All Prelims papers

UPSC Prelims 1997

General Studies Paper I

150 questions, 2 hours. Open a question for its answer and why.

Sit it against the clock, marked with UPSC’s key
  1. Question 1 · Geography

    About 50% of the world population is concentrated between the latitudes of

    a5°N and 20°N
    b20°N and 40°N
    c40°N and 60°N
    d20°S and 40°S
  2. Question 2 · History and Culture

    After consolidating his power, Balban assumed the grand title of

    aTute-i-Hind
    bKaisr-i-Hind
    cZil-i-Ilahi
    dDin-i-Ilahi
  3. Question 3 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Climatic Conditions) I. Chennai is warmer than Calcutta II. Snowfall in Himalayas III. Rainfall decreases from Depressions IV. Sutlej-Ganga Plain gets some rain in winter List II (Reasons) A) North-east Monsoon B) Altitude C) Western West Bengal to Punjab D) Distance from sea E) Latitude Codes:

    aI-A, II-B, III-D, IV-E
    bI-D, II-E, III-A, IV-C
    cI-E, II-B, III-D, IV-C
    dI-E, II-A, III-C, IV-D
  4. Question 4 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The economic and monetary union of 15 European Countries is proposed to be made by 1999. But the currencies of two countries, Franc, have already the same value and circulate freely in both the countries. The countries are

    aFrance and Switzerland
    bSwitzerland and Luxembourg
    cLuxembourg and Belgium
    dFrance and Belgium
  5. Question 5 · Economy and Social Development

    The average rate of domestic savings (gross) for the Indian economy is currently estimated to be in the range of

    a15 to 20 per cent
    b20 to 25 per cent
    c25 to 30 per cent
    d30 to 35 per cent
  6. Question 6 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Butler Committee II. Hurtog Committee Report III. Hunter Inquiry Committee Report IV. Muddiman Committee Report List II A) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Report B) Relationship between the Indian States and Paramount Power C) Working of Dyarchy as laid down in the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms D) The growth of education in British India and potentialities of its further progress Codes:

    aI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
    bI-A, II-D, III-B, IV-C
    cI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
    dI-B, II-D, III-A, IV-C
  7. Question 7 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Deccan Traps II. Western Ghats III. Aravalli IV. Narmada-Tapi List II A) Late Cenozoic B) Pre-Cambrian C) Cretaceous-Eocene D) Cambrian Alluvial deposits E) Pleistocene Codes:

    aI-C, II-E, III-A, IV-D
    bI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-E
    cI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
    dI-A, II-D, III-B, IV-E
  8. Question 8 · Economy and Social Development

    The number of industries for which industrial licensing is required has now been reduced to

    a15
    b6
    c35
    d20
  9. Question 9 · History and Culture

    The head of the military department under the reorganised central machinery of administration during Akbar’s reign was

    aDiwan
    bMir Bakshi
    cMir Saman
    dBakshi
  10. Question 10 · Geography

    The January isotherm taken as a basis for dividing India into tropical and sub-tropical zones is

    a21 °C
    b18 °C
    c12 °C
    d15 °C
  11. Question 11 · Geography

    “……….They are people of yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high cheek bones, sparse hair and medium height.” The reference here is to

    aNordic Aryans
    bAustric
    cNegroids
    dMongoloids
  12. Question 12 · Economy and Social Development

    What is the correct sequence of the descending order of the following States in respect of female literacy rates as per the 1991 Census? I. Mizoram II. Kerala III. Goa IV. Nagaland Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aII, III, I, IV
    bII, I, III, IV
    cII, III, IV, I
    dI, II, IV, III
  13. Question 13 · Science and Technology

    The tail of a comet is directed away from the sun because

    aas the comet rotates around the sun, the lighter mass of the comet is pushed away due to the centrifugal force alone
    bas the comet rotates, the lighter mass of the comet is attracted by some star situated in the direction of its tail
    cthe radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet throwing its tail away from the sun
    dthe tail of the comet always exists in the same orientation
  14. Question 14 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): The sponsor and the most prominent figure of the Chisti order of Sufis in India is Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Reason (R): The Chisti order takes its name from a village Chisti in Ajmer. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

    aBoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
    cA is true, but R is false
    dA is false, but R is true
  15. Question 15 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Minerals) I. Coal II. Gold III. Mica IV. Manganese List II (Typical areas of Occurrence) A) Bhandara B) Karanpura C) Hutti D) Nellore Codes:

    aI-A, II-C, III-B, IV-D
    bI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    cI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
    dI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
  16. Question 16 · Polity and Governance

    In which of the following countries will the no-confidence motion to bring down the government passed by the legislature be valid only when the legislature is able to find simultaneously a majority to elect a successor government?

    aFrance
    bGermany
    cItaly
    dPortugal
  17. Question 17 · Economy and Social Development

