UPSC Prelims 2019

General Studies Paper I

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

1. Question 1 · History and Culture

   With reference to Mughal India, what is/are the difference/differences between Jagirdar and Zamindar?

   1. 1.Jagirdars were holders of land assignments in lieu of judicial and police duties, whereas Zamindars were holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection.
   2. 2.Land assignments to Jagirdars were hereditary and revenue rights of Zamindars were not hereditary.

   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

   a1 only

   b2 only

   cBoth 1 and 2

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

   With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?

   aThe ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.

   bThe major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

   cIt resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.

   dLand reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.
3. Question 3 · International Relations and Current Affairs

   The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the

   aInternational Monetary Fund

   bUnited Nations Conference on Trade and Development

   cWorld Economic Forum

   dWorld Bank
4. Question 4 · History and Culture

   Consider the following statements about ‘the Charter Act of 1813’ :

   1. 1.It ended the trade monopoly of the East India Company in India except for trade in tea and trade with China.
   2. 2.It asserted the sovereignty of the British Crown over the Indian territories held by the Company.
   3. 3.The revenues of India were now controlled by the British Parliament.

   Which of the statements given above are correct?

   a1 and 2 only

   b2 and 3 only

   c1 and 3 only

   d1, 2 and 3
5. Question 5 · History and Culture

   With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements :

   1. 1.It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
   2. 2.The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.

   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   a1 only

   b2 only

   cBoth 1 and 2

   dNeither 1 nor 2
6. Question 6 · History and Culture

   Consider the following pairs :

   	Movement/Organization	Leader
   1	All India Anti-Untouchability League	Mahatma Gandhi
   2	All India Kisan Sabha	Swami Sahajanand Saraswati
   3	Self-Respect Movement	E. V. Ramaswami Naicker

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

   a1 only

   b1 and 2 only

   c2 and 3 only

   d1, 2 and 3
7. Question 7 · History and Culture

   Which one of the following is not a Harappan site?

   aChanhudaro

   bKot Diji

   cSohgaura

   dDesalpur
8. Question 8 · History and Culture

   In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka?

   aKanganahalli

   bSanchi

   cShahbazgarhi

   dSohgaura
9. Question 9 · History and Culture

   Consider the following :

   1. 1.Deification of the Buddha
   2. 2.Treading the path of Bodhisattvas
   3. 3.Image worship and rituals

   Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?

   a1 only

   b1 and 2 only

   c2 and 3 only

   d1, 2 and 3
10. Question 10 · History and Culture

    With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

    aIt was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.

    bIt was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.

    cThe forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.

    dThe eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.
11. Question 11 · History and Culture

    Building ‘Kalyaana Mandapas’ was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

    aChalukya

    bChandela

    cRashtrakuta

    dVijayanagara
12. Question 12 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as ‘Amil’.
    2. 2.The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.
    3. 3.The office of ‘Mir Bakshi’ came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b1 and 2 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
13. Question 13 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
    2. 2.Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
14. Question 14 · History and Culture

    With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of ‘indentured labour’.
    2. 2.In Lord Chelmsford’s ‘War Conference’, Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
    3. 3.Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1 and 2 only

    b1 and 3 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
15. Question 15 · History and Culture

    With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs :

    	Person	Position held
    1	Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru	President, All India Liberal Federation
    2	K. C. Neogy	Member, The Constituent Assembly
    3	P. C. Joshi	General Secretary, Communist Party of India

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

    a1 only

    b1 and 2 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
16. Question 16 · History and Culture

    With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    aTansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.

    bTansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.

    cTansen composed songs on his patrons.

    dTansen invented many Ragas.
17. Question 17 · History and Culture

    Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

    aHumayun

    bAkbar

    cJahangir

    dShah Jahan
18. Question 18 · Environment and Ecology

    Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

    aManas National Park

    bNamdapha National Park

    cNeora Valley National Park

    dValley of Flowers National Park
19. Question 19 · Polity and Governance

    Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

    aDepartment of Science and Technology

    bMinistry of Labour and Employment

    cNITI Aayog

    dMinistry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
20. Question 20 · Geography

