UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012 General Studies Paper-II Question Paper With Answer Key

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012 General Studies Paper-II
UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012 General Studies Paper-II Question Paper With Answer Key

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012

General Studies

Paper-II

   Directions-(Q. 1-15) Read the following three passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answer to these items should be based on the passage only.

Passage-1

   Education, without a doubt, has an important functional, instrumental and utilitarian dimension. This is revealed when one ask questions such as ‘what is the purpose of education?’ The answers, too often, are ‘to acquire qualifications for employment/upward mobility’, ‘wider/higher (in terms of income opportunities,’ and to meet the needs for trained human power diverse fields for national development. But in its deepest sense education is not instrumentalist. That is to say, it is not to be justified outside of itself because it leads to the acquisition of formal skills or of certain desired psychological-social attributes. It must be respected in itself. Education is thus not a commodity lo be acquired or possessed and then used, but a process of inestimable importance to individuals and society, although it can and does have enormous use value. Education then, is a process of expansion and conversion, not in the sense of converting or turning students into doctors or engineers, but the widening and turning out of the mind-the creation, Sustenance and development of self-critical awareness and independence of thought. It is an inner process of moral-intellectual development.

1. What do you understand by the ‘instrumentalist’ view of education?

(A)  Education is functional and utilitarian in its purposes

(B)  Education is meant to fulfil human needs

(C)  The purpose of education is to train the human intellect

(D)  Education is meant to achieve moral development

Answer: (B)

2. According to the passage, education must be respected in itself because-

(A)  it helps to acquire qualifications for employment

(B)  it helps in upward mobility and acquiring social status

(C)  it is an inner process of moral and intellectual development

(D)  All the (A), (B) and (C) given above are correct in this context

Answer: (C)

3. Education is a process in which-

(A)  students are converted into trained professionals

(B)  opportunities for higher income are generated

(C)  individuals develop self-critical awareness and independence of thought

(D)  qualifications for upward mobility are acquired

Answer: (C)

Passage-2

   Chemical pesticides lose their role in sustainable agriculture if the pests evolve resistance. The evolution of pesticide resistance is simply natural selection in action. It is almost certain to occur when vast numbers of a genetically variable population are killed. One or a few individuals may be unusually resistant (perhaps because they possess an enzyme that can detoxify the pesticide). If the pesticide is applied repeatedly, each successive generation of the pest will contain a larger proportion of resistance individuals Pests typically have a high intrinsic rate of reproduction, and so a few individual in one generation may give rise to hundreds or thousands in the next, and resistance spreads very rapidly in a population.

This problem was often ignored in the past, even though the first case of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) resistance was reported early as 1946. There is exponential increase in the numbers of invertebrates that have evolved resistance and in the number of pesticides against which resistance has evolved. Resistance has been recorded in every family of arthropod pests (including dipterans such as mosquitoes and houseflies, as well as beetles, moths, wasps, fleas, lice and mites) as well as in weeds and plant pathogens, Take the Alabama leafworm, a moth pest of cotton, as an example. It has developed resistance in one or more regions of the world to aldrin, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, lindane and toxaphene.

If chemical pesticides brought nothing but problem, if their use was intrinsically and acutely unsustainable-then they would already have fallen out of widespread use. This has not happened. Instead, their rate of production has increased rapidly. The ratio of cost of benefit for the individual agricultural producer has remained in favour of pesticides use. In the USA insecticides have been estimated to benefit the agricultural products to the tune of around $ 5 for every $ 1 spent. Moreover, in many poorer countries, the prospect of imminent mass starvation, or of an epidemic diseases, are so frightening that the social and health costs of using pesticides have to be ignored. In general the use of pesticides is justified by objective measures such ‘as lives’ saved, ‘economic efficiency of food production’ and total food produced. In these very fundamental senses, their use may be described as sustainable. In practice, sustainability depends on continually developing new pesticides that keep at least one step ahead of the pests-pesticides that are less persistent, biodegradable and more accurately targeted all the pests.

4. “The evolution of pesticide resistance is natural selection in action.” What does it actually imply?

(A)  It is very natural for many organisms to have pesticide resistance

(B)  Pesticide resistance among organisms is a universal phenomenon

(C)  Some individuals in any given population show resistance after the application of pesticides

(D)  None of the statements (A) , (B) and (C) given above is correct

Answer: (C)

5. With reference to the passage, consider the following statement-

(1) Use of chemical pesticides has become imperative in all the poor countries of the world.

(2) Chemical pesticides should not have in role in sustainable agriculture.

(3) One past can develop resistance to many pesticides.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

6. Though the problems associated with the use of chemical pesticides is known for a long time, their widespread use has not waned. Why?

(A)  Alternatives to chemical pesticides do not exist at all

(B)  New pesticides are not invented at all

(C)  Pesticide are biodegradable

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct

Answer: (D)

7. How do pesticides act as agents for the selection of resistant individuals in any pest population?

(1) It is possible that in a pest population the individuals will behave differently due to their genetic makeup.

(2) Pests do posses the ability to detoxify the pesticides.

(3) Evolution of pesticide resistance is equally distributed in pest population.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  1 and 2 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

8. Why is the use of chemical pesticides generally justified by giving the examples of poor and developing countries?

(1) Development countries can afford to do away with use of pesticides by adapting to organic farming, but it is imperative for poor and developing countries to use chemical pesticides.

(2) In poor and developing countries, the pesticides addressing the problem of epidemic diseases of crops and eases the food problem.

