All Prelims papers

UPSC Prelims 1998

General Studies Paper I

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

Sit it against the clock, marked with UPSC’s key
  1. Question 1 · Economy and Social Development

    Some time back, the Government of India decided to delicense the ‘white-goods’ industry. ‘White goods’ include

    astainless steel and aluminium utensils
    bmilk and milk products
    citems purchased for conspicuous consumption
    dsoaps, detergents and other mass-consumption goods
  2. Question 2 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following three statements: I. Processed meat is a perishable food. II. All perishable foods are packed in sealed tins. III. Sealed tins sometimes do not contain processed meat. Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

    aSealed tins always contain perishable food
    bProcessed meat is sometimes not packed in sealed tins
    cProcessed meat is always packed in sealed tins
    dNon-perishable foods are never packed in sealed tins
  3. Question 3 · Geography

    What is the correct sequence of the following Indian states in descending order of their length of surface roads per 100 km² of their area? I. Haryana II. Maharashtra III. Punjab IV. Tamil Nadu Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aIV, II, III, I
    bIV, III, I, II
    cIII, IV, I, II
    dIII, IV, II, I
  4. Question 4 · Geography

    The four railway junctions shown by numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the rough outline map of Gujarat are respectively

    aPalanpur, Mahesana, Ahmedabad and Vadodara
    bMahesana, Surendranagar, Rajkot and Junagarh
    cPalanpur, Kandla, Bhuj and Okha
    dAhmedabad, Vadodara, Bhavnagar and Broach
  5. Question 5 · Science and Technology

    The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was due to

    acollision with a Soyuz cargo ship
    bfaulty material design of the Spektr Module
    cexplosion inside the space station
    dcollision with an asteroid
  6. Question 6 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The meeting of G-15 countries held in Malaysia in 1997 was attended by

    a14 member countries
    b15 member countries
    c16 member countries
    d17 member countries
  7. Question 7 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Olympics 2000 is to be held in

    aJohannesburg
    bCape Town
    cRome
    dSydney
  8. Question 8 · History and Culture

    The educated middle class in India

    aopposed the revolt of 1857
    bsupported the revolt of 1857
    cremained neutral to the revolt of 1857
    dfought against native rulers
  9. Question 9 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following regions of the world supplies the maximum of our imported commodities (in terms of rupee value)?

    aAfrica
    bAmerica
    cAsia and Oceania
    dEurope
  10. Question 10 · Economy and Social Development

    The currency of the proposed European Monetary Union will be

    aDollar
    bEuro
    cGuilder
    dMark
  11. Question 11 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Which one of the following was the venue for the preliminary talks between the Sri Lankan Government and representatives of Tamil United Liberation Front and other militant groups?

    aNew Delhi
    bColombo
    cZurich
    dChennai
  12. Question 12 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    ‘MERCOSUR’ consists of a group of countries of

    aAfrica
    bAsia
    cLatin America
    dSouth-East Asia
  13. Question 13 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following countries has replaced Italy as the major importer of bauxite from India?

    aCanada
    bGreece
    cUkraine
    dUnited Arab Emirates
  14. Question 14 · History and Culture

    Lord Mountbatten came to India as Viceroy with specific instructions to

    abalkanize the Indian sub-continent
    bkeep India united if possible
    caccept Jinnah’s demand for Pakistan
    dpersuade the Congress to accept partition
  15. Question 15 · Geography

    Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the states (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) of India shown on the map in descending order in terms of their available ground-water resources for irrigation?

    a3, 4, 1, 2
    b3, 4, 2, 1
    c4, 3, 1, 2
    d4, 3, 2, 1
  16. Question 16 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements: The price of any currency in the international market is decided by the I. World Bank II. Demand for goods/services provided by the country concerned III. Stability of the government of the concerned country IV. Economic potential of the country in question Of these statements:

    aI, II, III and IV are correct
    bII and III are correct
    cIII and IV are correct
    dI and IV are correct
  17. Question 17 · Economy and Social Development

    A consumer is said to be in equilibrium, if

    ahe is able to fulfil his need with a given level of income
    bhe is able to live in full comforts with a given level of income
    che can fulfil his needs without consumption of certain items
    dhe is able to locate new sources of income
  18. Question 19 · Geography

    Which one of the following sets of states stands to benefit the most from the Konkan Railway?

    aGoa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala
    bMadhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
    cTamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra
    dGujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu
  19. Question 20 · Economy and Social Development

    The supply-side economics lays greater emphasis on the point of view of the

    aproducer
    bglobal economy
    cconsumer
    dmiddle-man
  20. Question 21 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following languages belongs to the Austric group?