    On 21st June, the Sun

    adoes not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

    bdoes not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle

    cshines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator

    dshines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
21. Question 21 · Geography

    Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the ‘New World’ and introduced into the ‘Old World’?

    aTobacco, cocoa and rubber

    bTobacco, cotton and rubber

    cCotton, coffee and sugarcane

    dRubber, coffee and wheat
22. Question 22 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
    2. 2.Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
    3. 3.One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
23. Question 23 · Geography

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Famous place	River
    1	Pandharpur	Chandrabhaga
    2	Tiruchirappalli	Cauvery
    3	Hampi	Malaprabha

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
24. Question 24 · Economy and Social Development

    In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because

    apoverty rates vary from State to State

    bprice levels vary from State to State

    cGross State Product varies from State to State

    dquality of public distribution varies from State to State
25. Question 25 · Environment and Ecology

    In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

    aCreating the artificial rains in some regions

    bReducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones

    cReducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth

    dReducing the global warming
26. Question 26 · Environment and Ecology

    In the context of which one of the following are the terms ‘pyrolysis and plasma gasification’ mentioned?

    aExtraction of rare earth elements

    bNatural gas extraction technologies

    cHydrogen fuel-based automobiles

    dWaste-to-energy technologies
27. Question 27 · Environment and Ecology

    Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

    aNeyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

    bMudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park

    cKaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park

    dKawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
28. Question 28 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Some species of turtles are herbivores.
    2. 2.Some species of fish are herbivores.
    3. 3.Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.
    4. 4.Some species of snakes are viviparous.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2, 3 and 4 only

    c2 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
29. Question 29 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Wildlife	Naturally found in
    1	Blue-finned Mahseer	Cauvery River
    2	Irrawaddy Dolphin	Chambal River
    3	Rusty-spotted Cat	Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
30. Question 30 · Environment and Ecology

    Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into environment?

    aThey are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

    bThey are considered to cause skin cancer in children.

    cThey are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.

    dThey are often found to be used as food adulterants.
31. Question 31 · Environment and Ecology

    Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

    aanti-malarial drug

    bbiodiesel

    cpulp for paper industry

    dtextile fibre
32. Question 32 · Science and Technology

    For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?

    1. 1.Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
    2. 2.Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
    3. 3.Land surface temperatures of a specific location

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
33. Question 33 · Geography

    Consider the following States :

    1. 1.Chhattisgarh
    2. 2.Madhya Pradesh
    3. 3.Maharashtra
    4. 4.Odisha

    With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?

    a2-3-1-4

    b2-3-4-1

    c3-2-4-1

    d3-2-1-4
34. Question 34 · Environment and Ecology

    Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’?

    1. 1.Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
    2. 2.Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
    3. 3.Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

    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
35. Question 35 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following :

    1. 1.Carbon monoxide
    2. 2.Methane
    3. 3.Ozone
    4. 4.Sulphur dioxide

    Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

    a1 and 2 only

    b2, 3 and 4 only

    c1 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
36. Question 36 · Geography

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Sea	Bordering country
    1	Adriatic Sea	Albania
    2	Black Sea	Croatia
    3	Caspian Sea	Kazakhstan
    4	Mediterranean Sea	Morocco
    5	Red Sea	Syria

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    a1, 2 and 4 only

    b1, 3 and 4 only

    c2 and 5 only

    d1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
37. Question 37 · Geography

    Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?

    aChina

    bIndia

    cMyanmar

    dVietnam
38. Question 38 · Geography

    Consider the following pairs :

    	Glacier	River
    1	Bandarpunch	Yamuna
    2	Bara Shigri	Chenab
    3	Milam	Mandakini
    4	Siachen	Nubra
    5	Zemu	Manas

