2016 Archives

11. Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following St

Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?

Arunachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh

Karnataka

Maharashtra

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UPSC IAS – 2016

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Maharashtra was the first state in India to declare a state butterfly.

The state butterfly declared by Maharashtra is the Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor). This declaration was made in June 2015.

The Blue Mormon is a large, swallowtail butterfly found in South India and Sri Lanka. It is the largest butterfly found in Maharashtra. Declaring a state butterfly is aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting environmental awareness. Following Maharashtra, other states like Kerala (Malabar Banded Peacock) and Uttarakhand (Common Peacock) have also declared their state butterflies.

12. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chr

With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?

Shramana

Parivraajaka

Agrahaarika

Maagadhaa

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UPSC IAS – 2016

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The profession of memorizing and reciting chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales in ancient and medieval India was typically carried out by bards or court-historians. The term ‘Maagadhaa’ (or Magadha) referred to a class of bards who were professional panegyrists and genealogists, responsible for preserving and reciting historical accounts, epics, and praise poetry.
Option A (Shramana) refers to an ascetic or monk, particularly in heterodox traditions like Buddhism and Jainism.
Option B (Parivraajaka) refers to a wandering ascetic.
Option C (Agrahaarika) refers to the recipient or administrator of an Agrahara land grant, usually a Brahmin scholar or priest.
None of these professions primarily involved the memorization and recitation of historical chronicles and epic tales in the manner described.

Maagadhaa were bards who memorized and recited historical accounts, genealogies, and epics.

Bards played an important role in transmitting historical and cultural knowledge through oral tradition before written records became widespread. They were often patronized by kings and nobles. Other related terms include Suta (charioteer, often also a bard) and Bandin (panegyrist).

13. With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Ar

With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to

bonded labour

land grants made to military officers

waterwheel used in the irrigation of land

wasteland converted to cultivated land

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UPSC IAS – 2016

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In the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to a water lifting device, specifically a waterwheel used for irrigation. It is often associated with the Persian wheel type of waterwheel, which utilized pots attached to a wheel or chain to lift water from a well or river. This technology significantly improved irrigation efficiency.
Options A, B, and D are incorrect. Araghatta is related to irrigation technology, not bonded labour, land grants, or wasteland conversion methods.

‘Araghatta’ is a term for a waterwheel used for irrigation in medieval India.

Inscriptions and texts from various periods of Indian history mention different irrigation techniques and devices. The Araghatta represents an advancement in water lifting technology compared to simpler methods.

14. With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by

With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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UPSC IAS – 2016

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Statement 1 is incorrect. While India’s Astrosat is a significant achievement, the claim that *only* USA and Russia, besides India, have launched similar astronomical observatories into space is false. Other space agencies and countries, notably the European Space Agency (ESA) with observatories like XMM-Newton and Integral, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with missions like Suzaku and XRISM, have launched similar astronomical observatories capable of observing in multiple wavelengths (including X-ray, UV, etc.).
Statement 2 is incorrect. Astrosat’s actual mass is approximately 1513 kg (not 2000 kg), and it is placed in a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of about 650 km (not 1650 km).
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.

Astrosat is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. Other countries/agencies besides USA and Russia have also launched similar observatories. Astrosat’s orbital parameters (mass and altitude) stated in the statement are incorrect.

Astrosat was launched by ISRO in September 2015. It has five instruments studying celestial objects in different wavelength bands: visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray.

15. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric ga

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 3 only

2, 3 and 4 only

1, 4 and 5 only

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

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The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India measures 8 pollutants. The gases typically considered for AQI calculation in urban areas are: Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3). Ammonia (NH3) is also included. Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and Lead (Pb) are also measured.
From the given list:
1. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Not included in standard AQI as it is primarily a greenhouse gas, not an air pollutant causing direct, immediate health impacts at typical ambient concentrations, unlike the others.
2. Carbon monoxide (CO): Included.
3. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2): Included.
4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Included.
5. Methane (CH4): Not included in standard AQI; it is a greenhouse gas.
Therefore, CO, NO2, and SO2 are among the atmospheric gases normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index in cities.

Standard urban AQI measures pollutants like CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM2.5, PM10. CO2 and Methane are greenhouse gases not typically included in AQI.

The AQI is a tool for effective communication of air quality status to people in simple terms. It transforms complex air quality data into a single number and color, indicating health implications.

16. Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?

Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?

