All questions of November 2020 for UPSC CSE Exam

Depositional Landforms formed by Glaciers:

Glaciers are responsible for shaping the landscape by carving out valleys, creating lakes, and leaving behind deposits of rocks, sand, and gravel. The depositional landforms formed by glaciers include:

1. Moraines: Moraines are piles of rock and debris left behind by a glacier. They can be found along the edges of a glacier or in the center. There are different types of moraines, including lateral, medial, and terminal moraines.

2. Eskers: Eskers are long, winding ridges of sand and gravel that were deposited by meltwater streams flowing under a glacier. They can be found in areas where glaciers once existed.

3. Drumlins: Drumlins are elongated hills that were formed by the movement of a glacier. They are usually found in groups and are aligned in the direction of the glacier's flow.

4. Hanging Valley: A hanging valley is a valley that is elevated above the main valley floor, often with a waterfall or steep drop-off. They are formed when tributary glaciers flow into a larger glacier. As the larger glacier erodes the main valley, the tributary valley is left hanging above.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - 1, 2, and 4 only - as moraines, eskers, and drumlins are depositional landforms formed by glaciers.

One of the instruments of selective credit control in India that is not mentioned in the list is the Variable Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).

The Cash Reserve Ratio is the percentage of total deposits that banks are required to keep with the central bank as a reserve. It is a tool used by the central bank to control the money supply in the economy. When the central bank increases the CRR, it reduces the amount of funds available for lending by commercial banks, thereby reducing the money supply. Conversely, when the central bank decreases the CRR, it increases the amount of funds available for lending, which stimulates economic growth.

The Variable Cash Reserve Ratio refers to the practice of adjusting the CRR as a tool of selective credit control. It allows the central bank to increase or decrease the CRR based on the prevailing economic conditions and monetary policy objectives. By varying the CRR, the central bank can influence the liquidity in the banking system and control inflation or stimulate economic growth.

The other options mentioned in the list are instruments of selective credit control in India:

a) Regulation of consumer credit: This refers to the central bank's ability to regulate the amount of credit that can be extended to consumers. By setting limits on consumer credit, the central bank can prevent excessive borrowing and control inflationary pressures.

b) Rationing of credit: This refers to the central bank's ability to allocate credit to different sectors of the economy based on their priority. By rationing credit, the central bank can ensure that essential sectors receive adequate funding while limiting credit to non-priority sectors.

c) Margin requirements: This refers to the central bank's ability to regulate the amount of collateral that borrowers need to provide when taking a loan. By increasing margin requirements, the central bank can reduce the amount of credit available for speculative purposes and control excessive risk-taking.

In summary, the Variable Cash Reserve Ratio is an instrument of selective credit control in India that allows the central bank to adjust the CRR based on economic conditions. The other options mentioned in the list are also instruments of selective credit control in India.

Overview of the Samagra Shiksha Scheme
The "Samagra Shiksha" Scheme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in India. It focuses on the holistic development of children from preschool to higher secondary levels, rather than specifically targeting professional technical skills in higher education.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Integrated Approach: Samagra Shiksha integrates various aspects of education, including quality, access, and equity, but does not specifically cater to STEM fields or professional technical skills.
- Target Group: The scheme emphasizes the overall educational framework rather than focusing solely on higher education or skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Funding and Implementation
- Centrally Sponsored Scheme: It is indeed a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, but it is launched by the Ministry of Education, not the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
- Focus Areas: The scheme covers aspects such as teacher training, infrastructure development, and inclusive education, targeting improvements across all levels of school education.
Conclusion
Given this information, we can conclude:
- Statement 1 is incorrect as the scheme does not focus on imparting professional technical skills specifically in STEM fields.
- Statement 2 is also incorrect because it is the Ministry of Education that administers the scheme, not the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Thus, the correct answer is option 'D': Neither statement 1 nor 2 is accurate.

A

S.3. IFAD provides grants and loans to support small-scale farmers and rural communities.4. The headquarters of IFAD is located in Rome, Italy.

All of the statements are true.

