in winter and harvested in spring/summer.
Other examples of Kharif crops include Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad, Jute, Soybean, etc. Rabi crops are sown after the monsoon (October-December) and harvested in spring (April-May); examples include Wheat, Barley, Gram, Rapeseed and Mustard, Lentil, etc. There is also a short season called Zaid during summer for crops like watermelon, cucumber, and vegetables.

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33. Consider the following statements: Natural gas occurs in the Gondwan

Consider the following statements:

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  • Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds.
  • Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma.
  • Dharwars are famous for petroleum.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
None
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The correct answer is B) 2 only. Only statement 2 is correct.
Statement 1 is incorrect; natural gas in India is primarily found in sedimentary basins associated with tertiary rock formations and offshore areas, not significantly in the older Gondwana beds, which are known for coal. Statement 2 is correct; Kodarma in Jharkhand is historically a major mica mining region and is known for abundant mica deposits. Statement 3 is incorrect; Dharwar system rocks are very old metamorphic and sedimentary formations rich in metallic minerals like iron ore, manganese, gold, etc., not petroleum, which is found in younger sedimentary basins.
Gondwana beds represent a major geological formation containing about 98% of India’s coal reserves. Petroleum and natural gas resources are concentrated in regions like the Assam Shelf, Bombay High, Krishna-Godavari Basin, Cauvery Basin, etc. The Dharwar system is part of the Indian Shield and contains some of India’s most important mineral deposits.

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34. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India ar

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?

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  • They are generally red in colour.
  • They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
  • They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
  • Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1 and 4
2 and 3 only
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The correct answer is C) 1 and 4. Statements 1 and 4 regarding laterite soils are correct, while statements 2 and 3 are incorrect.
Laterite soils are formed under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall, leading to intense leaching. This process removes silica but leaves behind iron and aluminium oxides, which give the soil its characteristic red colour (Statement 1). These soils are generally poor in nutrients like nitrogen, potash, lime, and organic matter (Statement 2 incorrect). They are found in specific regions experiencing such climate, primarily in the Western and Eastern Ghats, parts of southern Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, etc., not typically Rajasthan and UP (Statement 3 incorrect). Despite being infertile, certain crops like tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on them with appropriate fertilization (Statement 4).
Laterite soil is derived from laterite rock, which is rich in iron and aluminium. The term “laterite” is derived from the Latin word ‘later’ meaning brick, as these soils can harden significantly when dried and are often used for building purposes. Tea and coffee are also important crops grown in regions with laterite soils.

35. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of In

Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal?

  • High ash content
  • Low sulphur content
  • Low ash fusion temperature

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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1 and 2 only
2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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The correct answer is A) 1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 accurately describe characteristics of Indian coal, while statement 3 is incorrect.
Indian coal is known for its high ash content and relatively low sulphur content compared to coal found in many other parts of the world. The ash fusion temperature of Indian coal is generally high, which can lead to operational issues like slagging in boilers if not properly managed.
High ash content reduces the energy output per unit weight and increases transportation costs and environmental challenges related to ash disposal. Low sulphur content is an advantage from an environmental perspective as it results in lower sulphur dioxide emissions. The high ash fusion temperature means that the ash melts at a higher temperature, but if furnace temperatures exceed this point, it can form slag, which sticks to boiler tubes.

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36. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is h

The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?

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  • Thermal difference between land and water
  • Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
  • Presence of strong winds in the interior
  • Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
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The primary reason for the high annual range of temperature in the interior of continents compared to coastal areas is the thermal difference between land and water. Land heats up and cools down much faster than water. Coastal areas benefit from the moderating influence of the ocean, which absorbs and releases heat slowly, reducing temperature extremes throughout the year. Interior regions, lacking this moderating effect, experience greater variations between summer highs and winter lows.
Specific heat capacity and heat transfer mechanisms cause land to heat and cool more rapidly than water. This differential heating/cooling leads to continental climates having larger temperature ranges (diurnal and annual) than maritime climates.
Statement 2 is generally not true as a universal reason for the difference in range; altitude affects absolute temperature, not primarily the range between interiors and coasts in a general sense. Statements 3 and 4 describe potential local weather phenomena but are not the fundamental climatic reason for the large annual temperature range in continental interiors compared to coasts. Interior areas often experience low humidity and less cloud cover, which further contributes to faster heating and cooling.

