UPSC IAS Prelims 2020 GS Paper 1 Question Paper with Answer Key

With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements :

They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.
They can be used in biochemical sensors.
Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

2. Consider the following activities :

Spraying pesticides on a crop field
Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes.
Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d)1, 2 and 3

Answer D

3. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizon

(d) Evolved LISA

Answer D

4. What is the importance of using ‘ Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India ?

These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.
2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.

These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer D

5. Consider the following statements :

Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.

Which of thc; statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only’

(b) 2 and 3 only ,

(d) 1, 2 and 3.4

Answer B

6. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of

(a) Digital security infrastructure

(b) Food security infrastructure

(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

Answer A

7. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells ?

Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do •
Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only ,

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer C

8. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution ?

Automobile exhaust
Tobacco smoke
Wood burning
Using varnished wooden furniture
Using products made of polyurethane

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer D

9. If another global financial crisis happens in the near future, which of the following actions/policies are most likely to give some immunity to India ?

Not depending on short-term foreign borrowings
Opening up to more foreign banks
Maintaining full capital account convertibility

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a)1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer A

10. If you withdraw 1,00,000 in cash from your Demand Deposit Account at your bank, the immediate effect on aggregate money supply in the economy will be

(a) to reduce it by 1,00,000

(b) to increase it by 1,00,000

(d) to leave it unchanged

Answer D

11. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘ paramitas’?

(a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style

(b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas

(d) Powerful merchant guilds of early Medieval South India

Answer C

12. In the context Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

women’s right to gain education
age of consent
restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3

Answer B

13. Indigo cultivation in India Declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters

(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

d) Government control over the planters

Answer B

14. Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta becauge

(a) ho was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

(b) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

(d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Answer D

15. With reference to the history of India, Ulgulan the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events ?

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899 — 1900

Answer D

16. With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:

Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhanat
Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta – II.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer C

17. In the context of recent advances in human

reproductive technology, PronuclearTransfer is used for

(a) Fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm

(b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells

(d) prevention of mitochondrial disease in offspring

Answer D

18. With the present state of development, Artificial intelligence can effectively do which of the following ?

Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
Create meaningful short stories and songs
Disease diagnosis
Text-to-Speech Conversion
Wireless transmission of electrical energy V

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only.

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer D

19. With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct ?

VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780
VLC is known as long-range optical wirelesS communication.
,VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.
VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer C

20. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements :

It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a)1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer D

21. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which

(a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government

(b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it

(d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term

Answer B

22. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State ?

(a) Directive Principles of State Policy

(b) Fundamental Rights

(d) Seventh Schedule

Answer A

23. Consider the following statements :

The Constitution of India defines its asic structure’ n terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy./
The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer B

24. One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is

(a) the final goal of a stateless society

(b)1 class struggle

(d) economic determinism

Answer A

25. In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy

(a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy

(b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism

(d) An agency for the implementation of public policy

Answer D

26. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is

(a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect )(

(b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either X

(d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts

Answer D

27. Gold Tranche (Reserve Tranche) refers to ,

(a) a loan system of the World Bank

(b) one of the operations of a Central Bank

(d) a credit system granted by IMF to its members

Answer D

28. With reference to the provisions contained in f the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

They shall be enforceable by courts.
They shall not be enforceable by any court.
The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(D) 2 and 3 only

Answer D

29. Consider the following statements :

According to the Constitution of India a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison. ,

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer D

30. Consider the following statements :

The President of India can summon a session of the Parliament at such place as he/she thinks
The Constitution of India provides for three sessions of the Parliament in a year, but it is not mandatory to conduct all three sessions.
There is no minimum number of days that the Parliament is required to meet in a year.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer C

31. Consider the following statements :

Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months.
State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data.
Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.
Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India. /

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 4 only .

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer B

32. Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in

(a) the matter of creating new All India Services

(b) amending the Constitution

(d) making cut motions

Answer B

33. With reference to the funds under Members of z Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct ?

MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populationsl
MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
The district authority must inspect at least of all works under implementation every year. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer D

34. Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination ?