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    a1, 2 and 4

    b1, 3 and 4

    c2 and 5

    d3 and 5
39. Question 39 · Environment and Ecology

    In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

    apesticides in agriculture

    bpreservatives in processed foods

    cfruit-ripening agents

    dmoisturising agents in cosmetics
40. Question 40 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
    2. 2.The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
    3. 3.The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
41. Question 41 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.
    2. 2.Cattle release ammonia into environment.
    3. 3.Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c2 only

    d1, 2 and 3
42. Question 42 · Geography

    What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?

    aRecently discovered uranium deposits

    bTropical rain forests

    cUnderground cave systems

    dWater reservoirs
43. Question 43 · Environment and Ecology

    In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
    2. 2.H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
    3. 3.Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
    4. 4.H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
44. Question 44 · Geography

    Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?

    aClouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth’s surface.

    bClouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.

    cThe Earth’s surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.

    dClouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
45. Question 45 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review.
    2. 2.The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of judiciary.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
46. Question 46 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
    2. 2.The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes ‘incapacity and proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
    3. 3.The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
    4. 4.If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 2

    b3 only

    c3 and 4 only

    d1, 3 and 4
47. Question 47 · Polity and Governance

    The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime ministership of

    aJawaharlal Nehru

    bLal Bahadur Shastri

    cIndira Gandhi

    dMorarji Desai
48. Question 48 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
    2. 2.Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
    3. 3.Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
49. Question 49 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 exempts several posts from disqualification on the grounds of ‘Office of Profit’.
    2. 2.The above-mentioned Act was amended five times.
    3. 3.The term ‘Office of Profit’ is well-defined in the Constitution of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 2 only

    b3 only

    c2 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
50. Question 50 · Polity and Governance

    Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?

    aThird Schedule

    bFifth Schedule

    cNinth Schedule

    dTwelfth Schedule
51. Question 51 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India :

    1. 1.PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
    2. 2.A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
    3. 3.There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
    4. 4.Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1, 2 and 3

    b2, 3 and 4

    c1, 2 and 4

    d1, 3 and 4
52. Question 52 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?

    aThe decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.

    bThe Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.

    cIn the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.

    dState Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.
53. Question 53 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to the Legislative Assembly of a State in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Governor makes a customary address to Members of the House at the commencement of the first session of the year.
    2. 2.When a State Legislature does not have a rule on a particular matter, it follows the Lok Sabha rule on that matter.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
54. Question 54 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
    2. 2.The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
    3. 3.A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
    4. 4.The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2, 3 and 4 only

    c2 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
55. Question 55 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.As per recent amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, forest dwellers have the right to fell the bamboos grown on forest areas.
    2. 2.As per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, bamboo is a minor forest produce.
    3. 3.The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 allows ownership of minor forest produce to forest dwellers.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
56. Question 56 · Polity and Governance

    Which Article of the Constitution of India safeguards one’s right to marry the person of one’s choice?

    aArticle 19

    bArticle 21

    cArticle 25

    dArticle 29
57. Question 57 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India.
    2. 2.In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board.
    3. 3.Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
58. Question 58 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to

    1. 1.state the requirement of public participation in the process of environmental protection, and the procedure and manner in which it is sought
    2. 2.lay down the standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
59. Question 59 · Environment and Ecology

    As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

    aWaste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.

    bThe Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.

    cThe Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.

    dIt is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
60. Question 60 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements : As per the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central (Amendment) Rules, 2018

    1. 1.if rules for fixed-term employment are implemented, it becomes easier for the firms/companies to lay off workers
    2. 2.no notice of termination of employment shall be necessary in the case of temporary workman

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
61. Question 61 · Economy and Social Development

    The Service Area Approach was implemented under the purview of

    aIntegrated Rural Development Programme

    bLead Bank Scheme

    cMahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

    dNational Skill Development Mission
62. Question 62 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
    2. 2.State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
    3. 3.State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
63. Question 63 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Most of India’s external debt is owed by governmental entities.
    2. 2.All of India’s external debt is denominated in US dollars.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
64. Question 64 · Economy and Social Development

    Which of the following is not included in the assets of a commercial bank in India?

    aAdvances

    bDeposits

    cInvestments

    dMoney at call and short notice
65. Question 65 · Economy and Social Development

    In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis?