(3) The social and health costs of pesticides use are generally ignored in poor and developing countries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  1 and 2 only

(C)  2 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

9. What does the passing imply?

(A)  Alternative options to chemical pesticides should be promoted

(B)  Too much use of chemicals is not good for the ecosystem

(C)  There is no scope for the improvement of pesticides and making their use sustainable

(D)  Both the statements (A) and (B) above are correct

Answer: (D)

Passage-3

   Today’s developing economic use much less energy per capita than developed countries such as the United States did at similar incomes, showing the potential for lower-carbon growth. Adaptation and mitigation need to be integrated into a climate smart development strategy that increases resilience, reduces the threat of further global warming, and improves development outcomes. Adaptation and mitigation measures can advance development, and prosperity can raise incomes and foster better institutions. A healthier population living in better-built houses and with access to bank loans and social security is better equipped to deal with a changing climate and its consequences. Advancing robust, resilient development policies that” promote adaptation is needed today because changes, in the climate, already begun, will increase even in the short term.

The spread of economic prosperity has always been intertwined with adaptation to changing ecological conditions. But as growth has altered the environment and as environmental change has accelerated, sustaining growth and adaptability demands greater capacity to understand our environment, generate new adaptive technologies and practices, and diffuse them widely. As economic historians have explained, much of humankind’s creative potential has been directed at adapting to the changing world. But adaptation cannot cope with all the impacts related to climate change, especially as larger changes unfold in the long term.

Countries cannot grow out of harm’s way fast enough to match the changing climate. And some growth strategies, whether driven by the government or the market, can also add to vulnerability-particularly if they overexploit natural resources.  Under the Soviet development plan, irrigated cotton cultivation expanded in water-stressed Central Asia and led to the near disappearance of the Aral Sea, threatening the livelihoods of fisherman, herders and farmers, And clearing mangroves-the natural coastal buffers against storm surges- to make way for intensive farming or housing development, increases the physical vulnerability of coastal settlements, whether in Guinea or in Louisiana.

10. Which of the following conditions of growth can add to vulnerability?

(1) When the growth occurs due to excessive exploitation of mineral resources and forests.

(2) When the growth brings about a change in human-kind’s creative potential.

(3) When the growth is envisaged only for providing houses and social security to the people.

(4) When the growth occurs due to emphasis on farming only

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2, 3 and 4 only

(C)  1 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

11. What does low-carbon growth imply in the present context?

(1) More emphasis on the use of renewable sources of energy.

(2) Less emphasis on manufacturing sector and more emphasis on agriculture sector.

(3) Switching over from monoculture practice to mixed farming.

(4) Less demand for goods and services.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2, 3 and 4 only

(C)  1 and 4 only

(D)  None of the above implies low-carbon growth

Answer: (D)

12. Which of the following conditions is/ar necessary for sustainable economic growth?

(1) Spreading of economic prosperity more.

(2) Popularising/spreading of adaptive technologies widely.

(3) Investing on research in adaptation and mitigation technologies.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

13. Which of the following inferences can be made from the passage?

(1) Rainfed crops should not be cultivated in irrigated areas.

(2) Farming under water-deficient areas should not be a part of development strategy.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

14. Consider the following assumptions-

(1) Sustainable economic growth demands the use of creative potential of man.

(2) Intensive agriculture can lead to ecological backlash.

(3) Spread of economic prosperity can adversely affect the ecology and environment.

With reference to the passage, which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3

(D)  Only 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

15. Which one of the following statements constitutes the central theme of this passage?

(A)  Countries with greater economic prosperity are better equipped to deal with the consequences of climate change

(B)  Adaptation and mitigation should be integrated with development strategies

(C)  Rapid economic growth should not be pursued by both developed and developing economies

(D)  Some countries resort to overexploitation of natural resources for the sake of rapid development

Answer: (B)

16. Consider the following statements-

(1) All artists are whimsical.

(2) Some artists are drug addicts.

(3) Frustrated people are prone to become drug addicts.

From the above three statements it may be concluded that-

(A)  Artists are frustrated

(B)  Some drug addicts are whimsical

(C)  All frustrated people are drug addicts

(D)  Whimsical people are generally frustrated

Answer: (B)

17. Examine the following statements:

(1) Either A and B are of the same age or  is older than B.

(2) Either C and D are of the same age or D is older than C.

(3) B is older than C.

Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

(A)  A is older than B

(B)  B and D are of the same age

(C)  D is older than C

(D)  A is older than C

Answer: (D)

18. Examine the following statements-

(1) Only those who have a pair of Binoculars can become the members of the bird-watcher’s club.

(2) Some members of the bird-watcher’s club have cameras.

(3) Those members who have cameras can take part in photo-contests.

Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

(A)  All those who have a pair of binoculars are members of the birdwatcher’s club

(B)  All members of the bird-watcher’s club have a pair of binoculars

(C)  All those who take part in photo-contests are members of the birdwatcher’s club

(D)  No conclusion can be drawn

Answer: (B)

19. During the last summer vacation Ankit went to a summer camp where he took part in hiking, swimming and boating. This summer, he is looking forward to a music camp where he hopes to sing, dance and learn to play the guitar.

Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above?

(A)  Ankit’s parents want him to play the guitar

(B)  Ankit prefers music to out-door activities

(C)  Ankit goes to some type of camp every summer

(D)  Ankit likes to sing and dance

Answer: (D)

20. Three persons A, B and C wore shirts of black, blue and orange colours (not necessarily in that order) and plants of green, yellow and orange colours (not necessarily in that order). No person wore shirt and pants of the same colour. Further, it is given that-

(1) A did not wear shirt of black colour.

(2) B did not wear shirt of blue colour.

(3) C did not wear shirt of orange colour.

(4) A did not wear pants of green colour.

(5) B wore pants of orange colour

What were the colours of the pants and shirt worn by C, respectively?

(A)  Orange and black

(B)  Green and blue

(C)  Yellow and blue

(D)  Yellow and black

Answer: (B)

21. Ten new TV shows started in January-5 sitcoms 3 drama and 2 news magazines. By April, only seven of the new shows were still on, five of them being sitcoms. Based on the above information, four conclusions, as given below, have been made. Which one of these logically follows from the information given above?

(A)  Only one news magazine show is still on

(B)  Only one of the drama shows is still on

(C)  At least one discontinued show was a drama

(D)  Viewers prefer sitcoms over drama

Answer: (C)

22. Read the passage given below and the two statements that follow (given on the basis of the passage) :

Four men are waiting at Delhi airport for a Mumbai flight. Two are doctors and the other two are businessmen. Two speak Gujarati and two speak Tamil. No two of the same profession speak the same language. Two are Muslims and two are Christians. No two. of the same religion are of the same profession, nor do they speak the same language. The Tamil-speaking doctor is a Christian.

(1) The Christian-businessman speaks Gujarati.

(2) The Gujarati-speaking doctor is a Muslim.

Which of the above statements is/are correct conclusion/conclusions?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

23. Consider the following statement : “Though quite expensive, television is not a luxury item, as one can learn many things through television.” Which one of the following is a valid inference from the above statement?

(A)  All expensive things are regarded as luxury

(B)  All essential things for learning are not luxury

(C)  Television is essential for learning

(D)  Television is not a luxury item

Answer: (D)

24. Kumar drives to work at an average speed of 48 km per hour. The time taken to cover the first 60% of the distance is 10 minutes more than the time taken to cover the remaining distance. How far is his office?

(A)  30 km

(B)  40 km

(C)  45 km

(D)  48 km

Answer: (B)

25. Gita is prettier than Sita but not as pretty as Rita. Then-

(A)  Sita is not as’ pretty as Gita

(B)  Sita is prettier than Rita

(C)  Rita is not as pretty as Gita

(D)  Gita is prettier than Rita

Answer: (A)

26. Given that,

(1) A is the brother of B.

(2) C is the father of A.

(3) D is the brother of E.

(4) K is the daughter of B.

Then, the uncle of D is-

(A)  A

(B)  B

(C)  C

(D)  E

Answer: (A)

27. Examine the following statements-

(1) Rama scored more than Rani.

(2) Rani scored less than Ratna.

(3) Ratna scored more than Rama.

(4) Fadma scored more than Rama but less than Ratna.

Who scored the highest?

(A)  Rama

(B)  Padma

(C)  Rani

(D)  Ratna

Answer: (D)

Directions-(Q. 28-38) Read the following three passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answer to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-1

   Invasions of exotic species into new geographic areas sometimes occur naturally and without human agency. However, human actions have increased this trickle to a flood. Human-caused introductions may occur either accidentally as a consequence of human transport, or intentionally but illegally to serve some private purpose or legitimately to procure some hoped-for public benefit by bringing a pest4 under control, producing new agricultural products or providing novel recreational opportunities. Many introduced species are assimilated into communities without much obvious effect. However, some have been responsible for dramatic changes to native species and natural communities. For example, the accident introduction of the brown tree snake Boiga irregularis into Guam, an island in the Pacific, has through nest predation reduced 10 endemic forest bird species to the point of extinction.

One of the major reasons for the world’s great biodiversity is the occurrence of centers of endemism so that similar habitats in different parts of the world are occupied by different groups of species that happen to have evolved there. If every species naturally had access to everywhere on the globe, we might expect a relatively small number of successful species to become dominant in each biome. The extent to which this homogenization can happen naturally is restricted by the limited powers of dispersal of most species in the face of the physical barriers that exist to dispersal. By virtue of the transport opportunities offered by humans, these barriers have been breached by an ever-increasing number of exotic species. The effects of introductions have been to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into something much more homogeneous.

It would be wrong, however, to conclude that introducing species to a region will inevitably cause a decline in species richness there. For example, there are numerous species of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates found in continental Europe but absent from the British Isles (many because they have so far failed to recolonize after the last glaciations). Their introduction would be likely to augment British biodiversity. The significant detrimental effect noted above arises where aggressive species provide a novel challenge to endemic biotas ill-equipped to deal with them.

28. With reference to the passage, which of the following statements is correct?

(A)  Introduction of exotic species into new geographical areas always leads to reduced bio-diversity

(B)  Exotic species introduced by man into new areas have always greatly altered the native ecosystems

(C)  Man is the only reason to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into more homogeneous ones.

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) is correct in this context

Answer: (D)

29. Why does man introduce exotic species into new geographical areas?

(1) To breed exotic species with local varieties

(2) To increase agricultural productivity.

(3) For beautification and landscaping.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

30. How is homogenization prevented under natural conditions?

(A)  Evolution of groups of species specific to local habitats

(B)  Presence of oceans and mountain ranges

(C)  Strong adaptation of groups of species to local physical and climatic conditions

(D)  All the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above are correct in this context

Answer: (B)

31. How have the human beings influence the biodiversity?

(1) By smuggling live organisms.

