All Prelims papers

UPSC Prelims 2023

General Studies Paper I

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

The question paper as a PDF, from UPSCSit it against the clock, marked with UPSC’s key
  1. Question 1 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake.
    2. 2.Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake.
    3. 3.Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  2. Question 2 · Geography

    Consider the following pairs :

    PortWell known as
    1.Kamarajar PortFirst major port in India registered as a company
    2.Mundra PortLargest privately owned port in India
    3.Visakhapatnam PortLargest container port in India

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one pair
    bOnly two pairs
    cAll three pairs
    dNone of the pairs
  3. Question 3 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following trees :

    1. 1.Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
    2. 2.Mahua (Madhuca indica)
    3. 3.Teak (Tectona grandis)

    How many of the above are deciduous trees?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  4. Question 4 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.India has more arable area than China.
    2. 2.The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China.
    3. 3.The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  5. Question 5 · Geography

    Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

    aBhitarkanika Mangroves
    bMarakkanam Salt Pans
    cNaupada Swamp
    dRann of Kutch
  6. Question 6 · Geography

    Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources of which one of the following?

    aAluminium
    bCopper
    cIron
    dTitanium
  7. Question 7 · Geography

    About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by

    aArgentina
    bBotswana
    cthe Democratic Republic of the Congo
    dKazakhstan
  8. Question 8 · Geography

    Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin?

    aCameroon
    bNigeria
    cSouth Sudan
    dUganda
  9. Question 9 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges.
    2. 2.Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range.
    3. 3.Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  10. Question 10 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    With reference to India's projects on connectivity, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
    2. 2.Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
    3. 3.Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  11. Question 11 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IIndia, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production.
    2. Statement-IIUranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the production of electricity.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  12. Question 12 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IMarsupials are not naturally found in India.
    2. Statement-IIMarsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  13. Question 13 · Environment and Ecology

    'Invasive Species Specialist Group' (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?

    aThe International Union for Conservation of Nature
    bThe United Nations Environment Programme
    cThe United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
    dThe World Wide Fund for Nature
  14. Question 14 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following fauna :

    1. 1.Lion-tailed Macaque
    2. 2.Malabar Civet
    3. 3.Sambar Deer

    How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  15. Question 15 · Environment and Ecology

    Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

    aButterflies
    bDragonflies
    cHoneybees
    dWasps
  16. Question 16 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
    2. 2.Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties.
    3. 3.Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
    4. 4.Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  17. Question 17 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements regarding the Indian squirrels :

    1. 1.They build nests by making burrows in the ground.
    2. 2.They store their food materials like nuts and seeds in the ground.
    3. 3.They are omnivorous.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  18. Question 18 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water.
    2. 2.Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature below the freezing point of water.
    3. 3.Some microorganisms can grow in highly acidic environment with a pH below 3.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  19. Question 19 · Environment and Ecology

    Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?

    aFishing cat
    bOrangutan
    cOtter
    dSloth bear
  20. Question 20 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following :

    1. 1.Aerosols
    2. 2.Foam agents
    3. 3.Fire retardants
    4. 4.Lubricants

    In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  21. Question 21 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IInterest income from the deposits in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) distributed to their investors is exempted from tax, but the dividend is taxable.
    2. Statement-IIInvITs are recognized as borrowers under the 'Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002'.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  22. Question 22 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IIn the post-pandemic recent past, many Central Banks worldwide had carried out interest rate hikes.
    2. Statement-IICentral Banks generally assume that they have the ability to counteract the rising consumer prices via monetary policy means.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  23. Question 23 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-ICarbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
    2. Statement-IICarbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  24. Question 24 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following activities of the Reserve Bank of India is considered to be part of 'sterilization'?

    aConducting 'Open Market Operations'
    bOversight of settlement and payment systems
    cDebt and cash management for the Central and State Governments
    dRegulating the functions of Non-banking Financial Institutions
  25. Question 25 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following markets :

    1. 1.Government Bond Market
    2. 2.Call Money Market
    3. 3.Treasury Bill Market
    4. 4.Stock Market

    How many of the above are included in capital markets?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  26. Question 26 · Economy and Social Development

    Which one of the following best describes the concept of 'Small Farmer Large Field'?

    aResettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce
    bMany marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations
    cMany marginal farmers in an area together make a contract with a corporate body and surrender their land to the corporate body for a fixed term for which the corporate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers
    dA company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production
  27. Question 27 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds.
    2. 2.Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
    3. 3.Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  28. Question 28 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the investments in the following assets :

