All questions of February Week 3 for UPSC CSE Exam

The smallest planet in regards to both mass and volume is Mercury — at 4,879 km across and 3.3010 x 1023 kg, this tiny world is nearly 20 times less massive than Earth, and its diameter is about 2 and a half times smaller. In fact, Mercury is closer in size to our Moon than to Earth.

Language of Majority in Union Territories of Daman and Diu

Introduction:
The Union Territories of Daman and Diu are located on the western coast of India. The two territories are separated by the Gulf of Khambhat. Daman and Diu have a rich history and culture, influenced by Portuguese colonization.

Language:
The majority of people in the Union Territories of Daman and Diu speak Gujarati. Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Gujarati people. It is the official language of the state of Gujarat and is also spoken in other parts of India and abroad.

Other Languages:
Apart from Gujarati, other languages spoken in Daman and Diu are Marathi, Konkani, and Portuguese. Marathi is another Indo-Aryan language spoken by people in Maharashtra and other neighboring states. Konkani is an Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the Konkan region of India. Portuguese is a legacy of the Portuguese colonization of the region and is spoken by a small population of people in Daman and Diu.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the majority of people in the Union Territories of Daman and Diu speak Gujarati. However, other languages such as Marathi, Konkani, and Portuguese are also spoken in the region due to its diverse history and culture.

Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary. Dachigam National Park is located 22 km from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The name literally stands for 'ten villages', which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated in order to create the park.

The word “monsoon” comes from the Arabic word mausim, meaning season. The word “monsoon” comes from the Arabic word mausim, meaning season. Basically, it describes a seasonal wind shift over a region that is usually accompanied by a dramatic increase in precipitation.

(b) in andhra pradesh

Mercator projection, type of map projection introduced in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator. ... This projection is widely used for navigation charts, because any straight line on a Mercator projection map is a line of constant true bearing that enables a navigator to plot a straight-line course.

A) The Buckingham Canal

The Government of India instituted an ‘Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for Wildlife Conservation’ in the memory of Amrita Devi Bishnoi, who in 1731 sacrificed her life along with 363 others for the protection of ‘khejri’ trees in Khejarli village near Jodhpur in Rajasthan.

**Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary: The Best-Known Bird Sanctuary in Haryana**

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, located in the Gurgaon district of Haryana, is the best-known bird sanctuary in the state. Spread over an area of approximately 1.43 square kilometers, the sanctuary is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers. It is home to a diverse range of avian species, making it a haven for birdwatching.

**1. Location and Accessibility:**
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is situated around 40 kilometers from Delhi, making it easily accessible for both local and international visitors. The sanctuary is well-connected by road and can be reached via private vehicles or public transport. The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is approximately 15 kilometers away.

**2. Flora and Fauna:**
The sanctuary is characterized by a mix of wetland, grassland, and woodland habitats, providing an ideal environment for various bird species. It is home to more than 250 bird species, including migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe. Some of the prominent bird species found here include the Siberian crane, white ibis, painted stork, black-necked stork, spot-billed pelican, and various species of ducks, geese, and waders.

**3. Migratory Birds:**
During the winter months, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary becomes a temporary home for a large number of migratory birds. These birds travel thousands of kilometers to escape the harsh winters of their native regions. The sanctuary provides them with a favorable climate, abundant food, and suitable nesting grounds. This phenomenon attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.

**4. Birdwatching and Activities:**
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Visitors can explore the sanctuary through a network of well-maintained walking trails and observation points. Additionally, there are strategically placed watchtowers and hides that allow visitors to observe the birds without disturbing them. The sanctuary also organizes guided walks and educational programs to create awareness about bird conservation and the importance of wetland ecosystems.

**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is the best-known bird sanctuary in Haryana due to its diverse range of avian species, convenient location, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. The sanctuary's commitment to conservation and education further adds to its popularity among nature enthusiasts and tourists. Whether it is the resident birds or the spectacular migratory species, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary never fails to captivate visitors with its natural beauty and avian wonders.

Option a

1602...

First President of the Council of Fort William

The first President of the Council of Fort William was Sir Charles Eyre. He served as the President from 1690 to 1692. The Council of Fort William was established in 1690 by the East India Company in Fort William, Bengal. It was the first administrative body of the British in India and was responsible for the governance of the British territories in Bengal.

Sir Charles Eyre

Sir Charles Eyre was a British administrator and soldier. He was appointed as the President of the Council of Fort William in 1690. He was also the Governor of Bombay from 1708 to 1710. Sir Charles Eyre was known for his administrative skills and he played an important role in the expansion of the British territories in India.

Establishment of the Council of Fort William

The Council of Fort William was established by the East India Company in 1690. The Council was responsible for the administration of the British territories in Bengal. The Council was headed by the President and it included other members such as the Governor of Fort William, the Chief Justice, and other senior officials.

Functions of the Council

The Council of Fort William had several functions, some of which are:

- Administration of justice
- Collection of revenue
- Maintenance of law and order
- Regulation of trade
- Management of the Company's affairs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sir Charles Eyre was the first President of the Council of Fort William. The Council of Fort William was established in 1690 by the East India Company and was responsible for the governance of the British territories in Bengal. The Council had several functions such as administration of justice, collection of revenue, maintenance of law and order, regulation of trade, and management of the Company's affairs.