    The sum of which of the following constitutes Broad Money in India? I. Currency with the Public II. Demand deposits with banks III. Time deposits with banks IV. Other deposits with RBI Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI and II
    bI, II and III
    cI, II, III and IV
    dI, II and IV
  18. Question 18 · History and Culture

    “A graduate at 18, professor and associated editor of the Sudharak at 20, Secretary of the Sarvajanik Sabha and of the Provincial Conference at 25, Secretary of the National Congress at 29, leading witness before an important Royal Commission at 31, Provincial legislator at 34, Imperial legislator at 36, President of the Indian National Congress at 39 ……… a patriot whom Mahatma Gandhi himself regarded as his master.” This is how a biographer describes

    aPandit Madan Mohan Malaviya
    bMahadev Govind Ranade
    cGopal Krishna Gokhale
    dBal Gangadhar Tilak
  19. Question 19 · Geography

    The river shown on the map is

    aIrrawaddy
    bMekong
    cChao Phraya
    dSalween
  20. Question 20 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following was NOT proposed by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in the area of Panchayati Raj?

    aThirty per cent seats in all elected rural local bodies will be reserved for women candidates at all levels
    bThe States will constitute their Finance Commissions to allocate resources to Panchayati Raj Institutions
    cThe Panchayati Raj elected functionaries will be disqualified to hold their offices if they have more than two children
    dThe elections will be held in six months’ time if Panchayati Raj bodies are super-ceded or dissolved by the State government
  21. Question 21 · Economy and Social Development

    According to the latest census figures sex ratio in India is

    adeclining
    bstable
    cincreasing
    dfluctuating
  22. Question 22 · History and Culture

    Who among the following was associated with the suppression of Thugs?

    aGeneral Henry Prendergast
    bCaptain Sleeman
    cAlexander Burnes
    dCaptain Robert Pemberton
  23. Question 23 · Geography

    The Alamatti Dam is on the river

    aGodavari
    bCauvery
    cKrishna
    dMahanadi
  24. Question 24 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following States of India has passed a legislation (in 1996) making the maintenance of one’s parents mandatory?

    aKerala
    bWest Bengal
    cMaharashtra
    dHimachal Pradesh
  25. Question 25 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Events) I. Morley Minto Reforms II. Simon Commission III. The Chauri-Chaura incident IV. The Dandi March List II (Results) A) Country-wide agitation B) Withdrawal of a movement C) Communal Electorates D) Communal outbreaks E) Illegal manufacture of salt Codes:

    aI-C, II-D, III-E, IV-B
    bI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
    cI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-E
    dI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-E
  26. Question 26 · History and Culture

    The Poona Pact which was signed between the British Government and Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 provided for

    athe creation of dominion status for India
    bseparate electorates for the Muslims
    cseparate electorate for the Harijans
    djoint electorate with reservation for Harijans
  27. Question 27 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following was used as a chemical weapon in the First World War?

    aCarbon monoxide
    bHydrogen cyanide
    cMustard gas
    dWater gas
  28. Question 28 · Polity and Governance

    Proportional representation is NOT necessary in a country where

    athere are no reserved constituencies
    ba two-party system has developed
    cthe first-past-the-post system prevails
    dthere is a fusion of Presidential and Parliamentary forms of governments
  29. Question 29 · Economy and Social Development

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Committees) I. Disinvestment of shares in Public Sector Enterprises II. Industrial Sickness III. Tax Reforms IV. Reforms in Insurance Sector List II (Chaired by) A) Rajah Chelliah B) Onkar Goswami C) R. N. Malhotra D) C. Rangarajan Codes:

    aI–A, II–D, III–B, IV–C
    bI–D, II–B, III–A, IV–C
    cI–D, II–A, III–B, IV–C
    dI–A, II–C, III–D, IV–B
  30. Question 30 · Geography

    Which one of the following factors is responsible for the change in the regular direction of the ocean currents in the Indian Ocean?

    aIndian Ocean is ‘half an ocean’
    bIndian Ocean has monsoon drift
    cIndian Ocean is a land-locked ocean
    dIndian Ocean has greater variation in salinity
  31. Question 31 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the Lists: List I I. Surat Split II. Communal Award III. All-Party Convention IV. Poorna Swaraj Resolution List II A) 1929 B) 1928 C) 1932 D) 1907 E) 1905 Codes:

    aI–D, II–C, III–A, IV–E
    bI–D, II–C, III–B, IV–A
    cI–B, II–E, III–D, IV–A
    dI–A, II–D, III–E, IV–C
  32. Question 32 · Geography

    Consider the map given below: The predominant languages spoken in the areas marked A, B, C and D are respectively

    aBrajbhasha, Bhojpuri, Maithili and Awadhi
    bAwadhi, Maithili, Bhojpuri and Brajbhasha
    cBrajbhasha, Awadhi, Bhojpuri and Maithili
    dMaithili, Bhojpuri, Brajbhasha and Awadhi
  33. Question 33 · Geography

