2016 Archives

41. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems an

With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only

3 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

The correct option is C, as statements 2 and 3 are correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.

– Statement 1 is incorrect. ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’ initiative was initiated by Germany and the European Commission in response to a G8+5 proposal and was hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). While IMF and World Economic Forum are important global bodies, they are not the primary hosts of TEEB.
– Statement 2 is correct. TEEB is indeed a global initiative focused on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity and the costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
– Statement 3 is correct. TEEB provides a structured approach to help decision-makers at various levels recognize, demonstrate, and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity in policy and business decisions.

TEEB aims to integrate the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into decision-making by highlighting the growing cost of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and demonstrating how economics can help to create better policies. It provides a global framework for assessing, valuing, and incorporating biodiversity and ecosystem services into accounting and reporting.

42. Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is

a division of World Health Organization

a non-governmental international organization

an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union

a specialized agency of the United Nations

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, MSF) is a non-governmental international organization. It is an independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare.

MSF is an independent, non-governmental organization providing medical humanitarian assistance globally.

Founded in France in 1971, MSF operates based on the principles of medical ethics and the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. It does not accept funding from parties to conflicts and primarily relies on private donations. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999.

43. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the followi

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism.
2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment.
3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it.

1 only

2 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

Statements 2 and 3 are correct descriptions of the Bodhisattva concept, which is central to Mahayana Buddhism. A Bodhisattva is indeed a compassionate being who has attained a high level of enlightenment but chooses to delay their own final Nirvana (salvation) to help all other sentient beings achieve liberation. Statement 1 is incorrect; the concept of Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, while Hinayana (Theravada) focuses on the path to becoming an Arhat, an individual who achieves personal enlightenment and liberation.

The Bodhisattva ideal, characterized by compassion and the vow to save all beings, is a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the path of the Bodhisattva is seen as superior to that of the Arhat, emphasizing universal salvation and the interconnectedness of all beings. Key Bodhisattva vows include the resolve to attain perfect enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings and to liberate all beings from suffering.

44. The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for t

The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the

agitation against the Partition of Bengal

Home Rule Movement

Non-Cooperation Movement

visit of the Simon Commission to India

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ movements were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time on a significant scale during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal in 1905. The call for boycotting British goods and promoting Indian (Swadeshi) goods became a central strategy of this movement.

The Partition of Bengal (1905) sparked widespread protests and led to the adoption of Swadeshi and Boycott as major tactics to resist British rule.

While earlier instances of boycott might have occurred locally, the anti-Partition movement saw the first organized and widespread use of Swadeshi and Boycott as political tools across various sections of society, laying the groundwork for future national movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement, which also heavily relied on these methods.

45. With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensi

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach.
2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in this scheme.
3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and microirrigation equipment.

1 only

2 and 3 only

2 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

Statement 2 is correct. Poor, small, marginal, and tribal farmers are the primary beneficiaries and have a larger stake in schemes promoting millets, as millets are often grown in rain-fed, less fertile areas where these communities are prevalent. Statement 1, while containing elements often found in such schemes (demonstration, value addition, cluster approach), might be considered less precise or defining than Statement 2 in the context of this specific scheme’s core focus or uniqueness compared to other agricultural initiatives. Statement 3 is incorrect; the scheme provided financial assistance for critical inputs and technology adoption, but did not specifically aim to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millets by offering free kits, which is an overstatement of the scheme’s incentives and objectives.

The Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP) was launched under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) primarily targeting small, marginal, and tribal farmers in rain-fed areas to promote millet cultivation for nutritional security and climate resilience.

INSIMP aimed to increase millet production and productivity through improved technologies, input support, and value addition. While demonstrations and a cluster approach were part of the strategy, the emphasis on benefiting vulnerable farmer groups and promoting millets as nutri-cereals for nutritional security was a key aspect. The scheme did provide subsidies for inputs, but not in the form of “free kits” specifically to induce a shift from commercial crops, which was not the primary objective.

46. What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

Electric plane tested by NASA

Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

Space observatory launched by China

Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, often in the news around the time this question was likely set, refers to an electric plane prototype developed and tested by NASA. It is a tilt-wing aircraft designed for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL).

GL-10 is a drone prototype developed by NASA, known for its electric propulsion and VTOL capabilities.

The GL-10 project was part of NASA’s research into electric propulsion and quiet aircraft technologies. The prototype has ten electric motors distributed along the wings and tail, which can tilt to allow the aircraft to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and then fly efficiently like a plane.

47. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharin

Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

Amphibious warfare ship

Nuclear-powered submarine

Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

‘INS Astradharini’, which was in the news recently (relative to the time the question was framed), is a Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel (TLRV) of the Indian Navy. It is designed for testing torpedoes and other underwater weapons.

INS Astradharini is a specialized vessel used by the Indian Navy for testing and trials of underwater weapons like torpedoes.

The ship was indigenously designed by NSTL (Naval Science & Technological Laboratory), Visakhapatnam, and built by Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in October 2015. It replaced the INS Astravahini, which was decommissioned earlier.

48. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of

Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit with pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

Andaman Islands

Anaimalai Forests

Maikala Hills

Tropical rain forests of northeast

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

The new and distinct species of banana plant, *Musa markkuaensis*, known for its height of about 11 metres and orange-coloured fruit with pulp, was discovered by scientists in the Andaman Islands.

The discovery of *Musa markkuaensis*, a giant banana species, occurred in the Andaman Islands.

This discovery was significant due to the plant’s impressive size and unique fruit characteristics (orange pulp, numerous seeds). The scientific team included researchers from the Botanical Survey of India. The finding highlights the rich biodiversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

49. What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India? 1.

What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

Statements 1 and 2 are unique characteristics of the Kharai camel breed found in the Kutch region of Gujarat, India. They are known for their ability to swim across seawater creeks and for feeding on mangrove vegetation. Statement 3 is incorrect because Kharai camels are domesticated animals, primarily reared by the Maldhari pastoral community, who use them for transport and milk.

The Kharai camel is a distinct camel breed adapted to the harsh coastal and arid environment of Kutch, known for its swimming ability and diet based on mangroves.

The Kharai camel is one of the officially recognized Indian camel breeds. Their unique ability to swim allows them to reach islands and coastal areas where mangroves grow, providing them with food. This adaptation makes them distinct from other camel breeds. They are a vital part of the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the local communities.

50. What is/are the purpose/purposes of the ‘Marginal Cost of Funds based

What is/are the purpose/purposes of the ‘Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)’ announced by RBI?

1. These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances.
2. These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fair to the borrowers as well as the banks.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

Download PDF Attempt Online

Both statements 1 and 2 correctly describe the purposes of the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) announced by RBI. MCLR was introduced to replace the Base Rate system to improve transparency in how banks determine interest rates on loans and to ensure that changes in the RBI’s policy rates are transmitted more effectively to borrowers. This aims to make interest rates fairer for both banks (reflecting their cost of funds more accurately) and borrowers (ensuring timely benefit from policy rate cuts).

MCLR is an internal benchmark for banks, based on the marginal cost of borrowing. It replaced the Base Rate system for all new floating rate loans sanctioned from April 1, 2016.

The key components of MCLR include the marginal cost of funds, negative carry on account of CRR, operating costs, and tenure premium. RBI’s objective with MCLR was to improve the monetary policy transmission mechanism and enhance transparency in lending rates. MCLR rates are reviewed and published monthly by banks.