UPSC Prelims 2018 - General Studies (Paper I)

Explanation

Swatantra party was founded by C. Rajagopalachari which was an Indian classical liberal political party. It advocated free market than socialist pattern of society. The First Lok Sabha of India was constituted after India's first general election on 17 April, 1952 which lasted its full tenure and was dissolved on 4 April, 1957. Its first session commenced on 13 May, 1952. Total Lok Sabha seats were 489 and the Indian National Congress (INC) won 364 seats. They were followed by Independents, winning a total of 37 seats. The Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Socialist Party (India) followed with 16 and 12 seats respectively. The Indian National Congress got 45% of the total votes in this election and won 76% of the 479 contested seats. The Communist Party of India came second and won only 16 seats. In 1969, an official leader of the opposition was recognised for the first time. However, in 1977, it was given statutory recognition. The leader of the Opposition is recognised as a leader of the largest Opposition party having not less than 1/10th seats of the total strength of the house. Leader of opposition plays important role in various appointments like CBI CVC CIC Lokpal.

Explanation

Xerophytes are the plants that grow in extreme climatic conditions like dry weather, less availability of water etc. They ensure their survivability through various adaptations which have been mentioned below- Adaptations 1. Conservation of Water Modifications a. Few or no leaves or leaves may get converted into spines b. Petiole modified into leaf-like structure c. Stem reduced, branching sparse 2. Storage of Water Modifications Thick, fleshy and succulent leaves as well as stem 3. Modification to prevent loss of water by transpiration a. Reduced intercellular spaces b. Spongy parenchyma/ palisade parenchyma present c. Stomata on lower surface, sunken in stomatal pits 4. Modifications to survive in extreme hot climatic conditions a. Leaves covered with dense hairs; b. Leaf surfaces shiny or glabrous c. Leaf blade remains rolled during the day 5. Efficient mechanism of water absorption a. Long and profusely branched roots b. Dense root hairs c. Well developed xylem Hard and waxy leaves in the region help in preventing water loss through evaporation. Tiny leaves are found in the plants with a wax coating which again helps in preventing water loss. Plants have fleshy stems that help in storing water like Cactus. Deep roots and thorns.

Explanation

Rajasthan had the highest percentage of agricultural households (78.4 percent) among its rural households. Uttar Pradesh stands at 2nd position (74.8 percent) followed by Madhya Pradesh (70.8 percent). The least percentage share of agricultural households (27.3 percent) in its rural households is in Kerala. During the reference period of July 2012 - June 2013, about 45 percent out of the total agricultural households in the country belonged to Other Backward Classes (OBC), about 16 percent were from Scheduled Castes (SC) and 13 percent were from Scheduled Tribes (ST). The majority of households in all the major states reported agricultural activities like cultivation, livestock and other agricultural activities as the principal source of income except Kerala. About percent of the agricultural households of Kerala reported to have earned their maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.

Explanation

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a statutory body. It was established by the National Green Tribunal Act in the year 2010. It was set up to handle cases related to environmental issues and speed up the process. The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. On the other hand, it shall be guided by principles of natural justice. The Tribunal provides speedy environmental justice in environmental matters and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts. It is mandated to make an endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals within 6 months of filing of the same. New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai shall be the other 4 places of sitting of the Tribunal. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a statutory organisation, was constituted in September, 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Principal Functions of the CPCB, as spelt out in the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 are: (i) To promote cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement of water pollution, and (ii) To improve the quality of air and to prevent, control or abate air pollution in the country.

Explanation

The Ninth Schedule was added to the Constitution by the 1st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1951. Article 31-B was also inserted in the constitution with a view to provide a “protective umbrella” to land reforms laws to save them from being challenged in courts on the ground of violation of fundamental rights. The SC upheld the validity of Article 31-B and Parliament’s power to place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule. The Supreme Court in I.R Coelho vs State of Tamil Nadu has said that laws placed in the Ninth Schedule are open to judicial review and such laws do not enjoy a blanket protection. Laws placed in the Ninth Schedule were open to challenge when the Supreme Court propounded the “basic structure” doctrine after the Keshwananda Bharti Judgement 1973.