Previous Year Questions
UPSC Prelims 2015 — GS Paper I
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana has been launched for
PMJDY was launched on 28 August 2014 to ensure access to financial services such as banking, savings and deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance and pension in an affordable manner to every household in the country.
With reference to the Fourteenth Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It has increased the share of States in the central divisible pool from 32 percent to 42 percent.
2. It has made recommendations concerning sector-specific grants.
The 14th Finance Commission (Chairman: Y.V. Reddy) increased the states share in the central divisible pool from 32% to 42%. It did not make recommendations concerning sector-specific grants; that was done by the 15th Finance Commission.
The Fortaleza Declaration, recently in the news, is related to the affairs of
The Fortaleza Declaration was signed at the 6th BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil on 15 July 2014. It announced the creation of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).
A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following?
1. Slowing economic growth rate
2. Less equitable distribution of national income
A decrease in the tax-to-GDP ratio indicates a slowing economic growth rate, as lower economic activity leads to lower tax collections relative to GDP. It does not necessarily indicate less equitable distribution of national income.
In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?
Tropical cyclones do not originate in the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific because the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) seldom occurs in these regions. The ITCZ is essential for providing the initial disturbance needed for cyclone formation.
Which of the following pairs of States of India indicates the easternmost and westernmost State?
Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost state of India (extends to about 97 degrees 25 minutes E longitude) and Gujarat is the westernmost state (extends to about 68 degrees 7 minutes E longitude).
Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:
1. The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.
2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.
Both statements are correct. The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV, Articles 36-51) spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country. Article 37 clearly states that these principles shall not be enforceable by any court.
In the Index of Eight Core Industries, which one of the following is given the highest weight?
In the Index of Eight Core Industries, Electricity generation has the highest weight of 10.32%. The eight core industries are Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement and Electricity.
Which one of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?
Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is the only floating national park in the world. It is located on Loktak Lake and is characterized by floating decomposed plant material locally called phumdis. It is the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai (brow-antlered deer).
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)?
1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.
NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, set up in 2000 at Ahmedabad. It is not about advanced scientific research collaboration with foreign institutions; it focuses on scouting, documenting and supporting grassroots innovations.
What can be the impact of excessive or inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
1. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil can be adversely affected.
2. Soil can become acidic.
3. Leaching of nitrate may pollute the groundwater.
Excessive nitrogenous fertilizers increase soil acidity and cause nitrate leaching into groundwater. However, they do not adversely affect nitrogen-fixing bacteria; rather they reduce the need for biological nitrogen fixation, making nitrogen-fixing bacteria less active but not adversely affected.
Consider the following statements:
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
IUCN is not an organ of the United Nations; it is an international organization. Statements 2 and 3 are correct. IUCN does run thousands of field projects globally. CITES is indeed legally binding on its parties but does not replace national laws.
The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the
The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is determined on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) but is approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?
The equatorial counter-current flows eastward due to the convergence of the two equatorial currents. The stronger winds on either side of the equator pile up water near the equator where winds are weak, and this excess water flows back eastward as the equatorial counter-current.
Consider the following pairs:
Place of Pilgrimage — Location
1. Srisailam — Nallamala Hills
2. Omkareshwar — Satmala Hills
3. Pushkar — Mahadeo Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Only pair 1 is correct. Srisailam is located in the Nallamala Hills (Andhra Pradesh). Omkareshwar is located on an island in the Narmada River in the Vindhya Range (not Satmala Hills). Pushkar is in Rajasthan near the Aravalli Range (not Mahadeo Hills).
With reference to the Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the Sedition Committee.
2. In the Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to use the Home Rule League network.
3. Demonstrating against the arrival of the Simon Commission coincided with the Rowlatt Satyagraha.
The Rowlatt Act (1919) was based on the Sedition Committee (Rowlatt Committee) recommendations. Gandhiji utilized the Home Rule League network for mobilization. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928, nearly a decade after the Rowlatt Satyagraha of 1919.
Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
The 2014 Ebola outbreak, the largest in history, primarily affected Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa. The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO in August 2014.
Consider the following statements regarding fly ash produced by the coal-based power plants:
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement content of concrete.
3. Fly ash isite made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.
Fly ash can be used in brick production and as a partial replacement for Portland cement in concrete. However, statement 3 is incorrect because fly ash contains toxic heavy metals like arsenic, mercury and lead, in addition to silicon dioxide and calcium oxide.
Consider the following statements:
1. The dugong is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. The dugong is found along the entire coast of India.
3. The dugong is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The dugong is a herbivorous marine mammal and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. However, it is not found along the entire coast of India; it is mainly found in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Strait, Gulf of Kutch and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India?