Cauvery and Tungabhadra

Godavari and Krishna

Mahanadi and Sone

Narmada and Tapti

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UPSC IAS – 2016

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Among the options provided, the linking of the Godavari and Krishna rivers is a prominent project that was recently undertaken and completed. Specifically, the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project in Andhra Pradesh connects the Godavari river to the Krishna river via the Polavaram Right Main Canal, transferring Godavari water to the Krishna basin. This project was completed and commissioned in 2015-2016. Other options do not represent significant, recently completed river linking projects of this scale in India.

The Godavari-Krishna river linking (via the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Project) is a recently completed inter-basin water transfer project in India.

River inter-linking projects in India are large-scale engineering proposals aimed at connecting rivers through reservoirs and canals to redistribute water, addressing issues like regional water shortages and flood control. The Ken-Betwa link is another significant river linking project that has been discussed and is under implementation process, but the Godavari-Krishna link (Pattiseema) was completed earlier among the options provided.

17. Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the follo

Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

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UPSC IAS – 2016

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Statement 1 is correct. DigiLocker is indeed a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) under the Digital India programme. It aims to provide a secure cloud-based platform for storage, issuance, and verification of documents and certificates.
Statement 2 is correct. DigiLocker allows users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) and certificates from anywhere, anytime, using their mobile phones or computers, regardless of their physical location, as long as they have internet access.
Both statements accurately describe DigiLocker.

DigiLocker is a government digital locker system under Digital India, providing cloud-based access to e-documents.

DigiLocker aims to reduce the need for physical documents, improve efficiency, and prevent fraud by allowing digital verification of documents like Aadhaar, driving license, vehicle registration, and academic certificates.

18. Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising d

Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation?

Reduction in weed
Reduction in soil salinity
Reduction in soil erosion

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation

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UPSC IAS – 2016

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Statement 1 is correct. Drip irrigation applies water directly to the root zone of the plants, minimizing water availability to weeds growing between rows, thus reducing weed growth.
Statement 2 is less definitively a *reduction* in soil salinity as a primary advantage, although it can help manage salinity better than other methods by reducing surface evaporation (which draws salt up) and allowing targeted leaching. However, in some contexts, if improperly managed, salts can accumulate at the edge of the wetting zone. Compared to flood irrigation which can cause waterlogging and widespread salinization, drip irrigation offers better control. But ‘reduction’ as a universal advantage might be debated.
Statement 3 is correct. Drip irrigation applies water slowly and directly to the soil surface or below, preventing surface runoff and water erosion, which are common with furrow or flood irrigation.
Considering the options provided, and that 1 and 3 are clearly and widely accepted advantages, Option C (1 and 3 only) is the most likely intended answer.

Drip irrigation significantly reduces weed growth and soil erosion. Its effect on soil salinity is more about better management and potential mitigation compared to other methods, rather than a guaranteed reduction in all contexts.

Other advantages of drip irrigation include significant water savings, increased yield, reduced fertilizer use (through fertigation), and adaptability to various terrains and soil types.

19. European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an

European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an

agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East

agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries

agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade

agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

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The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is an intergovernmental organization established by the Eurozone Member States to provide financial assistance to Eurozone countries experiencing or threatened by severe financing problems. It acts as a financial backstop for the Eurozone.
Option A is incorrect as the ESM’s primary role is financial stability, not refugee management.
Option C is incorrect as the ESM focuses on financial stability, not trade agreements.
Option D is incorrect as the ESM deals with financial crises, not general conflicts among member countries, although financial stress can contribute to tensions.

ESM is a Eurozone agency providing financial assistance to member states in difficulty.

The ESM was established in 2012 as a permanent successor to temporary bailout funds like the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) and European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism (EFSM), in response to the sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone.

20. Consider the following statements: The International Solar Alliance

Consider the following statements:

The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

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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UPSC IAS – 2016

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Statement 1 is correct. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was jointly launched by India and France at the 21st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in November 2015.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The ISA was initially conceived for countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which receive abundant sunlight. While its membership has since been expanded to include all member states of the United Nations, it does not *automatically* include *all* member countries; they must sign and ratify the ISA Framework Agreement to become members. As of 2023, not all UN member countries are members of the ISA.

ISA was launched at COP21 in 2015. Membership is open to UN members but requires joining, not automatic inclusion of all.

The ISA aims to promote research, development, and deployment of solar energy technologies and mobilize investment. It is headquartered in Gurugram, India.