2014 Archives

1. With reference to Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered

With reference to Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure?

Defence expenditure
Interest payments
Salaries and pensions
Subsidies

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1 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3 and 4

None

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All four listed items fall under the traditional definition of Non-Plan Expenditure in the Union Budget.

Non-Plan Expenditure refers to the government’s essential or committed expenditures that are not directly linked to specific central plans or schemes. These include expenditures necessary for the functioning of the government and basic services.
Defence expenditure is a major component of non-plan expenditure.
Interest payments on the government’s borrowing constitute a significant portion of non-plan expenditure and are mandatory obligations.
Salaries and pensions for government employees are committed expenditures and fall under non-plan expenditure.
Subsidies (e.g., for food, fertilizers, petroleum) are also typically treated as non-plan expenditure aimed at providing support to specific sectors or populations.

The distinction between Plan and Non-Plan Expenditure was abolished starting from the Union Budget 2017-18. Expenditures are now classified based on Capital and Revenue accounts and outcomes. However, questions based on the older classification may still appear in exams referencing past budgets. Under the new system, these expenditures would still be classified, primarily under the Revenue account, but the “non-plan” label is no longer used for budget presentation.

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2. Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known

Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook’?

The International Monetary Fund

The United Nations Development Programme

The World Economic Forum

The World Bank

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the organization that publishes the ‘World Economic Outlook’ report.

The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is a comprehensive report published by the IMF typically twice a year, in spring and fall. It presents the IMF staff’s analysis and projections of global economic developments and trends. It provides analysis of global output, inflation, trade, and other macroeconomic indicators.

The World Bank publishes reports like the ‘Global Economic Prospects’. The World Economic Forum is known for reports such as ‘The Global Competitiveness Report’. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publishes the ‘Human Development Report’.

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3. There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical ele

There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why?

They can accumulate in the environment, and contaminate water and soil.
They can enter the food chains.
They can trigger the production of free radicals.

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1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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All three statements express valid concerns regarding the use and potential environmental and health impacts of nanoparticles. Their small size allows them to easily interact with biological systems and the environment in ways that larger particles do not.

Statement 1 is correct. Due to their extremely small size and high surface area, nanoparticles are highly mobile and can persist and accumulate in various environmental compartments like water and soil, leading to contamination.
Statement 2 is correct. Nanoparticles can be taken up by organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) from contaminated environments and can then transfer through trophic levels, entering the food chain.
Statement 3 is correct. Many types of nanoparticles, particularly metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, have been shown to trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals in biological systems. This can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage, inflammation, and potentially other adverse health effects.

Nanoparticles are increasingly used in various industrial products (cosmetics, paints, electronics, textiles, medicine, etc.). While nanotechnology offers significant benefits, the potential risks associated with the environmental fate, persistence, and toxicity of engineered nanoparticles are subjects of ongoing research and regulatory concern.

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4. Consider the following pairs : Vitamin : Deficiency disease 1. Vitamin

Consider the following pairs :
Vitamin : Deficiency disease
1. Vitamin C : Scurvy
2. Vitamin D : Rickets
3. Vitamin E : Night blindness
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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1 and 2 only

3 only

1, 2 and 3

None

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UPSC IAS – 2014

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Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched, describing the deficiency diseases associated with Vitamin C and Vitamin D, respectively. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

Pair 1: Vitamin C deficiency causes Scurvy, a disease characterized by weakness, anemia, bruising, bleeding gums, and loose teeth. This pair is correctly matched.
Pair 2: Vitamin D deficiency causes Rickets in children, a condition characterized by soft and weak bones, leading to skeletal deformities. In adults, it causes Osteomalacia. This pair is correctly matched.
Pair 3: Vitamin E deficiency is rare and can lead to nerve and muscle damage, loss of body movement control, muscle weakness, and vision problems. Night blindness (Nyctalopia) is caused by Vitamin A deficiency, which affects the ability to see in low light conditions. This pair is incorrectly matched.

Vitamins are essential micronutrients required by the body for various metabolic processes. Deficiency of different vitamins leads to specific deficiency diseases. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

5. Consider the following statements : 1. Animal Welfare Board of Indi

Consider the following statements :

1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.
3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

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Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body, and the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), at the time relevant to the question, was chaired by the Prime Minister. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is not established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is established under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, not the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Statement 2 is correct. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body constituted under Section 38L(1) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006.
Statement 3 is correct. The National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) was indeed chaired by the Prime Minister of India. This authority was constituted in 2009 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. (Note: NGRBA was later replaced by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (National Ganga Council) in 2016, which is also chaired by the Prime Minister).

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 is aimed at preventing the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella act for environmental protection and improvement.

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6. With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statem

With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only

2 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

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Let’s evaluate the statements regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. – This statement is incorrect. Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. – This statement is incorrect. The purpose of ESZs is to create a buffer zone around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to regulate and manage certain activities to minimize negative impacts on the protected area. It does *not* prohibit *all* human activities. Certain activities are prohibited (e.g., commercial mining, polluting industries), others are regulated (e.g., felling of trees, setting up of hotels/resorts), and some are permitted (e.g., ongoing agriculture/horticulture, rainwater harvesting). The phrase “prohibit all kinds of human activities… except agriculture” is an oversimplification and inaccurate description of the regulations within ESZs.
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.