1. Dadabhai Naoroji
2. G. Subramania Iyer
3. R.C. Dutt
All three were prominent economic critics of British colonialism. Dadabhai Naoroji propounded the Drain of Wealth theory in his book Poverty and Un-British Rule in India. R.C. Dutt wrote Economic History of India. G. Subramania Iyer co-founded The Hindu newspaper and criticized British economic exploitation.
Which one of the following issues the Global Economic Prospects report periodically?
The Global Economic Prospects report is published by the World Bank. It provides analysis and forecasts for the global economy, including detailed analysis of key macroeconomic issues.
When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?
When RBI reduces SLR, banks need to maintain fewer liquid assets, freeing up more funds for lending. This increased availability of loanable funds may lead banks to cut their lending rates to attract more borrowers.
With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Both statements are correct. Nanotechnology enables targeted drug delivery through nanoparticles that can carry drugs to specific cells. Nanotechnology also contributes to gene therapy by developing nano-carriers that can deliver genetic material to target cells.
In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the
Agricultural markets in India are regulated under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Acts enacted by respective State Governments. These Acts regulate the trade of agricultural commodities by establishing mandis (market yards).
Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was designated as the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2009. It is found mainly in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems and is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements:
1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of the proletariat.
3. It advocated separate electorates for minorities and oppressed classes.
None of the statements correctly describe the Congress Socialist Party (CSP). The CSP, formed in 1934, aimed to bring a socialist transformation within the Indian National Congress framework. It did not advocate boycott of British goods specifically, dictatorship of the proletariat, or separate electorates.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill.
2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants.
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Rajya Sabha can only recommend amendments to a Money Bill within 14 days and cannot reject it. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on Demands for Grants as it is the exclusive privilege of Lok Sabha. However, statement 3 is incorrect because the Rajya Sabha can discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined
The Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) clearly defined the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments by dividing subjects into Central and Provincial lists. It also introduced the system of dyarchy in the provinces.
Which of the following brings out the Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers?
The Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) is compiled and maintained by the Labour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It is used for determining dearness allowance for government employees.
In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about IceCube, a particle detector located at the South Pole, which was recently in the news:
1. It is the world largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
All three statements are correct. IceCube is the world largest neutrino detector spanning a cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice. It can be used as a telescope to search for dark matter. Its sensors are buried between 1,450 and 2,450 metres deep in the ice.
The terms Agreement on Agriculture, Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Peace Clause appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the
These terms are associated with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Agreement on Agriculture and the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures are part of the WTO framework. The Peace Clause was part of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture relating to agricultural subsidies.
With reference to Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields.
2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other.
3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.
NFC is a contactless communication technology using electromagnetic radio fields, and it can use encryption for sensitive data. However, NFC is designed for very short-range communication (within a few centimetres, not a metre), making statement 2 incorrect.
The area known as Golan Heights sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to
The Golan Heights is a strategically important plateau in the Middle East, located on the border between Syria and Israel. It was captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and has been a source of ongoing dispute.
Convertibility of rupee implies
Convertibility of the rupee means freely permitting the conversion of the Indian rupee into other foreign currencies and vice versa. India has full current account convertibility but only partial capital account convertibility.
Consider the following pairs:
Medieval Indian State — Present Region
1. Champaka — Central India
2. Durgara — Jammu
3. Kuluta — Malabar
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Only Durgara-Jammu is correctly matched. Champaka (Champa) was in present-day Chhattisgarh or Eastern India, not Central India. Kuluta was in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, not Malabar.
Consider the following rivers:
1. Vamsadhara
2. Indravati
3. Pranahita
4. Pennar
Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?
Indravati and Pranahita are tributaries of the Godavari river. Vamsadhara is an independent river flowing through Odisha and Andhra Pradesh directly into the Bay of Bengal. Pennar is also an independent river and not a tributary of Godavari.
When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be passed by
Under Article 108 of the Constitution, when a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both Houses, it has to be passed by a simple majority of the total number of members of both Houses present and voting.
Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a unique combination of mangrove forests (along the coasts), tropical evergreen forests (in the interior) and deciduous forests. This is due to the varied topography and rainfall patterns of the islands.
Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha?
1. Avanti
2. Gandhara
3. Kosala
4. Magadha
Kosala and Magadha were directly associated with the life of the Buddha. Buddha was born in Lumbini (in the Kosala kingdom) and attained enlightenment and gave most of his teachings in Magadha. Avanti and Gandhara were not directly associated with his life.
Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
The Montreal Protocol (1987) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as CFCs, HCFCs and halons.
Consider the following:
The arrival of Babur into India led to the
1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent
2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region architecture
3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region
Only statement 3 is correct. Babur established the Mughal (Timurid) dynasty in India. Gunpowder was already known in India before Babur (though he used it more effectively in warfare). The arch and dome were introduced much earlier by the Delhi Sultanate rulers.
The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the
NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established on 1 January 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, which had been in existence since 1950. Unlike the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog serves as a think tank and advisory body.
What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
Rio+20 was the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 2012, twenty years after the 1992 Earth Summit. It focused on green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
Both statements are incorrect. The Executive Power of the Union is vested in the President under Article 53, not in the Prime Minister. The Cabinet Secretary is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board, not the Prime Minister.
The term Goldilocks Zone is often seen in the news in the context of
The Goldilocks Zone (also called the habitable zone) refers to the area around a star where conditions are just right for liquid water to exist on a planet surface. It is used in the context of the search for Earth-like exoplanets.
Who organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?
C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) organized a salt march from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam on the Tanjore coast in April 1930 to break the Salt Law, inspired by Gandhiji Dandi March.
Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom the body politic was dedicated?
Harihara I founded the city of Vijayanagara (Hampi) on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River (a tributary of Krishna) in 1336. He and his brother Bukka I ruled the Vijayanagara Empire as agents of the deity Virupaksha (Lord Shiva).
Consider the following statements:
1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.
Statement 2 is correct. Badruddin Tyabji was the first Muslim President of the INC (1887 session at Madras). Statement 1 is incorrect because the first woman President of INC was Annie Besant (1917), not Sarojini Naidu (who presided over the 1925 Kanpur session).
With reference to the Green Climate Fund, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Statement 1 is correct. The Green Climate Fund assists developing countries in adaptation and mitigation to counter climate change. Statement 2 is incorrect. The GCF was established by the UNFCCC in 2010 at COP 16 in Cancun, not by UNEP, OECD, ADB and World Bank.
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which one of the following?
The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was awarded to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its successful Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), which made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit.
With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It recommended a federal government.
2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.
3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS.
Only statement 1 is correct. The Cabinet Mission of 1946 recommended a federal government with a weak centre controlling only defence, foreign affairs and communications. It did not enlarge the powers of Indian courts or provide for more Indians in the ICS.
Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?
Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and alpine (near-arctic). It is one of the largest protected areas in Eastern Himalayas with altitudes ranging from 200m to 4,571m.
Amnesty International is
Amnesty International is a global human rights movement founded in London in 1961. It campaigns for internationally recognized human rights and has more than 10 million supporters worldwide. It is not a UN agency or an inter-governmental organization.
With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one of the following was made earliest?
The Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli dates back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE, Ashoka era). Varaha Image at Udayagiri is from the Gupta period (5th century CE). Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram are from the Pallava period (7th century CE). Lingaraja Temple is from the 11th century CE.
With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system?
1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Statements 2 and 3 are essential elements of the feudal system. Statement 1 is incorrect because feudalism is characterized by the absence or weakness of centralized authority and the presence of strong local or provincial authority, which is the opposite of what is stated.
BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes is managed by the
The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is managed by the World Bank. It promotes reducing emissions from the land sector through smarter land use planning, policies and practices.
India is a member of which of the following?
1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
2. Association of South-East Asian Nations
3. East Asia Summit
India is a member of the East Asia Summit (joined in 2005) but is not a member of APEC or ASEAN. India has observer status in some APEC activities and is a dialogue partner of ASEAN, but not a full member of either.
In India, the steel production industry requires the import of
India steel industry requires the import of coking coal because domestic production is insufficient to meet the demand. India has limited reserves of good quality coking coal. Saltpetre is used in fertilizers and rock phosphate in phosphatic fertilizers, not in steel production.
The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to
The Fifth Schedule deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. The Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. Both are designed to protect Scheduled Tribes interests.
Consider the following statements about the Union Government budget:
1. The Department of Revenue prepares the Union Budget.
2. No money out of the Consolidated Fund of India can be appropriated except in accordance with a parliamentary law.
3. All the disbursements made from the Public Account also need authorization from Parliament.
Only statement 2 is correct. Article 266(3) states that no money can be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund except by law made by Parliament. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Budget Division of the Department of Economic Affairs (not Revenue) prepares the Union Budget. Statement 3 is incorrect because disbursements from the Public Account do not need Parliamentary authorization.
Who is the custodian of the Constitution of India?
The Supreme Court of India is the custodian and guardian of the Constitution. Under Article 32, the Supreme Court has the power to enforce Fundamental Rights. Under Article 137, it has the power of judicial review to ensure all laws conform to the Constitution.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use efficiency.
Statement 2 is correct. The Command Area Development Programme (CADP) was launched in 1974-75 to improve water-use efficiency in irrigation command areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because AIBP was launched in 1996-97 to accelerate the completion of ongoing irrigation projects, not to provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is responsible for approving activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production.
In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/participants?
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) comprises six member countries: India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Bangladesh and China are not members. Bangladesh is not in the Mekong basin, and China is not included despite the Mekong originating there.
Basel III Accord or simply Basel III, often seen in the news, seeks to
Basel III is a set of international banking regulations developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of the banking sector. It was developed in response to the 2008 financial crisis.
Consider the following statements:
1. The winds which blow between 30 degrees N and 60 degrees S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies.
2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in the North-Western region of India are part of westerlies.
Statement 2 is correct. The western disturbances that cause winter rainfall in North-Western India are part of the westerly wind belt. Statement 1 is incorrect because westerlies blow between 30 to 60 degrees in both hemispheres (30N-60N and 30S-60S), not from 30N to 60S.
With reference to Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), consider the following statements:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Both statements are incorrect. IOR-ARC (now IORA) was established in 1997, not recently. It is not an alliance for maritime security only; it is a regional forum for promoting economic cooperation, trade, investment and other forms of collaboration among Indian Ocean rim countries.
The movement that led to the split in the Indian National Congress resulting in Extremists and Moderates was the
The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908), launched in response to the Partition of Bengal, led to the split between Moderates and Extremists in the Indian National Congress at the Surat Session in 1907.
In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes these bridges become stronger. These unique Living Root Bridges are found in
The Living Root Bridges are found in Meghalaya, particularly in the East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills districts. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes create these bridges by training the aerial roots of the Ficus elastica (rubber fig) tree across streams.
Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?
1. Gravitational force of the Sun
2. Gravitational force of the Moon
3. Centrifugal force of the Earth
Tides are caused by the combined effect of the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Moon, along with the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the Earth-Moon system. The Moon gravitational pull is the dominant factor.
In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used?
1. Assessment of crop productivity
2. Locating groundwater resources
3. Mineral exploration
4. Telecommunications
5. Traffic studies
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites are used for assessment of crop productivity, locating groundwater resources and mineral exploration. Telecommunications use communication satellites (INSAT series, GSAT), not IRS satellites. Traffic studies are not a primary application of IRS.
Consider the following States:
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Mizoram
In which of the above States do Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur?
Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests occur in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram due to heavy rainfall and warm temperatures. Himachal Pradesh does not have tropical wet evergreen forests as it is in the temperate zone with much cooler temperatures.
The term IndARC, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of
IndARC (Indian Arctic) is India first multi-sensor moored observatory in the Arctic, deployed in 2014 at a depth of 192 metres in the Kongsfjorden fjord, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. It is maintained by the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).
Consider the following statements about the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility:
1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples.
2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research.
3. It assists developing countries in their efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The FCPF is a global partnership managed by the World Bank that assists developing countries in REDD+ efforts. Statement 2 is incorrect; it does not fund university or individual scientific research.
Which of the following has/have been given the status of classical language by the Government of India recently?
Odia was granted classical language status by the Government of India in February 2014. It became the sixth classical language of India, after Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam.
Consider the following statements about BirdLife International:
1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organisations.
2. The concept of Endemic Bird Areas has been developed by BirdLife International.
3. It identifies the sites known as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas.
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. BirdLife International is a global partnership of conservation organizations and it identifies Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). The concept of biodiversity hotspots was originated by Norman Myers, not BirdLife International. However, BirdLife did develop the Endemic Bird Areas concept; the official UPSC answer key marks 1 and 3 only as correct.
Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?
Jordan is a landlocked country in South-West Asia that does not have access to the Mediterranean Sea. It has a small coastline on the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba). Syria, Lebanon and Israel all have Mediterranean coastlines.
In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
Teak (Tectona grandis) is the dominant tree species in tropical moist deciduous forests of India. These forests are found in regions receiving rainfall between 100-200 cm and are widespread in states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, often seen in the news, is
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995, organized by the United Nations. It is a comprehensive agenda for women empowerment and gender equality.
Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But the rain is soon over. Which of the following regions is described in the above passage?
The passage describes the equatorial climate, characterized by uniformly high temperatures, afternoon convectional rainfall with thunder and lightning, and clear mornings. This daily weather pattern is typical of equatorial regions like the Congo Basin and Amazon Basin.
With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:
1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade.
2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.
Statement 2 is correct because GDP at market prices (nominal GDP) has been steadily increasing in India. Statement 1 is incorrect because Real GDP growth rate has fluctuated over the decade, declining from about 8-9% to around 5% and then recovering.
Consider the following statements about a Legislative Council:
1. A Legislative Council can have no more than half the number of members of the Legislative Assembly.
2. The Governor nominates the Chairman of the Legislative Council.
Both statements are incorrect. A Legislative Council shall not have more than one-third (not half) of the total number of members of the Legislative Assembly. The Chairman of the Legislative Council is elected by the Council members from among themselves, not nominated by the Governor.
The provision to uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India is a provision made in the
Article 51A(c) of the Fundamental Duties states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. This was added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 based on the Swaran Singh Committee recommendations.
Which one of the following best describes the term ecosystem?
An ecosystem is best described as a community of living organisms (biotic components) together with the non-living components (abiotic) of their environment, interacting as a system. This distinguishes it from a community (biotic only) or biosphere (entire Earth).
The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?
1. People participation in administration
2. Political accountability
3. Democratic decentralization
4. Financial mobilization
The fundamental objects of Panchayati Raj are people participation in administration and democratic decentralization. Political accountability and financial mobilization, while important aspects, are not the fundamental objects of the Panchayati Raj system as envisaged by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957).
With reference to Indian economy, consider the following:
1. Bank rate
2. Open market operations
3. Public debt
4. Public revenue
Which of the above is/are component/components of Monetary Policy?
Bank rate and open market operations are components of monetary policy controlled by the RBI. Public debt and public revenue are components of fiscal policy managed by the government, not monetary policy.
With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?
Decreased money circulation helps in controlling inflation because less money chasing the same amount of goods reduces price levels. The RBI uses tools like CRR, SLR, repo rate and open market operations to control money supply and thereby inflation.
Consider the following countries:
1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan
Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognised by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as NPT?
The NPT recognises only five countries as Nuclear Weapons States: USA, Russia, UK, France and China. India, Israel and Pakistan are not signatories to the NPT and are not recognised as Nuclear Weapons States under the treaty.
The ideal of Welfare State in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its
The ideal of a Welfare State is enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) of the Indian Constitution. These principles direct the State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people (Article 38).
The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of
The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs is an example of capital-augmenting technological progress because it increases the productivity of capital (the plough) without necessarily changing the amount of labour or capital used.
The Indian Parliamentary system is different from the British Parliamentary system in that India has
India has a system of judicial review which distinguishes it from the British Parliamentary system. Britain follows parliamentary sovereignty where courts cannot strike down laws. In India, the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional through judicial review under Articles 13 and 32.
H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?
H1N1 is the influenza virus responsible for Swine Flu. The H1N1 pandemic in 2009 was a major global health emergency. H5N1 is associated with Bird Flu, not H1N1.
With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
1. The decomposition of human waste is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition.
Both statements are incorrect. Bio-toilets use anaerobic bacteria (not fungal inoculum) to decompose human waste. The end products include methane, carbon dioxide and water (not just ammonia and water vapour).
The problem of international liquidity is related to the non-availability of
International liquidity refers to the availability of internationally accepted means of payment, primarily the US dollar and other hard currencies (like Euro, Pound, Yen). The problem of international liquidity arises when there is a shortage of these currencies for settling international transactions.
With reference to fuel cells in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements:
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).
Only statement 1 is correct. When pure hydrogen is used, fuel cells emit only heat and water. Statement 2 is incorrect as fuel cells can power both buildings and small devices. Statement 3 is incorrect because fuel cells produce Direct Current (DC), not Alternating Current.
Kalamkari painting refers to
Kalamkari is the art of hand-painting or block-printing on cotton textile, practiced in parts of South India, mainly in Andhra Pradesh. The name is derived from the Persian words kalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship). The main centres are Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam.
The objective of the Seed Village Concept is
The Seed Village Concept aims to train farmers to produce quality seeds at their own farms and make them available to fellow farmers at affordable cost. It promotes self-sufficiency in seed production at the village level.
There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which of the following actions can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit?
1. Reducing revenue expenditure
2. Introducing new welfare schemes
3. Rationalizing subsidies
4. Expanding industries
Reducing revenue expenditure and rationalizing subsidies help reduce the budget deficit. Introducing new welfare schemes would increase expenditure, not reduce the deficit. Expanding industries is not a direct government budgetary action to reduce deficit.
Which of the following has/have been accorded Geographical Indication status?
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Banaras Brocades and Sarees and Tirupathi Laddu have been accorded Geographical Indication (GI) status. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma has not been given GI status.
With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.
Both statements are correct. IREDA is a Public Limited Government Company established in 1987 under the Companies Act. It is also registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with the RBI, providing financial assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
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