Previous Year Questions
UPSC Prelims 2017 — GS Paper I
With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:
1. A private member s bill is a bill presented by a Member of Parliament who is not elected but only nominated by the President of India.
2. Recently, a private member s bill has been passed in the Parliament of India for the first time in its history.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are incorrect. A private member s bill is introduced by any MP who is not a minister, whether elected or nominated. Also, 14 private member bills have been passed since independence — the first was in 1952.
With reference to the difference between the culture of Rigvedic Aryans and Indus Valley people, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Rigvedic Aryans used the coat of mail and helmet in warfare whereas the people of Indus Valley Civilization did not leave any evidence of using them.
2. Rigvedic Aryans knew gold, silver and copper whereas Indus Valley people knew only copper and iron.
3. Rigvedic Aryans had domesticated the horse whereas there is no evidence of Indus Valley people having been aware of this animal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is correct — Rigvedic Aryans used armour and helmets. Statement 2 is incorrect — Indus Valley people knew gold, silver and copper but not iron. Statement 3 is correct as per the official answer — horse evidence in Indus Valley remains controversial.
Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to
The Recognition of Prior Learning scheme certifies skills acquired by construction workers through informal and traditional learning channels. It is implemented across construction sites in multiple states.
From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, connecting the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. It adjoins Billigiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai and Bandipur.
One of the implications of equality in society is the absence of
Equality in society implies the absence of special privileges. In an equal society, no individual or group enjoys special status or advantages over others based on birth, class, caste or any other criteria.
Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC):
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organization working on wildlife trade, jointly established by WWF and IUCN. It is not a bureau under UNEP. Its mission is to ensure wildlife trade does not threaten nature conservation.
Which principle among the following was added to the Directive Principles of State Policy by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution?
Article 43A (Participation of workers in management of industries) was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. Equal pay for equal work (Article 39d), Right to work (Article 41) and living wage (Article 43) were part of the original Constitution.
Which one of the following statements is correct?
Rights are essentially claims of the citizens against the State. They are not claims of the State against citizens, nor mere privileges. Rights impose obligations on the State to respect and protect them.
Which of the following gives Global Gender Gap Index ranking to the countries of the world?
The Global Gender Gap Index is published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It benchmarks countries on their progress towards gender parity across four dimensions: Economic Participation, Educational Attainment, Health and Political Empowerment.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017?
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade.
2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country.
3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Smart India Hackathon 2017 was a nationwide initiative to harness the creativity of students to solve pressing problems. It is not related to Smart Cities Mission or Digital India. It identifies digital technology innovations for national challenges.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?
1. It decides the RBI s benchmark interest rates.
2. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
3. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Only statement 1 is correct. The MPC is a 6-member body (not 12) chaired by the RBI Governor (not the Finance Minister). It decides benchmark policy rates (repo rate). Members are appointed for 4 years.
With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Manipuri Sankirtana is a song and dance performance from Manipur narrating the life and deeds of Lord Krishna. Besides cymbals, drums (pung/mridanga) are also used. It was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013.
Who among the following was/were associated with the introduction of Ryotwari Settlement in India during the British rule?
1. Lord Cornwallis
2. Alexander Read
3. Thomas Munro
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Captain Alexander Read first introduced the Ryotwari system in parts of Madras Presidency, and Thomas Munro developed and expanded it. Lord Cornwallis was associated with the Permanent/Zamindari Settlement in Bengal (1793).
In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique?
1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms.
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is correct — bioremediation enhances natural biodegradation. Statement 2 is incorrect — heavy metals like cadmium and lead cannot be readily and completely treated by microorganisms. Statement 3 is correct — genetically engineered microorganisms can be designed for bioremediation.
The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for
The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 established a mechanism of tribunals for resolving industrial disputes and imposed restrictions on strikes. It was enacted in response to growing labour unrest in British India.
Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in
Local self-government is best explained as an exercise in democratic decentralisation. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments institutionalized Panchayati Raj and Municipalities as the third tier of governance, devolving power to local bodies.