    1. 1.Brand recognition
    2. 2.Inventory
    3. 3.Intellectual property
    4. 4.Mailing list of clients

    How many of the above are considered intangible investments?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  29. Question 29 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following :

    1. 1.Demographic performance
    2. 2.Forest and ecology
    3. 3.Governance reforms
    4. 4.Stable government
    5. 5.Tax and fiscal efforts

    For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance?

    aOnly two
    bOnly three
    cOnly four
    dAll five
  30. Question 30 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following infrastructure sectors :

    1. 1.Affordable housing
    2. 2.Mass rapid transport
    3. 3.Health care
    4. 4.Renewable energy

    On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  31. Question 31 · Polity and Governance

    In essence, what does 'Due Process of Law' mean?

    aThe principle of natural justice
    bThe procedure established by law
    cFair application of law
    dEquality before law
  32. Question 32 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IIn India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons.
    2. Statement-IIIn India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  33. Question 33 · Polity and Governance

    Which one of the following statements best reflects the Chief purpose of the 'Constitution' of a country?

    aIt determines the objective for the making of necessary laws.
    bIt enables the creation of political offices and a government.
    cIt defines and limits the powers of government.
    dIt secures social justice, social equality and social security.
  34. Question 34 · Polity and Governance

    In India, which one of the following Constitutional Amendments was widely believed to be enacted to overcome the judicial interpretations of the Fundamental Rights?

    a1st Amendment
    b42nd Amendment
    c44th Amendment
    d86th Amendment
  35. Question 35 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following organizations/bodies in India :

    1. 1.The National Commission for Backward Classes
    2. 2.The National Human Rights Commission
    3. 3.The National Law Commission
    4. 4.The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

    How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  36. Question 36 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.If the election of the President of India is declared void by the Supreme Court of India, all acts done by him/her in the performance of duties of his/her office of President before the date of decision become invalid.
    2. 2.Election for the post of the President of India can be postponed on the ground that some Legislative Assemblies have been dissolved and elections are yet to take place.
    3. 3.When a Bill is presented to the President of India, the Constitution prescribes time limits within which he/she has to declare his/her assent.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  37. Question 37 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.
    2. 2.When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.
    3. 3.In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  38. Question 38 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements : Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve'

    1. 1.the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest
    2. 2.hunting is not allowed in such area
    3. 3.people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce
    4. 4.people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  39. Question 39 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to 'Scheduled Areas' in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Within a State, the notification of an area as Scheduled Area takes place through an Order of the President.
    2. 2.The largest administrative unit forming the Scheduled Area is the District and the lowest is the cluster of villages in the Block.
    3. 3.The Chief Ministers of the concerned States are required to submit annual reports to the Union Home Ministry on the administration of Scheduled Areas in the States.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  40. Question 40 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IThe Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for maintenance of efficiency of administration.
    2. Statement-IIArticle 335 of the Constitution of India defines the term 'efficiency of administration'.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  41. Question 41 · History and Culture

    In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located?

    aAndhra
    bGandhara
    cKalinga
    dMagadha
  42. Question 42 · History and Culture

    With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
    2. 2.Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
    3. 3.Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  43. Question 43 · History and Culture

    With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were well known as

    acapital cities
    bports
    ccentres of iron-and-steel making
    dshrines of Jain Tirthankaras
  44. Question 44 · History and Culture

    Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?

    aKings employing women bodyguards
    bLearned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters
    cYoung girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals
    dA king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death
  45. Question 45 · History and Culture

    Consider the following dynasties :

    1. 1.Hoysala
    2. 2.Gahadavala
    3. 3.Kakatiya
    4. 4.Yadava

    How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dNone
  46. Question 46 · History and Culture

    With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs :

    Literary workAuthor
    1.DevichandraguptaBilhana
    2.Hammira-MahakavyaNayachandra Suri
    3.Milinda-panhaNagarjuna
    4.NitivakyamritaSomadeva Suri

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  47. Question 47 · History and Culture

    "Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects."