**Answer:**

The Danes, who had established settlements in India, sold all their settlements to the British in 1845. This marked the end of Danish colonial presence in India.

**Danish Settlements in India:**

The Danes had established three settlements in India during the colonial era. These settlements were:

1. Tranquebar (Tharangambadi): Tranquebar was the first Danish settlement in India, established in 1620. It was located on the Coromandel Coast of present-day Tamil Nadu.

2. Serampore (Frederiksnagore): Serampore was established in 1755 and was located near Kolkata in present-day West Bengal. It was an important center for Danish trade and missionary activities.

3. Nicobar Islands: The Danes also briefly controlled the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. However, due to its remoteness and lack of economic viability, the Danish control over the Nicobar Islands was short-lived.

**Sale of Danish Settlements:**

Over time, the Danish settlements in India faced various challenges, including conflicts with other European powers, financial difficulties, and declining trade. As a result, the Danes decided to sell their settlements to the British.

The sale of Danish settlements took place in 1845, and it involved negotiations between the Danish and British authorities. The British East India Company, which had already established its dominance in India, saw the acquisition of the Danish settlements as an opportunity to further consolidate its control.

**Reasons for Sale:**

There were several reasons behind the Danish decision to sell their settlements in India:

1. Financial Difficulties: The Danish settlements had been facing financial difficulties for some time. The declining trade and increasing expenses made it difficult for the Danes to sustain their presence in India.

2. Decline in Trade: The Danish settlements had lost their significance as centers of trade. The competition from other European powers, including the British, Dutch, and French, had reduced their trade opportunities.

3. Strategic Considerations: The Danish settlements were vulnerable to attacks from other European powers. Selling the settlements to the British ensured their protection and security under British rule.

4. Lack of Support: The Danish government was not able to provide sufficient support to the settlements due to its own limitations and priorities. This further contributed to the decision to sell the settlements.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, the Danes sold all their settlements in India to the British in 1845. This was due to financial difficulties, declining trade, strategic considerations, and lack of support from the Danish government. The sale marked the end of Danish colonial presence in India and further strengthened British control in the region.

Introduction:
In 2017, the Government of India (GOI) granted classical language status to three languages - Malayalam, Kannada, and Sanskrit. However, Prakrit was not given classical language status.

Explanation:
1. Classical Language Status:
- The Government of India grants classical language status to languages that have ancient roots and a rich literary tradition.
- Classical languages are recognized for their historical and cultural significance, as well as their contribution to knowledge and learning.

2. Malayalam:
- Malayalam is a language primarily spoken in the southern state of Kerala, India.
- It has a long history and a rich literary tradition, with works dating back to the 9th century CE.
- Malayalam was granted classical language status by the GOI in 2013, recognizing its antiquity and cultural importance.

3. Kannada:
- Kannada is a language primarily spoken in the southern state of Karnataka, India.
- It has a rich literary tradition, with works dating back to the 9th century CE.
- Kannada was granted classical language status by the GOI in 2008, acknowledging its historical significance.

4. Prakrit:
- Prakrit is an ancient language that was widely spoken in ancient India.
- It was the language of the common people and was used extensively in literature, especially in Buddhist and Jain texts.
- However, Prakrit was not granted classical language status by the GOI in 2017.
- The decision not to grant Prakrit classical language status may be attributed to factors such as its limited contemporary usage and the existence of other languages with a stronger literary tradition.

5. Sanskrit:
- Sanskrit is an ancient language of India that has had a profound influence on various aspects of Indian culture, philosophy, and literature.
- It is considered the language of the gods in Hinduism and has been used in religious and scholarly contexts for centuries.
- Sanskrit was granted classical language status by the GOI in 2005, recognizing its importance and contribution to knowledge.

Conclusion:
In 2017, the Government of India granted classical language status to Malayalam and Kannada, but not Prakrit. Sanskrit had already been recognized as a classical language in 2005. The decision to grant classical language status is based on various factors, including the language's historical significance and rich literary tradition.

Pantnagar is an industrial town situated in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand state. The town is famous for two reasons. Firstly, the first agricultural university of India was established here in year 1960. Secondly, it houses the Pantnagar Airport of Kumaon region.

**Solution:**

To solve this question, we need to find the correct time when the watch is showing the correct time. Let's analyze the given information step by step.

**Step 1: Determine the watch's gain per day**
- The watch gains uniformly, so we can determine its daily gain by finding the difference between the two given times.
- The watch is 2 minutes slow at noon on Monday and 4 minutes 48 seconds fast at 2 p.m. on the following Monday.
- The time difference between these two is 6 days and 2 hours (or 50 hours).
- The watch gains (4 minutes 48 seconds - 2 minutes) in 50 hours.
- To find the daily gain, we divide the overall gain by the number of days:
- Daily gain = (4 minutes 48 seconds - 2 minutes) / 6 days
- Daily gain = 2 minutes 48 seconds / 6 days
- Daily gain = 28 seconds / day

**Step 2: Determine when the watch shows the correct time**
Now, we need to determine the correct time when the watch is neither fast nor slow.

