All Prelims papers

UPSC Prelims 2001

General Studies Paper I

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

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

    In what way does the Indian Parliament exercise control over the administration?

    aThrough Consultative Committees of various ministries
    bThrough Parliamentary Committees
    cBy making the administrators send periodic reports
    dBy compelling the executive to issue writs
  2. Question 2 · History and Culture

    Who among the following organised the famous Chittagong armoury raid?

    aLaxmi Sehgal
    bSurya Sen
    cBatukeshwar Datta
    dJ. M. Sengupta
  3. Question 3 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the decadal Census data given below: Decadal Population (in millions) Population 1961 10.7 1971 14.3 1981 16.2 1991 18.9 The above data refer to which one of the ‘Population by Religion’ groups?

    aSikhs
    bJains
    cChristians
    dBuddhists
  4. Question 4 · Economy and Social Development

    Which of the following committees examined and suggested Financial Sector Reforms?

    aAbid Hussain Committee
    bBhagwati Committee
    cChelliah Committee
    dNarasimham Committee
  5. Question 5 · History and Culture

    In which one of the following cities is the Lingaraja Temple located?

    aBhubaneswar
    bBijapur
    cKolkata
    dShravanabelagola
  6. Question 6 · History and Culture

    A London branch of the All-India Muslim League was established in 1908 under the presidency of

    aAgha Khan
    bAmeer Ali
    cLiaquat Ali Khan
    dM. A. Jinnah
  7. Question 7 · Geography

    The above map is the Union Territory of

    aChandigarh
    bDaman and Diu
    cDadra and Nagar Haveli
    dPondicherry
  8. Question 8 · Geography

    Identify the correct order of the processes of soil erosion from the following:

    aSplash erosion, Sheet erosion, Rill erosion, Gully erosion
    bSheet erosion, Splash erosion, Gully erosion, Rill erosion
    cRill erosion, Gully erosion, Sheet erosion, Splash erosion
    dGully erosion, Rill erosion, Sheet erosion, Splash erosion
  9. Question 9 · Economy and Social Development

    The new series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) released by the Government of India is with reference to the base prices of

    a1981-82
    b1990-91
    c1993-94
    d1994-95
  10. Question 10 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The chess player Alexi Shirov represents

    aAlbania
    bKazakhstan
    cRussia
    dSpain
  11. Question 11 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following organisations: I. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration II. Heavy Water Board III. Indian Rare Earths Limited IV. Uranium Corporation of India Which of these is/are under the Department of Atomic Energy?

    aI only
    bI and IV
    cII, III and IV
    dI, II, III and IV
  12. Question 12 · History and Culture

    Who among the following was the President of the All-India States’ Peoples’ Conference in 1939?

    aJaya Prakash Narayan
    bJawaharlal Nehru
    cSheikh Abdullah
    dSardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  13. Question 13 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements about the minorities in India: I. The Government of India has notified five communities, namely, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians as Minorities. II. The National Commission for Minorities was given statutory status in 1993. III. The smallest religious minority in India are the Zoroastrians. IV. The Constitution of India recognises and protects religious and linguistic minorities. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI and III
    bI and IV
    cII, III and IV
    dI, II and IV
  14. Question 14 · Geography

    The temperature and rainfall of a meteorological station are given below: J F M A M J J A S O N D Temperature (°C): 9.4 10.6 11.7 12.2 13.3 13.9 13.9 14.4 15.6 15.0 13.3 10.6 Rainfall (cm): 12.2 9.1 7.9 2.5 1.8 0.3 – – 0.8 2.5 6.1 11.7 Average Temperature: 12.8 °C Average Rainfall: 54.9 cm per annum Identify the region having the above climatic pattern from amongst the following:

    aMediterranean region
    bMonsoon region
    cSteppe region
    dNorth-West European region
  15. Question 15 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The theme of the World Development Report, 2001 is

    aFrom Plan to Market
    bKnowledge for Development
    cAttacking Poverty
    dThe State in the Changing World
  16. Question 16 · Polity and Governance

    In which one of the following areas does the State Government NOT have control over its local bodies?

    aCitizen’s grievances
    bFinancial matters
    cLegislation
    dPersonnel matters
  17. Question 17 · History and Culture

    Who amongst the following Englishmen first translated the Bhagavad-Gita into English?

    aWilliam Jones
    bCharles Wilkins
    cAlexander Cunningham
    dJohn Marshall
  18. Question 18 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements regarding the High Courts in India: I. There are eighteen High Courts in the country. II. Three of them have jurisdiction over more than one State. III. No Union Territory has a High Court of its own. IV. Judges of the High Court hold office till the age of 62. Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aI, II and IV
    bII and III
    cI and IV
    dIV only
  19. Question 19 · Economy and Social Development

    The term National Income represents

    aGross National Product at market prices minus depreciation
    bGross National Product at market prices minus depreciation net factor income from abroad
    cGross National Product at market prices minus depreciation and indirect taxes subsidies
    dGross National Product at market prices minus net factor income from abroad
  20. Question 20 · Geography