– ESZs are defined as areas within 10 kilometers around the boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The extent can be more or less than 10 km depending on the specific area’s ecological sensitivity.
– The primary goal is conservation of biodiversity and reducing the impact of development activities in the immediate vicinity of protected areas.
– A Zonal Master Plan is prepared for each ESZ to regulate activities.

The classification of activities within ESZs into prohibited, regulated, and permitted categories allows for a balance between conservation needs and the livelihoods of local communities. The declaration of ESZs is a measure to prevent ecological degradation and maintain the ecological integrity of protected areas.

7. In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing th

In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the ‘Seed Replacement Rates’ of various crops helps in achieving the food production targets of the future. But what is/are the constraint/constraints in its wider/greater implementation?

1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place.
2. There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops.
3. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops.

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1 and 2

3 only

2 and 3

None

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Let’s analyze the statements regarding constraints in enhancing Seed Replacement Rates (SRR):
1. There is no National Seeds Policy in place. – This statement is incorrect. India does have a National Seeds Policy, for instance, the National Seeds Policy of 2002, which aims to ensure the availability of quality seeds.
2. There is no participation of private sector seed companies in the supply of quality seeds of vegetables and planting materials of horticultural crops. – This statement is incorrect. The private sector plays a significant role in the Indian seed industry, especially in the high-value segments like hybrid vegetables and horticultural crops.
3. There is a demand-supply gap regarding quality seeds in case of low value and high volume crops. – This statement is correct. For major crops like cereals, pulses, and oilseeds (low value, high volume per farmer), ensuring the timely availability of affordable, quality seeds to a large number of small and marginal farmers across vast areas is a significant logistical and economic challenge, leading to a demand-supply gap, particularly for specific varieties or during peak seasons. This limits the potential for enhancing SRR for these crops.
Therefore, only statement 3 represents a constraint.

– Seed Replacement Rate (SRR) refers to the percentage of the total cropped area sown with certified/quality seeds of improved varieties in place of farm-saved seeds.
– Enhancing SRR is crucial for improving crop productivity and achieving food security goals.
– Constraints often include the cost of quality seeds, limited awareness among farmers, inadequate infrastructure for production and distribution, and the availability challenges mentioned in statement 3.

While the private sector is active, public sector institutions and policies are still vital for seed production, certification, and distribution, especially for food security crops and in remote areas, to address constraints like the one mentioned in statement 3.

8. Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was

the mosque for the use of Royal Family

Akbar's private prayer chamber

the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions

the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

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The Ibadat Khana (House of Worship) was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri in 1575. Its purpose was to provide a place for religious discussions and debates between scholars of various religions. Initially, it was open only to Muslims, but later Akbar opened it up to scholars of other religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and even atheists, reflecting his quest for understanding different faiths.

– Akbar’s discussions in the Ibadat Khana contributed to the development of his religious and philosophical ideas, including the concept of Sulh-i-Kul (peace with all).
– Scholars from different faiths like Purushottam Das (Hinduism), Hira Vijaya Suri (Jainism), Dastur Meherji Rana (Zoroastrianism), and Rodolfo Aquaviva (Christianity) participated.
– The debates often became intense and sometimes failed to achieve consensus, leading Akbar to formulate his own syncretic views.

The Ibadat Khana discussions were a significant step in Akbar’s move away from orthodox Islam and towards a more inclusive and rational approach to religion. However, due to the sometimes acrimonious nature of the debates, Akbar eventually discontinued the Ibadat Khana discussions around 1582.

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9. What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (185

What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)?

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1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States
2. To place the Indian administra- tion under the British Crown
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

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Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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Queen Victoria’s Proclamation of 1858 was issued following the suppression of the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Its main objectives were to formally transfer the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown and to address the grievances and concerns raised by the Revolt.
Let’s evaluate the statements:
1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States: The Proclamation promised the Indian princes that their territories would not be annexed and that the British Crown would respect their dignity and honour. This was a key objective.
2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown: The Government of India Act 1858, which preceded the Proclamation, abolished the East India Company and transferred governing powers to the Crown. The Proclamation announced this change and outlined the new relationship. This was a key objective.
3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India: By 1858, the East India Company had largely ceased its commercial activities and was primarily an administrative body. The focus of the Proclamation was on governance and political relations, not regulating the Company’s trade. This was not an object of the proclamation.
Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

– The Proclamation is often referred to as the ‘Magna Carta of the Indian people’, although its promises were not always kept.
– It marked the beginning of direct British rule (the British Raj) in India.
– It also announced a policy of religious neutrality and equal treatment for all subjects, irrespective of race or creed (though implementation was often discriminatory).

The Proclamation aimed to conciliate the Indian ruling class and population after the upheaval of 1857, signaling a shift in British policy from annexation and reform towards consolidation and maintaining the status quo with the native states.