    The canal carrying capacity of Farakka is

    a75,000 cusecs
    b70,000 cusecs
    c40,000 cusecs
    d35,000 cusecs
  34. Question 34 · Geography

    The Prime Minister of which one of the following countries is chosen by the ruling prince from a slate of three candidates put up to him by the President of France?

    aSan Marius
    bLiechtenstein
    cMalta
    dMonaco
  35. Question 35 · Economy and Social Development

    One of the important agreements reached in the 1996 Ministerial Conference of WTO relates to

    aCommerce in Information Technology
    bMultilateral Agreement on Investment
    cMulti-fibre Agreement
    dExchange of Technical Personnel
  36. Question 36 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Chittagong Armoury Raid II. Kakori Conspiracy III. Lahore Conspiracy IV. Ghadar Party List II A) Lala Hardayal B) Jatin Das C) Surya Sen D) Ram Prasad Bismil E) Vasudev Phadke Codes:

    aI–C, II–D, III–A, IV–E
    bI–D, II–C, III–B, IV–E
    cI–C, II–D, III–B, IV–A
    dI–B, II–D, III–C, IV–A
  37. Question 37 · Geography

    Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

    aTeak : Jammu and Kashmir
    bDeodar : Madhya Pradesh
    cSandalwood : Kerala
    dSundari : West Bengal
  38. Question 38 · Geography

    Consider the map given below: The places marked A, B, C and D in the map are respectively

    aRift valley region, Chattisgarh plain, Rain shadow region and Chotanagpur plateau
    bChattisgarh plain, Chotanagpur plateau, Rift valley region and Rain shadow region
    cRift valley region, Chattisgarh plain, Chotanagpur plateau and Rain shadow region
    dChattisgarh plain, Rain shadow region, Chotanagpur plateau and Rift valley region
  39. Question 39 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Crops) I. Barley II. Rice III. Millets IV. Tea List II (Geographical conditions) A) Hot and dry climate with poor soil B) Cool climate with poorer soil C) Warm and moist climate with high altitude D) Hot and moist climate with rich soil Codes:

    aI–B, II–D, III–A, IV–C
    bI–C, II–D, III–A, IV–B
    cI–B, II–A, III–D, IV–C
    dI–C, II–B, III–D, IV–A
  40. Question 40 · Science and Technology

    The world’s fastest computer has been able to perform (as of Dec. 1996)

    a106 operations per second
    b109 operations per second
    c1012 operations per second
    d1015 operations per second
  41. Question 41 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The Basque separatist organisation is active in

    aRussia
    bCyprus
    cPortugal
    dSpain
  42. Question 42 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists: List I I. Gupta II. Chandella III. Chalukya IV. Pallava List II A) Badami B) Panamalai C) Khajuraho D) Deogarh Codes:

    aI–D, II–C, III–A, IV–B
    bI–D, II–B, III–C, IV–A
    cI–B, II–C, III–D, IV–A
    dI–C, II–D, III–A, IV–B
  43. Question 43 · Geography

    Consider the map given below: The places marked A, B, C and D in the map are respectively known for the cultivation of

    agroundnut, ragi, tobacco and sugarcane
    bgroundnut, sugarcane, ragi and tobacco
    cragi, sugarcane, groundnut and tobacco
    dragi, groundnut, sugarcane and tobacco
  44. Question 44 · History and Culture

    The film ‘The Making of the Mahatma’ has been directed by

    aPeter Ustinov
    bRichard Attenborough
    cShyam Benegal
    dMira Nair
  45. Question 45 · Geography

    “From Aceh in the far north-west to Torres Strait in the east is 5000 miles, almost as far as from London to Baghdad. The Archipelago has 14,000 islands, some mere equatorial rocks, others some of the largest in the world.” This description best fits

    aWest Indies
    bJapan
    cPhilippines
    dIndonesia
  46. Question 46 · Economy and Social Development

    Human Development Index comprises literacy rates, life expectancy at birth and

    aGross Domestic Product per head in US dollars
    bGross Domestic Product per head at real purchasing power
    cGross National Product in US dollars
    dNational Income per head in US dollars
  47. Question 47 · Economy and Social Development

    A major health mission carried in 1996 was

    awar against leprosy
    bsmall-pox eradication
    cpulse polio immunization
    dpopularisation of oral rehydration therapy
  48. Question 48 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following statements regarding Asokan stone pillars is incorrect?

    aThese are highly polished
    bThese are monolithic
    cThe shaft of pillars is tapering in shape
    dThese are parts of architectural structures
  49. Question 49 · Polity and Governance

    State Funding of elections takes place in

    aUSA and Canada
    bBritain and Switzerland
    cFrance and Italy
    dGermany and Austria
  50. Question 50 · Geography

    Which of the following places are known for paper manufacturing industry? I. Yamuna Nagar II. Guwahati III. Shahabad IV. Ballarpur Choose the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes:

    aI, II and III
    bI, II and IV
    cI, III and IV
    dII, III and IV
  51. Question 51 · Data Interpretation