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Local Wind) I. Fohn II. Samun III. Santa Ana IV. Zonda List II (Region) A) Argentina B) Kurdistan C) California D) Alps Codes:

    aI-B, II-D, III-A, IV-C
    bI-D, II-B, III-C, IV-A
    cI-B, II-D, III-C, IV-A
    dI-D, II-B, III-A, IV-C
  21. Question 21 · Geography

    The given map shows four towns of the Central Asian region marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Identify these from the following list and select the correct answer using the codes given below: Towns: A. Bishkek B. Ashkhabad C. Tashkent D. Dushanbe Codes:

    aA-3, B-1, C-3, D-4
    bA-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
    cA-1, B-3, C-2, D-4
    dA-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
  22. Question 22 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Mekong Ganga Cooperation Project is

    aan irrigation project involving India and Myanmar
    ba joint tourism initiative of some Asian countries
    ca hydroelectric power project involving India, Bangladesh and Myanmar
    da defence and security agreement of India with its eastern neighbours
  23. Question 23 · Polity and Governance

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Amendments to the Constitution) I. The Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991 II. The Constitution (Seventy-fifth Amendment) Act, 1994 III. The Constitution (Eightieth Amendment) Act, 2000 IV. The Constitution (Eighty-third Amendment) Act, 2000 List II (Contents) A) Establishment of State-level Rent Tribunals Act, 1991 B) No reservations for Scheduled Castes in Panchayats in Arunachal Pradesh C) Constitution of Panchayats in Villages or at other local levels D) Accepting the recommendations of the Tenth Finance Commission E) According the status of National Capital Territory to Delhi Codes:

    aI-E, II-A, III-D, IV-B
    bI-A, II-E, III-C, IV-D
    cI-E, II-A, III-C, IV-D
    dI-A, II-E, III-D, IV-B
  24. Question 24 · Economy and Social Development

    The largest number of Buddhists is found in

    aBihar
    bKarnataka
    cMaharashtra
    dUttar Pradesh
  25. Question 25 · Science and Technology

    Who amongst the following was the Chairman of ISRO when INSAT-3B was launched?

    aAnil Kakodar
    bAbdul Kalam
    cK. Kasturirangan
    dU. R. Rao
  26. Question 26 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): The Battle of Khanua was certainly more decisive and significant than the First Battle of Panipat. Reason (R): Rana Sanga, the Rajput hero, was certainly a more formidable adversary than Ibrahim Lodi.

    aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually 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 27 · Geography

    Assertion (A): Anti-cyclonic conditions are formed in winter season when atmospheric pressure is high and air temperatures are low. Reason (R): Winter rainfall in Northern India causes development of anticyclonic conditions with low temperatures.

    aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually 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 28 · History and Culture

    Assertion (A): Harshavardhana convened the Prayag Assembly. Reason (R): He wanted to popularise only the Mahayana form of Buddhism.

    aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually 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 29 · Economy and Social Development

    Assertion (A): There was an increase in industrial production during 1999-2000. Reason (R): The period witnessed a stable exchange rate and improved business sentiments.

    aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually 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 30 · Economy and Social Development

    Assertion (A): India's software exports increased at an average growth rate of 50% since 1995-96. Reason (R): Indian software companies were cost-effective and maintained international quality.

    aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually 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 31 · Economy and Social Development

    Assertion (A): Ceiling on foreign exchange for a host of current account transaction heads was lowered in the year 2000. Reason (R): There was a fall in foreign currency assets also.

    aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually 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 32 · Geography

    Assertion (A): During the Neap Tides, the high tide is lower and the low tide is higher than usual. Reason (R): The Neap Tide, unlike the Spring Tide, occurs on the New Moon instead of on the Full Moon.

    aBoth A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually 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 33 · Economy and Social Development

    The prices at which the Government purchases food grains for maintaining the public distribution system and for building up buffer stocks is known as

    aminimum support prices
    bprocurement prices
    cissue prices
    dceiling prices
  34. Question 34 · Science and Technology

    The theme of Indian Science Congress, 2001 was

    a“Food Nutrition and Environmental Security”
    b“Arrest declining interest in pure sciences”
    c“Make India energy self-sufficient”
    d“Make India IT Superpower”
  35. Question 35 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements regarding environment issues of India: I. Gulf of Mannar is one of the biosphere reserves. II. The Ganga Action Plan, phase II has been merged with the National River Conservation Plan. III. The National Museum of Natural History at New Delhi imparts nonformal education in environment and conservation. IV. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) acts as a decentralised information network for environmental information. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI, II and IV
    bI, II, III and IV
    cII and III
    dI, III and IV
  36. Question 36 · History and Culture

    Which one of the Chola kings conquered Ceylon?

    aAditya I
    bRajaraja I
    cRajendra
    dVijayalaya
  37. Question 37 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements regarding the Armed Forces: I. First batch of women pilots was commissioned in Indian Air Force in 1996. II. Officers’ Training Academy is located in Nagpur. III. Southern Command of Indian Navy has its Headquarters at Chennai. IV. One of the Regional Headquarters of Coast Guard is located at Port Blair. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI, II, III and IV
    bII, III and IV
    cIII only
    dIV only
  38. Question 38 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements regarding power sector in India: I. The installed capacity of power generation is around 95000 MW. II. Nuclear plants contribute nearly 15% of total power generation. III. Hydroelectricity plants contribute nearly 40% of total power generation. IV. Thermal plants at present account for nearly 80% of total power generation. Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aI only
    bII and III
    cIII and IV
    dI and IV
  39. Question 39 · Polity and Governance

    If a new State of the Indian Union is to be created, which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution must be amended?

    aFirst
    bSecond
    cThird
    dFifth
  40. Question 40 · Economy and Social Development

    National Agriculture Insurance Scheme replacing Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme was introduced in the year

    a1997
    b1998
    c1999
    d2000
  41. Question 41 · History and Culture

    Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir?

    aParsva
    bNagarjuna
    cSudraka
    dVasumitra
  42. Question 42 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Country) I. Columbia II. The Philippines III. Mexico IV. Venezuela List II (President) A) Vicente Fox B) Hugo Chavez C) Gloria Macapagal Arroyo D) Andres Pastrana

    aI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    bI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
    cI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    dI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
  43. Question 43 · Economy and Social Development

    The annual agricultural production of a product for the period 1991-92 to 1998-99 is shown in the figure given above. Which one of the following is the product in Q?

    aPulses
    bWheat
    cOilseeds
    dRice
  44. Question 44 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following States: I. Gujarat II. Karnataka III. Maharashtra IV. Tamil Nadu The descending order of these States with reference to their level of Per Capita Net State Domestic Product is

    aI, III, IV, II
    bIII, I, II, IV
    cI, III, II, IV
    dIII, I, IV, II
  45. Question 45 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements regarding the political parties in India: I. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides for the registration of political parties. II. Registration of political parties is carried out by the Election Commission. III. A national level political party is one which is recognised in four or more States. IV. During the 1999 general elections, there were six National and 48 State level parties recognised by the Election Commission. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI, II and IV
    bI and III
    cII and IV
    dI, II, III and IV
  46. Question 46 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Institute) I. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants II. Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics III. Institute of Microbial Technology IV. National Institute of Immunology List II (Location) A) Chandigarh B) Hyderabad C) New Delhi D) Lucknow

    aI-B, II-D, III-A, IV-C
    bI-D, II-B, III-A, IV-C
    cI-B, II-D, III-C, IV-A
    dI-D, II-B, III-C, IV-A
  47. Question 47 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following animals was NOT represented on the seals and terracotta art of the Harappan culture?

    aCow
    bElephant
    cRhinoceros
    dTiger
  48. Question 48 · Science and Technology

    The range of Agni-II missile is around

    a500 km
    b2000 km
    c3500 km
    d5000 km
  49. Question 49 · Geography

    The approximate age of the Aravalli’s range is

    a370 million years
    b470 million years
    c570 million years
    d670 million years
  50. Question 50 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following: I. Market borrowing II. Treasury bills III. Special securities issued to RBI Which of these is/are component(s) of internal debt?

    aI only
    bI and II
    cII only
    dI, II and III
  51. Question 51 · Polity and Governance

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Article of the Constitution) I. Article 54 II. Article 75 III. Article 155 IV. Article 164 List II (Content) A) Election of the President of India B) Appointment of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers C) Appointment of the Governor of a State D) Appointment of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of a State E) Composition of Legislative Assemblies

    aI-A, II-B, III-C, IV-D
    bI-A, II-B, III-D, IV-E
    cI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-E
    dI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
  52. Question 52 · Environment and Ecology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Important Day) I. World Environment Day II. World Forestry Day III. World Habitat Day IV. World Ozone Day List II (Date) A) March 20 B) June 5 C) September 16 D) October 3 E) December 10

    aI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-E
    bI-A, II-B, III-D, IV-C
    cI-A, II-B, III-C, IV-D
    dI-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
  53. Question 54 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements regarding Reserve Bank of India: I. It is a banker to the Central Government. II. It formulates and administers monetary policy. III. It acts as an agent of the Government in respect of India’s membership of IMF. IV. It handles the borrowing programme of Government of India. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI and II
    bII, III and IV
    cI, II, III and IV
    dIII and IV
  54. Question 55 · Geography

    Consider the following statements: I. Most magmas are a combination of liquid, solid and gas. II. Water vapour and carbon dioxide are the principal gases dissolved in a magma. III. Basaltic magma is hotter than the silicic magma. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI only
    bI and II
    cII and III
    dI, II and III
  55. Question 56 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following schemes launched by the Union Government: I. Antyodaya Anna II. Gram Sadak Yojana III. Sarvapriya IV. Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojana. Which of these were announced in the year 2000?