(2) By building highways

(3) By making ecosystems sensitive so that new species are not allowed

(4) By ensuring that now species do not have major impact on local species.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A)  1 and 2

(B)  2 and 3

(C)  1 and 3

(D)  2 and 4

Answer: (A)

32. What can be impact of invasion of exotic species on an ecosystem?

(1) Erosion of endemic species.

(2) Change in the species composition of the community of the ecosystem.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

Passage-2

Most champions of democracy have been rather reticent in suggesting that democracy would itself promote development and enhancement of social welfare they have tended to see them as good but distinctly separate and largely independent goals. The detractors of democracy, on the other hand, seemed to have been quite willing to express their diagnosis of what they see as serious tensions between democracy and development. The theorists of the practical split-“Make up your mind : do you want democracy, or instead, do you want development ?”- often came, at least to start with, from East Asian countries, and their voice grew in influence as several of these countries were immensely successful –through the 1970s and 1980s and even later – in promoting economic growth without pursuing democracy.

The deal with these issues we have to pay particular attention to both the content of what can be called development and to the interpretation of democracy (in particular to the respective roles of voting and of public reasoning). The assessment of development cannot be divorced from the lives that people can lead and the real freedom that they enjoy. Development can scarcely be seen merely in terms of enhancement of inanimate objects of convenience, such as rise in the GNP (or in personal incomes), or industrialization-important as they may be as means to the real ends. Their value must depend on what they do to the lives and freedom of the people involved, which must be central to the idea of development.

If development is understood in a broader way, with a focus on human lives, then it becomes immediately clear that the relation between development and democracy has to be seen partly in terms of their constitutive connection, rather than only through their external links. Even though the question has often been asked whether political freedom is ‘conducive to development’, we must not miss the crucial recognition that political liberties and democratic rights are among the ‘constituent components’ of development. Their relevance for development does not have to be established indirectly through their contribution to the growth of GNP.

33. According to the passage, why is a serious tension perceived between democracy and development by the detractors of democracy?

(A)  Democracy and development are distinct and separate goals

(B)  Economic Growth can be promoted successfully without pursuing a democratic system of governance

(C)  Non-democratic regimes deliver economic growth faster and far ore successfully than democratic ones

(D)  All the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above are correct in this conext

Answer: (A)

34. According to the passage, what should be the ultimate assessment/ aim/ view of development?

(A)  Rise in the per capita income and industrial growth rates

(B)  Improvement in the Human Development Index and GNP

(C)  Rise in the savings and consumption trends

(D)  Extent of real freedom that citizens enjoy.

Answer: (D)

35. What does a ‘constitutive’ connection between democracy and development imply?

(A)  The relation between them has to be seen through external links

(B)  Political and civil rights only can : lead to economic development

(C)  Political liberties and democratic rights are essential elements of development

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct in this context

Answer: (C)

Passage-3

   The need for Competition Law becomes more evident when Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is liberalized. The impact of FDI is not always precompetitive. Very often FDI takes the form of a foreign corporation acquiring a domestic enterprise or establishing a joint venture with one. By making such an acquisition the foreign investor may substantially lessen competition and gain a dominant position in the relevant market, thus charging higher prices. Another scenario is where the affiliates of two separate multinational companies (MNCs) have been established in competition with one another in a particular developing economy, following the liberalization of FDI. Subsequently, the parent companies overseas merge. With the affiliates no longer remaining independent, competition in the host country may be virtually eliminated and the prices of the products may be artificially inflated. Most of these adverse consequences of mergers and acquisitions by MNCs can be avoided if an effective competition law is in place. Also, an economy that has implemented an effective competition law is in a better position to attract FDI than one that has not. This is not just because most MNCs are expected to be accustomed to the operation of such a law in their home countries and known how to deal with such concerns but also that MNCs expect competition authorities to ensure a level playing field between domestic and foreign firms.

36. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements-

(1) It is desirable that the impact of Foreign Direct Investment should be precompetitive.

(2) The entry of foreign investors invariably leads to the inflated prices in domestic markets.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (B)

37. According to the passage, how does a foreign investor dominate the relevant domestic market?

(1) Multinational companies get accustomed to domestic laws.

(2) Foreign companies establish joint ventures with domestic companies.

(3) Affiliates in a particular market/sector lose their independence as their parent companies, overseas merge.

(4) Foreign companies lower the cost of their products as compared to that of products of domestic companies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1, 2 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

38. What is the inference from this passage?

(A)  Foreign investors and multinational companies always dominate the domestic market

(B)  It is not the best interests of the domestic economy to allow mergers of companies

(C)  With competition law, it is easy to ensure a level playing field between domestic and foreign firms

(D)  For countries with open economy, Foreign Direct Investment is essential for growth

Answer: (C)

39. Examine the following statements-

(1) I watch TV only if I am bored.

(2) I am never bored when I have my brother’s company.

(3) Whenever I go to the theatre I take my brother along.

Which one of the following conclusions is valid in the context of the above statements?

(A)  If I am bored, I watch TV

(B)  If I am bored, I seek my brother’s company

(C)  If I am not with my brother, then I watch TV

(D)  I am not bored, I do not watch TV

Answer: (D)

40. Only six roads A, B, C, P, Q and R connect a military camp to the rest of the country. Only one out of A, P and R is open at any one time. If B is closed, so is Q. Only one of A, and B is open during storms. P is closed during floods. In this context, which one of the following statements is correct?

(A)  Under normal conditions only three roads are open

(B)  During storms at least one road is open

(C)  During floods only three roads are open

(D)  During calamities all roads are closed

Answer: (B)

41. Examine the following statements-

(1) None but students are members of the club.