    1. 1.The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector
    2. 2.Increasing the government expenditure
    3. 3.Remittances from Indians abroad

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 only

    b1 and 3 only

    c2 only

    d1, 2 and 3
66. Question 66 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?

    aFirst Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)

    bRajamannar Committee (1969)

    cSarkaria Commission (1983)

    dNational Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)
67. Question 67 · Economy and Social Development

    Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?

    aCertificate of Deposit

    bCommercial Paper

    cPromissory Note

    dParticipatory Note
68. Question 68 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels.
    2. 2.People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
69. Question 69 · Polity and Governance

    In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?

    1. 1.Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
    2. 2.Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
    3. 3.Finance Commission
    4. 4.Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
    5. 5.NITI Aayog

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2

    b1, 3 and 4

    c3, 4 and 5

    d2 and 5
70. Question 70 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to India’s Five-Year Plans, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. 1.From the Second Five-Year Plan, there was a determined thrust towards substitution of basic and capital good industries.
    2. 2.The Fourth Five-Year Plan adopted the objective of correcting the earlier trend of increased concentration of wealth and economic power.
    3. 3.In the Fifth Five-Year Plan, for the first time, the financial sector was included as an integral part of the Plan.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
71. Question 71 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements :

    1. 1.AIIB has more than 80 member nations.
    2. 2.India is the largest shareholder in AIIB.
    3. 3.AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
72. Question 72 · Economy and Social Development

    What was the purpose of Inter-Creditor Agreement signed by Indian banks and financial institutions recently?

    aTo lessen the Government of India’s perennial burden of fiscal deficit and current account deficit

    bTo support the infrastructure projects of Central and State Governments

    cTo act as independent regulator in case of applications for loans of ₹ 50 crore or more

    dTo aim at faster resolution of stressed assets of ₹ 50 crore or more which are under consortium lending
73. Question 73 · Economy and Social Development

    The Chairmen of public sector banks are selected by the

    aBanks Board Bureau

    bReserve Bank of India

    cUnion Ministry of Finance

    dManagement of concerned bank
74. Question 74 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India.
    2. 2.One of the tasks of PNGRB is to ensure competitive markets for gas.
    3. 3.Appeals against the decisions of PNGRB go before the Appellate Tribunals for Electricity.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c1 and 3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
75. Question 75 · Science and Technology

    With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

    1. 1.LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
    2. 2.LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
76. Question 76 · Economy and Social Development

    Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017?

    1. 1.Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave.
    2. 2.Enterprises with crèches must allow the mother minimum six crèche visits daily.
    3. 3.Women with two children get reduced entitlements.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2 only

    b2 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
77. Question 77 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Which one of the following is not a sub-index of the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’?

    aMaintenance of law and order

    bPaying taxes

    cRegistering property

    dDealing with construction permits
78. Question 78 · Environment and Ecology

    In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

    aThe Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998

    bThe Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999

    cThe e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

    dThe Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011
79. Question 79 · Economy and Social Development

    The economic cost of food grains to the Food Corporation of India is Minimum Support Price and bonus (if any) paid to the farmers plus

    atransportation cost only

    binterest cost only

    cprocurement incidentals and distribution cost

    dprocurement incidentals and charges for godowns
80. Question 80 · Economy and Social Development

    In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital?