    The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?

    aBuddhism
    bJainism
    cShaivism
    dVaishnavism
  48. Question 48 · History and Culture

    Who among the following rulers of Vijayanagara Empire constructed a large dam across Tungabhadra River and a canal-cum-aqueduct several kilometres long from the river to the capital city?

    aDevaraya I
    bMallikarjuna
    cVira Vijaya
    dVirupaksha
  49. Question 49 · History and Culture

    Who among the following rulers of medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to Portuguese?

    aAhmad Shah
    bMahmud Begarha
    cBahadur Shah
    dMuhammad Shah
  50. Question 50 · History and Culture

    By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of Bengal designated as the Governor General of India?

    aThe Regulating Act
    bThe Pitt's India Act
    cThe Charter Act of 1793
    dThe Charter Act of 1833
  51. Question 51 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana :

    1. 1.It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
    2. 2.Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
    3. 3.It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
    4. 4.Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  52. Question 52 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy :

    1. 1.It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
    2. 2.It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
    3. 3.It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
    4. 4.It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  53. Question 53 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts.
    2. 2.Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  54. Question 54 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following actions :

    1. 1.Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously
    2. 2.Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off of the hard drive
    3. 3.Detection of the tilt of the smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode

    In how many of the above actions is the function of accelerometer required?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  55. Question 55 · Science and Technology

    With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.
    2. 2.Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.
    3. 3.Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  56. Question 56 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following pairs :

    Objects in spaceDescription
    1.CepheidsGiant clouds of dust and gas in space
    2.NebulaeStars which brighten and dim periodically
    3.PulsarsNeutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  57. Question 57 · Science and Technology

    Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System?

    aAustralia
    bCanada
    cIsrael
    dJapan
  58. Question 58 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
    2. 2.Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

    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

    Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution :

    1. 1.Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
    2. 2.Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
    3. 3.There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  60. Question 60 · Science and Technology

    With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
    2. 2.It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
    3. 3.It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  61. Question 61 · Geography

    Consider the following countries :

    1. 1.Bulgaria
    2. 2.Czech Republic
    3. 3.Hungary
    4. 4.Latvia
    5. 5.Lithuania
    6. 6.Romania

    How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?

    aOnly two
    bOnly three
    cOnly four
    dOnly five
  62. Question 62 · Geography

    With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

    aThe total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
    bInfrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
    cInfrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
    dInfrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.
  63. Question 63 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IThe soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.
    2. Statement-IIThe high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  64. Question 64 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IThe temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.
    2. Statement-IIThe specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  65. Question 65 · Geography

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
    2. 2.In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  66. Question 66 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.None of them uses seawater.
    2. 2.None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
    3. 3.None of them is privately owned.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  67. Question 67 · Science and Technology

    'Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

    aControlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
    bConverting crop residues into packing material
    cProducing biodegradable plastics
    dProducing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass
  68. Question 68 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following activities :

    1. 1.Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively
    2. 2.Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime
    3. 3.Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters

    How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  69. Question 69 · Science and Technology

    'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?

    aCollecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
    bUnderstanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
    cUsing air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
    dSending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies
  70. Question 70 · Science and Technology

    'Microsatellite DNA' is used in the case of which one of the following?

    aStudying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
    bStimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues
    cPromoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
    dAssessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population
  71. Question 71 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements with reference to India :

    1. 1.According to the 'Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006', the 'medium enterprises' are those with investments in plant and machinery between ₹ 15 crore and ₹ 25 crore.
    2. 2.All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  72. Question 72 · Economy and Social Development

    With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using US dollar or SWIFT system.
    2. 2.A digital currency can be distributed with a condition programmed into it such as a time-frame for spending it.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  73. Question 73 · Economy and Social Development

    In the context of finance, the term 'beta' refers to

    athe process of simultaneous buying and selling of an asset from different platforms
    ban investment strategy of a portfolio manager to balance risk versus reward
    ca type of systemic risk that arises where perfect hedging is not possible
    da numeric value that measures the fluctuations of a stock to changes in the overall stock market
  74. Question 74 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived.
    2. 2.In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.
    3. 3.The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  75. Question 75 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IIndia's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotive and rehabilitative care.
    2. Statement-IIUnder India's decentralized approach to health care delivery, the States are primarily responsible for organizing health services.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  76. Question 76 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IAccording to the United Nations' 'World Water Development Report, 2022', India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year.
    2. Statement-IIIndia needs to extract more than a quarter of the world's groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world's population living in its territory.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  77. Question 77 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.
    2. 2.The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention.
    3. 3.According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  78. Question 78 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine?

    aAngola
    bCosta Rica
    cEcuador
    dSomalia
  79. Question 79 · Environment and Ecology

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. 2.The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2
  80. Question 80 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements in respect of election to the President of India :

    1. 1.The members nominated to either House of the Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of States are also eligible to be included in the Electoral College.
    2. 2.Higher the number of elective Assembly seats, higher is the value of vote of each MLA of that State.
    3. 3.The value of vote of each MLA of Madhya Pradesh is greater than that of Kerala.
    4. 4.The value of vote of each MLA of Puducherry is higher than that of Arunachal Pradesh because the ratio of total population to total number of elective seats in Puducherry is greater as compared to Arunachal Pradesh.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  81. Question 81 · History and Culture

    With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with

    aarchaeological excavations
    bestablishment of English Press in Colonial India
    cestablishment of Churches in Princely States
    dconstruction of railways in Colonial India
  82. Question 82 · History and Culture

    Consider the following pairs :

    SiteWell known for
    1.BesnagarShaivite cave shrine
    2.BhajaBuddhist cave shrine
    3.SittanavasalJain cave shrine

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  83. Question 83 · History and Culture

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-I7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day.
    2. Statement-IIIt was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  84. Question 84 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002 :

    1. Statement-IOne of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm × 400 mm.
    2. Statement-IIThe ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  85. Question 85 · Polity and Governance

    Consider the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day :

    1. Statement-IThe Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.
    2. Statement-IIOn 26th November, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft Constitution of India.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  86. Question 86 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-ISwitzerland is one of the leading exporters of gold in terms of value.
    2. Statement-IISwitzerland has the second largest gold reserves in the world.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  87. Question 87 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IRecently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Technology Council'.
    2. Statement-IIThe USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to bring technological progress and physical productivity under their control.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  88. Question 88 · Economy and Social Development

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IIndia accounts for 3·2% of global export of goods.
    2. Statement-IIMany local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's 'Production-linked Incentive' scheme.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  89. Question 89 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements : The 'Stability and Growth Pact' of the European Union is a treaty that

    1. 1.limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union
    2. 2.makes the countries of the European Union to share their infrastructure facilities
    3. 3.enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologies

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  90. Question 90 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the 'Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)'.
    2. 2.The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries.
    3. 3.The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  91. Question 91 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements :

    1. 1.Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
    2. 2.The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of internal security.
    3. 3.To prevent infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some States.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  92. Question 92 · Polity and Governance

    With reference to India, consider the following pairs :

    ActionThe Act under which it is covered
    1.Unauthorized wearing of police or military uniformsThe Official Secrets Act, 1923
    2.Knowingly misleading or otherwise interfering with a police officer or military officer when engaged in their dutiesThe Indian Evidence Act, 1872
    3.Celebratory gunfire which can endanger the personal safety of othersThe Arms (Amendment) Act, 2019

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  93. Question 93 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following pairs :

    Regions often mentioned in newsReason for being in news
    1.North Kivu and IturiWar between Armenia and Azerbaijan
    2.Nagorno-KarabakhInsurgency in Mozambique
    3.Kherson and ZaporizhzhiaDispute between Israel and Lebanon

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  94. Question 94 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements :

    1. Statement-IIsrael has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
    2. Statement-IIThe 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
    bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
    cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
  95. Question 95 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards :

    1.Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna AwardFor the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years
    2.Arjuna AwardFor the lifetime achievement by a sportsperson
    3.Dronacharya AwardTo honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams
    4.Rashtriya Khel Protsahan PuraskarTo recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  96. Question 96 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022 :

    1. 1.It was the first time that Chess Olympiad was held in India.
    2. 2.The official mascot was named 'Thambi'.
    3. 3.The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup.
    4. 4.The trophy for the winning team in the women's section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cOnly three
    dAll four
  97. Question 97 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following pairs :

    Area of conflict mentioned in newsCountry where it is located
    1.DonbasSyria
    2.KachinEthiopia
    3.TigrayNorth Yemen

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  98. Question 98 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons common to all of them?

    aDiscovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements
    bEstablishment of Chinese military bases
    cSouthward expansion of Sahara Desert
    dSuccessful coups
  99. Question 99 · Science and Technology

    Consider the following heavy industries :

    1. 1.Fertilizer plants
    2. 2.Oil refineries
    3. 3.Steel plants

    Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

    aOnly one
    bOnly two
    cAll three
    dNone
  100. Question 100 · International Relations and Current Affairs

    Consider the following statements about G-20 :

    1. 1.The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues.
    2. 2.Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    a1 only
    b2 only
    cBoth 1 and 2
    dNeither 1 nor 2

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.