UPSC 2024 Expert 5 tricky questions of Prelims GS answered

UPSC 2024 Expert Guide is an initiative by Times of India where we share expert advice for IAS aspirants and get important mock practice questions answered and explained by Civil Services Exam (CSE) specialists for the upcoming Prelims and Mains exams. Today, our expert has picked up 5 tricky questions that IAS aspirants may face in the General Studies (GS) paper of the Prelims round. The questions, answers and explanations have been curated by Shubham Aggarwal, Director and Chief Mentor at Vidyapeeth IAS Academy.

Q. Which of the following statements are true about the deposits of methane hydrate:

1. Methane hydrate are rare deposits found only around the ring-of-fire region in the pacific ocean.
2. CO2 gets oxidised into methane in the atmosphere after two decades.

Options:

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: 4
Methane hydrates are ice-like structures where methane is trapped in a water lattice, often found in deep-sea sediments and permafrost. They represent a potential vast source of natural gas but pose environmental concerns due to methane's greenhouse gas effects.


In the atmosphere, methane (CH₄) can be oxidized into carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a period of approximately two decades, not the other way around.


Q. Which of the following statements are true about organ transplant regulations in India?

1. In India organ donation and transplantation are regulated by the Transplantation Human Organs Act (THOA), 1994.
2. THOA has mandated domicile requirement to register as an organ recipient in India.
3. The act allows those above 65 years of age to receive an organ for transplantation from deceased donors.

Options:

1. Only 1 statement is true
2. Only 2 statements are true
3. All of them are true
4. None of them are true

Answer: 2
Statement ‘a’ is absolutely correct. Statement ‘b’ is wrong as Modified National Organ Transplantation Guidelines removed the domicile requirement to register as an organ recipient. Statement c is also true.


Q. India is a member of how many of these treaties?

1. Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
2. Outer Space Treaty (OST)
3. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

Options:

1. Only 1 treaty
2. Only 2 treaties
3. All three
4. None

Answer. 1
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR): India is a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime, which is aimed at preventing the proliferation of missile technology capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. India formally joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016.


Outer Space Treaty (OST): India is a signatory to the Outer Space Treaty, signed on January 28, 1967, which governs the use of outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies. However, being a signatory does not necessarily imply full membership.


Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): India is not a member of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. India has traditionally maintained a policy of non-alignment and has not signed the TPNW, expressing concerns about the treaty's approach to nuclear disarmament.


Q. What is the concept of "Quantitative Easing," often employed by central banks during economic downturns?
A. Increasing interest rates to curb inflation

B. Injecting money into the economy by purchasing financial assets

C. Reducing government spending to control deficits

D. Implementing trade restrictions to boost domestic industries


Answer: B
Quantitative Easing is a monetary policy tool where central banks purchase financial assets, such as government bonds, to increase the money supply and lower interest rates. This aims to stimulate borrowing, investment, and economic activity during periods of economic downturn or recession. The goal is to boost liquidity and encourage spending when traditional monetary policies, like lowering interest rates, may be insufficient.


Q. In the context of climate change, what is the significance of the ‘Keeling Curve’?

A. It represents the global distribution of carbon emissions

B. It depicts the historical trend of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations

C. It outlines the impact of deforestation on biodiversity

D. It illustrates the correlation between ocean temperatures and sea level rise


Answer: B
The Keeling Curve, named after scientist Charles David Keeling, shows the long-term increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Initiated in 1958, the curve illustrates the rising levels of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere, providing crucial data for understanding and addressing the impact of human activities on climate change.


(The views shared in this article are personal. The expert can be reached at 0306shubham@gmail.com. His specialisations include General Studies, Political Science and International Relations Optional)



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