UPSC Prelims 2003

General Studies Paper I

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

1. Question 1 · History and Culture

   Alam Khan, one of those who invited Babar to invade India was

   aAn uncle of Ibrahim Lodi and a pretender to the throne of Delhi

   bA cousin of Ibrahim Lodi who was ill-treated and expelled from the country

   cThe father of Dilawar Khan to whom cruel treatment was meted out by Ibrahim Lodi

   dA high official in Punjab province who was very much discontented with Ibrahim Lodi’s treatment to his tribe
2. Question 2 · History and Culture

   The battle of Dharmat was fought between

   aMuhammad Gori and Jai Chand

   bBabar and the Afghans

   cAurangzeb and Dara Shikoh

   dAhmad Shah Durrani and the Marathas
3. Question 3 · Geography

   Which one among the following has the largest shipyard in India?

   aKolkata

   bKochi

   cMumbai

   dVisakhapatnam
4. Question 4 · Basic Numeracy

   Three flags, each of different colour, are available for a military exercise. Using these flags, different codes can be generated by waving i) a single flag of different colours, or ii) any two flags in a different sequence of colours, or iii) three flags in a different sequence of colours. The maximum number of codes that can be generated is

   a6

   b9

   c15

   d18
5. Question 5 · Geography

   Match List I (Organisation) with List II (Location) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the list: List I (Organisation) A. National Sugar Institute B. Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited C. Institute of Military Law D. Institute of National Integration List II (Location) 1. Dehradun 2. Kamptee 3. Pune 4. Hyderabad Codes: A B C D

   a3 1 4 2

   b5 1 4 3

   c3 4 5 2

   d5 4 2 3
6. Question 6 · International Relations and Current Affairs

   Tim Montgomery set a new world record at the IAAF Grand Prix final in the year 2002 in

   aLong Jump

   b110 m Hurdle Race

   c100 m Dash

   dHigh Jump
7. Question 7 · Science and Technology

   With reference to the work of human kidney, consider the following statements:

   1. 1.After the waste is removed in the kidney, the cleaner blood is sent back through renal artery.
   2. 2.From Bowman’s capsule, the filtered liquid passes through tiny tubes where much of the glucose is reabsorbed and sent back to the blood in the renal vein.

   Which of these statements is/are correct?

   aOnly 1

   bOnly 2

   cBoth 1 and 2

   dNeither 1 nor 2
8. Question 8 · Science and Technology

   A hydrogen-inflated polythene balloon is released from the surface of the earth. As the balloon rises to an altitude up in the atmosphere, it will

   aDecrease in size

   bFlatten into a disc-like shape

   cIncrease in size

   dMaintain the same size and shape
9. Question 9 · Polity and Governance

   The power to enlarge the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India with respect to any matter included in the Union List of Legislative Powers rests with

   aThe President of India

   bThe Chief Justice of India

   cThe Parliament

   dThe Union Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Affairs
10. Question 10 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following High Courts has the territorial jurisdiction over Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

    aAndhra Pradesh

    bCalcutta

    cMadras

    dOrissa
11. Question 11 · Polity and Governance

    Under which Article of the Indian Constitution did the President make a reference to the Supreme Court to seek the Court’s opinion on the constitutional validity of the Election Commission’s decision on deferring the Gujarat Assembly elections (in the year 2002)?

    aArticle 142

    bArticle 143

    cArticle 144

    dArticle 145
12. Question 12 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.India launched its first full-fledged meteorological satellite (METSAT) in September 2002.
    2. 2.For the first time, the space vehicle PSLV-C4 carried a payload of more than 1000 kg into a geosynchronous orbit.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
13. Question 13 · Geography

    Nanda Devi peak forms a part of

    aAssam Himalayas

    bKumaon Himalayas

    cNepal Himalayas

    dPunjab Himalayas
14. Question 14 · Geography

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.India is the original home of the cotton plant.
    2. 2.India is the first country in the world to develop hybrid cotton variety leading to increased production.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
15. Question 15 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Who is the author of the book ‘New Dimensions of India’s Foreign Policy’?

    aA B Vajpayee

    bJaswant Singh

    cP C Alexander

    dYashwant Sinha
16. Question 16 · History and Culture

    How did the Mughal Emperor Jahandar Shah’s reign come to an early end?

    aHe was deposed by his wazir

    bHe died due to a slip while climbing down steps

    cHe was defeated by his nephew in a battle

    dHe died of sickness due to too much consumption of wine
17. Question 17 · History and Culture

    In India, among the following locations, the Dutch established their earliest factory at

    aSurat

    bPullicat

    cCochin

    dCassimbazar
18. Question 18 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.While members of the Rajya Sabha are associated with Committees on Public Accounts and Public Undertakings, Members of Committee on Estimates are drawn entirely from Lok Sabha.
    2. 2.The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs works under the overall direction of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
    3. 3.The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs nominates members of Parliament on Committees, Councils, Boards and Commissions set up by the Government of India in the various ministries.