    aMarathi
    bLadakhi
    cKhasi
    dTamil
  21. Question 22 · Environment and Ecology

    Indonesian forest fire in 1997 was caused by

    agreenhouse effect
    bdepletion of the ozone layer
    cEl Niño effects
    dNone of the above
  22. Question 24 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Bharat Ratna was awarded in 1997 to

    aDr. Homi Bhabha (posthumous)
    bFormer President R. Venkataraman
    cSatyajit Ray (posthumous)
    dDr. Abdul Kalam
  23. Question 25 · Science and Technology

    Which of the following statements are true about the Indian-born woman astronaut Kalpana Chawla? I. She was born in Karnal. II. She flew on board the shuttle flight STS-87. III. She was trained at the Kennedy Space Centre. IV. She did a space-walk to retrieve the Spartan Satellite. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI and II
    bII and III
    cI, II and III
    dI, II and IV
  24. Question 26 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): The Gandhara School of art bears the mark of Hellenistic influence. Reason (R): Hinayana form was influenced by that art.

    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
  25. Question 27 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): At first the Turkish administration in India was essentially military. Reason (R): The country was parcelled out as ‘Iqta’s among leading military leaders.

    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
  26. Question 28 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): According to Asoka’s edicts, social harmony among the people was more important than religious devotion. Reason (R): He spread ideas of equity instead of promotion of religion.

    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
  27. Question 29 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): The Khilafat movement did bring the urban Muslims into the fold of the National Movement. Reason (R): There was a predominant element of anti-imperialism in both the National and Khilafat Movements.

    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
  28. Question 30 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): Partition of Bengal in 1905 brought to an end the Moderates’ role in the Indian freedom movement. Reason (R): The Surat session of Indian National Congress separated the Extremists from the Moderates.

    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
  29. Question 31 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): The first ever Bill to make primary education compulsory in India was rejected in 1911. Reason (R): Discontent would have increased if every cultivator could read.

    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
  30. Question 32 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): The Congress rejected the Cripps proposals. Reason (R): The Cripps Mission consisted solely of whites.

    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
  31. Question 33 · Economy and Social Development

    Assertion (A): The United States of America has threatened to ask the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to apply sanctions against the developing countries for the no observance of ILO conventions. Reason (R): The United States of America itself has adopted and implemented those ILO conventions.

    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
  32. Question 34 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): During the reign of Shahjahan, Dara Sikoh was sent on expedition to Balkha, Badakh-shan and Qandahar. Reason (R): The expedition sent by Shahjahan to the Middle East was a marvellous success.

    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
  33. Question 35 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): Gandhi stopped the Non-cooperation Movement in 1922. Reason (R): Violence at Chauri-Chaura led him to stop the movement.

    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
  34. Question 36 · History and Culture

    Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? I. Lothal: Ancient dockyard II. Sarnath: First Sermon of Buddha III. Rajgir: Lion capital of Asoka IV. Nalanda: Great seat of Buddhist learning Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes:

    aI, II, III and IV
    bIII and IV
    cI, II and IV
    dI and II
  35. Question 37 · Geography

    Which one of the following pairs of cities has recently been connected through a 6-lane express way?

    aAhmedabad: Vadodara
    bDhaka: Chittagong
    cIslamabad: Lahore
    dMumbai: Pune
  36. Question 38 · Economy and Social Development

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Ringgit II. Baht III. Rupiah IV. Won List II A) Indonesia B) South Korea C) Thailand D) Malaysia Codes:

    aI-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
    bI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    cI-A, II-B, III-D, IV-C
    dI-D, II-B, III-A, IV-C
  37. Question 39 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements: Ahadis were those troopers who I. Offered their services singly. II. Did not attach themselves to any chief. III. Had the emperor as their immediate colonel. IV. Attached themselves to Mirzas. Of these statements:

    aI, II and IV are correct
    bI, II and III are correct
    cII and III are correct
    dI and IV are correct
  38. Question 40 · History and Culture

    When the Indian Muslim League was inducted into the interim government in 1946, Liyaqat Ali Khan was assigned the portfolio of

    aForeign affairs
    bHome
    cFinance
    dDefence
  39. Question 41 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following ancient Indian records is the earliest royal order to preserve food grains to be utilised during the crises in the country?

    aSohagaura Copper-plate
    bRumminidei pillar-edict of Asoka
    cPrayaga-Prasasti
    dMehrauli Pillar inscription of Chandra
  40. Question 42 · Environment and Ecology

    According to Meadows (1972), if the present trends in world population, industrialisation, pollution, food production and resource depletion continue unchanged, the “Limits to Growth” on our planet will be reached in the next

    a50 years
    b100 years
    c150 years
    d200 years
  41. Question 43 · Economy and Social Development