    The behaviour of a fictitious stock market index (comprising a weighted average of the market prices of a selected list of companies including some multinational corporations (MNCs) over a 15-day period is shown in the graph. The behaviour of the MNC’s in the same period is also shown in the second graph. Which one of the following is a valid conclusion?

    aMNC’s fell steeper in the period depicted
    bShare prices of every non-MNC company soared by over 5% on the 12th day
    cGovernment announced a policy disfavouring MNC’s on the 11th day
    dWhatever be the reason favouring market revival on the 12th day, it appears to be relevant only to non-MNC companies
  52. Question 52 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following pairs of composers in different languages and their works on the Mahabharata theme is correctly matched?

    aSarladasa — Bengali
    bKasirama — Oriya
    cTikkana — Marathi
    dPampa — Kannada
  53. Question 53 · Economy and Social Development

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Commodities exported from India) — List II (Countries of destination) I. Iron-ore — A) Russia II. Leather goods — B) USA III. Tea — C) Japan IV. Cotton fabrics — D) UK E) Canada

    aI-E, II-A, III-B, IV-C
    bI-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
    cI-A, II-E, III-D, IV-C
    dI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
  54. Question 54 · Polity and Governance

    The concept of Public Interest Litigation originated in

    athe United Kingdom
    bAustralia
    cthe United States
    dCanada
  55. Question 55 · Polity and Governance

    If the Prime Minister of India belonged to the Upper House of Parliament

    ahe will not be able to vote in his favour in the event of a no confidence motion
    bhe will not be able to speak on the Budget in the Lower House
    che can make statements only on the Upper House
    dhe has to become a member of the Lower House within six months after being sworn in as the Prime Minister
  56. Question 56 · History and Culture

    M.C. Setalvad, B.N. Rao and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer were distinguished members of the

    aSwaraj Party
    bAll India National Liberal Federation
    cMadras Labour Union
    dServants of India Society
  57. Question 57 · Geography

    The tribal population in Andaman and Nicobar Islands belongs to the

    aAustraloid race
    bCaucasoid race
    cMongoloid race
    dNegroid race
  58. Question 58 · Polity and Governance

    Assertion (A): The reservation of thirty-three per cent of seats for women in Parliament and State Legislatures does not require Constitutional amendment. Reason (R): Political parties contesting elections can allocate thirty-three per cent of seats they contest to women candidates without any Constitutional amendment. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

    aBoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
    cA is true, but R is false
    dA is false, but R is true
  59. Question 59 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following dances involves solo performance?

    aBharatnatyam
    bKuchipudi
    cMohiniattam
    dOdissi
  60. Question 60 · History and Culture

    What is the correct chronological sequence of the following? I. Wood's Education Despatch II. Macaulay's Minute on Education III. The Sargeant Education Report IV. Indian Education (Hunter Commission)

    aII, I, IV, III
    bII, I, III, IV
    cI, II, IV, III
    dIV, III, I, II
  61. Question 61 · Science and Technology

    The group of small pieces of rock revolving round the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter are called

    ameteors
    bcomets
    cmeteorites
    dasteroids
  62. Question 62 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following scripts of ancient India was written from right to left?

    aBrahmi
    bNandnagari
    cSharada
    dKharosthi
  63. Question 63 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following techniques can be used to establish the paternity of a child?

    aProtein analysis
    bChromosome counting
    cQuantitative analysis of DNA
    dDNA finger-printing
  64. Question 64 · Geography

    If the earth's direction of rotation is reversed, what would be the IST when it is noon at the International Date Line?

    a06.30 hrs
    b05.30 hrs
    c18.30 hrs
    d17.30 hrs
  65. Question 65 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo and Jose Ramos Horta who shared the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize are known for their work for the cause of

    aEast Timor
    bGuatemala
    cBosnia
    dBarunda
  66. Question 66 · Polity and Governance

    In the Presidential election in India, every elected member of the Legislative Assembly of a State shall have as many votes as there are multiples of one thousand in the quotient obtained by dividing the population of the State by the total number of the elected members of the Assembly. As at present (1997) the expression "population" here means the population as ascertained by the

    a1991 Census
    b1981 Census
    c1971 Census
    d1961 Census
  67. Question 67 · Economy and Social Development

    In India, inflation is measured by the

    aWholesale Price Index Number
    bConsumers Price Index for urban non-manual workers
    cConsumers Price Index for agricultural workers
    dNational Income deflation
  68. Question 68 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following stars is nearest to the earth?

    aPolaris
    bAlpha Centauri
    cSun
    dSirius
  69. Question 69 · History and Culture

    The medieval Indian writer who refers to the discovery of America is

    aMalik Muhammad Jayasi
    bAmir Khusrau
    cRaskhan
    dAbul Fazl
  70. Question 70 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following conditions is most relevant for the presence of life on Mars?