(a) Right against Exploitation

(b) Right to Freedom

(d) Right to Equality

Answer D

35. In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by

(a) the Preamble of the Constitution

(b) a Directive Principle of State Policy

(d) the conventional practice

Answer B

36. Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the parliament which include The ‘MacroEconomic Framework Statement’. The aforesaid document is presented because this is mandated by

(a) Long standing parliamentary convention

(b) Article 112 and Article 110(1) of the Constitution of India

(d) Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003

Answer D

37. A constitutional government by definition is a

(a) government by legislature

(b) popular governmentK

(d) limited government

Answer D

38. Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) ?

Preamide
Directive Principles of State Policy’s
Fundamental Duties ?

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3/

Answer D

39. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens ?

Person with an annual income of less than 3′ 1,00,000 ✓
Transgender with an annual income of less than 2,00,000
Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than 3,00,000
All Senior Citizens

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d)1 and 4 only

Answer A

UPSC Mains 2021 Questions

40. Consider the following pairs :

International agreement / set-up – Subject

Alma-Ata Declaration – Healthcare of the people
Hague Convention – Biological and chemical weapons
Talanoa Dialogue – Global climate change
Under2 Coalition – Child rights

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

(a) 1and 2 only

(b) 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer C

41. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Aurang – In-charge of treasury of the State
Banian – Indian agent of the East India Company
3 Mirasidar — Designated revenue payer to the State

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

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer B

42. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements :

Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism
The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered Mahayana Buddhism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Answer B

43. Which of the‘MoW7ng statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century ?

(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.

(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.

(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.

Answer A

44. Consider the following events in the history of India :

Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka – I
Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earlier time?

(a) 2 – 1 – 4 – 3

(b) 3 – 1 – 4 – 2

(d) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2

Answer C

Which of the following phrases defines the nature of th enerally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period ?

(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates

(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts

(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

Answer C

46. With reference to the book Desher Katha by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements :

It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
The use of `desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a)1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer A

47. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?

Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference
Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement 3 Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses
Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer B

48. The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by

(a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

(b) Jyotiba Phule

(d) Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Answer A

49. With reference to the history of india, the terms “kulyavapa” and Dronavapa denote

(a) measurement of land

(b) coins of different monetary value

(d) religious rituals

Answer A

50. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

(a) Ashoka

(b) Samudragupta

(d) ‘ Krishnadeva Raya’

Answer A

51. What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?

Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible
2 Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer C

52 Consider the following minerals :

Bentonite
Chromite
Kyanite
Sillimanite

In India, which of the above is/are designated as major minerals

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer D

53. With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct ?

OMT is measured up to a depth of 26 C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January — March.
OMT collected during January — March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only.

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer B

54 With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements :

At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of refineries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer B

55. With reference to India’s desert National park, which of the following statements are correct ?

1. It is spread over two districts.

2 There is no human habitation inside the Park.

3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c ) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer C

56. Siachen Glacier is situated to the

(a) East of Aksai Chin

(b) East of Leh

(c ) North Gilgit

(d) North of Nubra Valley

Answer D

57 With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs :

Famous Place Present state

Bhilsa – Madhyapradesh
Dwarasamudra – Maharashtra
Girinagar -Gujarat
Sthanesvara – UtterPradesh

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer A

58.Consider the following statements :

36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer B

59. Consider the following statements :

Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
Only some cyclones develop an eye,
The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c ) 2 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer C

60. Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat” ?

(a) Corbett

(b) Ranthambore

(c ) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam

(d) Sunderbans

Answer C

61. If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication ?

(a) A license is required to cultivate that plant.

(b) Such a plat t cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.

(d) Such as pIant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

Answer A

62. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura land Chaal were well known as

(a) ports handling foreign trade

(b) capitals of powerful kingdoms

(d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centres.