37. In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are impl

In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the parliamentary government?

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  • 1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament.
  • 2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament.
  • 3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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1 and 2 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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In a parliamentary government system like India’s, members of the Cabinet are drawn from the Parliament (Statement 1). The government remains in power only as long as it enjoys the confidence of the legislature (specifically the Lok Sabha in India) (Statement 2). Statement 3 is incorrect; the Cabinet is headed by the Head of the Government (Prime Minister), not the Head of the State (President).
Key features of a parliamentary system include the fusion of powers between the executive and legislature, collective responsibility of the executive to the legislature, and the head of government being distinct from the head of state.
In India, the President is the Head of State (nominal executive), while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government (real executive). The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Ministers are required to be members of Parliament. These principles are fundamental to the functioning of India’s parliamentary democracy.

38. With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consi

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school:

  • 1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul.
  • 2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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Statement 1 is incorrect. The Sankhya school, like almost all mainstream Indian philosophical systems, accepts the concept of rebirth or transmigration of the soul (Purusha). The goal of Sankhya is liberation (kaivalya) from the cycle of birth and death by realizing the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti. Statement 2 is correct. Sankhya is a gnostic system that emphasizes achieving liberation through discriminative knowledge (viveka-jnana) of the true nature of Purusha and its distinction from Prakriti, independent of any external influence or divine grace.
Sankhya is a dualistic philosophy positing two ultimate realities: Purusha (consciousness/self) and Prakriti (matter/nature). It explains creation and evolution as the interaction of these two principles and identifies ignorance of their distinction as the root cause of suffering and bondage. Liberation is achieved through knowledge.
The Sankhya system does not explicitly advocate for belief in God as essential for liberation, making it a unique orthodox school in this regard. Its emphasis on knowledge as the sole means to salvation distinguishes it from systems that rely on devotion (Bhakti) or ritualistic action (Karma). The concept of karma and rebirth are fundamental to understanding the bondage from which Sankhya seeks liberation.

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39. Consider the following historical places: 1. Ajanta Caves 2. Lepa

Consider the following historical places:

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  • 1. Ajanta Caves
  • 2. Lepakshi Temple
  • 3. Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

1 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
None
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Ajanta Caves are world-renowned for their ancient Buddhist mural paintings dating back primarily to the Gupta period and earlier. The Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi is famous for its extensive Vijayanagara period mural paintings on ceilings, depicting epic scenes. Sanchi Stupa is primarily known for its architectural structure and the elaborate carvings on its gateways (toranas), but not for significant surviving mural paintings.
Mural paintings are paintings applied directly onto a wall or ceiling surface. India has a rich tradition of mural painting, found in caves, temples, palaces, and homes across different periods and regions.
Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) represent some of the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly painting. Lepakshi Temple (Andhra Pradesh) is a prominent example of Vijayanagara architecture and painting. Sanchi (Madhya Pradesh) is one of the oldest Buddhist sites and is known for the Great Stupa built by Ashoka, with its beautifully carved gateways added later. While walls existed at Sanchi, the site is primarily celebrated for its sculpture and architecture, not its paintings.

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40. Which of the following constitute Capital Account? 1. Foreign Loans

Which of the following constitute Capital Account?

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  • 1. Foreign Loans
  • 2. Foreign Direct Investment
  • 3. Private Remittances
  • 4. Portfolio Investment

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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1, 2 and 3
1, 2 and 4
2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4
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The Capital Account of the Balance of Payments records transactions involving changes in ownership of foreign financial and non-financial assets. Foreign Loans (both inflow and outflow), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Portfolio Investment (like buying stocks or bonds) are all classified under the Capital Account as they represent changes in assets or liabilities. Private Remittances, which are unilateral transfers of money, are part of the Current Account.
The Balance of Payments (BoP) summarizes all economic transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world over a period. It consists of the Current Account and the Capital Account. The Capital Account deals with cross-border investment flows and changes in assets/liabilities.
The Current Account records transactions related to trade in goods and services, income receipts and payments, and current transfers (like remittances, grants). The Capital Account, broadly defined, includes capital transfers (like debt forgiveness, grants) and investment flows (FDI, portfolio investment, other investments like loans and deposits). In India’s BoP presentation, the Capital Account is mainly composed of Investment (FDI, Portfolio, Other) and Loans, and Banking Capital.

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