    aAtmospheric composition
    bThermal conditions
    cOccurrence of ice caps and frozen water
    dOccurrence of ozone
  71. Question 71 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following are/is stated in the Constitution of India? I. The President shall not be a member of either House of Parliament. II. The Parliament shall consist of the President and two Houses. Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

    aNeither I nor II
    bBoth I and II
    cI alone
    dII alone
  72. Question 72 · Geography

    The following are the major oilseeds produced in India: I. Sesamum II. Mustard III. Groundnut IV. Soyabean Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the descending order of the quantity of their production?

    aI, II, III, IV
    bIII, II, IV, I
    cII, IV, III, I
    dIII, IV, II, I
  73. Question 73 · History and Culture

    The famous dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama is mentioned in the

    aChandogyopanishad
    bMundakopanishad
    cKathopanishad
    dKenopanishad
  74. Question 74 · Geography

    Consider the geographical details given in the following figure: The point marked by A in the above figure indicates a country in

    aNorth America
    bSouth America
    cEurope
    dAsia
  75. Question 75 · Polity and Governance

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Functionaries) I. President of India II. Judges of the Supreme Court III. Members of Parliament IV. Ministers for the Union List II (Oaths or affirmations) A) Secrecy of Information B) Faithful Discharge of Duties C) Faith and Allegiance to the Constitution of India D) Upholding the Constitution and the Law

    aI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
    bI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    cI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
    dI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
  76. Question 76 · Geography

    In the map shown in the given figure, rivers labelled as 1, 2, 3 and 4 are respectively

    aKosi, Gomati, Ghaghara and Gandak
    bKosi, Ganga, Gomati and Ghaghara
    cGandak, Ganga, Gomati and Ghaghara
    dTeesta, Gomati, Ghaghara and Kosi
  77. Question 77 · History and Culture

    Milindapanho is in the form of a dialogue between the King Menander and the Buddhist monk

    aNagasena
    bNagarjuna
    cNagabhatta
    dKumarilabhatta
  78. Question 78 · Polity and Governance

    In which one of the following countries are 75 per cent of seats in both Houses of Parliament filled on the basis of first-past-the-post system and 25 per cent on the basis of Proportional Representation system of elections?

    aGermany
    bItaly
    cFrance
    dRussia
  79. Question 79 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Moplah revolt II. Pabna revolt III. Eka Movement IV. Birsa Munda revolt List II A) Kerala B) Bihar C) Bengal D) Awadh

    aI-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
    bI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    cI-A, II-B, III-C, IV-D
    dI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
  80. Question 80 · Economy and Social Development

    The Sixth and the Eighth Five-Year Plans covered the period 1980-85 and 1992-97 respectively. The Seventh Five-Year Plan covered the period

    a1987-92
    b1986-91
    c1985-90
    d1988-94
  81. Question 81 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following edicts mentions the personal name of Asoka?

    aKalsi
    bRummindei
    cSpecial Kalinga Edict
    dMaski
  82. Question 82 · Geography

    Consider the map given below: Of the four shaded areas in the map, that which is characterised by hot dry summers, mild and moist winters and seasonal reversal of winds is the area labelled

    a1
    b2
    c3
    d4
  83. Question 83 · Polity and Governance

    In the following quotation, “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all; FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; In our Constituent Assembly this ‘X’ ………. do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this Constitution.” ‘X’ stands for

    atwenty-sixth day of January, 1950
    btwenty-sixth day of November, 1949
    ctwenty-sixth day of January, 1949
    dNone of the above
  84. Question 84 · Economy and Social Development

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh II. Mahila Samriddhi Yojana III. Indira Mahila Yojana IV. Mahila Samakhya Programme List II A) Empowerment of women B) Education for Women’s Equality C) Promotion of savings among rural women D) Meeting credit needs of the poor women Codes:

    aI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
    bI-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
    cI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    dI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
  85. Question 85 · History and Culture

    The following map shows four of the sixteen mahajanapadas that existed in ancient India. The places marked A, B, C and D respectively are

    aMatsya, Cedi, Kosala, Anga
    bSurasena, Avanti, Vatsa, Magadha
    cMatsya, Avanti, Vatsa, Anga
    dSurasena, Cedi, Kosala, Magadha
  86. Question 86 · History and Culture

    In the Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as

    aVajrapani
    bManjusri
    cPadmapani
    dMaitreya
  87. Question 87 · Geography

    Daily weather map showing isobars is an example of

    aChoropleth map
    bIsopleth map
    cChorochromatic map
    dChoroschematic map
  88. Question 88 · Polity and Governance

    Assertion (A): Willful disobedience or non-compliance of Court Orders and use of derogatory language about judicial behaviour amounts to Contempt of Court. Reason (R): Judicial activism cannot be practised without arming the judiciary with punitive powers to punish contemptuous behaviour. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

    aBoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
    cA is true, but R is false
    dA is false, but R is true
  89. Question 89 · Economy and Social Development