    Which of these statements are correct?

    a1 and 2

    b2 and 3

    c1 and 3

    d1, 2 and 3
19. Question 19 · Environment and Ecology

    The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, whose permission is required for cultivation of any genetically modified crop such as Bt-Cotton in India, is under the Union Minister of

    aAgriculture

    bEnvironment and Forests

    cCommerce and Industry

    dRural Development
20. Question 20 · Polity and Governance

    As per Indian Protocol, who among the following ranks highest in the order of precedence?

    aDeputy Prime Minister

    bFormer President

    cGovernor of a State within his state

    dSpeaker of Lok Sabha
21. Question 21 · Geography

    Among the following cities, which one is at the highest altitude above mean sea level?

    aBangalore

    bDelhi

    cJodhpur

    dNagpur
22. Question 22 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.Steam at 100 °C and boiling water at 100 °C contain the same amount of heat.
    2. 2.Latent heat of fusion of ice is equal to the latent heat of vaporization of water.
    3. 3.In an air-conditioner, heat is extracted from the room air at the evaporator coils and is rejected out at the condenser coils.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    a1 and 2

    b2 and 3

    cOnly 2

    dOnly 3
23. Question 23 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.Molasses is a by-product of sugar production process.
    2. 2.Bagasse obtained in the sugar mills is used as a fuel in the boilers to generate steam for the sugar factories.
    3. 3.Sugar can only be produced from sugarcane as the raw material.

    Which of these statements are correct?

    a1 and 2

    b2 and 3

    c1 and 3

    d1, 2 and 3
24. Question 24 · Geography

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.Longitude of Jabalpur’s location is between those of Indore and Bhopal.
    2. 2.Latitude of Aurangabad’s location is between those of Vadodara and Pune.
    3. 3.Bangalore is situated more southward than Chennai.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    a1 and 3

    bOnly 2

    c2 and 3

    d1, 2 and 3
25. Question 25 · Geography

    Which one among the following States is smallest in area?

    aAndhra Pradesh

    bGujarat

    cKarnataka

    dTamil Nadu
26. Question 26 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements: A four-wheel vehicle moving on a sharp circular path at high speed will

    1. 1.Overturn about its outer wheels.
    2. 2.Overturn about its inner wheels.
    3. 3.Skid outwards.
    4. 4.Skid inwards.

    Which of these statements are correct?

    a1 and 3

    b2 and 4

    c2 and 3

    d1 and 4
27. Question 27 · Geography

    The Basque people who are frequently in the news for their separatist activity live in

    aFrance

    bItaly

    cPortugal

    dSpain
28. Question 28 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I (High Officials) with List II (Organisation) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (High Officials) A. C P Jain B. S Ramadorai C. Sunil Arora D. Vivek Paul List II (Organisation) 1. Indian Airlines 2. NTPC 3. TCS 4. Wipro Technologies Codes: A B C D

    a4 1 3 2

    b4 3 1 2

    c2 3 1 4

    d2 1 3 4
29. Question 29 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aLiquid sodium is employed as a coolant in nuclear reactors

    bCalcium carbonate is an ingredient of toothpaste

    cBordeaux mixture consists of sodium sulphate and lime

    dZinc amalgams are used as a dental filling
30. Question 30 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in early medieval times.
    2. 2.The Cholas sent an expedition against the Sailendra empire of South-East Asia and conquered some of the areas.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
31. Question 31 · Science and Technology

    Diffusion of light in the atmosphere takes place due to

    aCarbon dioxide

    bDust particles

    cHelium

    dWater vapours
32. Question 32 · Economy and Social Development

    In India, the first bank of limited liability managed by Indians and founded in 1881 was

    aHindustan Commercial Bank

    bOudh Commercial Bank

    cPunjab National Bank

    dPunjab and Sind Bank
33. Question 33 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aThe Press Council of India is an autonomous quasi-judicial body established under an Act of Parliament.

    bThe Press Information Bureau provides accreditation to media persons so as to have easy access to information from government sources

    cAmong all the states of India, Maharashtra publishes the largest number of newspapers

    dPress Trust of India is the largest news agency in the country
34. Question 34 · Economy and Social Development

    The government holding in BPCL is

    aMore than 70%

    bBetween 60% and 70%

    cBetween 50% and 60%

    dLess than 50%
35. Question 35 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements regarding the relations between India and Pakistan:

    1. 1.During Shimla Agreement, Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Bhutto agreed to maintain the sanctity of LoC
    2. 2.Lahore Summit took place in the year 1997
    3. 3.Islamabad Summit was held between Rajiv Gandhi and Nawaz Sharif

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    a1, 2 and 3

    b1 and 3

    cOnly 2

    dOnly 1
36. Question 36 · Economy and Social Development

    During the year 2000-01, which one of the following industries recorded highest growth rate in India?

    aCement

    bCoal

    cElectricity

    dSteel
37. Question 37 · Science and Technology

    An oil tanker is partially filled with oil and moves forward on a level road with uniform acceleration. The free surface of oil then

    aRemains horizontal

    bIs inclined to the horizontal with smaller depth at the rear end

    cIs inclined to the horizontal with larger depth at the rear end

    dAssumes parabolic curve
38. Question 38 · Geography

    In which one of the following countries is rupee its currency?

    aBhutan

    bMalaysia

    cMaldives

    dSeychelles
39. Question 39 · Geography

    Which one of the following countries is land locked?

    aBolivia

    bPeru

    cSuriname

    dUruguay
40. Question 40 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    In December 2002, the Prime Minister of India signed ‘Delhi Declaration’ with the

    aPresident of Indonesia

    bPresident of Russia

    cPrime Minister of Cambodia

    dPrime Minister of Laos
41. Question 41 · Geography

    Among the following cities, which one is nearest to the Tropic of Cancer?

    aDelhi

    bKolkata

    cJodhpur

    dNagpur
42. Question 42 · History and Culture

    ‘Mrichchhakatika’ an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka deals with

    aThe love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan

    bThe victory of Chandragupta II over the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India

    cThe military expeditions and exploits of Samudragupta

    dThe love affair between a Gupta King and a princess of Kamarupa
43. Question 43 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.Vardhamana Mahavira’s mother was the daughter of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka.
    2. 2.Gautama Buddha’s mother was a princess from the Kosha-lan dynasty.
    3. 3.Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, belonged to Banaras.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    c2 and 3

    d1, 2 and 3
44. Question 44 · Basic Numeracy

    A car travels the first one-third of a certain distance with a speed of 10 km/hr, the next one-third distance with a speed of 20 km/hr and the last one-third distance with a speed of 60 km/hr. The average speed of the car for the whole journey is

    a18 km/hr

    b24 km/hr

    c30 km/hr

    d36 km/hr
45. Question 45 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements The purpose of adding sodium sulphate and sodium silicate to the detergent in a washing powder is

    1. 1.To keep the washing powder dry
    2. 2.To maintain the alkalinity of the powder

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
46. Question 46 · Economy and Social Development

    Debenture holders of a company are its

    aShareholders

    bCreditors

    cDebtors

    dDirectors
47. Question 47 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aThe National Song Vande Mataram was composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji originally in Bengali

    bThe National Calendar of India based on Saka era has its 1st Chaitra on 22nd March normally and 21st March in a leap year

    cThe design of the National Flag of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22nd July 1947

    dThe song ‘Jana-gana-mana’, composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950 as the National Anthem of India
48. Question 48 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution provides that ‘It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance’?

    aArticle 215

    bArticle 275

    cArticle 325

    dArticle 355
49. Question 49 · Basic Numeracy

    ‘A’ walks around a circular field at the rate of one round per hour while ‘B’ runs around it at the rate of six rounds per hour. They start in the same direction from the same point at 7.30 a.m. They shall first cross each other at

    a8.30 a.m.

    b8.10 a.m.

    c7.48 a.m.

    d7.42 a.m.
50. Question 50 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements: In India, stamp duties on financial transactions are

    1. 1.Levied and collected by the State Government
    2. 2.Appropriated by the Union Government.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
51. Question 51 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aEast Timor was a British colony for four centuries

    bThe European colonial rulers handed over East Timor to Indonesia in 1975

    cThe United Nations took over East Timor in 1999 to prepare it for independence

    dEast Timor finally declared its independence in Dec. 2001
52. Question 52 · Polity and Governance

    Match List I (Item in the Indian Constitution) with List II (Country from which it was derived) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the list. List I (Item in the Indian Constitution) A. Directive Principles of State Policy B. Fundamental Rights C. Concurrent List in Union-State Relations D. India as a Union of States with greater powers to the Union List II (Country from which it was derived) 1. Australia 2. Canada 3. Ireland 4. United Kingdom 5. USA Codes: A B C D

    a5 4 1 2

    b3 5 2 1

    c5 4 2 1

    d3 5 1 2
53. Question 53 · Science and Technology

    With reference to Indian defence, which one of the following statements is correct?

    aWith the induction of Prithvi II, the IAF is the only air force in the world with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles under its command

    bSukhoi-30 MKI jet fighters can launch air-to-air and air-to-surface precision missiles

    cTrishul is a supersonic surface-to-air missile with a range of 30 km

    dThe indigenously built INS Prabal can launch surface-to-surface missiles
54. Question 54 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize, 2002 was awarded to

    aJohn Hume

    bNelson Mandela

    cNorodom Sihanouk

    dSadako Ogata
55. Question 55 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I (Name of the Person) with List II (Associated with) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Name of the person) A. Brijmohan Lall Mungal B. Kiran Karnik C. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw D. Sunil Mittal List II (Associated with) 1. Biotechnology 2. Automobile industry 3. Software 4. Telecom industry 5. Film industry Codes: A B C D

    a4 1 5 2

    b4 3 1 2

    c2 3 1 4

    d2 1 5 4
56. Question 56 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Whom did Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi beat in the US Open men’s doubles tennis championship in the year 2002 to win the title?

    aWayne Black and Kevin Ullyett

    bMike Bryan and Bob Bryan

    cJonas Bjorkman and Todd Woodbridge

    dJiri Novak and Radek Stepanek
57. Question 57 · Basic Numeracy

    Four different candles, which can last for 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours and 2 hours of burning, respectively, are lit in a room at the same instant and allowed to burn till such time that the three candles in the room get extinguished. The cost of burning each one of these candles is 75 paise per hour. The cost involved is:

    aRs. 2.75

    bRs. 3.75

    cRs. 9.75

    dRs. 12.50
58. Question 58 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to FEMA in India?

    aThe Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), was replaced by Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the year 2001

    bFERA was given a sunset clause of one year till 31st May 2002 to enable Enforcement Directorate to complete the investigation of pending issues

    cUnder FEMA, violation of foreign exchange rules has ceased to be a criminal offence

    dAs per the new dispensation, Enforcement Directorate can arrest and prosecute the people for the violation of foreign exchange rules
59. Question 59 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements

    1. 1.India’s import of crude and petroleum product during the year 2001-02 accounted for about 27% of India’s total imports.
    2. 2.During the year 2001-02, India’s exports had increased by 10% as compared to the previous year

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
60. Question 60 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Who among the following was selected for the 2001 Dada Saheb Phalke Award?

    aDev Anand

    bLata Mangeshkar

    cRamanand Sagar

    dYash Chopra
61. Question 61 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aMilk contains none of the B-vitamins

    bVitamin A (retinal) deficiency leads to dry and scaly skin

    cOne of the symptoms of scurvy is pain in the joints

    dVitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency can lead to heart failure
62. Question 62 · Economy and Social Development

    As per the Human Development Index given by UNDP, which one of the following sequences of South Asian countries is correct, in the order of higher to lower development?

    aIndia—Sri Lanka—Pakistan—Maldives

    bMaldives—Sri Lanka—India—Pakistan

    cSri Lanka—Maldives—India—Pakistan

    dMaldives—India—Pakistan—Sri Lanka
63. Question 63 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aThe velocity of sound in air increases with the increase of temperature

    bThe velocity of sound in air is independent of pressure

    cThe velocity of sound in air decreases as the humidity increases

    dThe velocity of sound in air is not affected by the change in amplitude and frequency
64. Question 64 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.India ranks first in the world in fruit production.
    2. 2.India ranks second in the world in the export of tobacco.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
65. Question 65 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aAlliance Air is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian Airlines

    bThe Airports Authority of India manages seven of the country's international airports

    cThe Airports Authority of India is the regulatory organisation for enforcing civil air regulations in India

    dIt is the function of Directorate General of Civil Aviation to plan and construct runways and terminal buildings and to provide air safety services
66. Question 66 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following Bills must be passed by each House of the Indian Parliament separately, by special majority?

    aOrdinary Bill

    bMoney Bill

    cFinance Bill

    dConstitution Amendment Bill
67. Question 67 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following animals of India:

    1. 1.Crocodile
    2. 2.Elephant

    Which of these is/are endangered species?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
68. Question 68 · Environment and Ecology

    Which one among the following covers the highest percentage of forest area in the world?

    aTemperate Coniferous forests

    bTemperate Deciduous forests

    cTropical Monsoon forests

    dTropical Rain forests
69. Question 69 · Basic Numeracy

    A two-member committee comprising of one male and one female member is to be constituted out of five males and three females. Amongst the females, Ms. A refuses to be a member of the committee in which Mr. B is taken as the member. In how many different ways can the committee be constituted?

    a11

    b12

    c13

    d14
70. Question 70 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga.
    2. 2.The last Sunga king, Devabhuti was assassinated by his Brahmana minister Vasudeva Kanva who usurped the throne.
    3. 3.The last ruler of the Kanva dynasty was deposed by the Andhra’s.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    a1 and 2

    bOnly 2

    cOnly 3

    d1, 2 and 3
71. Question 71 · History and Culture

    The aim of education as stated by the Wood’s Despatch of 1854 was

    aThe creation of employment opportunities for native Indians

    bThe spread of western culture in India

    cThe promotion of literacy among the people using English medium of language

    dThe introduction of scientific research and rationalism in the traditional Indian education
72. Question 72 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Who won the title in the finals of French Open men’s singles tennis championship in the year 2002?

    aAlbert Costa

    bJuan Carlos Ferrero

    cAndre Agassi

    dPete Sampras
73. Question 73 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements: The function(s) of the Finance Commission is/are

    1. 1.To allow the withdrawal of money out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
    2. 2.To allocate between the States the shares of proceeds of taxes.
    3. 3.To consider applications for grants-in-aid from States.
    4. 4.To supervise and report on whether the Union and State governments are levying taxes in accordance with the budgetary provisions.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    b2 and 3

    c3 and 4

    d1, 2 and 4
74. Question 74 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one among the following States has the highest female literacy rate as per the Census 2001?

    aChhattisgarh

    bMadhya Pradesh

    cOrissa

    dRajasthan
75. Question 75 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one among the following countries has the lowest GDP per capita?

    aChina

    bIndia

    cIndonesia

    dSri Lanka
76. Question 76 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.In Macedonia, ethnic Albanians are a minority.
    2. 2.In Kosovo, Serbians are a majority.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
77. Question 77 · Geography

    Israel has common borders with

    aLebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt

    bLebanon, Syria, Turkey and Jordan

    cCyprus, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt

    dTurkey, Syria, Iraq and Yemen
78. Question 78 · Geography

    What is the correct sequence of the rivers—Godavari, Mahanadi, Narmada and Tapti in the descending order of their lengths?

    aGodavari—Mahanadi—Narmada—Tapti

    bGodavari—Narmada—Mahanadi—Tapti

    cNarmada—Godavari—Tapti—Mahanadi

    dNarmada—Tapti—Godavari—Mahanadi
79. Question 79 · Science and Technology

    If the radius of the earth were shrunk by one per cent, its mass remaining the same, the value of ‘g’ on the earth’s surface would

    aincrease by 0.5%

    bincrease by 2%

    cdecrease by 0.5%

    ddecrease by 2%
80. Question 80 · History and Culture

    With reference to the entry of European powers into India, which one of the following statements is correct?

    aThe Portuguese captured Goa in 1499

    bThe English opened their first factory in South India at Masulipatnam

    cIn Eastern India, the English Company opened its first factory in Orissa in 1633

    dUnder the leadership of Dupleix, the French occupied Madras in 1746
81. Question 81 · History and Culture

    With reference to Indian freedom struggle, which one of the following statements is correct?

    aThe Rowlatt Act aroused a wave of popular indignation and led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre

    bSubhash Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc

    cBhagat Singh was one of the founders of Hindustan Republican Socialist Association

    dIn 1931, the Congress Session at Karachi opposed Gandhi-Irwin Pact
82. Question 82 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.In the last five years, Indian software exports have increased at a compound annual growth rate of about 60%.
    2. 2.The software and service industry in India registered an overall growth of about 28% in rupee terms during the year 2001-2002.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
83. Question 83 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aIndia is the second largest producer of nitrogenous fertilisers in the world

    bIndia is the ninth largest steel producing country in the world

    cIndia is the second largest producer of silk in the world

    dIndia ranks third in the world in coal production
84. Question 84 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following statements is correct?

    aOnly the Rajya Sabha and not the Lok Sabha can have nominated members

    bThere is a constitutional provision for nominating two members belonging to the Anglo-Indian community to the Rajya Sabha

    cThere is no constitutional bar for a nominated member to be appointed Union minister

    dA nominated member can vote both in the Presidential election
85. Question 85 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to Government of India’s decisions regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the year 2001-02, consider the following statements:

    1. 1.Out of the 100% FDI allowed by India in tea sector, the foreign firm would have to disinvest 33% of the equity in favour of an Indian partner within four years.
    2. 2.Regarding the FDI in print media in India, the single largest Indian shareholder should have a holding higher than 26%.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
86. Question 86 · History and Culture

    The leader of the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) was

    aSardar Vallabhbhai Patel

    bMahatma Gandhi

    cVithalbhai J Patel

    dMahadev Desai
87. Question 87 · Economy and Social Development

    The Kelkar proposals which were in the news recently were the

    arecommendations for reforms in the power sector

    brecommendations for tax reforms

    cguidelines for the privatisation

    dguidelines for reducing vehicular pollution, and the promotion of CNG use
88. Question 88 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.The joint sitting of the two Houses of the Parliament in India is sanctioned under Article 108 of the Constitution.
    2. 2.The first joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was held in the year 1961.
    3. 3.The second joint sitting of the two Houses of Indian Parliament was held to pass the Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill.

    Which of these statements are correct?

    a1 and 2

    b2 and 3

    c1 and 3

    d1, 2 and 3
89. Question 89 · Economy and Social Development

    Life expectancy is highest in the world in

    aCanada

    bGermany

    cJapan

    dNorway
90. Question 90 · History and Culture

    During the colonial period in India, what was the purpose of the Whitley Commission?

    aTo review the fitness of India for further political reforms

    bTo report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations

    cTo draw up a plan for financial reforms for India

    dTo develop a comprehensive scheme for Civil Services in India
91. Question 91 · Science and Technology

    Octopus is

    aan arthropod

    ban echinoderm

    ca hemichordate

    da mollusc
92. Question 92 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following conditions of sick human body

    1. 1.Swollen lymph nodes
    2. 2.Sweating at night
    3. 3.Loss of memory
    4. 4.Loss of weight

    Which of these are the symptoms of AIDS?

    a1 and 2

    b2, 3 and 4

    c1, 2 and 3

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
93. Question 93 · History and Culture

    Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by

    aPulakesin-I

    bPulakesin-II

    cVikramaditya-I

    dVikramaditya-II
94. Question 94 · Polity and Governance

    Under which Article of the Indian Constitution did the President give his assent to the ordinance on electoral reforms when it was sent back to him by the Union Cabinet without making any changes (in the year 2002)?

    aArticle 121

    bArticle 122

    cArticle 123

    dArticle 124
95. Question 95 · History and Culture

    Dilip Kaur Tiwana is well known as a

    alitterateur

    bmusician

    cscientist

    dsports person
96. Question 96 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.The maximum limit of shareholding of Indian promoters in private sector banks in India is 49 per cent of the paid-up capital.
    2. 2.Foreign Direct Investment up to 49 per cent from all sources is permitted in private sector banks in India under the automatic route.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
97. Question 97 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Match List I (Cricketer) with List II (Country) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists: List I (Cricketer) A. Barry Richards B. Ted Dexter C. Alan Davidson D. Charlie Griffith List II (Country) 1. England 2. West Indies 3. South Africa 4. New Zealand 5. Australia Codes:

    aA B C D 3 2 5 1

    bA B C D 5 1 4 2

    cA B C D 3 1 5 2

    dA B C D 5 2 4 1
98. Question 98 · Science and Technology

    Regarding the atom of a chemical element, the magnetic quantum number refers to

    aorientation

    bshape

    csize

    dspin
99. Question 99 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements:

    1. 1.The common blue green algae Spirogyra and Ulothrix are found in both fresh water ponds and oceans.
    2. 2.The chameleon can look ahead with one eye, and at the same time look behind with another.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

    aOnly 1

    bOnly 2

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
100. Question 100 · Geography

     Which among the following countries has the largest population?

     aIndonesia

     bJapan

     cPakistan

     dSudan
101. Question 101 · History and Culture

     Assertion (A): Emperor Akbar marched towards Afghanistan in 1581 with a huge army. Reason (R): He was on his way to reclaim his ancestral country of Ferghana in Central Asia.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
102. Question 102 · Economy and Social Development

     Assertion (A): During the year 2001-02, the value of India’s total exports declined, registering a negative growth of 2.17%. Reason (R): During the year 2001-02, negative growth in exports was witnessed in respect of iron and steel, coffee, textiles and marine products.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
103. Question 103 · Geography

     Assertion (A): The eastern coast of India produces more rice than the western coast. Reason (R): The eastern coast receives more rainfall than the western coast.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
104. Question 104 · Economy and Social Development

     Assertion (A): The new EXIM Policy is liberal, market-oriented and favours global trade. Reason (R): GATT has played a significant role in the liberalisation of economy.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
105. Question 105 · Science and Technology

     Assertion (A): In the periodic table of chemical elements, electron affinity is always found to increase from top to bottom in a group. Reason (R): In a group, the atomic radius generally increases from top to bottom.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
106. Question 106 · Environment and Ecology

     Assertion (A): Coal-based thermal power stations contribute to acid rain. Reason (R): Oxides of carbon are emitted when the coal burns.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
107. Question 107 · Science and Technology

     Assertion (A): The weight of a body decreases with the increase of latitude on earth. Reason (R): The earth is not a perfect sphere.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
108. Question 108 · Science and Technology

     Assertion (A): Unsaturated fats are more reactive compared with the saturated fats. Reason (R): Unsaturated fats have only single bonds in their structure.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
109. Question 109 · Geography

     Assertion (A): The amount of moisture in the atmosphere is related to latitude. Reason (R): The capacity to hold moisture in the form of water vapour is related to temperature.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
110. Question 110 · Environment and Ecology

     Assertion (A): Unlike temperate forests, the tropical rain forests, if cleared, can yield productive farm-land that can support intensive agriculture for several years even without chemical fertilizers. Reason (R): The primary productivity of the tropical rain forest is very high when compared to that of the temperate forests.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
111. Question 111 · History and Culture

     Assertion (A): In 1916, Maulana Mohammad Ali and Abul Kalam Azad resigned from the Legislative Council. Reason (R): The Rowlatt Act was passed by the government in spite of being opposed by all Indian members of the Legislative Council.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
112. Question 112 · History and Culture

     Assertion (A): Shah Alam II spent the initial years as an Emperor far away from his capital. Reason (R): There was always a lurking danger of foreign invasion from the north-west frontier.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
113. Question 113 · Geography

     Assertion (A): Areas lying within five to eight degrees latitude on either side of the equator receive rainfall throughout the year. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain to fall mostly in the afternoons near the equator.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
114. Question 114 · History and Culture

     Assertion (A): Saluva Narasimha put an end to the old dynasty and assumed the royal title. Reason (R): He wanted to save the kingdom from further degeneration and disintegration.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
115. Question 115 · History and Culture

     Assertion (A): Marathas emerged as the strongest native power in India after the decline of Mughal empire. Reason (R): Marathas were the first to have clear concept of a united Indian nation.

     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 the correct explanation of A

     cA is true but R is false

     dA is false but R is true
116. Question 116 · Geography

     Which one of the following countries does NOT border the Caspian Sea?

     aArmenia

     bAzerbaijan

     cKazakhstan

     dTurkmenistan
117. Question 117 · International Relations and Current Affairs

     The sportsperson Soma Biswas is associated with

     aSailing

     bHockey

     cGolf

     dAthletics
118. Question 118 · Environment and Ecology

     Which one of following is produced during the formation of photochemical smog?

     aHydrocarbons

     bNitrogen Oxides

     cOzone

     dMethane
119. Question 119 · History and Culture

     Consider the following statement:

     1. 1.Kitab-I-Nauras, a collection of songs in praise of Hindu deities and Muslim saints, was written by Ibrahim Adil Shah II
     2. 2.Amir Khusrau was the originator in India of the early form of the musical style known as Qawwali.

     Which of these statements is/are correct?

     aOnly 1

     bOnly 2

     cBoth 1 and 2

     dNeither 1 nor 2
120. Question 120 · Basic Numeracy

     Three bells toll at intervals of 9, 12 and 15 minutes respectively. All three begin to toll at 8 a.m. At what time will they first toll together again?

     a8.45 a.m.

     b10.30 a.m.

     c11.00 a.m.

     d1.30 p.m.
121. Question 121 · International Relations and Current Affairs

     Match List I (Distinguished Lady) with List II (Organisation/Industry) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Distinguished lady) A. Amrita B. Anu Aga C. Mallika Srinivasan D. Priya Paul List II (Organisation/Industry) 1. National Dairy Development Board 2. Park Hotels 3. Pfizer Limited 4. Thermax Limited 5. Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited Codes: A B C D

     a1 4 5 2

     b2 4 1 5

     c1 3 5 2

     d2 3 1 5
122. Question 122 · Polity and Governance

     Consider the following statements: In the electoral college for Presidential Election in India.

     1. 1.The value of the vote of an elected Member of Legislative Assembly equals
     2. 2.The value of the vote of an elected Member of Parliament equals
     3. 3.There were more than 5000 members in the latest election

     Which of these statements is/are correct?

     a1 and 2

     bOnly 2

     c1 and 3

     dOnly 3
123. Question 123 · History and Culture

     Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

     aAli Mardan Khan introduced the system of revenue farming in Bengal

     bMaharaja Ranjit Singh set up modern foundries to manufacture cannons at Lahore

     cSawai Jai Singh of Amber had Euclid’s ‘Elements of Geometry’ translated into Sanskrit

     dSultan Tipu of Mysore gave money for the construction of the idol of Goddess Sarda in the Sringeri temple
124. Question 124 · Polity and Governance

     Which of the following Constitutional Amendments are related to raising the number of Members of Lok Sabha to be elected from the States?

     a6th and 22nd

     b13th and 38th

     c7th and 31st

     d11th and 42nd
125. Question 125 · History and Culture

     How did Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak die?

     aHe was treacherously stabbed to death by one of his ambitious nobles

     bHe was killed in a battle with Taj-u-din Yildiz, the ruler of Ghazni who entered into a contest with him over the capture of Punjab

     cHe sustained injuries while besieging the fortress of Kalinjar in Bundelkhand and succumbed to death later

     dHe died after a fall from his horse while playing Chaugan
126. Question 126 · Geography

     Among the following which planet takes maximum time for one revolution around the Sun?

     aEarth

     bJupiter

     cMars

     dVenus
127. Question 127 · Geography

     Which one among the following languages has largest number of speakers in the world?

     aBengali

     bFrench

     cJapanese

     dPortuguese
128. Question 128 · History and Culture

     Which one of the following provisions was NOT made in the Charter Act of 1833?

     aThe trading activities of the East India Company were to be abolished

     bThe designation of the supreme authority was to be changed as the Governor General of India in Council

     cAll law-making powers to be conferred on Governor General in Council

     dAn Indian was to be appointed as a Law Member in the Governor-General’s Council
129. Question 129 · Science and Technology

     With reference to normal human beings, consider the following statements:

     1. 1.In response to the presence of HCl, secretin is produced from the duodenum
     2. 2.Enterogastrone is produced in the small intestine in response to the presence of fatty acids

     Which of these statements is/are correct?

     aOnly 1

     bOnly 2

     cBoth 1 and 2

     dNeither 1 nor 2
130. Question 130 · Polity and Governance

     Survey of India is under the Ministry of

     aDefence

     bEnvironment and Forests

     cHome Affairs

     dScience and Technology
131. Question 131 · International Relations and Current Affairs

     Which among the following countries was the earliest to give women the right to vote?

     aIceland

     bIndia

     cNew Zealand

     dUSA
132. Question 132 · Basic Numeracy

     Total time taken by a person in going to a place by walking and returning on cycle is 5 hours 45 minutes. He would have gained 2 hours by cycling both ways. The time taken by him to walk both ways is

     a6 hours 45 minutes

     b7 hours 45 minutes

     c8 hours 15 minutes

     d8 hours 30 minutes
133. Question 133 · International Relations and Current Affairs

     Sandeep Pandey, the winner of Raman Magsaysay Award, is mainly an activist in

     aPrevention of child marriages

     bPromotion of communal harmony

     cEnvironmental protection

     dEducation and livelihood projects for Dalits
134. Question 134 · International Relations and Current Affairs

     What was the main reason for a great civil strife in Argentina recently?

     aEthnic conflict between the native Red Indian tribes and others

     bEconomic crisis due to huge public debt

     cThe issue of using native languages as medium of instruction in schools

     dClashes between government troops and secessionist groups
135. Question 135 · History and Culture

     With reference to colonial rule in India, what was sought by the Ilbert Bill in 1883?

     aTo bring Indians and Europeans on par as far as the criminal jurisdiction of courts was concerned

     bTo impose severe restrictions on the freedom of the native press as it was perceived to be hostile to colonial rulers

     cTo encourage the native Indians to appear for civil service examinations by conducting them in India

     dTo allow native Indians to possess arms by amending the Arms Act
136. Question 136 · History and Culture

     An important aspect of the Cripps Mission of 1942 was

     athat all Indian States should join the Indian Union as a condition to consider any degree of autonomy for India

     bthe creation of an Indian Union with Dominion status very soon after the Second World War

     cthe active participation and cooperation of the Indian people, communities and political parties in the British war effort as a condition for granting independence with full sovereign status to India after war

     dthe framing of a constitution for the entire Indian Union, with no separate constitution for any province, and a Union Constitution to be accepted by all provinces
137. Question 137 · History and Culture

     When Congress leaders condemned the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, many moderates left party to form the

     aSwarajya Party

     bIndian Freedom Party

     cIndependence Federation of India

     dIndian Liberal Federation
138. Question 138 · International Relations and Current Affairs

     In the FIFA World Cup Football event in the year 2002, the number of goals scored by Ronaldo of Brazil was

     a6

     b7

     c8

     d9
139. Question 139 · Polity and Governance

     Which one of the following schedules of the Indian Constitution lists the names of states and specifies their territories?

     aFirst

     bSecond

     cThird

     dFourth
140. Question 140 · International Relations and Current Affairs

     In the year 2002, the President of India presented the national award for excellence in public administration and management sciences to

     aKumar Mangalam Birla

     bN. R. Narayana Murthy

     cRahul Bajaj

     dRatan Tata
141. Question 141 · Basic Numeracy

     ‘A’ and ‘B’ are two fixed points in a field. A cyclist C moves such that ACB is always a right angle. In this context, which one of the following statements is correct?

     aThe path followed by the cyclist is an ellipse

     bThe path followed by the cyclist is a circle

     cThe path followed by the cyclist is an exponential curve

     dThis type of motion is not possible
142. Question 142 · Geography

     The thermal power plant of Bokaro is located in

     aBihar

     bChhattisgarh

     cJharkhand

     dOrissa
143. Question 143 · Economy and Social Development

     Among the following commodities imported by India during the year 2001-02, which one was the highest in terms of Rupee value?

     aEdible oil

     bFertilizers

     cOrganic and inorganic chemicals

     dPearls, precious and semi-precious stones
144. Question 144 · Science and Technology

     With reference to ionic compounds, consider the following statements:

     1. 1.Ionic compounds are insoluble in alcohol.
     2. 2.Ionic compounds in the solid state are good conductors of electricity.

     Which of these statements is/are correct?

     aOnly 1

     bOnly 2

     cBoth 1 and 2

     dNeither 1 nor 2
145. Question 145 · Science and Technology

     Which one of the following statements is correct?

     aThe presence of NaCl increases the rate of setting of Plaster of Paris

     bGypsum is added to the cement to slow down its rate of setting

     cAll alkaline earth metals form hydrated salts

     dBarium and Strontium are found free in nature
146. Question 146 · Economy and Social Development

     With reference to India, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

     aIPCL is India’s largest petro-chemical company

     bRIL is the largest private sector company in India

     cMTNL is listed on NYSE

     dNSNL is the first telecom service organization in India to launch a nationwide cellular service at one time
147. Question 147 · Economy and Social Development

     Which amongst the following States has the highest population density as per Census 2001?

     aKerala

     bMadhya Pradesh

     cUttar Pradesh

     dWest Bengal
148. Question 148 · Polity and Governance

     The Ninth Schedule to the Indian Constitution was added by

     aFirst Amendment

     bEighth Amendment

     cNinth Amendment

     dForty second Amendment
149. Question 149 · History and Culture

     Who headed the Interim Cabinet formed in the 1946?

     aRajendra Prasad

     bJawaharlal Nehru

     cSardar Vallabhbhai Patel

     dRajagopalachari
150. Question 150 · Geography

     The waterfall ‘Victoria’ is associated with the river

     aAmazon

     bMissouri

     cSt Lawrence

     dZambezi

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.