2014

41. Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Gover

Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?

  1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing President’s rule
  2. Appointing the Ministers
  3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
  4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
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UPSC IAS – 2014
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The Governor of a state exercises powers on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except when the Constitution explicitly allows or requires them to act in their discretion.
Statement 1 is correct: Article 356 of the Constitution allows the President to impose President’s Rule in a state if satisfied, based on a report from the Governor or otherwise, that the government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution. The Governor’s report is often based on their subjective assessment of the situation, which is considered a discretionary function.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Governor appoints the Chief Minister (leader of the majority party) and other ministers on the *advice* of the Chief Minister. This is a formal duty executed upon advice, not a discretionary power.
Statement 3 is correct: Article 200 of the Constitution allows the Governor to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President of India. The Constitution gives the Governor discretion in deciding whether to reserve a bill (e.g., if it endangers the position of the High Court, or if it is ultra vires the Constitution).
Statement 4 is incorrect: Rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of the State are made by the Governor under Article 166(3) on the advice of the Council of Ministers. This is not a discretionary power.
– The Governor acts on aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except for specific situations requiring discretion.
– Discretionary powers include sending reports for President’s Rule and reserving bills for the President.
– Appointing ministers (on CM’s advice) and making business rules (on Council’s advice) are not discretionary.
Other instances of discretionary power for the Governor might include appointing the Chief Minister when no single party has a clear majority after an election, or dismissing the Council of Ministers when it has lost the confidence of the legislative assembly but refuses to resign.

42. Consider the following statements : A Constitutional Government is one

Consider the following statements :
A Constitutional Government is one which

  1. places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority
  2. places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
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A Constitutional Government is characterized by limitations placed on governmental power by a constitution or a set of fundamental laws. These limitations are primarily aimed at protecting the rights and liberties of individuals.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Placing effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority describes an authoritarian or totalitarian state, where the state’s power is supreme and individual rights are subservient to it.
Statement 2 is correct: A core principle of constitutionalism is that the authority of the State is limited by the constitution to safeguard individual liberty and prevent arbitrary rule. This ensures that the government acts within defined boundaries and respects fundamental rights.
– A constitutional government operates under the rule of law, where the government’s powers are defined and limited by the constitution.
– The primary purpose of these limitations is to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms.
– It stands in contrast to unlimited or arbitrary government.
Constitutionalism is a complex concept that includes aspects like separation of powers, checks and balances, rule of law, protection of fundamental rights, and independent judiciary, all of which contribute to limiting state power in favour of individual liberty and ensuring accountable governance.

43. Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Se

Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?

  1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings
  2. Secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees
  3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
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UPSC IAS – 2014
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The Cabinet Secretariat functions under the direct charge of the Prime Minister. It is the administrative headquarters of the Cabinet.
Statement 1 is correct: One of the key functions of the Cabinet Secretariat is the preparation of the agenda and related papers for Cabinet Meetings.
Statement 2 is correct: The Cabinet Secretariat provides secretarial assistance and organizational support to the various Cabinet Committees.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries is primarily the function of the Ministry of Finance, based on budgetary provisions and approvals by the Parliament and the Cabinet. The Cabinet Secretariat does not have the power to allocate funds directly to ministries. Its role is supportive to the decision-making process of the Cabinet, which might involve discussions on resource allocation proposals.
– The Cabinet Secretariat is the administrative and secretarial support system for the Union Cabinet and its Committees.
– Its main tasks involve facilitating the transaction of government business, preparing cabinet meeting agendas, and providing secretarial support.
– It does not handle the financial allocation function, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Finance.
The Cabinet Secretariat ensures that the business of the Government of India is conducted in accordance with the Rules of Business. The Cabinet Secretary is the administrative head of the Cabinet Secretariat and is also the head of the Civil Services Board.

44. Which of the following are associated with ‘Planning’ in India? The

Which of the following are associated with ‘Planning’ in India?

  1. The Finance Commission
  2. The National Development Council
  3. The Union Ministry of Rural Development
  4. The Union Ministry of Urban Development
  5. The Parliament

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 5 only
1, 3 and 4 only
2 and 5 only
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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In the context of historical planning in India (primarily through Five Year Plans before the establishment of NITI Aayog), the National Development Council (NDC) and the Parliament were directly involved in the planning process.
Statement 2 is correct: The National Development Council (NDC), composed of the Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States, and members of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog), was the highest decision-making body for approving Five Year Plans and national development policies.
Statement 5 is correct: The Parliament discusses and approves the Five Year Plans, the Union Budget (which allocates resources based on the plans), and passes legislation related to economic and social development, thus playing a crucial role in the planning framework.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Finance Commission is a constitutional body (Article 280) whose primary function is to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and States and grants-in-aid. While its recommendations are vital for resource allocation which supports planned development, the Finance Commission itself was not directly part of the *process* of formulating or approving the Five Year Plans.
Statements 3 and 4 are incorrect: The Union Ministries of Rural Development and Urban Development are implementing agencies. They execute specific schemes and projects aligned with the overall plan objectives but are not considered bodies primarily associated with the *process* of national planning itself.
– Historically, planning in India was centralized under the Planning Commission, approved by the National Development Council (NDC), and subject to parliamentary oversight and approval.
– The Finance Commission deals with fiscal federalism and resource distribution, a distinct role from the planning commission/NDC’s function of drafting and approving development plans.
– Ministries implement planned programmes but are not the apex planning bodies.
With the abolition of the Planning Commission and the establishment of NITI Aayog in 2015, the formal structure of centralized Five Year Plans and the NDC’s role in approving them has changed. NITI Aayog serves as a think tank and policy advisory body. However, this question refers to the historical context of planning in India.