    Schemes of (i) Urban Micro Enterprises, (ii) Urban Wage Employment, and (iii) Housing and Shelter Upgradation are parts of

    aIntegrated Rural Development Programme
    bNehru Rozgar Yojana
    cJawahar Rozgar Yojana
    dPrime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana
  90. Question 90 · History and Culture

    The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called

    arupaka
    bkarshapana
    cdinara
    dpana
  91. Question 91 · Geography

    Which one of the following countries is the largest producer of fuelwood in the world?

    aIndonesia
    bRussia
    cIndia
    dChina
  92. Question 92 · Economy and Social Development

    Assertion (A): The emergence of economic globalism does not imply the decline of socialist ideology. Reason (R): The ideology of Socialism believes in universalism and globalism. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

    aBoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A
    cA is true, but R is false
    dA is false, but R is true
  93. Question 93 · Economy and Social Development

    The contribution of India’s small-scale sector to the gross turnover in the manufacturing sector since 1992 has been of the order of

    a40%
    b34%
    c30%
    d45%
  94. Question 94 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Author) I. Varahamihira II. Visakhadatta III. Sudraka IV. Bilhana List II (Text) A) Prabandha Chintamani B) Mrchchhakatikam C) Brhat-Samhita D) Devi Chandraguptam E) Vikramankadevacharita Codes:

    aI-C, II-D, III-E, IV-B
    bI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-E
    cI-E, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    dI-A, II-C, III-E, IV-B
  95. Question 95 · Geography

    One will NOT have to pass through the Suez Canal while going from Mumbai to

    aAlexandria
    bSuez
    cPort Said
    dBenghazi
  96. Question 96 · Polity and Governance

    The Dinesh Goswami Committee recommended

    athe constitution of state level election commissions
    bList System of election to the Lok Sabha
    cgovernmental funding of parliamentary elections
    da ban on the candidature of independent candidates in the parliamentary elections
  97. Question 97 · Economy and Social Development

    Which of the following come under Non-plan expenditure? I. Subsidies II. Interest payments III. Defence expenditure IV. Maintenance expenditure for the infrastructure created in the previous plans Choose the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes:

    aI and II
    bI and III
    cII and IV
    dI, II, III and IV
  98. Question 98 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following was a corporation of merchants in ancient India?

    aChaturvedi Mangalam
    bParishad
    cAshtadikgaja
    dManigrama
  99. Question 99 · Economy and Social Development

    National Income is the

    aNet National Product at market price
    bNet National Product at factor cost
    cNet Domestic Product at market price
    dNet Domestic Product at factor cost
  100. Question 100 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Which one of the following is NOT a principle of “Panchsheel”?

    aNon-alignment
    bPeaceful Co-existence
    cMutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
    dMutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs
  101. Question 101 · Geography

    During a flight from Delhi to Tokyo the following are the landing airports: I. Hong Kong II. Hanoi III. Taipei IV. Bangkok The correct sequence of the landing at these airports during an onward journey is

    aI, II, III, IV
    bIV, II, I, III
    cIII, IV, I, II
    dIV, I, ii, iii
  102. Question 102 · History and Culture

    The Badami rock inscription of Pulakesin I is dated in the Saka year 465. If the same were to be dated in Vikrama Samvat, the year would be

    a601
    b300
    c330
    d407
  103. Question 103 · Economy and Social Development

    The Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) was introduced in the Budget of the Government of India for the year

    a1991-92
    b1992-93
    c1995-96
    d1996-97
  104. Question 104 · Geography

    Which one of the following is present in the largest amount in terms of per cent by mass in the earth’s crust?

    aSilicon
    bOxygen
    cCarbon
    dCalcium
  105. Question 105 · Economy and Social Development

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Hazardous industries using child labour leading to the filing of a public interest petition in the Supreme Court) – Located at I. Glass industry II. Brassware industry III. Slate industry IV. Hand-made carpet industry List II A) Moradabad B) Marakpur C) Ferozabad D) Mirzapur Codes:

    aI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D
    bI-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
    cI-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
    dI-A, II-C, III-B, IV-D
  106. Question 106 · Science and Technology

    The tendency of a liquid drop to contract and occupy minimum area is due to

    aviscosity
    bsurface tension
    cdensity
    dvapour pressure
  107. Question 107 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following is a vector quantity?

    aMomentum
    bPressure
    cEnergy
    dWork
  108. Question 108 · Science and Technology

    The planet Mercury is revolving in an elliptical orbit around the sun as shown in the given figure. The kinetic energy of Mercury is greatest at the point labelled

    aA
    bB
    cC
    dD
  109. Question 109 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following is a valid conclusion?

    aThe larger the initial inclination, the longer the throw
    bThe larger the height reached, the longer the throw
    cThe larger the height reached, the shorter the throw
    dThe larger the initial inclination, the greater the height reached
  110. Question 110 · Science and Technology

    The working principle of a washing machine is

    acentrifugation
    bdialysis
    creverse osmosis
    ddiffusion
  111. Question 111 · Science and Technology

