UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 45

Correct answer: Option C. The Goldilocks Zone, or habitable zone, is the region around a star where conditions may permit liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface, assuming suitable atmospheric and planetary conditions. It is used in the search for potentially habitable, Earth-like worlds beyond our solar system. It does not refer to shale gas or meteorites. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “region inside the Earth where shale gas is available” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “search for the Earth-like planets in outer space” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option D: “search for meteorites containing precious metals” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.