Consider the following statements:
With reference to the Constitution of India, the Directive Principles of State Policy constitute limitations upon:
1. legislative function.
2. executive function.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
DPSPs are not enforceable in court and do not constitute limitations upon legislative or executive functions. They are guidelines for the State and are non-justiciable in nature (Article 37).
The term Digital Single Market Strategy seen in the news refers to
The Digital Single Market Strategy is an initiative of the European Union (EU) aimed at ensuring access to online activities for individuals and businesses under conditions of fair competition, consumer protection and data protection.
At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at
Chandipur beach in Odisha is known as the Hide and Seek Beach where the seawater retreats 1-5 km from the shore and returns twice daily due to the unique shallow continental shelf and tidal patterns.
With reference to the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 (PBPT Act), consider the following statements:
1. A property transaction is not treated as a benami transaction if the owner of the property is not aware of the transaction.
2. Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by the Government.
3. The Act provides for three authorities for investigations but does not provide for any appellate mechanism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Only statement 2 is correct. Benami properties are liable for confiscation by the Government. Statement 1 is incorrect — lack of awareness does not exempt a transaction from being benami. Statement 3 is incorrect — the Act does provide for an Appellate Tribunal.
Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Butterflies are important pollinators (statement 1 correct) and are prey for wasps, spiders and birds (statement 3 correct). A decline in butterfly population would adversely affect pollination and reduce predator populations. Statement 2 about fungal infections is not directly linked.
It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is incorrect — algae can grow on marginal or non-crop land and in brackish or polluted water on continents. Statements 2 and 3 are correct — algae biofuel production requires high technical expertise and large-scale facilities that raise ecological concerns.
Which of the following are the objectives of National Nutrition Mission?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) focuses on creating awareness about malnutrition and reducing anaemia among target groups. Promoting specific food items like millets, coarse cereals or poultry eggs are not its stated objectives.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.
2. N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect — the Factories Act, 1881 primarily regulated working hours and conditions in factories, especially for women and children; it did not fix wages or allow trade unions. Statement 2 is correct — Narayan Meghaji Lokhande was a pioneer of the labour movement in India.
In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?
1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3. Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
All three are potential sites for geological carbon sequestration. CO2 can be injected into abandoned coal seams (also enabling coalbed methane recovery), depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and deep saline formations underground.
The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to
The Butler Committee (Indian States Committee) of 1927 was appointed to examine the relationship between the British Indian Government and the princely states. It recommended that the relationship of the states should be with the Crown and not with the Governor-General in Council.
The term Domestic Content Requirement is sometimes seen in the news with reference to
Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) has been in the news regarding India s solar power policy, which mandated that a certain percentage of solar cells and modules used in government projects be manufactured domestically. This was challenged at the WTO by the US.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations.
2. The International Panel on Fissile Materials is an organ of International Atomic Energy Agency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are incorrect. The Nuclear Security Summits were initiated by US President Obama in 2010 and are not held under the UN. The International Panel on Fissile Materials (IPFM) is an independent group of arms-control and nonproliferation experts, not an IAEA organ.
Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?
NPS is mandatory for all State Government employees who join after the respective state notification date. Armed Forces personnel are excluded from NPS. NPS is open to all Indian citizens aged 18-70, not just 21-55. NRIs can also join.
With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:
1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect — Teesta originates from Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim, not from the same source as Brahmaputra. Statement 2 is correct — Rangeet River originates in Sikkim and is a tributary of Teesta. Statement 3 is incorrect — Teesta flows into Bangladesh and joins the Brahmaputra (Jamuna), not directly into Bay of Bengal on the border.
Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same species that transmits dengue. Additionally, sexual transmission of Zika virus has been documented.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.
2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct — BIS certification is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes. Statement 2 is incorrect — AGMARK is issued by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, not by FAO.
What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the National Agriculture Market scheme?
1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Both statements are correct. The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal that networks existing APMC mandis. It provides farmers access to a nationwide market with transparent price discovery based on produce quality.
With reference to the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, consider the following statements:
1. It reiterates India s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. The National IPR Policy 2016 reiterates India s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and TRIPS Agreement. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal agency for IPR.
According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law?
1. Gharial
2. Indian wild ass
3. Wild buffalo
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
All three — gharial, Indian wild ass and wild buffalo — are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and enjoy the highest level of legal protection. Hunting them is prohibited except under special provisions.
Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen?
1. A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties.
2. They are correlative to legal duties.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Neither statement is correct. Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) are not enforceable through any specific legislative process — they are non-justiciable. They are moral obligations, not correlative to legal duties.
Consider the following pairs:
1. Radhakanta Deb — First President of the British Indian Association
2. Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty — Founder of the Madras Mahajana Sabha
3. Surendranath Banerjee — Founder of the Indian Association
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Pair 1 is correct — Radhakanta Deb was the first president of the British Indian Association (1851). Pair 2 is incorrect — Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty founded the Madras Native Association (1852), not the Madras Mahajana Sabha. Pair 3 is correct — Surendranath Banerjee founded the Indian Association in 1876.
Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
The Preamble secures liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. Economic liberty is not explicitly mentioned in the Preamble, though economic justice is.
With reference to Quality Council of India (QCI), consider the following statements:
1. QCI was set up jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry.
2. Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendations of the industry to the Government.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. QCI was established in 1997 jointly by the Government of India and the Indian industry represented by ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI. The Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister on industry recommendations.
What is the purpose of setting up of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India?
1. To supply credit to small business units
2. To supply credit to small and marginal farmers
3. To encourage young entrepreneurs to set up business particularly in rural areas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
All three are objectives of Small Finance Banks. SFBs were set up to further financial inclusion by providing savings and credit to small business units, small and marginal farmers, micro and small industries, and to encourage entrepreneurship in rural and semi-urban areas.
With reference to Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD), consider the following statements:
1. The first APMCHUD was held in India in 2006 on the theme Emerging Urban Forms — Policy Responses and Governance Structure.
2. India hosts all the Annual Ministerial Conferences in partnership with ADB, APEC and ASEAN.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct — the first APMCHUD was held in New Delhi, India in 2006. Statement 2 is incorrect — India does not host all annual conferences, and APMCHUD is not organized in partnership with ADB, APEC and ASEAN.
Democracy s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity
The superior virtue of democracy lies in activating the intelligence and character of ordinary citizens. Democracy empowers common people to participate in governance and decision-making.
Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
UPI enables direct bank-to-bank transfers through mobile apps, making intermediate mobile wallets unnecessary for online payments. This is the most direct and likely consequence of UPI implementation.
The terms Event Horizon, Singularity, String Theory and Standard Model are sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Event Horizon, Singularity, String Theory and Standard Model are all concepts related to physics and cosmology — the observation and understanding of the Universe, including black holes, particle physics and the fundamental forces of nature.
With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of genome sequencing, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
All three statements are correct. Genome sequencing helps identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance, reduces the time for developing new crop varieties through marker-assisted selection, and helps understand host-pathogen interactions.
The main advantage of the parliamentary form of government is that
The main advantage of parliamentary government is executive accountability to the legislature. The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha (Article 75). This ensures democratic accountability.
In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct relationship between Rights and Duties?
Rights and Duties are correlative — they complement each other. Every right implies a corresponding duty. For example, the right to free speech implies the duty not to misuse it. This balance is essential for a functional democracy.
The mind of the makers of the Constitution of India is reflected in which of the following?
The Preamble reflects the mind and philosophy of the makers of the Constitution. The Supreme Court in the Berubari Union case (1960) described the Preamble as the key to understanding the minds of the Constitution makers.
If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination?
The shortest route passes through 7 states: Nagaland (Kohima) — Assam — West Bengal — Odisha — Andhra Pradesh — Tamil Nadu — Kerala (Kottayam).
The Parliament of India exercises control over the functions of the Council of Ministers through:
1. Adjournment motion
2. Question hour
3. Supplementary questions
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
All three are mechanisms through which Parliament exercises control over the Council of Ministers. Adjournment motion draws attention to urgent matters, Question Hour allows MPs to question ministers, and Supplementary questions enable follow-up probing.
Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom?
Motupalli was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom of the Deccan. Marco Polo visited this port in 1289 CE. It was located on the coast of present-day Andhra Pradesh and was a major centre for maritime trade.
With reference to Global Climate Change Alliance, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The GCCA was established by the EU in 2007 and provides technical and financial support to developing countries for climate change integration. Statement 3 is incorrect — it is not coordinated by WRI and WBCSD.
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect — Sautrantika and Sammitiya were sects of Buddhism, not Jainism. Statement 2 is correct — the Sarvastivadin school of Buddhism held that dharmas (constituents of phenomena) were not wholly momentary but existed eternally in a latent form.
Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries?
1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon
4. Syria
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Only Lebanon and Syria among the given options border the Mediterranean Sea. Jordan is landlocked except for a small coastline on the Red Sea (Gulf of Aqaba). Iraq has a small coastline on the Persian Gulf, not the Mediterranean.
With reference to National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
2. It has a corpus of Rs. 4,00,000 crore at present.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Both statements are incorrect. NIIF is not an organ of NITI Aayog — it is an investment institution established by the Government of India with a proposed corpus of Rs. 40,000 crore (not Rs. 4,00,000 crore). It operates as a fund manager for infrastructure investments.
The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an
The Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) is a World Bank Group partnership that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure PPPs to mobilize private sector and institutional investor capital.
For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by
Under Section 33 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of any constituency can file a nomination for Lok Sabha elections. There is no requirement to be a resident of the specific constituency being contested.
Consider the following statements:
1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.
2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.
3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Only statement 3 is correct. Pulicat Lake lies on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Himalayas spread over more than 5 states (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, plus parts of others). The Western Ghats span 6 states.
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for
BOD is the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water. It is a key indicator used to assess pollution levels in aquatic ecosystems — higher BOD indicates more pollution.
With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?
1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. UN-Habitat promotes sustainable human settlements and adequate shelter, and contributes to poverty reduction and sanitation access. Statement 2 is incorrect — UN-Habitat partners with NGOs, trade unions, academics, and the private sector, not just governments.
With reference to National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which of the statements given below is/are correct?
1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning.
2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect — NSQF allows certification through formal, non-formal and informal learning, including prior learning recognition. Statement 2 is correct — NSQF enables mobility between vocational and general education streams.
In the context of Indian history, the principle of Dyarchy (diarchy) refers to
Dyarchy, introduced by the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), divided provincial subjects into two categories — Reserved (under Governor) and Transferred (under Indian ministers responsible to the legislature).
Consider the following in respect of National Career Service:
1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.
2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Both statements are incorrect. NCS is an initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (not Department of Personnel and Training). It provides career services to all citizens, not just uneducated youth.
Which of the following statements best describes the term Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A), recently seen in the news?
S4A is a scheme launched by the RBI in 2016 for resolution of stressed assets. It allows banks to bifurcate the debt of stressed borrowers into sustainable and unsustainable portions, reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.
Consider the following statements:
1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect — CCAC is not a G20 initiative. It was launched in 2012 by UNEP and six countries. Statement 2 is correct — CCAC focuses on short-lived climate pollutants including methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
With reference to Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino s impact on the monsoon.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect — IOD is characterised by sea surface temperature difference between the western and eastern Indian Ocean (not Eastern Pacific). Statement 2 is correct — a positive IOD can counteract El Nino s negative impact on the Indian monsoon.
If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit?
The National Chambal Sanctuary along the Chambal River is the best place to see gharials in their natural habitat. It is home to the largest population of critically endangered gharials. Bhitarkanika has saltwater crocodiles, not gharials.
Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):
1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect — the inaugural IONS was held in New Delhi in February 2008, not 2015. Statement 2 is correct — IONS is a voluntary initiative to enhance maritime cooperation among navies of Indian Ocean littoral states.
The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
The famous painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani (holding a lotus) is found in Cave 1 of the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra. It is one of the finest examples of ancient Indian mural art, dating to the 5th century CE.
Consider the following pairs:
Traditions — Communities
1. Chaliha Sahib Festival — Sindhis
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra — Gonds
3. Wari-Warkari — Santhals
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Only pair 1 is correct. Chaliha Sahib Festival is celebrated by Sindhis in honor of Jhulelal. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra is associated with the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand (not Gonds). Wari-Warkari is a Maharashtrian Vaishnava tradition (not Santhals).
Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture?
1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Reduced or zero tillage helps retain soil moisture and crop residue mulching reduces evaporation, both aiding water conservation. Gypsum is used to treat sodic/alkaline soils and improve drainage but is not primarily a water conservation practice.
Consider the following statements:
The nation-wide Soil Health Card Scheme aims at
1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Only statement 3 is correct. The Soil Health Card Scheme primarily aims to check the overuse of fertilizers by providing soil nutrient status information and recommending balanced fertilizer use. It does not aim to expand irrigation area or enable bank loan assessments.
Consider the following pairs:
Commonly used/consumed materials — Unwanted or controversial chemicals likely to be found in them
1. Lipstick — Lead
2. Soft drinks — Brominated vegetable oils
3. Chinese fast food — Monosodium glutamate
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
All three pairs are correct. Lead has been found as a contaminant in lipsticks. Brominated vegetable oils (BVO) are used as emulsifiers in some soft drinks. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used in Chinese fast food as a flavour enhancer.
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays?
1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.
2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs.
3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
All three statements are correct. OLEDs can be fabricated on flexible substrates (enabling bendable screens), can be used for roll-up wearable displays, and can be made transparent as they do not require a backlight like LCDs.
Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples?
1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Only Arasavalli in Andhra Pradesh is famous for a Sun temple (Suryanarayana Swamy Temple). Amarakantak in Madhya Pradesh is a pilgrimage centre known for the origin of Narmada and Son rivers. Omkareshwar is famous for a Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva.
Consider the following statements:
1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker s post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker s to the Opposition.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are incorrect. India follows the First Past the Post system where the candidate with the highest votes wins, regardless of whether they get 50%. The Constitution does not mandate that the Deputy Speaker must be from the Opposition.
Which of the following has/have occurred in India after its liberalization of economic policies in 1991?
1. Share of agriculture in GDP increased enormously.
2. Share of India s exports in world trade increased.
3. FDI inflows increased.
4. India s foreign exchange reserves increased enormously.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
After 1991 liberalization, India s exports in world trade increased, FDI inflows surged, and forex reserves grew enormously. However, the share of agriculture in GDP has declined (not increased) from about 30% in 1991 to around 15%.
What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology?
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is the technique used for reproductive cloning of animals. It involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell. Dolly the sheep was cloned using this technique in 1996.
Consider the following statements:
1. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting financial inclusion in the country.
2. NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payment systems in India, promoting financial inclusion. NPCI launched the RuPay card payment network in 2012, which is India s indigenous card payment scheme.
The term M-STrIPES is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
M-STrIPES stands for Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status. It is a software-based monitoring system launched by the Indian Government for use in tiger reserves to collect, store and analyse data on tiger habitats and populations.
What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing Goods and Services Tax (GST)?
1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
2. It will drastically reduce the Current Account Deficit of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Only statement 1 is correct. GST replaced multiple indirect taxes with a single tax, creating a unified national market. Statements 2 and 3 are exaggerated — GST does not directly reduce CAD or guarantee overtaking China s economy.
Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and
BTIA is a proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Negotiations began in 2007 but have been stalled due to differences on market access, data protection and other issues.