    Human Poverty Index was introduced in the Human Development Report of the year

    a1994
    b1995
    c1996
    d1997
  42. Question 44 · History and Culture

    Consider the following: I. Tughluqabad Fort. II. Lodi Garden. III. Qutub Minar. IV. Fatehpur Sikri. The correct chronological order in which they were built is:

    aIII, I, IV, II
    bIII, I, II, IV
    cI, III, II, IV
    dI, III, IV, II
  43. Question 45 · History and Culture

    The concept of Eight-fold path forms the theme of

    aDipavamsa
    bDivyavadana
    cMahaparinibbana Sutta
    dDharma Chakkra Pravartana Sutta
  44. Question 46 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The recent Land Mines Conference to sign the historic treaty was held in the Capital city of

    aCanada
    bJapan
    cSweden
    dZimbabwe
  45. Question 47 · Economy and Social Development

    Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? I. Dow Jones : New York II. Hang Seng : Seoul III. FTSE-100 : London Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI, II and III
    bII and III
    cI and II
    dI and III
  46. Question 48 · History and Culture

    The Indian National Congress agreed in 1947 to the partition of the country mainly because

    athe principle of two Nation theory was then acceptable to them
    bit was imposed by the British Government and the Congress was helpless in this regard
    cthey wanted to avoid large-scale communal riots
    dIndia would have otherwise lost the opportunity to attain freedom
  47. Question 49 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. 1556 II. 1600 III. 1686 IV. 1739 List II A) Battle of Haldighati B) Nadir Shah’s capture of Delhi C) Death of Shivaji D) Grant of Charter to East India Company E) Accession of Akbar Codes:

    aI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
    bI-E, II-D, III-C, IV-B
    cI-E, II-B, III-A, IV-D
    dI-A, II-E, III-C, IV-B
  48. Question 50 · Geography

    Match rivers labelled A, B, C and D on the given map with their names given in the list and select the correct answer using the codes given below the list: 1. St. Lawrence 2. Orinoco 3. Mackenzie 4. Amazon 5. Yukon Codes:

    aA-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
    bA-5, B-3, C-1, D-2
    cA-5, B-4, C-1, D-3
    dA-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
  49. Question 51 · History and Culture

    At the time of India’s Independence, Mahatma Gandhi was

    aa member of Congress Working Committee
    bnot a member of the Congress
    cthe President of the Congress
    dthe General Secretary of the Congress
  50. Question 52 · Economy and Social Development

    The economist who was associated with the WTO draft document is

    aA.K. Sen
    bT.N. Srinivasan
    cJ.N. Bhagwati
    dAvinash Dixit
  51. Question 53 · History and Culture

    In the given map, the shaded part represents Akbar’s empire at a certain juncture: ‘A’ stands for an independent country and ‘B’ marks the site of a city. Which one of the following alternatives gives all correct information?

    aAkbar in 1557: (A) Golkunda (B) Lahore
    bAkbar in 1557: (A) Khandesh (B) Multan
    cAkbar in 1605: (A) Gondwana (B) Multan
    dAkbar in 1605: (A) Gondwana (B) Lahore
  52. Question 54 · Environment and Ecology

    Estuaries possess distinct blooms of excessive growth of a pigmented dinoflagellate. These blooms are called

    ared tides
    bsea tides
    cblack tides
    dsea flowers
  53. Question 55 · Geography

    July 27.8 14.5 August 27.8 14.0 September 22.3 12.7 October 18.3 7.0 November 12.2 5.0 December 6.7 3.5 These data are most likely to be found in the natural regions of

    aChina type
    bEquatorial type
    cHot desert type
    dMonsoon type
  54. Question 56 · Economy and Social Development

    The number of economically active women (excluding students and those doing domestic duties in their homes) as a percentage of all women of working age (generally those aged 15-64 years) was the highest in 1996 in

    aUSA
    bChina
    cRussia
    dS. Korea
  55. Question 57 · Geography

    When there is noon at the G.M.T. meridian, people at another place of the Earth are taking their 6 o’clock morning tea. The longitude of the place is

    a17° 30′ E
    b7° 30′ W
    c172° 30′ E
    d90° W
  56. Question 58 · History and Culture

    The given map relates to

    aKaniska at the time of his death
    bSamudragupta after the close of his South Indian campaign
    cAsoka towards the close of his reign
    dEmpire of Thanesar on the eve of Harsha’s accession
  57. Question 59 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding the Anti-Defection Act?

    aSecond Schedule
    bFifth Schedule
    cEighth Schedule
    dTenth Schedule
  58. Question 60 · History and Culture

    Many of the Greeks, Kushanas and Shakas embraced Buddhism rather than Hinduism because

    aBuddhism was in the ascendant at that time
    bThey had renounced the policy of war and violence
    cCaste-ridden Hinduism did not attract them
    dBuddhism provided easier access to Indian society
  59. Question 61 · Science and Technology

    The satellites of which one of the following countries have helped in the preparation of a detailed and complete map of Antarctica?

    aCanada
    bFrance
    cRussia
    dUSA
  60. Question 62 · Polity and Governance

    The Indian parliamentary system is different from the British parliamentary system in that India has

    aBoth a real and a nominal executive
    bA system of collective responsibility
    cBicameral legislature
    dThe system of judicial review
  61. Question 63 · History and Culture

    The member of Shivaji’s Astha Pradhana who looked after foreign affairs was

    aPeshwa
    bSachiv
    cPandit Rao
    dSumant
  62. Question 64 · Polity and Governance

    Panchayati Raj was first introduced in India in October 1959 in

    aRajasthan
    bTamil Nadu
    cKerala
    dKarnataka
  63. Question 65 · Environment and Ecology

    Some people in Manipur live in houses built on floating islands of weeds and decaying vegetation held together by suspended silt. These islands are called

    aTipis
    bBarkhans
    cPhumdis
    dIzba
  64. Question 66 · History and Culture

    The Asokan major rock edicts which tell us about the Sangam Kingdom include rock edicts

    aI and X
    bI and XI
    cII and XIII
    dII and XIV
  65. Question 67 · Geography

    Which one of the following east-flowing rivers of India has a rift valley due to down-warping?

    aDamodar
    bMahanadi
    cSone
    dYamuna
  66. Question 68 · Economy and Social Development

    According to the World Development Report, low-income economies are those for which the per capita GNP in 1994 was

    aUS $ 925 or less
    bUS $ 825 or less
    cUS $ 725 or less
    dUS $ 525 or less
  67. Question 69 · History and Culture

    What is the correct sequence of the following events? I. Tilak’s Home Rule League II. Kamagatamaru Incident III. Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in India Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI, II, III
    bIII, II, I
    cII, I, III
    dII, III, I
  68. Question 70 · History and Culture

    The loss of Qandahar was a big blow to the Mughal empire from the viewpoint of

    aNatural resources
    bBuffer territory
    cCommunication
    dStrategic stronghold
  69. Question 71 · History and Culture

    Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? I. Mrichchhakatikam — Shudraka II. Buddhacharita — Vasuvandhu III. Mudrarakshasha — Vishakhadatta IV. Harshacharita — Banabhatta Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI, II, III and IV
    bI, III and IV
    cI and IV
    dII and III
  70. Question 72 · Environment and Ecology

    Forest areas have been labelled as 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the rough outline map given. Among these, those which were threatened in 1997 by a serious epidemic include

    aTeak forests of 3 and 4
    bOak forests of 1 and sal forests of 2
    cSal forests of 3
    dSandalwood forests of 4
  71. Question 73 · History and Culture

    Simon Commission of 1927 was boycotted because

    aThere was no Indian member in the Commission
    bIt supported the Muslim League
    cCongress felt that the people of India are entitled to Swaraj
    dThere were differences among the members
  72. Question 74 · History and Culture

    The Indian Muslims, in general, were not attracted to the Extremist movement because of the

    aInfluence of Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan
    bAnti-Muslim attitude of extremist leaders
    cIndifference shown to Muslim aspirations
    dExtremists’ policy of harping on Hindu past
  73. Question 75 · Geography

    Commercial production of mineral oil has started recently in which one of the areas of India, labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the rough map given below:

    a1
    b2
    c3
    d4
  74. Question 76 · Economy and Social Development

    The banks are required to maintain a certain ratio between their cash in hand and total assets. This is called

    aSBR (Statutory Bank Ratio)
    bSLR (Statutory Liquid Ratio)
    cCBR (Central Bank Reserve)
    dCLR (Central Liquid Reserve)
  75. Question 77 · History and Culture

    What is the correct chronological order in which the following appeared in India? I. Gold coins II. Punch-marked silver coins III. Iron plough IV. Urban culture Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aIII, IV, I, II
    bIII, IV, II, I
    cIV, III, I, II
    dIV, III, II, I
  76. Question 78 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Minerals) I. Graphite II. Lead III. Salt IV. Silver List II (Mining area) A. Bellary B. Didwana C. Rampa D. Zawar

    aI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
    bI-A, II-D, III-B, IV-C
    cI-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
    dI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
  77. Question 79 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following events was characterised by Montague as ‘Preventive Murder’?

    aKilling of INA activists
    bMassacre of Jallianwala Bagh
    cShooting of the Mahatma
    dShooting of Curzon-Wythe
  78. Question 80 · History and Culture