Answer A

63. What is/are the advantage/advantages of hero tillage in agriculture ?

Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of the previous crop.
Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in.the wet soil is possible.
Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer D

64. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels ?

Cassava
2, Damaged wheat grains
Groundnut seeds
Horse gram
Rotten potatoes
Sugar beet

Select the correct answer using the code given below

(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Answer A

65. Which one of the following statements best describes the term Social cost of Carbon ? It is a measure, in monetary value,

(a) the long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year.

(b) the requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.

(c ) efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place.

(d) Contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.

Answer A

66. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements :

Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c ) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer A

67. “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop ?

(a) Cotton

(b) Jute

(d) Tea

Answer A

68. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements :

1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.

2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(e) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer D

69. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements :

A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.
Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer C

70. In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture ?

Crop diversification
Legume intensification
Tensiometer use
Vertical farming

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer D

71. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture ?

Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
Social Capital development
Free electricity supply to farmers
Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Answer C

72. What is the importance of the term “Interest Coverage Ratio” of a firm in India ?

It helps in understanding the present risk of a firm that a bank is going to give loan to.
It helps in evaluating the emerging risk of a firm that a bank is going to give loan to.
The higher a borrowing firm’s level of Interest Coverage Ratio, the worse is its ability to service its debt.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer A

73. Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past?

Minimum Support Price
Government’s trading
Government’s stockpiling
Consumer subsidies

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer D

74. Consider the following statements:

The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
“Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in
South Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer B

75. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20 ?

(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey

(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia New Zealand and

(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea

Answer A

76. Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes ?

Working capital for maintenance of farm assets harvesters,
Purchase of combine tractors and mini trucks requirements of farm
Consumption households
Post-harvest expenses
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer B

77. Consider the following statements :

The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.
Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer A

78. Consider the following pairs :

River – Flows into

Mekong- Andaman Sea
Thames – Irish Sea
Volga – Caspian Sea
Zambezi – Indian Ocean

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

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer C

79. Consider the following statements :

In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.
In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer D

80. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements :

Commercial Paper is a short-term unsecured promissory note.
‘Certificate of Deposit is a long-term of India to a corporation.
‘Call Money’ is a short-term finance used for interbank transactions. “Zero-Coupon Bonds’ are the interest bearing short-term bonds issued by the Scheduled Commercial Banks to corporations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 4 only

(a) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer C

81. With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?

(a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.

(b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.

(d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.

Answer B

82. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c). 3 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer D

83. The term ‘West Texas Intermediate, sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of

(a) Crude oil

(b) Bullion

(d) Uranium

Answer A

84. In the context of the Indian economy, non-financial debt includes which of the following ? 1. Housing loans owed by households

Amounts outstanding on credit cards
Treasury bills

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer D

85. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium

(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies

(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

Answer B

86. With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct?

Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.
They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.
They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer C

87. If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do?

Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio
Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate
Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer B

88. With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements :

Worker productivity (Rs per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.
The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.
In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased.
The growth rate in rural employment decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer B

89. Consider the following statements:

In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer B

In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits ?

Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion
Cost of defense in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1.3 and 4 only

(e) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer B

91. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs :

Parivrajaka – Renunciant and Wanderer
Shramana – Priest with a high status
Upasaka- Lay follower of Buddhism
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer B

92. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements :

The leader of an elephant group is a female.
The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer A

Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin ?

Nagarhole National Park
Papikonda National Park
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer C

94. With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are

(a) Birds

(b) Primates

(d) Amphibians

Answer A

95. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous ?

(a) Kanha National Park

(b) Manas National Park

(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer A

96. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following ?

Construction of base road
Improvement of agricultural soil
Production of cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer D

97. Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
Gangotri National Park
Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Manas National Park Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer A

98. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint ?

Copper slag
Cold mix asphalt technology
Geotextiles
Hot mix asphalt technology
Portland cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 5 only

Answer A

99. Consider the following statements :

Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.
Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.
High ash content is observed in Indian coal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer D

100. What is the use of biochar in farming ?

Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms.
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer D