UPSC Prelims 2018

General Studies Paper I

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

1. Question 1 · Polity and Governance

   Consider the following statements :

   1. 1.In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party.
   2. 2.In the Lok Sabha, a “Leader of the Opposition” was recognised for the first time in 1969.
   3. 3.In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   a1 and 3 only

   b2 only

   c2 and 3 only

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

   Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss ?

   1. 1.Hard and waxy leaves
   2. 2.Tiny leaves
   3. 3.Thorns instead of leaves

   Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   a2 and 3 only

   b2 only

   c3 only

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

   As per the NSSO 70^th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households”, consider the following statements :

   1. 1.Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households.
   2. 2.Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs.
   3. 3.In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   a2 and 3 only

   b2 only

   c1 and 3 only

   d1, 2 and 3
4. Question 4 · Environment and Ecology

   How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ?

   1. 1.The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
   2. 2.The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   a1 only

   b2 only

   cBoth 1 and 2

   dNeither 1 nor 2
5. Question 5 · Polity and Governance

   Consider the following statements :

   1. 1.The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
   2. 2.The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   a1 only

   b2 only

   cBoth 1 and 2

   dNeither 1 nor 2
6. Question 6 · Economy and Social Development

   Which one of the following best describes the term “Merchant Discount Rate” sometimes seen in news ?

   aThe incentive given by a bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that bank.

   bThe amount paid back by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services.

   cThe charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank’s debit cards.

   dThe incentive given by the Government to merchants for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.
7. Question 7 · International Relations and Current Affairs

   What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the ‘Nuclear Suppliers Group’ ?

   1. 1.It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.
   2. 2.It automatically becomes a member of “The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)”.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   a1 only

   b2 only

   cBoth 1 and 2

   dNeither 1 nor 2
8. Question 8 · Economy and Social Development

   With reference to India’s decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

   1. 1.It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act.
   2. 2.Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the “Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements”.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below :

   a1 only

   b2 only

   cBoth 1 and 2

   dNeither 1 nor 2
9. Question 9 · Economy and Social Development

   Consider the following statements :

   1. 1.The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments.
   2. 2.The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments.
   3. 3.As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government’s consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

   a1 only

   b2 and 3 only

   c1 and 3 only

   d1, 2 and 3
10. Question 10 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.
    2. 2.The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils as a special case.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
11. Question 11 · History and Culture

    He wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji and Shrikrishna; stayed in America for some time; and was also elected to the Central Assembly. He was

    aAurobindo Ghosh

    bBipin Chandra Pal

    cLala Lajpat Rai

    dMotilal Nehru
12. Question 12 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
    2. 2.Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
13. Question 13 · Geography

    Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities ?

    1. 1.Aral Sea
    2. 2.Black Sea
    3. 3.Lake Baikal

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only

    b2 and 3

    c2 only

    d1 and 3
14. Question 14 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following ?

    aAmnesty International

    bInternational Court of Justice

    cThe Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights

    dWorld Justice Project
15. Question 15 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following links all the ATMs in India ?

    aIndian Banks’ Association

    bNational Securities Depository Limited

    cNational Payments Corporation of India

    dReserve Bank of India
16. Question 16 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is the amount that banks have to maintain in the form of their own funds to offset any loss that banks incur if the account-holders fail to repay dues.
    2. 2.CAR is decided by each individual bank.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
17. Question 17 · Science and Technology

    The identity platform ‘Aadhaar’ provides open “Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)”. What does it imply ?

    1. 1.It can be integrated into any electronic device.
    2. 2.Online authentication using iris is possible.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
18. Question 18 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Very recently, in which of the following countries have lakhs of people either suffered from severe famine/acute malnutrition or died due to starvation caused by war/ethnic conflicts ?

    aAngola and Zambia

    bMorocco and Tunisia

    cVenezuela and Colombia

    dYemen and South Sudan
19. Question 19 · History and Culture

    Regarding Wood’s Dispatch, which of the following statements are true ?

    1. 1.Grants-in-Aid system was introduced.
    2. 2.Establishment of universities was recommended.
    3. 3.English as a medium of instruction at all levels of education was recommended.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
20. Question 20 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation ?