Favourable Conditions for the Formation of Cyclones:

Cyclones are large-scale weather systems characterized by low atmospheric pressure at the center and strong winds circulating around it. They typically form over warm ocean waters near the equator and can cause significant damage and destruction when they make landfall. The formation of cyclones is influenced by several factors, and the favourable conditions for their formation are as follows:

1. Presence of the Coriolis force:
The Coriolis force is an apparent force that acts on moving objects due to the rotation of the Earth. It causes the deflection of moving air and water masses to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. The Coriolis force is essential for the formation and development of cyclones as it provides the necessary rotation for the system. Without the Coriolis force, cyclones would not be able to develop their characteristic rotation. Therefore, the presence of the Coriolis force is a crucial factor for the formation of cyclones.

2. Warm sea surface:
Cyclones draw their energy from the warm sea surface, specifically from the heat and moisture content of the ocean. The warm sea surface provides the necessary fuel for the cyclone to intensify and maintain its strength. As the warm air rises from the ocean surface, it creates low pressure at the center, which in turn draws in more warm air from the surrounding areas. This process creates a continuous supply of warm, moist air that fuels the cyclone's growth. Therefore, a calm and warm sea surface is another favourable condition for the formation of cyclones.

3. High temperature:
High atmospheric temperatures contribute to the formation of cyclones by creating a conducive environment for the development of thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are often the initial stage in the formation of cyclones, and they require warm, moist air to form. High temperatures provide the necessary energy to fuel the convective activity in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of thunderstorms. These thunderstorms can then evolve into cyclones under the right conditions. Therefore, high temperatures are also favourable for the formation of cyclones.

In conclusion, the formation of cyclones requires the presence of the Coriolis force, a calm and warm sea surface, and high temperatures. These factors work together to create the necessary conditions for the development and intensification of cyclones.

Unfortunately, the incomplete question does not provide any statements or information about Brown Carbon. Please provide the statements or information you would like to know about, and I will be happy to assist you.

Statement 1: The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is an international project of NASA for deep exploration into space.

This statement is incorrect. The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is not a project of NASA. It is a collaborative project between various international partners, including the United States, Canada, Japan, India, and China. The TMT aims to construct one of the world's largest and most powerful telescopes to explore the universe and study celestial objects in great detail. While NASA may collaborate with the TMT project, it is not solely an initiative of NASA.

Statement 2: The TMT is installed at Maunakea in Hawaii.

This statement is correct. The TMT is planned to be installed at Maunakea, a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Maunakea is considered an ideal location for astronomical observations due to its high elevation, clear skies, and minimal light pollution. The TMT project has faced significant controversies and opposition from some Native Hawaiian groups and environmentalists who have raised concerns about the impact on the sacred lands and the ecosystem of Maunakea.

Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of the given statements, it can be concluded that statement 1 is incorrect as the TMT is not an international project of NASA. However, statement 2 is correct as the TMT is planned to be installed at Maunakea in Hawaii. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - 2 only.

Artemis Accords:
The Artemis Accords is a set of guidelines and principles established by NASA in 2020 to govern international cooperation and ensure peaceful and sustainable exploration of the Moon and beyond. It aims to create a framework for collaboration among nations that participate in space exploration missions.

Statement 1: It outlines the principles of future exploration of the Moon and beyond.
This statement is correct. The Artemis Accords indeed outline a set of principles that will guide future exploration activities on the Moon and in space. These principles include peaceful exploration, transparency, interoperability, sustainable use of space resources, and the protection of heritage sites and artifacts. By establishing these principles, the Accords aim to ensure safe and responsible space exploration for all participating countries.

Statement 2: India is a founding member in the space coalition under Artemis Accords.
This statement is incorrect. India is not a founding member of the space coalition under the Artemis Accords. The founding members of the Accords are primarily countries that are part of the Artemis program led by NASA, which aims to return humans to the Moon. As of now, the founding members include the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. India, despite being an active participant in space exploration, is not among the founding members.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as the Artemis Accords outline the principles of future exploration of the Moon and beyond. However, statement 2 is incorrect as India is not a founding member in the space coalition under the Artemis Accords.