    Fawazil in the Sultanate period meant

    aExtra payment made to the nobles
    bRevenue assigned in lieu of salary
    cExcess amount paid to the exchequer by the iqtadars
    dIllegal exactions extracted from the peasants
  79. Question 81 · Geography

    The discovery of Oak flora in 1966 added a new chapter to the history of Indian sericulture. Which one of the following states is the leading producer of Oak tasar silk?

    aAssam
    bBihar
    cManipur
    dOrissa
  80. Question 82 · History and Culture

    What is the correct sequence of the following events? I. The August Offer II. The I.N.A. trial III. The Quit India Movement IV. The Royal Indian Naval Ratings’ Revolt Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI, III, II, IV
    bIII, I, II, IV
    cI, III, IV, II
    dII, IV, I, III
  81. Question 83 · Economy and Social Development

    Nobel Prize in Economics for the year 1997 was awarded for contribution in the area of

    aInternational Economics
    bFinancial Economics
    cPublic Economics
    dDevelopment Economics
  82. Question 84 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Places) — List II (Industries) I. Jamnagar — A) Aluminium II. Hospet — B) Woollen Textile III. Korba — C) Fertilizers IV. Haldia — D) Cement E) Iron and Steel

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

    Which one of the following defines extremist ideology during the early phase of Indian freedom movement?

    aStimulating the production of indigenous articles by giving them preference over imported commodities
    bObtaining self-government by aggressive means in place of petitions and constitutional ways
    cProviding national education according to the requirements of the country
    dOrganising coups against the British empire through military revolt
  84. Question 86 · Geography

    In the vicinity of Mumbai, a number of specialised towns have been developed. Match the lists of specialisation with towns and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Towns) I. Alibag II. Balapur III. Nhava Sheva IV. Ratnagiri List II (Specialisation) A. Fishing Centre B. Holiday resort C. Petro-chemical complex D. Port 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
  85. Question 87 · Economy and Social Development

    The accounting year of the Reserve Bank of India is

    aApril – March
    bJuly – June
    cOctober – September
    dJanuary – December
  86. Question 88 · History and Culture

    The Sultan of Delhi who is reputed to have built the biggest network of canals in India was

    aIltutmish
    bGhiyasuddin Tughlaq
    cFeroz Shah Tughlaq
    dSikandar Lodi
  87. Question 89 · History and Culture

    Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? I. Theodore Beck : Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College, Aligarh II. Ilbert Bill : Ripon III. Pherozesha : Indian National Congress IV. Badruddin Tyabji : Muslim League Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI, II, III and IV
    bII and IV
    cI, III and IV
    dI, II and III
  88. Question 90 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Agricultural products) I. Cotton II. Gram III. Black pepper IV. Pineapple List II (Foremost producer) A. Madhya Pradesh B. Gujarat C. West Bengal D. Kerala Codes:

    aI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
    bI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
    cI-A, II-B, III-D, IV-C
    dI-A, II-B, III-C, IV-D
  89. Question 91 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following is the correct sequence of decreasing order of the given currencies in terms of their value in Indian Rupees?

    aUS dollar, Canadian dollar, New Zealand dollar, Hong Kong dollar
    bUS dollar, New Zealand dollar, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar
    cUS dollar, Hong Kong dollar, New Zealand dollar, Canadian dollar
    dUS dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Canadian dollar, New Zealand dollar
  90. Question 92 · Environment and Ecology

    ‘Eco mark’ is given to the Indian products that are

    apure and unadulterated
    brich in proteins
    cenvironment friendly
    deconomically viable
  91. Question 93 · Economy and Social Development

    Capital Account Convertibility of the Indian Rupee implies

    athat the Indian Rupee can be exchanged by the authorised dealers for travel
    bthat the Indian Rupee can be exchanged for any major currency for the purpose of trade in goods and services
    cthat the Indian Rupee can be exchanged for any major currency for the purpose of trading financial assets
    dNone of the above
  92. Question 94 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    What are the official languages of the U.N.O.?

    aEnglish, French and Russian
    bEnglish, French, German and Russian
    cEnglish, French, Russian, Chinese and Hindi
    dEnglish, French, Chinese, Russian, Arabian and Spanish
  93. Question 95 · Geography

    The rough outline map given shows centres of cement industry labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4. Match these centres with the following sets of names: Names A. Katni B. Tirunelveli C. Sikka D. Churk Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes:

    aA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
    bA-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
    cA-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
    dA-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
  94. Question 96 · History and Culture