(2) Some members of the club are married persons.

(3) All married persons are invited for dance.

Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

(A)  All students are invited for dance

(B)  All married students of the club are invited for dance

(C)  All members of the club are married persons

(D)  None of the above conclusions can be drawn

Answer: (B)

42. Four political parties W, X, Y and Z decided to set up a joint candidate for the coming parliamentary elections. The formula agreed by them was the acceptance of a candidate by most of the parties. Four aspiring candidates, A, B, C and D approached the parties for their tickets.

A was acceptable to W but not to Z.

B was acceptable to Y but not to X.

C was acceptable to W and Y.

D was acceptable to W and X.

When candidate B was preferred by W and Z candidate, C was preferred by X and Z, and candidate A was acceptable to X but not to  Y; who got the ticket?

(A)  A

(B)  B

(C)  C

(D)  D

Answer: (C)

43. Consider the following statement:

(1) All X-brand cars parked here are white.

(2) Some of them have radial tyres.

(3) All X-brand cars manufactured after 1986 have radial tyres.

(4) All cars are not X-brand.

Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

(A)  Only white cars are parked here

(B)  Some white X-brand cars with radial tyres are parked here

(C)  Cars other than X-brand cannot have radial tyres

(D)  Most of the X-brand cars are manufactured before 1986

Answer: (B)

44. Consider the following statement-

The Third World War, if it ever starts will end very quickly with, the possible, end of civilization. It is only the misuse of nuclear power which will trigger it.

Based on the above statement, which one of the following inferences is correct?

(A)  Nuclear power will be used in the Third World War

(B)  There will be no civilization left after the Third World War

(C)  The growth of nuclear power with destroy civilization in the long run

(D)  The Third World War will not take place

Answer: (A)

45. The elements of the problem figures given below are changing with a certain rule as we observe them from left to right :

According to this rule, which of the following would be the next figure if the changes were continued with the same rule?

Answer: (D)

46. Consider the following information regarding the performance of a class of 1000 students in four different tests :

If a student scores 74 marks in each of the four tests, in which one of the following tests is her performance the best comparatively?

(A)  Test I

(B)  Test II

(C)  Test III

(D)  Test IV

Answer: (B)

47. Six squares are coloured, front and back, red (R), blue (B), yellow (Y), green (G), white (W) and orange (O) and are hinged together as shown in the figure given below. If they are folded to form a cube, what would be the face opposite the white face?

(A)  R

(B)  G

(C)  B

(D)  O

Answer: (C)

48. In the following figure, circle P represents hardworking people, circle Q represents intelligent people, circle R. represents truthful people, and circle S represents honest people. Which region represents the people who are intelligent, honest and truthful but not hardworking?

(A)  6

(B)  7

(C)  8

(D)  11

Answer: (A)

49. Three views of a cube following a particular motion are given below-

What is the letter opposite to A?

(A)  H

(B)  P

(C)  B

(D)  M

Answer: (A)

50. 

Which one of the figures show below occupies the blank space (?) in the matrix given above?

Answer: (D)

Directions-(Q. 51-56) Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-1

   The poor especially in market economies, need the strength that collectivities offer for creating more economic, social and political space for themselves, for enhancing, their socio-economic well-being and voice, and as a protection against free-market individualism. It has been argued that a group approach to farming, especially in the form of bottom up agricultural production collectivities, offers substantial scope for poverty alleviation and empowering the poor as well as enhancing agricultural productivity. To realize this potential, however, the groups would need to be voluntary in nature, small in size, participative in decision making and equitable in work sharing and benefit distribution. There are many notable examples of such collectivities to be found in varied contexts, such as in the transition economies. All of them bear witness to the possibility of successful co-operation under given conditions. And although the gender impact of the family cooperatives in the transition economies are uncertain, the Indian examples of women-only groups farming offer considerable potential for benefiting women.

51. Agricultural collectivities such as group based farming can provide the rural poor

(1) empowerment.

(2) increased agricultural productivity.

(3) safeguard against exploitative markets.

(4) surplus production of agricultural commodities.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(A)  1, 2, 3 and 4

(B)  1, 2 and 3 only

(C)  2 and 4 only

(D)  1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (B)

52. What does the author imply by ‘gender impact’?

(A)  Women are doubtful participants in cooperatives

(B)  Family cooperatives may not include women

(C)  Women benefiting from group farming

(D)  Women’s role in transition economies is highly restrictive

Answer: (C)

53. Consider the following assumptions:

(1) It is imperative for transition economies to have agricultural collectivities.

(2) Agricultural productivity can be increased by group approach to farming.

With reference to the above passage, which of these assumptions is/are valid?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (B)

Passage-2

In a typical Western liberal context, deepening of democracy invariably leads to consolidation of ‘liberal values’. In the Indian context, democratization is translated into greater involvement of people not as ‘individuals’ which is a staple to liberal discourse, but as communities or groups. Individuals are getting involved in the public sphere not as ‘atomized’ individuals but as members of primordial communities drawn on religious or caste indentify. Community-identity seems to be the governing force. It is not therefore surprising that the so-called peripheral groups continue to maintain their identifies with reference to the social group (caste, religion or sect) to which they belong while getting involved in the political processes despite the fact that their political goals remain more or less identical. By helping to articulate the political voice of the marginalized, democracy in India has led to ‘a loosening of social strictures’ and empowered the peripherals to be confident of their ability to improve the socio-economic conditions in which they are placed. This is a significant political process that had led to a silent revolution through a meaningful transfer of power from the upper caste elites to various subaltern groups within the democratic framework of public governance.