45. What are the benefits of imple- menting the ‘Integrated Watershed Deve

What are the benefits of imple- menting the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?

  • 1. Prevention of soil runoff
  • 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
  • 3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
  • 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The Integrated Watershed Development Programme aims at holistic development of rainfed areas based on watershed approach. Its core objectives include soil and water conservation, promotion of vegetation cover, judicious use of water resources, and improving livelihoods through enhanced agricultural and allied activities.
Statement 1 is correct: Prevention of soil runoff is a primary objective achieved through techniques like contour bunding, terracing, and afforestation within the watershed.
Statement 3 is correct: Rainwater harvesting (e.g., check dams, farm ponds) and recharging the groundwater table (e.g., percolation tanks) are crucial components of watershed development to improve water availability.
Statement 4 is correct: Regeneration of natural vegetation (tree plantation, grassland development) is essential for soil conservation, improving water infiltration, and biodiversity enhancement within the watershed.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers is a massive infrastructure project under the National River Linking Project, which is distinct from the decentralized, area-based approach of watershed development.
– Watershed development focuses on managing land and water resources within a defined geographical area (watershed).
– Key goals include soil conservation, water harvesting, groundwater recharge, increasing vegetative cover, and improving agricultural productivity.
– It does not involve large-scale inter-basin transfer of water like river linking projects.
The Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) was launched in India to address issues of land degradation and water scarcity, particularly in rainfed areas. It employs a participatory approach involving local communities in planning and implementation. It was subsumed under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in 2015-16, specifically under the ‘Watershed Development’ component (PMKSY-WDC).

46. In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and sec

In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the

Preamble to the Constitution
Directive Principles of State Policy
Fundamental Duties
Ninth Schedule
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The promotion of international peace and security is included in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Constitution of India.
The question requires knowing where specific principles related to the state’s policy are located in the Constitution.
Article 51 of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), states that the State shall endeavour to: (a) promote international peace and security; (b) maintain just and honourable relations between nations; (c) foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of organised peoples with one another; and (d) encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration.

47. The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Em

The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

Katha Upanishad
Chandogya Upanishad
Aitareya Upanishad
Mundaka Upanishad
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The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ (Truth alone triumphs), is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
The question asks for the source of India’s national motto.
‘Satyameva Jayate’ is a mantra from the Mundaka Upanishad (3.1.6). It is inscribed in the Devanagari script at the base of the Lion Capital of Ashoka and forms part of the national emblem of India.

48. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

  • 1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
  • 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
  • 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
  • 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
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Based on scientific projections, a global temperature increase beyond 3°C above pre-industrial levels would likely lead to the terrestrial biosphere becoming a net carbon source and widespread coral mortality. Statements 3 and 4 are considered too extreme and unlikely to be certain outcomes at this temperature increase level according to current scientific understanding.
The question assesses understanding of the projected impacts of significant global warming based on climate science.
A 3°C warming scenario is associated with severe impacts. Terrestrial ecosystems (like forests and soils) can shift from absorbing CO2 to releasing it (net source) due to factors like increased respiration, droughts, and wildfires (Statement 1). Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to thermal stress; exceeding 1.5°C is critical, and a 3°C increase would cause near-total loss and widespread mortality (Statement 2). While climate change will impact wetlands and agriculture significantly, the complete and permanent disappearance of ALL global wetlands (Statement 3) and impossibility of cereal cultivation ANYWHERE (Statement 4) are considered overly pessimistic and not certain outcomes even at 3°C warming. Some adaptation, resilience, or regional variations are expected.

49. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in

What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north?
1. Bangkok
2. Hanoi
3. Jakarta
4. Singapore
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

4-2-1-3
3-2-4-1
3-4-1-2
4-3-2-1
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The correct sequence of these cities from south to north is Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi.
The question requires knowledge of the relative geographical positions (latitudes) of major cities in South-East Asia.
Jakarta (Indonesia) is located in the Southern Hemisphere at approximately 6° S latitude. Singapore is just north of the equator at approximately 1.3° N latitude. Bangkok (Thailand) is further north at approximately 13.7° N latitude. Hanoi (Vietnam) is the northernmost among the listed cities at approximately 21° N latitude. Therefore, the sequence from south to north is Jakarta (3), Singapore (4), Bangkok (1), Hanoi (2), corresponding to option C (3-4-1-2).

50. Turkey is located between

Turkey is located between

Black Sea and Caspian Sea
Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea
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Turkey is geographically located between the Black Sea to its north and the Mediterranean Sea to its south.
The question tests knowledge of the geographical location of Turkey relative to major surrounding water bodies.
Turkey is a transcontinental country, located mainly in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Dardanelles strait connect the Black Sea and the Aegean/Mediterranean Seas and separate European Turkey from Asian Turkey.
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