    aThe proportion of literates in the population

    bThe stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines

    cThe size of population in the working age group

    dThe level of mutual trust and harmony in the society
81. Question 81 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid.
    2. 2.An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
82. Question 82 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates are calculated by comparing the prices of the same basket of goods and services in different countries.
    2. 2.In terms of PPP dollars, India is the sixth largest economy in the world.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 only

    cBoth 1 and 2

    dNeither 1 nor 2
83. Question 83 · Geography

    With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
    2. 2.Area under the cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.
    3. 3.Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.
    4. 4.Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    a1 and 3 only

    b2, 3 and 4 only

    c2 and 4 only

    d1, 2, 3 and 4
84. Question 84 · Economy and Social Development

    Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

    aSpices

    bFresh fruits

    cPulses

    dVegetable oils
85. Question 85 · Polity and Governance

    In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?

    aProtection against the tyranny of political rulers

    bAbsence of restraint

    cOpportunity to do whatever one likes

    dOpportunity to develop oneself fully
86. Question 86 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of Indian rupee?

    aCurbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports

    bEncouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee denominated Masala Bonds

    cEasing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing

    dFollowing an expansionary monetary policy
87. Question 87 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements : The Reserve Bank of India’s recent directives relating to ‘Storage of Payment System Data’, popularly known as data diktat, command the payment system providers that

    1. 1.they shall ensure that entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India
    2. 2.they shall ensure that the systems are owned and operated by public sector enterprises
    3. 3.they shall submit the consolidated system audit report to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India by the end of the calendar year

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b1 and 2 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
88. Question 88 · Science and Technology

    Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018?

    aAustralia

    bCanada

    cThe European Union

    dThe United States of America
89. Question 89 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?

    aJapan

    bRussia

    cThe United Kingdom

    dThe United States of America
90. Question 90 · Economy and Social Development

    The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?

    aIncrease in the cash reserve ratio

    bIncrease in the banking habit of the population

    cIncrease in the statutory liquidity ratio

    dIncrease in the population of the country
91. Question 91 · Science and Technology

    In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out.
    2. 2.In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings.
    3. 3.AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC.
    4. 4.VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 and 2 only

    b3 and 4

    c1, 2 and 3

    d4 only
92. Question 92 · Science and Technology

    The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to

    afossils of a kind of dinosaurs

    ban early human species

    ca cave system found in North-East India

    da geological period in the history of Indian subcontinent
93. Question 93 · Science and Technology

    With reference to the recent developments in science, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    aFunctional chromosomes can be created by joining segments of DNA taken from cells of different species.

    bPieces of artificial functional DNA can be created in laboratories.

    cA piece of DNA taken out from an animal cell can be made to replicate outside a living cell in a laboratory.

    dCells taken out from plants and animals can be made to undergo cell division in laboratory petri dishes.
94. Question 94 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements : A digital signature is

    1. 1.an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it
    2. 2.used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet
    3. 3.an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
95. Question 95 · Science and Technology

    In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?

    1. 1.Location identification of a person
    2. 2.Sleep monitoring of a person
    3. 3.Assisting the hearing impaired person

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 only

    b2 and 3 only

    c3 only

    d1, 2 and 3
96. Question 96 · Science and Technology

    ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

    1. 1.It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.
    2. 2.It can be used in developing therapies for the treatment of cancer.
    3. 3.It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.
    4. 4.It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1, 2 and 4

    b2 and 3

    c1 and 3

    d1 and 4 only
97. Question 97 · Science and Technology

    Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

    a‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.

    b‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.

    cPossibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.

    dIt enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.
98. Question 98 · Science and Technology

    Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

    1. 1.Genetic predisposition of some people
    2. 2.Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
    3. 3.Using antibiotics in livestock farming
    4. 4.Multiple chronic diseases in some people

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    a1 and 2

    b2 and 3 only

    c1, 3 and 4

    d2, 3 and 4
99. Question 99 · Science and Technology

    What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?

    aA molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

    bA biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients

    cA gene that makes plants pest-resistant

    dA herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
100. Question 100 · Science and Technology

     Which one of the following statements is not correct?

     aHepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.

     bHepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.

     cGlobally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.

     dSome of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.