    The characteristic odour of garlic is due to

    aa chloro compound
    ba sulphur compound
    ca fluorine compound
    dacetic acid
  112. Question 112 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following is an active component of oil of clove?

    aMenthol
    bEugenol
    cMethanol
    dBenzaldehyde
  113. Question 113 · Science and Technology

    The most reactive among the halogens is

    afluorine
    bchlorine
    cbromine
    diodine
  114. Question 114 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following is paramagnetic in nature?

    aIron
    bHydrogen
    cOxygen
    dNitrogen
  115. Question 115 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following has the highest fuel value?

    aHydrogen
    bCharcoal
    cNatural Gas
    dGasoline
  116. Question 116 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following is used as an anti-freeze for the automobile engines?

    aPropyl alcohol
    bEthanol
    cMethanol
    dEthylene glycol
  117. Question 117 · Science and Technology

    The pituitary gland by virtue of its tropic hormones controls the secretory activity of other endocrine glands. Which one of the following endocrine glands can function independent of the pituitary gland?

    aThyroid
    bGonads
    cAdrenals
    dParathyroid
  118. Question 118 · Science and Technology

    Oxygen transportation in a human body takes place through I. Blood II. Lungs III. Tissue The correct sequence of transportation is

    aI, II, III
    bIII, I, II
    cII, I, III
    dI, III, II
  119. Question 119 · Science and Technology

    Corpus luteum is a mass of cells found in

    abrain
    bovary
    cpancreas
    dspleen
  120. Question 120 · Environment and Ecology

    Which one of the following organisms is likely to show the highest concentration of DDT once it has been introduced into the ecosystem?

    aGrasshopper
    bToad
    cSnake
    dCattle
  121. Question 121 · Science and Technology

    Alpha-keratin is a protein present in

    ablood
    bskin
    cwool
    deggs
  122. Question 122 · Geography

    Which one of the following is cultivated by transplanting seedlings?

    aMaize
    bSorghum
    cOnion
    dSoyabean
  123. Question 123 · Economy and Social Development

    What is the average fat content of buffalo milk?

    a7.2%
    b4.5%
    c9.0%
    d10.0%
  124. Question 124 · Science and Technology

    The major component of honey is

    aglucose
    bsucrose
    cmaltose
    dfructose
  125. Question 125 · Science and Technology

    Arteries supplying blood to the heart are called

    acarotid arteries
    bhepatic arteries
    ccoronary arteries
    dpulmonary arteries
  126. Question 126 · Science and Technology

    Recommended daily intake of proteins for a moderately active woman is

    a30 g
    b37 g
    c40 g
    d46 g
  127. Question 127 · Science and Technology

    The sequencing of the entire genome (the totality of all genes) of an organism was completed in 1996. The organism was

    aalbino mouse
    byeast
    chuman being
    dPlasmodium vivax
  128. Question 128 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Malaria II. Filaria III. Encephalitis IV. Leukaemia List II A) Bone marrow B) Brain C) Muscle D) Lymph node E) Blood cells

    aI-E, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    bI-E, II-D, III-B, IV-A
    cI-D, II-C, III-E, IV-A
    dI-E, II-D, III-A, IV-B
  129. Question 129 · Science and Technology

    Antigen is a substance which

    alowers body temperature
    bdestroys harmful bacteria
    ctriggers the immune system
    dis used as an antidote to poison
  130. Question 130 · Basic Numeracy

    A rectangular plot of lawn shown in the figure has dimensions x and y and is surrounded by a gravel pathway of width 2 m. What is the total area of the pathway?

    a2x + 2y + 4
    b2x + 2y + 8
    c4x + 4y + 8
    d4x + 4y + 16
  131. Question 131 · Basic Numeracy

    The average monthly income of a person in a certain family of 5 is Rs. 1000. What will be the monthly average income of a person in the same family if the income of one person increased by Rs. 12,000 per year?

    aRs. 1200
    bRs. 1600
    cRs. 2000
    dRs. 3400
  132. Question 132 · Basic Numeracy

    In the given figure, if QRS is an equilateral triangle and QTS is an isosceles triangle and x = 47°, then the value (in degrees) of y will be

    a13
    b23
    c33
    d43
  133. Question 133 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    In the series POQ, SRT, VUW, ?, the blank space refers to

    aXYZ
    bXZY
    cYXZ
    dYZX
  134. Question 134 · Science and Technology

    A smooth inclined plane is inclined at an angle θ with the horizontal as shown in the figure. A body starts from rest and slides down the inclined surface. The time taken by the body to reach the bottom is

    a(2h / g)
    b(2l / g)
    c(2l / (g sin θ))
    d(1/ sin θ) (h / 2g)
  135. Question 135 · Basic Numeracy

    There are three drawers in a table. One contains two gold coins, another two silver coins, and the third, a silver coin and a gold coin. One of the drawers is pulled out and a coin is taken out. It turns out to be a silver coin. What is the probability of drawing a gold coin, if one of the other two drawers is pulled out next and one of the coins in it is drawn at random?

    a37.5%
    b50%
    c62.5%
    d75%
  136. Question 136 · Basic Numeracy

    P is 300 km eastward of O and Q is 400 km north of O. R is exactly in the middle of Q and P. The distance between Q and R is

    a250 km
    b300 km
    c350 km
    d250* km
  137. Question 137 · Basic Numeracy

    When three coins are tossed together the probability that all coins have the same face up is

    a1/3
    b1/6
    c1/8
    dNone of these
  138. Question 138 · Data Interpretation

    The number of students in two sections, A and B, having different heights is shown in the following table: Height (in metres) Number of students with that height in Section A Section B 1.55 3 2 1.60 7 3 1.62 12 14 1.65 15 14 1.68 8 9 1.71 6 5 1.75 3 4 The ratio of the number of students of a particular height in Section A to that in Section B is the maximum for the height of

    a1.55 m
    b1.60 m
    c1.65 m
    d1.71 m
  139. Question 139 · Data Interpretation

    The following table shows the per cent change in the number of sales (in rupees) at different retail stores in a given neighbourhood market in the period 1993 to 1995: Retail Store — Percent Change 1993 to 1994 — 1994 to 1995 Anshu: +10, -10 Borna: -20, +9 Calpo: +5, +12 Dilip: -7, -15 Elegant: +17, -8 If the sales at Anshu store amounted to Rs. 8 lakhs in 1993, then the number of sales (in lakhs of rupees) at that store in 1995 was

    a7.92
    b8.00
    c8.80
    d9.68
  140. Question 140 · Basic Numeracy

    If the number representing volume and surface area of a cube are equal, then the length of the edge of the cube in terms of the unit of measurement will be

    a3
    b4
    c5
    d6
  141. Question 141 · Basic Numeracy

    The length, breadth and height of a room are l, b and h respectively. The perimeter of the ceiling expressed as a percentage of the total area of the four walls is

    a100 h
    b100/h
    ch
    dh/100
  142. Question 142 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Seven persons P, Q, R, S, T, U and V participate in and finish all the events of a series of swimming races. There are no ties at the finish of any of the events. V always finishes somewhere ahead of P. P always finishes somewhere ahead of Q. Either R finishes first and T finishes last or S finishes first and U or Q finishes last. If in a particular race V finished fifth, then which one of the following would be true?

    aS finishes first
    bR finishes second
    cT finishes third
    dR finishes fourth
  143. Question 143 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the following: I. Saxena, David, Jain and Kumar were District Collectors at places P, Q, R and S respectively in 1970. II. In 1972 they were transferred. Saxena and Jain interchanged places. Kumar and David also interchanged places. III. One year later in 1973 they were again transferred such that David and Jain interchanged places and Saxena and Kumar were also interchanged. What should be the next round of transfers so that all the four persons could have been posted at all the four places?

    aInterchange Saxena and David as well as Jain and Kumar
    bInterchange Saxena and Kumar as well as David and Jain
    cInterchange David and Kumar as well as Saxena and Jain
    dIt is not possible for all the four persons to have been posted at all the four places
  144. Question 144 · Science and Technology

    A girl is swinging on a swing in sitting position. When the same girl stands up, the period of swing will

    abe shorter
    bbe longer
    cdepend on the height of the girl
    dnot change
  145. Question 145 · Basic Numeracy

    In a group of persons travelling in a bus, 6 persons can speak Tamil, 15 can speak Hindi and 6 can speak Gujarati. In that group none can speak any other language. If 2 persons in the group can speak two languages and one person can speak all the three languages, then how many persons are there in the group?

    a21
    b22
    c23
    d24
  146. Question 146 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements regarding a set of balls: I. All balls are black. II. All balls are white. III. Only some balls are black. IV. No balls are black. Assuming that the balls can only be black or white, which two statements given above can both be true, but cannot both be false? Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

    aI and IV
    bI and III
    cII and III
    dIII and IV
  147. Question 147 · Basic Numeracy

    A boat which has a speed of 5 km/hr in still water crosses a river of width 1 km along the shortest possible path in 15 minutes. The velocity of the river water in km/hr is

    a1
    b3
    c4
    d41
  148. Question 148 · Data Interpretation

    A survey was conducted on a sample of 1000 persons with reference to their knowledge of English, French and German. The results of the survey are presented in the given Venn diagram. The ratio of the number of persons who do not know any of the three languages to those who know all the three languages is

    a1/27
    b1/25
    c7/550
    d175/1000
  149. Question 149 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Consider the figures given below: (In the given sequence of figures, the figure that would logically appear at Sl. No. V is)

    aFigure A
    bFigure B
    cFigure C
    dFigure D
  150. Question 150 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    The number of times in a day the Hour hand and the Minute hand of a clock at right angles is

    a44
    b48
    c24
    d12

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.