54. According to the passage, what does ‘deepening of democracy’ mean in the Western context?

(A)  Consolidation of group and class identities

(B)  Democratization translated greater involvement of people

(C)  Democratization as greater involvement of ‘atomized’ individuals in the public sphere

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct in this context

Answer: (C)

55. Greater democratization in India has not necessarily led to

(A)  The dilution of caste and communal identities in the public sphere

(B)  Irrelevance of community identify as a governing force in Indian politics

(C)  Marginalization of elite groups in society

(D)  Relative unimportance of hereditary identities over class identities

Answer: (B)

56. What is the ‘silent revolution’ that has occurred in the Indian democratic process?

(A)  Irrelevance of caste and class hierarchies in political processes.

(B)  Loosening, of social strictures in voting behaviour and patterns.

(C)  Social change through transfer of power from upper caste elites to subaltern groups.

(D)  All the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above are correct in this context

Answer: (C)

Directions-(Q. 57-71) Examine the information given in the following paragraph and answer the items that follow:

Guest lectures on five subjects viz, Economics, History, Statistics, English and Mathematics have to be arranged in a week from Monday to Friday. Only one lecture can be arranged on each day. Economics cannot be scheduled on Tuesday. Guest faculty for History is available only on Tuesday. Mathematics lecture has to be scheduled immediately after the day of Economics lecture. English lecture has to be scheduled immediately before the day of Economics lecture.

57. Which lecture is scheduled on Monday?

(A)  History

(B)  Economics

(C)  Mathematics

(D)  Statistics

Answer: (D)

58. Which lecture is scheduled between Statistics and English?

(A)  Economics

(B)  History

(C)  Mathematics

(D)  No lecture

Answer: (B)

59. Which lecture is the last one in the week?

(A)  History

(B)  English

(C)  Mathematics

(D)  Economics

Answer: (C)

60. Which lecture is Scheduled on Wednesday?

(A)  Statistics

(B)  Economics

(C)  English

(D)  History

Answer: (C)

61. Which lecture is scheduled before the Mathematics lecture?

(A)  Economics

(B)  History

(C)  Statistics

(D)  English

Answer: (A)

62. Two glasses of equal volume are respectively half and three-fourths filed with milk. They are then filled to the brim by adding water. Their contents are then poured into another vessel. What will be the ratio of milk to water in this vessel?

(A)  1 : 3

(B)  2 : 3

(C)  3 : 2

(D)  5 : 3

Answer: (D)

63. Consider the following statements-

(1) All machines consume energy.

(2) Electricity provides energy.

(3) Electrically operated machines are cheap to maintain.

(4) Electrically operated machines do not cause pollution.

Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

(A)  All machines are run by electric energy

(B)  There is no form of energy other than electricity

(C)  Most machines are operated on electric energy

(D)  Electrically operated machines are preferable to use

Answer: (D)

64. Examine the following statements-

(1) None but the rich can afford air-travel.

(2) Some of those who travel by air become sick.

(3) Some of those who become sick require treatment.

Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

(A)  All the rich persons travel by air

(B)  Those who travel by air become sick

(C)  All the rich persons become sick

(D)  All those who travel by air are rich

Answer: (D)

65. In five flats, one above the other, live five professionals. The professor has to go up to meet his IAS officers friend. The doctor is equally friendly to all, and has to go up as frequently as go down. The engineer has to go up to meet his MLA friend above whose flat lives the professor’s friend.

From the ground floor to the top floor, in what order, do the five professionals live?

(A)  Engineer, Professor, Doctor, IAS officer, MLA

(B)  Professor, Engineer, Doctor, IAS officer, MLA

(C)  IAS officer, Engineer, Doctor, Professor, MLA

(D)  Professor, Engineer, Doctor, MLA, IAS officer

Answer: (D)

Directions-(Q. 66-73) The following eight items are based on three passages in English to test the comprehension of English language and therefore these items do not have Hindi version. Read each passage and answer the items that follow.

Passage-1

   For fourteen and a half months I lived in my little cell or room in the Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floor and the ceiling with its moth-eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little

  1. Which of the following explains best the sentences in the passage ‘I was almost a part of it’?

(A)  I was not alone in the cell

(B)  I was familiar with every bit of the cell

(C)  I greeted little tufts of grass like old friends

(D)  I felt quite at home in the cell

Answer: (B)

67. The passage attempts to describe-

(A)  the general conditions of the country’s jails

(B)  the prisoner’s capacity to notice the minute details of his surroundings

(C)  the prisoner’s conscious efforts to overcome the loneliness

(D)  the prisoner’s ability to live happily with other creatures

Answer: (C)

68. The author of the passage seems to suggest that-

(A)  it is possible to adjust one-self to uncongenial surroundings

(B)  the conditions in Indian prisons are not bad

(C)  it is not difficult to spend one’s time in a prison

(D)  there is a need to improve the conditions in our jails

Answer: (A)

Passage-2

   We started pitching the highest camp that has ever been made. Everything took five times as long as it would have taken in a place where there was enough air to breathe; but at last we got the tent up, and when we crawled in, it was not too bad. There was only a light wind, and inside it was not too cold for us to take off our gloves. At night most climbers take off their boots; but I prefer to keep them on. Hillary, on the other hand, took his off and laid them next to his sleeping bag.

69. What does the expression ‘pitching the highest camp’ imply?

(A)  They reached the summit of the highest mountain in the world

(B)  Those who climbed that far earlier did not pitch any camp

(C)  So far nobody has ever climbed that high

(D)  They were too many climbers and needed to pitch a big camp

Answer: (C)

70. They took a long time to finish the work because-

(A)  they were very tired

(B)  there was not enough air to breathe

(C)  it was very cold

(D)  it was very dark

Answer: (B)

71. When they crawled into the tent-

(A)  they book their gloves because it was not very cold

(B)  they could not take off their gloves because it was very cold

(C)  they took off their gloves though it was very cold

(D)  they did not take off their gloves though it was not cold

Answer: (A)

Passage-3

   A local man, staying on the top floor of an old wooden house, was awakened at midnight by a fire. Losing his way in a smoke-filled passage, he missed the stairway and went into another room. He picked up a bundle to protect his face from the fire and immediately fell through the floor below where he managed to escape through a clear doorway. The ‘bundle’ proved to be the baby of the Mayor’s wife. The ‘hero’ was congratulated by all.

72. The man went into another room because-

(A)  he did not know where exactly the stairway was

(B)  the passage was full of smoke

(C)  he was extremely nervous

(D)  he stumbled on a bundle

Answer: (B)

73. The man was called a hero because he-

(A)  expressed his willingness to risk his life to save others.

(B)  managed to escape from the fire.

(C)  showed great courage in fighting the fire

(D)  saved a life

Answer: (D)

Directions-(Q. 74-80) Given below are seven items. Each item describes a situation and is followed by four possible responses. Indicate the response you find most appropriate. Choose only one response for each item. The responses will be evaluated based on the level of appropriateness for the given situation.

Please attempt all the items. There is no penalty for wrong answers for these seven items.

74. You have differences of opinion regarding the final report prepared by your subordinate that is to be submitted urgently. The subordinate is justifying the information given in the report. You would-

(A)  Convince the subordinate that he is wrong

(B)  Tell him to reconsider the results

(C)  Revise the report on your own

(D)  Tell him not to justify the mistake

Answer: (B)

75. You are competing with your batch-mate for a prestigious award to be decided based on an oral presentation. Ten minutes are allowed for each presentation. You have been asked by the committee to finish on time. Your friend, however, is allowed more than the stipulated time period. You would-

(A)  Lodge a complaint to the chairperson against the discrimination

(B)  Not listen to any justification from the committee

(C)  Ask for withdrawal of your name

(D)  Protest and leave the place

Answer: (A)

76. You are handling a time-bound project. During the project review meeting, you find that the project is likely to get delayed due to lack of cooperation of the team members. You would-

(A)  Warn the team, members for their non-cooperation

(B)  Look into reasons for non-cooperation

(C)  Ask for the replacement of team members

(D)  Ask for extension of time citing reasons

Answer: (B)

77. You are the chairperson of a state sports committee. You have received a complaint and later it was found that an athlete in the junior age category who has won a medal has crossed the age criteria by 5 days. You would-

(A)  Ask the screening committee for a clarification

(B)  Ask the athlete to return the medal

(C)  Ask the athlete to get affidavit from the court declaring his/her age

(D)  Ask the members of the sports committee for their views

Answer: (B)

78. You are handling a priority project and have been meeting all the deadlines and are therefore planning your leave during the project. Your immediate boss does not grant your leave citing the urgency of the project. You would-

(A)  Proceed on leave without waiting for the sanction

(B)  Pretend to be sick and take leave

(C)  Approach higher authority to reconsider the leave application

(D)  Tell the boss that it is not justified

Answer: (C)

79. You are involved in setting up a water supply project in a remote area. Full recovery of cost is impossible in any case. The income levels in the area are low and 25% of the population is below poverty line (BPL). When a decision has to be take on pricing you would-

(A)  Recommend that the supply of water be free of charge in all respects

(B)  Recommend that the users pay a one time fixed sum for the installation of taps and the usage of water be free

(C)  Recommend that a fixed monthly charge be levied only on the non-BPL families and for BPL families water should be free

(D)  Recommend that the users pay a charge based on the consumption of water with differentiated charges for non-BPL and BPL families

Answer: (D)

80. As a citizen you have some work with a government department. The official calls you again and again; and without directly asking you, sends out feelers for a bribe. You want to get your work done. You would-

(A)  Give brief

(B)  Behave as if you have not understood the feelers and persist with your application

(C)  Go to the higher officer for help verbally complaining about feelers

(D)  Send in a formal complaint

Answer: (B)

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012 General Studies Paper-I Question Paper With Answer Key

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012 General Studies Paper-I
UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012 General Studies Paper-I Question Paper With Answer Key

UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam-2012

General Studies

Paper-I

1. With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker?

(1) Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkup.

(2) Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy

(3) Providing information nutrition and immunization.

(4) Conducting the delivery of baby.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  2 and 4 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

2. Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?

(1) Introduction of diarchy in the executive government of the provinces.

(2) Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims.

(3) Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C)

3. During Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation?

(A)  Different social reform groups or organizations of Bengal region united to form a single body to discuss the issues of larger interest and to prepare appropriate petitions/representations to the government

(B)  Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose

(C)  Behramji Malabari and M.G. Ranade decided to bring together all the social reform groups of the country under one organization

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct in this context

Answer: (C)

4. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?