    “The Congress is tottering to its fall and one of my great ambitions while in India, is to assist it to a peaceful demise.” This statement is attributed to

    aLord Dufferin
    bLord Curzon
    cLord Lytton
    dNone of the above
  95. Question 97 · Economy and Social Development

    Economic Survey in India is published officially, every year by the

    aReserve Bank of India
    bPlanning Commission of India
    cMinistry of Finance, Government of India
    dMinistry of Industries, Government of India
  96. Question 98 · Geography

    Which one of the following ports shown on the rough outline map of India is a riverine port?

    a1
    b2
    c3
    d4
  97. Question 99 · History and Culture

    Who was the leader of the Ghaddar Party?

    aBhagat Singh
    bLala Hardayal
    cBal Gangadhar Tilak
    dV. D. Savarkar
  98. Question 100 · Polity and Governance

    Which of the following Parties were not a part of the United Front which was in power during 1996-97? I. Bahujan Samaj Party II. Samata Party III. Haryana Vikas Party IV. Asom Gana Parishad Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI, II, III and IV
    bI, II and III
    cIII and IV
    dI and II
  99. Question 101 · Environment and Ecology

    World Environment Conference to discuss global warming was held in 1997 in

    aStockholm
    bRio de Janeiro
    cParis
    dKyoto
  100. Question 102 · Environment and Ecology

    The water pollution in river is measured by the dissolved amount of

    aChlorine
    bOzone
    cNitrogen
    dOxygen
  101. Question 103 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Potassium bromide II. Potassium nitrate III. Potassium sulphate IV. Mono-potassium tartrate List II A. Fertiliser B. Photography C. Bakery D. Gunpowder Codes:

    aI-B, II-D, III-A, IV-C
    bI-B, II-D, III-C, IV-A
    cI-D, II-B, III-C, IV-A
    dI-D, II-B, III-A, IV-C
  102. Question 104 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following elements is essential for the construction of nuclear reactors?

    aCobalt
    bNickel
    cZirconium
    dTungsten
  103. Question 105 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements regarding asteroids: I. Asteroids are rocky debris of varying sizes orbiting the Sun. II. Most of the asteroids are small but some have diameter as large as 1000 km. III. The orbit of asteroids lies between the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn. Of these statements:

    aI, II and III are correct
    bII and III are correct
    cI and II are correct
    dI and III are correct
  104. Question 106 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements: Coke is one of the materials of the charge added to blast furnace for the production of steel/iron. Its function is to I. Act as a reducing agent. II. Remove silica associated with the iron ore. III. Function as fuel, to supply heat. IV. Act as an oxidizing agent. Of these statements:

    aI and II are correct
    bII and IV are correct
    cI and III are correct
    dIII and IV are correct
  105. Question 107 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following metals does not form amalgams?

    aZinc
    bCopper
    cMagnesium
    dIron
  106. Question 108 · Science and Technology

    A fuse is used in main electric supply as a safety device. Which one of the following statements about the fuse is correct?

    aIt is connected in parallel with the main switch
    bIt is made mainly from silver alloys
    cIt must have a low melting point
    dIt must have a very high resistance
  107. Question 109 · Geography

    The correct sequence of different layers of the atmosphere from the surface of the Earth upwards is

    aTroposphere, Stratosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere
    bStratosphere, Troposphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere
    cTroposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Ionosphere
    dStratosphere, Troposphere, Mesosphere, Ionosphere
  108. Question 110 · Science and Technology

    Consumption of fish is considered to be healthy when compared to flesh of other animals because fish contains

    apolyunsaturated fatty acids
    bsaturated fatty acids
    cessential vitamins
    dmore carbohydrates and proteins
  109. Question 111 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Disease) I. Malaria II. Poliomyelitis III. Tuberculosis IV. Ringworm List II (Organism) A. Fungi B. Bacteria C. Virus D. Protozoan Codes:

    aI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    bI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    cI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
    dI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
  110. Question 112 · Science and Technology

    Haemophilia is a genetic disorder which leads to

    adecrease in haemoglobin level
    brheumatic heart disease
    cdecrease in WBC
    dnon-clotting of blood
  111. Question 113 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements about acetylene: I. It is used in welding industry. II. It is raw material for preparing plastics. III. It is easily obtained by mixing silicon carbide and water. Of these statements:

    aI and II are correct
    bI and III are correct
    cII and III are correct
    dI, II and III are correct
  112. Question 114 · Science and Technology

    A ball is dropped from the top of a high building with a constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s². What will be its velocity after 3 seconds?

    a9.8 m/s
    b19.6 m/s
    c29.4 m/s
    d39.2 m/s
  113. Question 115 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I (Special Characteristic) I. Farthest planet from the Sun II. Largest planet of the solar system III. Planet second from the Sun in the solar system IV. Planet nearest to the Sun List II (Name of Planet) A) Mercury B) Venus C) Jupiter D) Pluto E) Saturn

    aI-B, II-C, III-E, IV-A
    bI-C, II-E, III-A, IV-B
    cI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
    dI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
  114. Question 116 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following types of micro-organisms is most widely used in industries?

    aBacteria
    bBacteria and fungi
    cBacteria and algae
    dBacteria, micro-algae and fungi
  115. Question 117 · Science and Technology

    Match the names of outstanding Indian scientists given in List I with the area of their specialised work given in List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Dr. Raja Ramanna II. Dr. M. S. Swaminathan III. Prof. U. R. Rao IV. Prof. Meghnad Saha List II A) Plant Chemistry B) Nuclear Physics C) Thermodynamics and astrophysics D) Space research E) Agricultural sciences

    aI-C, II-E, III-B, IV-A
    bI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
    cI-B, II-E, III-D, IV-C
    dI-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
  116. Question 118 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Fruit II. Seed III. Wood IV. Starch List II A) Ovule B) Leaf C) Stem D) Ovary

    aI-B, II-A, III-E, IV-D
    bI-D, II-A, III-C, IV-B
    cI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
    dI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
  117. Question 119 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Theory of Mutation II. Theory of Evolution III. One-gene-one-enzyme hypothesis IV. Operon concept List II A) Beadle and Tatum B) Jacob and Monod C) Darwin D) De Vries

    aI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
    bI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    cI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    dI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
  118. Question 120 · Environment and Ecology

    A tree species in Mauritius failed to reproduce because of the extinction of a fruit-eating bird. Which one of the following was that bird?

    aDove
    bDodo
    cCondor
    dSkua
  119. Question 121 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following statements regarding starch and cellulose is NOT correct?

    aBoth of them are of plant origin
    bBoth of them are polymers
    cBoth of them give colour with iodine
    dBoth of them are made up of glucose molecules
  120. Question 122 · Science and Technology

    Ergotism is due to consumption of

    acontaminated grains
    brotting vegetables
    ccontaminated water
    dstale cooked food
  121. Question 123 · Science and Technology

    The complete conversion of glucose in the presence of oxygen into carbon dioxide and water with release of energy is called

    aaerobic respiration
    banaerobic respiration
    cglycolysis
    dhydrolysis
  122. Question 124 · Science and Technology

    The major chemical compound found in human kidney stones is

    aUric acid
    bCalcium carbonate
    cCalcium oxalate
    dCalcium sulphate
  123. Question 125 · Science and Technology

    One Astronomical Unit is the average distance between

    aEarth and the Sun
    bEarth and the Moon
    cJupiter and the Sun
    dPluto and the Sun
  124. Question 126 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Blue vitriol II. Epsom salt III. Baking soda IV. Caustic soda List II A) Sodium bicarbonate B) Sodium hydroxide C) Magnesium sulphate D) Copper sulphate

    aI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
    bI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    cI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
    dI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-A
  125. Question 127 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): Formic acid is a stronger acid than acetic acid. Reason (R): Formic acid is an organic acid.

    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
  126. Question 128 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): The temperature of a metal wire rises when an electric current is passed through it. Reason (R): Collision of metal atoms with each other releases heat energy.

    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
  127. Question 129 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): Phenyl is used as a household germicide. Reason (R): Phenyl is a phenol derivative and phenol is an effective germicide.

    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
  128. Question 130 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): Sodium metal is stored under kerosene. Reason (R): Metallic sodium melts when exposed to air.

    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
  129. Question 132 · Data Interpretation

    The table below indicates the performance of India in rice and wheat production from 1950-51 to 1995-96. Which of the following conclusions arrived at from the above table would be valid? I. Record production of rice as well as wheat has been in 1994-95. II. The ratio of wheat to rice production seems to have steadily increased over 16 years. III. Wheat has not been popular among the Indian population before 1980. IV. India became self-sufficient in rice and wheat only after 1990. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    aI and II
    bI, II, III and IV
    cIII and IV
    dNone of the above
  130. Question 133 · Basic Numeracy

    LMNOP is a semi-circle with centre at R and diameter LP; LSR and RQP are also semi-circles with centres at T and U and diameters LR = RP = 1⁄2 LP. The ratio of perimeters of LMNOP and LSRQP is

    a0.75 : 1
    b1 : 1
    c1 : 0.75
    d1.25 : 1
  131. Question 134 · Basic Numeracy

    A man purchases two clocks A and B at a total cost of Rs 650. He sells A with 20% profit and B at a loss of 25% and gets the same selling price for both the clocks. What are the purchasing prices of A and B respectively?

    aRs 225; Rs 425
    bRs 250; Rs 400
    cRs 275; Rs 375
    dRs 300; Rs 350
  132. Question 135 · Basic Numeracy

    If 15 pumps of equal capacity can fill a tank in 7 days, then how many extra pumps will be required to fill the tank in 5 days?

    a6
    b7
    c14
    d21
  133. Question 136 · Basic Numeracy

    Out of the three annual examinations, each with a total of 500 marks, a student secured average marks of 45 % and 55 % in the first and second annual examinations. To have an overall average of 60 %, how many marks does the student need to secure in the third annual examination?

    a450
    b400
    c350
    d300
  134. Question 137 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Which one of the following satisfies the relationship D d a : a D D :: R r b : ?

    aD D A
    bR R R
    cb R R
    dB B r
  135. Question 138 · Basic Numeracy

    A square pond has 2 m sides and is 1 m deep. If it is to be enlarged, the depth remaining the same, into a circular pond with the diagonal of the square as diameter as shown in the figure, then what would be the volume of earth to be removed?

    a(2π − 4) m³
    b(4π − 4) m³
    c(4π − 2) m³
    d(2π − 2) m³
  136. Question 139 · Basic Numeracy

    One local and another express train were proceeding in the same direction on parallel tracks at 29 km/hour and 65 km/hour respectively. The driver of the former noticed that it took exactly 16 seconds for the faster train to pass by him. What is the length of the faster train?

    a60 m
    b120 m
    c160 m
    d240 m
  137. Question 140 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    A, B, C, D, E and F, not necessarily in that order, are sitting on six chairs regularly placed around a round table. It is observed that A is between D and F, C is opposite D, and D and E are not on neighbouring chairs. Which one of the following pairs must be sitting on neighbouring chairs?

    aA and B
    bC and E
    cB and F
    dA and C
  138. Question 141 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    If in a certain code SAND is VDQG and BIRD is ELUG, then what is the code for LOVE?

    aPRYG
    bORTG
    cNPUH
    dORYH
  139. Question 142 · Basic Numeracy

    In a family, a couple has a son and a daughter. The age of the father is three times that of his daughter and the age of the son is half of his mother. The wife is nine years younger to her husband and the brother is seven years older than his sister. What is the age of the mother?

    a40 years
    b45 years
    c50 years
    d60 years
  140. Question 143 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    The missing fraction in the series given below is:

    a17/40
    b19/42
    c20/45
    d29/5
  141. Question 144 · Basic Numeracy

    There are 50 students admitted to a nursery class. Some students can speak only English and some can speak only Hindi. Ten students can speak both English and Hindi. If the number of students who can speak English is 21, then how many students can speak only Hindi and how many can speak only English?

    a21, 11 and 29 respectively
    b28, 18 and 22 respectively
    c37, 27 and 13 respectively
    d39, 29 and 11 respectively
  142. Question 145 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    An accurate clock shows the time as 3 : 00. After the hour hand has moved 135°, the time would be

    a7 : 30
    b6 : 30
    c8 : 00
    d9 : 30
  143. Question 146 · Economy and Social Development

    The current price index (base 1960) is nearly 330. This means that

    aall items cost 3.3 times more than what they did in 1960
    bthe prices of certain selected items have gone up to 3.3 times
    cweighted mean of prices of certain items has increased 3.3 times
    dgold price has gone up 3.3 times
  144. Question 147 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    In the set of figures (I) to (IV), some parts are shown to change their position in a regular direction. Following the same sequence, which one of the following will appear at the fifth stage?

    afigure (a)
    bfigure (b)
    cfigure (c)
    dfigure (d)
  145. Question 148 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Examine the following statements: I. All members of Mohan’s family are honest. II. Some members of Mohan’s family are not employed. III. Some employed persons are not honest. IV. Some honest persons are not employed. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

    aAll members of Mohan’s family are employed
    bThe employed members of Mohan’s family are honest
    cThe honest members of Mohan’s family are not employed
    dThe employed members of Mohan’s family are not honest
  146. Question 149 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    In a dinner party both fish and meat were served. Some took only fish and some only meat. There were some vegetarians who did not accept either. The rest accepted both fish and meat. Which one of the following logic diagrams correctly reflects the above situation?

    adiagram (a)
    bdiagram (b)
    cdiagram (c)
    ddiagram (d)
  147. Question 150 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    A, B, C, D, E, F and G are members of a family consisting of 4 adults and 3 children, two of whom, F and G, are girls. A and D are brothers and A is a doctor. E is an engineer married to one of the brothers and has two children. B is married to D and G is their child. Who is C?

    aG’s brother
    bF’s father
    cE’s daughter
    dA’s son

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.