Consider the following statements:
1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
2. TFA is a part of WTO s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
3. TFA came into force in January 2016.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. India ratified the TFA in April 2016, and TFA was part of the WTO Bali Ministerial Package of December 2013. Statement 3 is incorrect — the TFA came into force on 22 February 2017, not January 2016.
What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
Chabahar Port in Iran provides India a strategic route to access Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan. India signed agreements with Iran for development of this port to reduce dependence on Pakistan for connectivity to the region.
In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and CERT-In rules, it is legally mandatory for all three — service providers, data centres, and body corporate — to report cyber security incidents to CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team).
Right to vote and to be elected in India is a
The Right to vote and be elected is a Constitutional Right (not a Fundamental Right) in India. It is conferred by the Constitution through Article 326 and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The Supreme Court has held it is a statutory/constitutional right.
What is the purpose of evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA) project?
eLISA (evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a European Space Agency mission concept designed to detect and study gravitational waves from space. It uses laser interferometry between spacecraft to measure spacetime distortions.
What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana?
1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Only statement 2 is correct. Vidyanjali is a school volunteer programme under the Ministry of Education that encourages community and private sector involvement in improving government school quality. It is not about foreign institutions or monetary infrastructure contributions.
What is the aim of the programme Unnat Bharat Abhiyan?
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Education, aims to connect institutions of higher education (IITs, NITs, universities) with rural communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies and capacity building.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Only statement 3 is correct. The ECI resolves disputes on party splits and mergers under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. Statement 1 is wrong — ECI can have up to 3 members (CEC + 2 ECs). Statement 2 is wrong — ECI itself decides election schedules.
In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides the highest level of legal protection. All species listed in Schedule I — whether tiger, elephant, gharial or tortoise — enjoy the same degree of protection with the most stringent penalties for violations.
In India, Judicial Review implies
Judicial Review in India means the power of the judiciary to examine the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders. Courts can strike down laws or actions that violate the Constitution. This power flows from Articles 13, 32 and 226.
With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events:
1. Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy
2. Quit India Movement launched
3. Second Round Table Conference
What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
The correct chronological order is: Second Round Table Conference (September-December 1931), Quit India Movement (August 1942), Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (February 1946). So the sequence is 3-2-1.
Consider the following statements:
1. Tax revenue as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
2. Fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Neither statement is correct. Tax revenue as a percentage of GDP has not shown a steady increase but has fluctuated. Similarly, fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP has not steadily increased — it has varied, showing both increases and decreases over the decade.
Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites?
The Supreme Court in 2013 directed the translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir National Park in Gujarat to Kuno Palpur (now Kuno National Park) in Madhya Pradesh to establish a second population and reduce the risk of extinction from a single habitat.
Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President s rule in a State?
1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State
3. Dissolution of the local bodies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Under President s Rule (Article 356), dissolution of the State Assembly is not necessary — it can be kept in suspended animation. Local bodies continue to function. However, the Council of Ministers is necessarily removed. So items 1 and 3 are not necessary consequences.
Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India?
1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
2. Abolition of untouchability
3. Protection of the interests of minorities
4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Right against Exploitation (Articles 23-24) includes prohibition of human trafficking and forced labour (Article 23) and prohibition of child labour in factories and mines (Article 24). Abolition of untouchability is under Right to Equality (Article 17). Protection of minorities is under Cultural and Educational Rights.
Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar?
Great Nicobar is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands chain. Sumatra (Indonesia) is approximately 180 km to the south, making it the geographically closest among the options. Borneo, Java and Sri Lanka are much farther away.
Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government:
The fundamental principle of the Cabinet form of government is collective responsibility to the legislature and through it to the people. The Cabinet acts as a team and is collectively answerable to Parliament for all its decisions and actions.
Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism?
Indian federalism was not the result of an agreement among pre-existing federating units (unlike the US). India s federation was created by the Constitution, with states carved out by the Centre. Unequal representation in Rajya Sabha, independent judiciary and division of powers are actual features.
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