    aCommittee on Government Assurances

    bCommittee on Subordinate Legislation

    cRules Committee

    dBusiness Advisory Committee
21. Question 21 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education.
    2. 2.As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines.
    3. 3.In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2

    b2 only

    c1 and 3

    d3 only
22. Question 22 · History and Culture

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Tradition	State
    1.	Chapchar Kut festival	Mizoram
    2.	Khongjom Parba ballad	Manipur
    3.	Thang-Ta dance	Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b1 and 2

    c3 only

    d2 and 3
23. Question 23 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
    2. 2.The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
24. Question 24 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

    aChina

    bIsrael

    cIraq

    dYemen
25. Question 25 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.
    2. 2.The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
    3. 3.Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2

    b2 only

    c1 and 3

    d3 only
26. Question 26 · Economy and Social Development

    India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to

    aILO

    bIMF

    cUNCTAD

    dWTO
27. Question 27 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines.
    2. 2.Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines.
    3. 3.Rajasthan has iron ore mines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2

    b2 only

    c1 and 3

    d3 only
28. Question 28 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.
    2. 2.While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
29. Question 29 · Geography

    Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi ?

    aBengaluru

    bHyderabad

    cNagpur

    dPune
30. Question 30 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to

    aChild labour

    bAdaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change

    cRegulation of food prices and food security

    dGender parity at the workplace
31. Question 31 · Polity and Governance

    Regarding Money Bill, which of the following statements is not correct ?

    aA bill shall be deemed to be a Money Bill if it contains only provisions relating to imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax.

    bA Money Bill has provisions for the custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India.

    cA Money Bill is concerned with the appropriation of moneys out of the Contingency Fund of India.

    dA Money Bill deals with the regulation of borrowing of money or giving of any guarantee by the Government of India.
32. Question 32 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to the election of the President of India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The value of the vote of each MLA varies from State to State.
    2. 2.The value of the vote of MPs of the Lok Sabha is more than the value of the vote of MPs of the Rajya Sabha.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
33. Question 33 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’ ?

    aThe civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

    bThe military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.

    cThe country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

    dThe country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
34. Question 34 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following countries :

    1. 1.Australia
    2. 2.Canada
    3. 3.China
    4. 4.India
    5. 5.Japan
    6. 6.USA

    Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN ?

    a1, 2, 4 and 5

    b3, 4, 5 and 6

    c1, 3, 4 and 5

    d2, 3, 4 and 6
35. Question 35 · Environment and Ecology

    With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)’, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

    1. 1.GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015.
    2. 2.Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations.
    3. 3.India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
36. Question 36 · Polity and Governance

    Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India ?

    1. 1.Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
    2. 2.Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
    3. 3.Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 2 only

    b3 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
37. Question 37 · Geography

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Towns sometimes mentioned in news	Country
    1.	Aleppo	Syria
    2.	Kirkuk	Yemen
    3.	Mosul	Palestine
    4.	Mazar-i-sharif	Afghanistan

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

    a1 and 2

    b1 and 4

    c2 and 3

    d3 and 4
38. Question 38 · History and Culture

    In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the

    aFederal Legislature

    bGovernor General

    cProvincial Legislature

    dProvincial Governors
39. Question 39 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the Assembly.
    2. 2.Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/her office immediately.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
40. Question 40 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following reflects the most appropriate relationship between law and liberty ?

    aIf there are more laws, there is less liberty.

    bIf there are no laws, there is no liberty.

    cIf there is liberty, laws have to be made by the people.

    dIf laws are changed too often, liberty is in danger.
41. Question 41 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.No criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the Governor of a State in any court during his term of office.
    2. 2.The emoluments and allowances of the Governor of a State shall not be diminished during his term of office.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
42. Question 42 · History and Culture

    The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

    aBundi school

    bJaipur school

    cKangra school

    dKishangarh school
43. Question 43 · Science and Technology

    What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news ?

    aAn Israeli radar system

    bIndia’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    cAn American anti-missile system

    dA defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea
44. Question 44 · History and Culture

    With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
    2. 2.Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
    3. 3.Annamacharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
    4. 4.Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.

    Which of the statements given above are correct ?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 and 4 only

    c1, 2 and 3

    d2, 3 and 4
45. Question 45 · Polity and Governance

    Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law” ?

    1. 1.Limitation of powers
    2. 2.Equality before law
    3. 3.People’s responsibility to the Government
    4. 4.Liberty and civil rights

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 and 4 only

    c1, 2 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
46. Question 46 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following statements correctly describes the meaning of legal tender money ?

    aThe money which is tendered in courts of law to defray the fee of legal cases

    bThe money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims

    cThe bank money in the form of cheques, drafts, bills of exchange, etc.

    dThe metallic money in circulation in a country
47. Question 47 · Economy and Social Development

    If a commodity is provided free to the public by the Government, then

    athe opportunity cost is zero.

    bthe opportunity cost is ignored.

    cthe opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the tax-paying public.

    dthe opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government.
48. Question 48 · Economy and Social Development

    Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if

    aindustrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output.

    bagricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output.

    cpoverty and unemployment increase.

    dimports grow faster than exports.
49. Question 49 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements : Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables

    1. 1.individuals of a country to accumulate more capital.
    2. 2.increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country.
    3. 3.accumulation of tangible wealth.
    4. 4.accumulation of intangible wealth.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2

    b2 only

    c2 and 4

    d1, 3 and 4
50. Question 50 · Economy and Social Development

    Despite being a high saving economy, capital formation may not result in significant increase in output due to

    aweak administrative machinery

    billiteracy

    chigh population density

    dhigh capital-output ratio
51. Question 51 · History and Culture

    After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government ?