    aI and II
    bII and IV
    cIII and IV
    dI, II and III
  56. Question 57 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Books) I. The Struggle in My Life II. The Struggle and the Triumph III. Friends and Foes IV. Rebirth List II (Author) A) Lech Walesa B) Nelson Mandela C) Leonid Brezhnev D) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto E) Sheikh Mujibur Rehman

    aI-A, II-B, III-E, IV-C
    bI-B, II-A, III-E, IV-C
    cI-A, II-B, III-C, IV-D
    dI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
  57. Question 58 · History and Culture

    Hoysala monuments are found in

    aHampi and Hospet
    bHalebid and Belur
    cMysore and Bangalore
    dSringeri and Dharwar
  58. Question 59 · Geography

    Consider the following statements regarding earthquakes: I. The intensity of an earthquake is measured on the Mercalli scale. II. The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of energy released. III. Earthquake magnitudes are based on direct measurements of the amplitude of seismic waves. IV. In the Richter scale, each whole number demonstrates a hundred-fold increase in the amount of energy released. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI, II and III
    bII, III and IV
    cI and IV
    dI and III
  59. Question 60 · Polity and Governance

    Which Article of the Constitution provides that it shall be the endeavour of every State to provide adequate facility for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education?

    aArticle 349
    bArticle 350
    cArticle 350-A
    dArticle 351
  60. Question 61 · History and Culture

    Who among the following Indian rulers established embassies in foreign countries on modern lines?

    aHaider Ali
    bMir Qasim
    cShah Alam II
    dTipu Sultan
  61. Question 62 · Geography

    A great landslide caused by an earthquake killed hundreds of people in January 2001 near

    aSan Salvador
    bSan Jose
    cManagua
    dGuatemala City
  62. Question 63 · Geography

    In the above map, the black marks show the distribution of

    aAsbestos
    bGypsum
    cLimestone
    dMica
  63. Question 64 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following factors regarding an industry: I. Capital investments II. Business turnover III. Labour force IV. Power consumption Which of these determine the nature and size of the industry?

    aI, III and IV
    bI, II and IV
    cII, III and IV
    dI and III
  64. Question 65 · History and Culture

    Which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

    aIndia’s first Technicolour film — Jhansi Ki Rani
    bIndia’s first 3-D film — My Dear Kuttichat
    cIndia’s first insured film — Taal
    dIndia’s first actress to win the Bharat Ratna — Meena Kumari
  65. Question 66 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Dancer) I. Kalamandalam Kshemavaty II. Kottakkal Sivaraman III. Lakshmi Viswanathan IV. N. Madhabi Devi List II (Dance) A) Kathakali B) Manipuri C) Mohiniyattam D) Bharata Natyam

    aI-A, II-C, III-B, IV-D
    bI-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
    cI-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
    dI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D
  66. Question 67 · History and Culture

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Bhakti Saint) I. Namdev II. Kabir III. Ravidas IV. Sena List II (Profession) A) Barber B) Weaver C) Tailor D) Cobbler

    aI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
    bI-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A
    cI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
    dI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
  67. Question 68 · Economy and Social Development

    The most appropriate measure of a country’s economic growth is its

    aGross Domestic Product
    bNet Domestic Product
    cNet National Product
    dPer Capita Real Income
  68. Question 69 · Polity and Governance

    The Supreme Court of India tenders’ advice to the President on a matter of law or fact

    aon its own initiative
    bonly if he seeks such advice
    conly if the matter relates to the Fundamental Rights of citizens
    donly if the issue poses a threat to the unity and integrity of the country
  69. Question 70 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Falun Gong is

    aan ethnic minority in Eastern China
    ban insurgency outfit in Western China
    ca pro-democracy movement in China
    da spiritual movement in China
  70. Question 71 · History and Culture

    The Hunter Commission was appointed after the

    aBlack hole incident
    bJalian Walla Bagh massacre
    cUprising of 1857
    dPartition of Bengal
  71. Question 72 · Geography

    Who amongst the following was the first to state that the Earth was spherical?

    aAristotle
    bCopernicus
    cPtolemy
    dStrabo
  72. Question 73 · Economy and Social Development

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Term) I. Fiscal deficit II. Budget deficit III. Revenue deficit IV. Primary deficit List II (Explanation) A) Excess of Total Expenditure over Total Receipts B) Excess of Revenue Expenditure over Revenue Receipts C) Excess of Total Expenditure over Total Receipts less borrowings D) Excess of Total Expenditure over Total Receipts less borrowings and Interest Payments

    aI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D
    bI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    cI-A, II-C, III-B, IV-D
    dI-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
  73. Question 74 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following organisations: I. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development II. International Finance Corporation III. International Fund for Agricultural Development IV. International Monetary Fund Which of these are agencies of the United Nations?