To do this, we need to consider that the watch gains 28 seconds per day. We also know that the watch is 2 minutes slow at noon on Monday. So, we need to calculate the time it takes for the watch to gain 2 minutes (120 seconds).

- Time taken for the watch to gain 120 seconds = (120 seconds) / (28 seconds/day)
- Time taken = 4.2857 days

**Step 3: Determine the correct day and time**
We know that the watch is 2 minutes slow at noon on Monday. To find when the watch shows the correct time, we need to add the time taken from step 2 to Monday noon.

- Correct day = Monday + 4.2857 days
- Correct day = Friday

So, the correct time is on Friday. Now, we need to determine the correct time on Friday.

- Correct time = Noon + 4.2857 days
- Correct time = 1 p.m.

Therefore, the correct time is 1 p.m. on Friday.

**Answer:**
The watch shows the correct time at 1 p.m. on Friday, which corresponds to option D.

Aksai Chin is one of the two large disputed border areas between India and China. India claims Aksai Chin as the easternmost part of the Jammu and Kashmir state.

All the Biotic Components in an area together with the abiotic constituents of the environment form an ecosystem. Biotic components comprising living organisms and abiotic components comprising physical factors like temperature, rainfall, wind, soil and minerals

Explanation:

1. Biomass:
- Biomass refers to organic materials that come from plants and animals, which can be used as a source of energy.
- These organic materials can be processed to produce biofuels like bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas.
- Therefore, the statement that fuels produced by plants and animals are called biomass is correct.

2. Biogas:
- Biogas is a type of biofuel that is produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural waste, food waste, and sewage.
- The main constituent of biogas is methane, which typically makes up around 50-70% of its composition.
- Therefore, the statement that the main constituent of biogas is methane is also correct.
Therefore, both statements are correct. Biomass is indeed the fuels produced by plants and animals, while methane is the main constituent of biogas.

Chronological Order of Events:

Fracois Martin
Francois Martin was appointed as the Governor of Pondicherry in 1725.

Lenoir
Lenoir is not placed in the correct chronological order based on the information provided.

Dumas
Dumas was the Governor of Pondicherry in 1735.

Dupleix
Dupleix was the Governor of French establishments in India from 1742 to 1754.

Count de Lally
Count de Lally was appointed as the Governor of Pondicherry in 1758.

Therefore, the correct chronological order of events is:
I. Fracois Martin
II. Lenoir
III. Dumas
IV. Dupleix
V. Count de Lally

The correct option is:
c) I, II, III, IV, V

Portuguese Fort in Cochin:
The Portuguese built their first fort on Indian soil in the territory of the Raja of Cochin. Cochin, also known as Kochi, is a major port city on the southwest coast of India. The fort was constructed in the early 16th century and played a significant role in the Portuguese colonial presence in India.

Reasons for building the fort:
- The Portuguese were seeking to establish a stronghold in the region to control trade routes and protect their interests.
- Cochin was strategically located and offered access to valuable resources and trade opportunities.
- The Raja of Cochin welcomed the Portuguese and allowed them to build the fort as a means of strengthening his own position.

Significance of the fort:
- The fort in Cochin served as a symbol of Portuguese power and influence in the region.
- It provided a strategic base for Portuguese military operations and trade activities.
- The fort also served as a center for European cultural and religious influences in India.

Legacy of Portuguese presence:
- The Portuguese presence in Cochin left a lasting impact on the region, influencing architecture, cuisine, and language.
- The fort in Cochin is now a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the rich history of European colonization in India.
In conclusion, the Portuguese built their first fort on Indian soil in the territory of the Raja of Cochin, marking the beginning of their colonial presence in the region.

Location of Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the northeastern state of Manipur, India. It is a unique park that holds significant ecological and cultural importance.
Geographical Context
- Situated near Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India.
- The park is in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, surrounded by lush greenery and water bodies.
Significance of Loktak Lake
- Loktak Lake is known for its floating phumdis (vegetation), which support diverse wildlife.
- The lake and the national park together create a unique ecosystem that is home to numerous species, including the endangered Sangai deer (Manipuri brow-antlered deer).
Ecological Importance
- Keibul Lamjao serves as a habitat for various flora and fauna, including migratory birds.
- It helps in maintaining the ecological balance by supporting biodiversity.
Cultural Significance
- The park is not only a wildlife sanctuary but also a site of cultural heritage for the local Manipuri community.
- Traditional practices and the lifestyle of the local people are intertwined with the conservation efforts in the area.
Conclusion
Keibul Lamjao National Park is a vital area for conservation efforts in India, particularly due to its unique floating ecosystem and the endangered species it supports. It is an essential part of Manipur's identity and environmental heritage, making option 'C' the correct answer.

Pumice stone is added to facilitate bubbles so that "Bumping." can be prevented. It frequently happens, especially when the distillation has to be carried out under greatly reduced pressure, that the liquid is liable to boil with bumping. Thus we can measure the boiling point of water more accurately.