    1. 1.The territories called ‘Santhal Paraganas’ were created.
    2. 2.It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
52. Question 52 · History and Culture

    Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19^th century was the

    aincrease in the export of Indian handicrafts

    bgrowth in the number of Indian owned factories

    ccommercialization of Indian agriculture

    drapid increase in the urban population
53. Question 53 · Polity and Governance

    If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

    athe Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.

    bthe powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.

    cArticle 19 is suspended in that State.

    dthe President can make laws relating to that State.
54. Question 54 · History and Culture

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Craft	Heritage of
    1.	Puthukkuli shawls	Tamil Nadu
    2.	Sujni embroidery	Maharashtra
    3.	Uppada Jamdani saris	Karnataka

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b1 and 2

    c3 only

    d2 and 3
55. Question 55 · Science and Technology

    In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used ?

    1. 1.Mobile phone operations
    2. 2.Banking operations
    3. 3.Controlling the power grids

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
56. Question 56 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities.
    2. 2.Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments.
    3. 3.Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 only

    b3 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
57. Question 57 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.
    2. 2.When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
    3. 3.When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
58. Question 58 · Science and Technology

    The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to

    aExoplanets

    bCryptocurrency

    cCyber attacks

    dMini satellites
59. Question 59 · Geography

    With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ?

    1. 1.Avoiding the monoculture practices
    2. 2.Adopting minimum tillage
    3. 3.Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
    4. 4.Using crop residues to cover soil surface
    5. 5.Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1, 3 and 4

    b2, 3, 4 and 5

    c2, 4 and 5

    d1, 2, 3 and 5
60. Question 60 · Environment and Ecology

    The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

    aWidespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.

    bFears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.

    cLarge scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.

    dMankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
61. Question 61 · Science and Technology

    With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements :

    1. 1.IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
    2. 2.IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
    3. 3.India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b1 and 2 only

    c2 and 3 only

    dNone
62. Question 62 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following phenomena :

    1. 1.Light is affected by gravity.
    2. 2.The Universe is constantly expanding.
    3. 3.Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

    Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media ?

    a1 and 2 only

    b3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
63. Question 63 · Science and Technology

    With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
    2. 2.GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
    3. 3.GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
64. Question 64 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Terms sometimes seen in news	Context / Topic
    1.	Belle II experiment	Artificial Intelligence
    2.	Blockchain technology	Digital/ Cryptocurrency
    3.	CRISPR – Cas9	Particle Physics

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
65. Question 65 · Environment and Ecology

    Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization” ?

    aIncreased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

    bIncreased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

    cIncreased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

    dAdaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
66. Question 66 · Science and Technology

    When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario ?

    aBorder Gateway Protocol

    bInternet of Things

    cInternet Protocol

    dVirtual Private Network
67. Question 67 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
    2. 2.The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
68. Question 68 · History and Culture

    The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18^th century were

    aRaw cotton, oil-seeds and opium

    bSugar, salt, zinc and lead

    cCopper, silver, gold, spices and tea

    dCotton, silk, saltpetre and opium
69. Question 69 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha ?

    aActive all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement

    bActive involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement

    cJoining of peasant unrest to India’s National Movement

    dDrastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops
70. Question 70 · History and Culture

    Who among the following were the founders of the “Hind Mazdoor Sabha” established in 1948 ?

    aB. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George

    bJayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy

    cC.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu

    dAshok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta
71. Question 71 · History and Culture

    With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to

    aBuddhism

    bJainism

    cVaishnavism

    dShaivism
72. Question 72 · History and Culture

    With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
    2. 2.Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
73. Question 73 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India ?

    aFrancois Bernier

    bJean-Baptiste Tavernier

    cJean de Thevenot

    dAbbe Barthelemy Carre
74. Question 74 · History and Culture

    With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world ?

    aAvalokiteshvara

    bLokesvara

    cMaitreya

    dPadmapani
75. Question 75 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley ?

    aTo maintain a large standing army at other’s expense

    bTo keep India safe from Napoleonic danger

    cTo secure a fixed income for the Company

    dTo establish British paramountcy over the Indian States
76. Question 76 · History and Culture

    Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India ?