    aI and II
    bII and III
    cIII and IV
    dI, II, III and IV
  74. Question 75 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Person) I. Deep Sen Gupta II. P. Hari Krishna III. Seema Antil IV. Tejas Bakre List II (Achievement) A) India’s youngest International Master in the Sangli International Chess Tournament, 2000 B) The first Indian ever to win a gold in discus in the World Athletic Championship in Santiago, 2000 C) Won the title in the Asian Junior Chess Tournament in Mumbai, 2000 D) Won the Under-12 title in the World Youth Chess Festival in Oropesa, 2000

    aI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    bI-B, II-D, III-A, IV-C
    cI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
    dI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
  75. Question 76 · History and Culture

    Under the Permanent Settlement, 1793, the zamindars were required to issue pattas to the farmers which were not issued by many of the zamindars. The reason was

    athe zamindars were trusted by the farmers
    bthere was no official check upon the zamindars
    cit was the responsibility of the British Government
    dthe farmers were not interested in getting pattas
  76. Question 77 · Geography

    If the stars are seen to rise perpendicular to the horizon by an observer, he is located on the

    aEquator
    bTropic of Cancer
    cSouth Pole
    dNorth Pole
  77. Question 78 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Person) I. Santosh Yadav II. Oprah Winfrey III. Oscar Wilde IV. P. Sainath List II (Distinguished as) A) T.V. Host B) Journalist C) Mountaineer D) Dramatist and Author

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

    The Union Budget, 2000 awarded a Tax Holiday for the North-eastern Region to promote industrialisation for

    a5 years
    b7 years
    c9 years
    d10 years
  79. Question 81 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements: I. Arya Samaj was founded in 1835. II. Lala Lajpat Rai opposed the appeal of Arya Samaj to the authority of Vedas in support of its social reform programmes. III. Under Keshab Chandra Sen, the Brahmo Samaj campaigned for women’s education. IV. Vinoba Bhave founded the Sarvodaya Samaj to work among refugees. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI and II
    bII and III
    cII and IV
    dIII and IV
  80. Question 82 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following taxes: I. Corporation tax II. Customs duty III. Wealth tax IV. Excise duty Which of these is/are indirect taxes?

    aI only
    bII and IV
    cI and III
    dII and III
  81. Question 83 · History and Culture

    The Mongols under Genghis Khan invaded India during the reign of

    aBalban
    bFeroze Tughlaq
    cIltutmish
    dMuhammad bin Tughlaq
  82. Question 84 · Geography

    The high density of population in Nile Valley and Island of Java is primarily due to

    aintensive agriculture
    bindustrialisation
    curbanisation
    dtopographic constraints
  83. Question 85 · Economy and Social Development

    The largest share of Foreign Direct Investment (1997-2000) went to

    aFood and food product sector
    bEngineering sector
    cElectronics and electric equipment sector
    dService sector
  84. Question 86 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following duties is NOT performed by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India?

    aTo audit and report on all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India
    bTo audit and report on all expenditure from the Contingency Funds and Public Accounts
    cTo audit and report on all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts
    dTo control the receipt and issue of public money, and to ensure that the public revenue is lodged in the exchequer
  85. Question 87 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched?

    aHarappan Civilisation … Painted Grey Ware
    bThe Kushans … Gandhara School of Art
    cThe Mughals … Ajanta Paintings
    dThe Marathas … Pahari School of Painting
  86. Question 88 · Geography

    Consider the following statements made about the sedimentary rocks: I. Sedimentary rocks are formed at Earth’s surface by the hydrological system. II. The formation of sedimentary rocks involves the weathering of pre-existing rocks. III. Sedimentary rocks contain fossils. IV. Sedimentary rocks typically occur in layers. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI and II
    bI and IV
    cII, III and IV
    dI, II, III and IV
  87. Question 89 · Economy and Social Development

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Publisher) I. Ministry of Industry II. Central Statistical Organisation III. Reserve Bank of India IV. Ministry of Finance List II (Publication) A) Report on Currency and Finance B) Economic Survey C) Wholesale Price Index D) National Accounts Statistics

    aI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    bI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-B
    cI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    dI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
  88. Question 90 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Award / Prize) I. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament II. Jamanlal Bajaj Award III. International Gandhi Peace Prize IV. Wolf Prize List II (Recipient) A) Archbishop Desmond Tutu B) Dr. Gurudev Khush C) Dr. M. S. Swaminathan D) Nelson Mandela

    aI-A, II-C, III-D, IV-B
    bI-C, II-A, III-D, IV-B
    cI-A, II-C, III-B, IV-D
    dI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D
  89. Question 91 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following statements correctly describes the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of India?

    aIt lists the distribution of power between the Union and the States
    bIt contains the languages listed in the Constitution
    cIt contains the provisions regarding the administration of tribal areas
    dIt allocates seats in the Council of States
  90. Question 92 · History and Culture

    Which among the following ports was called Babul Makka (Gate of Makka) during the Mughal Period?

    aCalicut
    bBroach
    cCambay
    dSurat
  91. Question 93 · Geography

    Volcanic eruptions do not occur in the

    aBaltic Sea
    bBlack Sea
    cCaribbean Sea
    dCaspian Sea
  92. Question 94 · History and Culture

    Who among the following leaders proposed to adopt Complete Independence as the goal of the Congress in the Ahmedabad session of 1920?

    aAbul Kalam Azad
    bHasrat Mohani
    cJawaharlal Nehru
    dMohandas Karamchand Gandhi
  93. Question 95 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Sports Women) I. Anjali Vedpathak II. Mouma Das III. Neelam Singh IV. Tumpa Debnath List II (Sport) A) Athletics B) Gymnastics C) Rifle Shooting D) Table Tennis E) Chess

    aI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-E
    bI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-B
    cI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    dI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D
  94. Question 96 · Geography

    A class of animals known as Marsupials is a characteristic feature of

    aAfrica
    bAustralia
    cSouth America
    dSouth-east Asia
  95. Question 98 · History and Culture

    Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

    aDewan-i-bandagani … Tughlaq
    bDewan-i-Mustakhraj … Balban
    cDewan-i-Kohi … Alauddin Khilji
    dDewan-i-Arz … Muhammad Tughlaq
  96. Question 99 · Economy and Social Development

    The earlier name of WTO was

    aUNCTAD
    bGATT
    cUNIDO
    dOECD
  97. Question 100 · Science and Technology

    Two wires have their lengths, diameters and resistivities, all in the ratio of 1 : 2. If the resistance of the thinner wire is 10 ohms, the resistance of the thicker wire is

    a10 ohms
    b5 ohms
    c20 ohms
    d40 ohms
  98. Question 101 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): A stick is dipped in water in a slanting position. If observed sideways, the stick appears short and bent at the surface of water. Reason (R): The light coming from the stick undergoes scattering from water molecules giving the stick a short and bent appearance.

    aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
    cA is true but R is false
    dA is false but R is true
  99. Question 102 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): A piece of copper and a piece of glass are heated to the same temperature. When touched, thereafter, the copper piece appears hotter than the glass piece. Reason (R): The density of copper is more than that of glass.

    aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
    cA is true but R is false
    dA is false but R is true
  100. Question 103 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): The boiling point of water decreases as the altitude increases. Reason (R): The atmospheric pressure increases with altitude.

    aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
    cA is true but R is false
    dA is false but R is true
  101. Question 104 · Science and Technology

    When light waves pass from air to glass, the variables affected are

    aWavelength, frequency and velocity
    bVelocity and frequency
    cWavelength and frequency
    dWavelength and velocity
  102. Question 105 · Science and Technology

    When water is heated from 0 °C to 10 °C, its volume

    aincreases
    bdecreases
    cdoes not change
    dfirst decreases and then increases
  103. Question 106 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements: In a nuclear reactor, self-sustained chain reaction is possible, because I. More neutrons are released in each of the fission reactions. II. The neutrons immediately take part in the fission process. III. The fast neutrons are slowed down by Graphite. IV. Every neutron released in the fission reaction initiates further fission. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI, II and III
    bI and III
    cII and IV
    dII, III and IV
  104. Question 107 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Characteristic) I. Zero mass II. Fractional charge III. Fractional spin IV. Integral spin List II (Particle) A) Positron B) Neutrino C) Quark D) Phonon

    aI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D
    bI-C, II-B, III-D, IV-A
    cI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-A
    dI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
  105. Question 108 · Science and Technology

    Who is the scientist in whose honour the “Chandra” X-ray telescope has been named?

    aChandrasekhar Venkat Raman
    bJagdish Chandra Bose
    cPrafulla Chandra Roy
    dSubrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
  106. Question 109 · Science and Technology

    The mass of a body on Earth is 100 kg (acceleration due to gravity, gₑ = 10 m/s²). If acceleration due to gravity on the Moon = gₑ/6, then the mass of the body on the moon is

    a100/6 kg
    b60 kg
    c100 kg
    d600 kg
  107. Question 110 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements: A simple pendulum is set into oscillation. Then I. The acceleration is zero when the bob passes through the mean position. II. In each cycle the bob attains a given velocity twice. III. Both acceleration and velocity of the bob are zero when it reaches its extreme position during its oscillation. IV. The amplitude of oscillation of the simple pendulum decreases with time. Which of these statements are correct?

    aI and II
    bIII and IV
    cI, II and IV
    dII, III and IV
  108. Question 111 · Science and Technology

    Cloudy nights are warmer compared to clear cloudless nights, because clouds

    aprevent cold waves from the sky from descending on Earth
    breflect back heat given off by Earth
    cproduce heat and radiate it towards Earth
    dabsorb heat from the atmosphere and send it towards Earth
  109. Question 112 · Geography

    Which of the following weather conditions is indicated by a sudden fall in barometer reading?

    aStormy weather
    bCalm weather
    cCold and dry weather
    dHot and sunny weather
  110. Question 113 · Science and Technology

    A radioactive substance has a half-life of four months. Three fourth of the substance would decay in

    a3 months
    b4 months
    c8 months
    d12 months
  111. Question 114 · Data Interpretation

    The following table shows the percentage change in the consumption of electricity by five towns P, Q, R, S, T from 1986 to 1988: Town Per cent change from 1986 to 1987 From 1987 to 1988 P +8 −18 Q +15 −11 R +6 +9 S −7 −5 T +13 −6 If town T consumed 500,000 units in 1986, how much did it consume in 1988?

    a371,000 units
    b531,100 units
    c551,100 units
    d571,100 units
  112. Question 116 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): A chemical reaction becomes faster at higher temperatures. Reason (R): At higher temperatures, molecular motion becomes more rapid. Which of the following is correct?

    aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
    cA is true but R is false
    dA is false but R is true
  113. Question 117 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following is NOT radioactive?

    aAstatine
    bFrancium
    cTritium
    dZirconium
  114. Question 118 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following is the correct sequence in increasing order of molecular weights of the hydrocarbons?

    aMethane, ethane, propane and butane
    bPropane, butane, ethane and methane
    cButane, ethane, propane and methane
    dButane, propane, ethane and methane
  115. Question 119 · Science and Technology

    In an atom, the order of filling up of the orbitals is governed by

    aAufbau principle
    bHeisenberg’s uncertainty principle
    cHund’s rule
    dPauli’s exclusion principle
  116. Question 120 · Science and Technology

    An aqueous solution of copper sulphate is acidic in nature because the salt undergoes

    adialysis
    belectrolysis
    chydrolysis
    dphotolysis
  117. Question 121 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements with reference to the Periodic Table of chemical elements: I. Ionisation potential gradually decreases along a period. II. In a group of elements, electron affinity decreases as the atomic weight increases. III. In a given period, electronegativity decreases as the atomic number increases. Which of these statement(s) is/are correct?

    aI only
    bII only
    cI and III
    dII and III
  118. Question 122 · Geography

    Quartzite is metamorphosed from

    aLimestone
    bObsidian
    cSandstone
    dShale
  119. Question 123 · Science and Technology

    Which of the following cell organelles play the most significant role in protein synthesis?

    aLysosome and Centrosome
    bEndoplasmic reticulum and Ribosome
    cGolgi apparatus and Mitochondria
    dLysosome and Mitochondria
  120. Question 124 · Science and Technology

    Assertion (A): Scientists can cut apart and paste together DNA molecules at will, regardless of the source of the molecules. Reason (R): DNA fragments can be manipulated using restriction endonucleases and DNA ligases. Which of the following is correct?

    aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
    bBoth A and R are individually true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
    cA is true but R is false
    dA is false but R is true
  121. Question 125 · Science and Technology

    The cellular and molecular control of programmed cell death is known as

    aApoptosis
    bAgeing
    cDegeneration
    dNecrosis
  122. Question 126 · Science and Technology

    Which organelle in the cell, other than nucleus, contains DNA?

    aCentriole
    bGolgi apparatus
    cLysosome
    dMitochondrion
  123. Question 127 · Science and Technology

    Epiphytes are plants which depend on other plants for

    afood
    bmechanical support
    cshade
    dwater
  124. Question 128 · Science and Technology

    Antigen is a substance which

    adestroys harmful bacteria
    bis used to treat poisoning
    clowers body temperature
    dstimulates formation of antibody
  125. Question 129 · Science and Technology

    Which of the following features of DNA makes it uniquely suited to store and transmit genetic information from generation to generation?

    aComplementarity of the two strands
    bDouble helix
    cNumber of base pairs per turn
    dSugar phosphate backbone
  126. Question 130 · Science and Technology

    The American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field-trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton?

    aBacillus subtilis
    bBacillus thuringiensis
    cBacillus amyloliquifanciens
    dBacillus globli
  127. Question 131 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Bone) I. Breast-bone II. Collar-bone III. Knee-cap IV. Shoulder blade List II (Name) A) Clavicle B) Patella C) Scapula D) Sternum

    aI-D, II-A, III-C, IV-B
    bI-A, II-D, III-C, IV-B
    cI-A, II-D, III-B, IV-C
    dI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
  128. Question 132 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements: I. Tapeworm is a hermaphrodite. II. Round-worm has separate sexes. III. Filaria is caused by a nematode. IV. Guinea worm is an annelid. Which of these are correct?

    aI and II
    bI, II and III
    cIII and IV
    dII, III and IV
  129. Question 133 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Achievement in genetics) I. Discovery of transduction and conjugation in bacteria II. Establishing the sex-linked inheritance III. Isolation of DNA polymerase from E. coli IV. Establishing the complete genetic code List II (Scientists) A) Khurana B) Kornberg C) Lederberg D) Morgan E) Ochoa

    aI-D, II-C, III-B, IV-A
    bI-C, II-D, III-A, IV-E
    cI-D, II-C, III-A, IV-E
    dI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-A
  130. Question 134 · Science and Technology

    “Athlete’s Foot” is a disease caused by

    aBacteria
    bFungus
    cProtozoan
    dNematode
  131. Question 135 · Science and Technology

    In the eye donation, which part of the eye is transplanted from the donor?

    aCornea
    bLens
    cRetina
    dThe whole eye
  132. Question 136 · Science and Technology

    A man whose blood group is not known meets with a serious accident and needs blood transfusion immediately. Which one of the blood groups mentioned below and readily available in the hospital will be safe for transfusion?

    aO, Rh-
    bO, Rh+
    cAB, Rh-
    dAB, Rh+
  133. Question 137 · Science and Technology

    “Metastasis” is the process by which

    acells divide rapidly under the influence of drugs
    bcancer cells spread through the blood or lymphatic system to other sites or organs
    cthe chromosomes in cell nuclei are attached to the spindle before moving to the anaphase poles
    dcancer cells are successfully inhibited to divide any further
  134. Question 138 · Science and Technology

    Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Substance) I. Ptyalin II. Pepsin III. Renin IV. Oxytocin List II (Physiological role) A) Converts angiotensinogen in blood into angiotensin B) Digests starch C) Digests proteins D) Hydrolyses fats E) Induces contraction of smooth muscles

    aI-B, II-C, III-A, IV-E
    bI-C, II-D, III-B, IV-E
    cI-B, II-C, III-E, IV-A
    dI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-D
  135. Question 139 · Basic Numeracy

    Solve the given equations: x² + y² = 34 x⁴ − y⁴ = 544 The values of x and y are

    a±4, ±3
    b±5, ±3
    c±3, ±5
    d±3, ±4
  136. Question 140 · Basic Numeracy

    A worker reaches his factory 3 minutes late if his speed from his house to the factory is 5 km/hr. If he walks at a speed of 6 km/hr, then he reaches the factory 7 minutes early. The distance of the factory from his house is

    a4 km
    b5 km
    c6 km
    d7 km
  137. Question 141 · Basic Numeracy

    A conveyer belt delivers baggage at the rate of 3 tons in 5 minutes, and a second conveyer belt delivers baggage at the rate of 1 ton in 2 minutes. How much time will it take to get 33 tons of baggage delivered using both the conveyer belts?

    a25 minutes and 30 seconds
    b30 minutes
    c35 minutes
    d40 minutes and 45 seconds
  138. Question 142 · Basic Numeracy

    Water is filled in a container in such a manner that its volume doubles after every five minutes. If it takes 30 minutes for the container to be full, in how much time will it be one-fourth full?

    a7 minutes and 30 seconds
    b10 minutes
    c20 minutes
    d25 minutes
  139. Question 143 · Basic Numeracy

    A city has a population of 3,00,000 out of which 1,80,000 are males. 50% of the population is literate. If 70% of the males are literate, the number of literate females is

    a24,000
    b30,000
    c54,000
    d60,000
  140. Question 144 · Basic Numeracy

    In a survey, it was found that 80% of those surveyed owned a car while 60% of those surveyed owned a mobile phone. If 55% owned both a car and a mobile phone, what per cent of those surveyed owned a car or a mobile phone or both?

    a65%
    b80%
    c85%
    d97.5%
  141. Question 145 · Basic Numeracy

    In 1930, a person’s age was 8 times that of his son. In 1938, the father’s age became ten times that of his son’s age in 1930. The ages of the son and father in 1940 were, respectively.

    a16 years, 58 years
    b15 years, 50 years
    c14 years, 42 years
    d13 years, 34 years
  142. Question 146 · Basic Numeracy

    A circle of 1 m radius is drawn inside a square as shown in the figure given above. What is the area of the shaded portion in m²?

    a(4 - π)
    b1 + (π/2)
    c(1/4) - (π/4)
    d1 - (π/4)
  143. Question 147 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Most guitarists are bearded males. If A represents all males, B represents bearded males and C represents all male guitarists, then the correct diagram for their relation (shaded portion) is

    adiagram (a)
    bdiagram (b)
    cdiagram (c)
    ddiagram (d)
  144. Question 148 · Basic Numeracy

    In the above figure, ABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral, AB = BC and angle BAC = 70°, then angle ADC is

    a40°
    b80°
    c110°
    d140°
  145. Question 149 · Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

    Anand must be a vegetarian because he is a Buddhist. The argument assumes that

    amost Buddhists are vegetarians
    ball Buddhists are vegetarians
    conly Buddhists are vegetarians
    dmost vegetarians are Buddhists
  146. Question 150 · Basic Numeracy

    A person travels from X to Y at a speed of 40 kmph and returns by increasing his speed by 50%. What is his average speed for both the trips?

    a36 kmph
    b45 kmph
    c48 kmph
    d50 kmph

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.