    1. 1.Charter Act of 1813
    2. 2.General Committee of Public Instruction, 1823
    3. 3.Orientalist and Anglicist Controversy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
77. Question 77 · Geography

    Which one of the following is an artificial lake ?

    aKodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    bKolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    cNainital (Uttarakhand)

    dRenuka (Himachal Pradesh)
78. Question 78 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    2. 2.It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
    3. 3.It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
79. Question 79 · History and Culture

    In 1920, which of the following changed its name to “Swarajya Sabha” ?

    aAll India Home Rule League

    bHindu Mahasabha

    cSouth Indian Liberal Federation

    dThe Servants of India Society
80. Question 80 · History and Culture

    Which among the following events happened earliest ?

    aSwami Dayanand established Arya Samaj.

    bDinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.

    cBankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath.

    dSatyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination.
81. Question 81 · Environment and Ecology

    Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds ?

    1. 1.Decreased salinity in the river
    2. 2.Pollution of groundwater
    3. 3.Lowering of the water-table

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
82. Question 82 · Environment and Ecology

    With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
    2. 2.Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
    3. 3.Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 only

    b3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
83. Question 83 · Environment and Ecology

    The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at

    aThe Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg

    bThe United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro

    cThe United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris

    dThe World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi
84. Question 84 · Science and Technology

    “3D printing” has applications in which of the following ?

    1. 1.Preparation of confectionery items
    2. 2.Manufacture of bionic ears
    3. 3.Automotive industry
    4. 4.Reconstructive surgeries
    5. 5.Data processing technologies

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    a1, 3 and 4 only

    b2, 3 and 5 only

    c1 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
85. Question 85 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
    2. 2.Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
    3. 3.The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3

    c3 only

    d1 and 3
86. Question 86 · Environment and Ecology

    Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?

    aIts extract is widely used in cosmetics.

    bIt tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

    cIts extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.

    dNone of the above
87. Question 87 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
    2. 2.More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
    3. 3.Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 only

    b3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
88. Question 88 · Environment and Ecology

    “Momentum for Change : Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by

    aThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

    bThe UNEP Secretariat

    cThe UNFCCC Secretariat

    dThe World Meteorological Organization
89. Question 89 · History and Culture

    With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs :

    	Institution	Founder
    1.	Sanskrit College at Benaras	William Jones
    2.	Calcutta Madarsa	Warren Hastings
    3.	Fort William College	Arthur Wellesley

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2

    b2 only

    c1 and 3

    d3 only
90. Question 90 · Geography

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Regions sometimes mentioned in news	Country
    1.	Catalonia	Spain
    2.	Crimea	Hungary
    3.	Mindanao	Philippines
    4.	Oromia	Nigeria

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

    a1, 2 and 3

    b3 and 4 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d2 and 4 only
91. Question 91 · History and Culture

    Consider the following events :

    1. 1.The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India.
    2. 2.India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’.
    3. 3.Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
    4. 4.Goa became a part of independent India.

    Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events ?

    a4 – 1 – 2 – 3

    b3 – 2 – 1 – 4

    c4 – 2 – 1 – 3

    d3 – 1 – 2 – 4
92. Question 92 · Polity and Governance

    Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement ?

    aArticle 14 and the provisions under the 42^nd Amendment to the Constitution

    bArticle 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV

    cArticle 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III

    dArticle 24 and the provisions under the 44^th Amendment to the Constitution
93. Question 93 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following :

    1. 1.Areca nut
    2. 2.Barley
    3. 3.Coffee
    4. 4.Finger millet
    5. 5.Groundnut
    6. 6.Sesamum
    7. 7.Turmeric

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above ?

    a1, 2, 3 and 7 only

    b2, 4, 5 and 6 only

    c1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only

    d1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
94. Question 94 · Environment and Ecology

    In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located ?

    aArunachal Pradesh

    bManipur

    cMeghalaya

    dNagaland
95. Question 95 · Science and Technology

    With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2. 2.Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3. 3.GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3

    c1 and 2

    d3 only
96. Question 96 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
    2. 2.To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
97. Question 97 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following items :

    1. 1.Cereal grains hulled
    2. 2.Chicken eggs cooked
    3. 3.Fish processed and canned
    4. 4.Newspapers containing advertising material

    Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax) ?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1, 2 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
98. Question 98 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The definition of “Critical Wildlife Habitat” is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
    2. 2.For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
    3. 3.Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
99. Question 99 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following :

    1. 1.Birds
    2. 2.Dust blowing
    3. 3.Rain
    4. 4.Wind blowing

    Which of the above spread plant diseases ?

    a1 and 3 only

    b3 and 4 only

    c1, 2 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
100. Question 100 · Economy and Social Development

     With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements :

     1. 1.‘The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
     2. 2.‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
     3. 3.Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

     Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

     a1 and 2 only

     b2 and 3 only

     c3 only

     d1, 2 and 3

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.