(1) The Peasants and Workers Party of India

(2) All India Scheduled Castes Federation

(3) The Independent Labour Party.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

5. Which of the following special powers have been conferred on the Rajya Sabha by the Constitution of India?

(A)  To change the existing territory of a State ad to change the name of a State

(B)  To pass a resolution empowering the Parliament to make laws in the State List and to create one or more All India Services

(C)  To amend the election procedure of the President and to determine the pension of the President after his/her retirement

(D)  To determine the functions of the Election Commission and to determine the number of Election Commissioners

Answer: (B)

6. How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural poor?

(1) By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in rural areas.

(2) By strengthening ‘self-help groups’ and providing skill development

(3) By supplying  seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump-sets and micro-irrigation equipment free of cost to farmers.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

7. The Multi-dimensional Poverty Index developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative with UNDP support covers which of the following?

(1) Deprivation of education, health, assets and services at  household level

(2) Purchasing power parity at national level

(3) Extent of budget deficit and GDP growth rate at national level.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

8. Which of the following is/are among the noticeable features of the recommendations of the Thirteenth Finance Commission?

(1) A design for the Goods and Services Tax, and a compensation package linked to adherence to the proposed design.

(2) A design for the creation of lakhs of jobs in the next ten years in consonance with India’s demographic dividend.

(3) Devolution of a specified share of central taxes to local bodies as grants.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C)

9. What is/are the recent policy initiative(s) of Government of India to promote the growth of manufacturing sector?

(1) Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones.

(2) Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’.

(3) Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

10. Which of the following are the methods of Parliamentary control over public finance in India?

(1) Placing Annual Financial Statement before the Parliament.

(2) Withdrawal of moneys from Consolidated Fund of India only after passing the Appropriation Bill.

(3) Provisions of supplementary grants and vote-on-account.

(4) A periodic or at least a mid-year review of programme of the Government against macroeconomic forecasts and expenditure by a Parliamentary Budget Office.

(5) Introducing Finance Bill in the Parliament.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(B)  1, 2 and 4 only

(C)  3, 4 and 5 only

(D)  1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (D)

11. Mahatma Gandhi undertook fast unto death in 1932, mainly because-

(A)  Round Table Conference failed to satisfy Indian political aspirations

(B)  Congress and Muslim League had differences of opinion

(C)  Ramsay Macdonald announced the Communal Award

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct in this context

Answer: (C)

12. With reference to Ryotwari Settlement, consider the following statements-

(1) The rent was paid directly by the peasants to the Governments.

(2) The Government gave Pattas to the Ryots.

(3) The lands were surveyed and assessed before being taxed.

Which of t he statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  1 and 2 only

(C)  1, 2 and 3

(D)  None of these

Answer: (C)

13. Consider the following specific stages of demographic transition associated with economic development-

(1) Low birthrate with low death rate.

(2) High birthrate with high death rate.

(3) High birthrate with low death rate.

Select the correct order of the above stages using the codes given below-

(A)  1, 2, 3

(B)  2, 1, 3

(C)  2, 3, 1

(D)  3, 2, 1

Answer: (C)

14. In India, in the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries?

(1) Cement

(2) Fertilizers

(3) Natural gas

(4) Refinery products

(5) Textiles

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 5 only

(B)  2, 3 and 4 only

(C)  1, 2, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (C)

15. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India have a bearing on Education?

(1) Directive Principles of State Policy

(2) Rural and Urban Local Bodies

(3) Fifth Schedule

(4) Sixth Schedule

(5) Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3, 4 and 5 only

(C)  1, 2 and 5 only

(D)  1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (C)

16. Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is importance of this plant?

(1) It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.

(2) It is a rich source of bio-diesel.

(3) It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.

(4) Its timber is of great commercial value.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2, 3 and 4 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

17. Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’?

(A)  Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops

(B)  Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field

(C)  Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together

(D)  None of the above

Answer: (C)

18. A particular State in India has the following characteristics-

(1) It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.

(2) It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.

(3) Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.

Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?

(A)  Arunachal Pradesh

(B)  Assam

(C)  Himachal Pradesh

(D)  Uttarakhand

Answer: (A)

19. Consider the following crops of India-

(1) Cowpea

(2) Green gram

(3) Pigeon pea

Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder and green manure?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

20. Consider the following factors-

(1) Rotation of the Earth.

(2) Air pressure and wind.

(3) Density of ocean water

(4) Revolution of the Earth

Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  1, 2 and 3

(C)  1 and 4       

(D)  2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

21. With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements-

(1) The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.

(2) In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

22. Consider the following crops of India-

(1) Groundnut

(2) Sesamum

(3) Pearl millet

Which of the above is/are predominantly rainfed crop/crops?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

23. When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following-

(1) Deep gorges

(2) U-turn river courses

(3) Parallel mountain ranges

(4) Steep gradients causing land-sliding

Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  1, 2 and 4 only

(C)  3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

24. Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth’s surface, because-

(1) The atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface.

(2) There is more moisture in the upper atmosphere.

(3) The air is less dense in the upper atmosphere.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C)

25. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?

(1) The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.

(2) The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.

(3) The survival of some animals that have phyto-planktonic larvae will be adversely affected.

(4) The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

26. In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?

(1) CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.

(2) CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the public Accounts Committee.

(3) Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.

(4) While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1, 3 and 4 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  2 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

27. The endeavour of ‘Janani Suraksha Yojana’ Programme is-

(1) to promote institutional deliveries

(2) to provide monetary assistance to the mother to meet the cost of delivery

(3) to provide for wage loss due to pregnancy and confinement

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

28. The Prime Minister of India, at the time of his/her appointment-

(A)  need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of one of the Houses within six months

(B)  need not necessarily be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament but must become a member of the Lok Sabha within six months

(C)  must be a member of one of the Houses of the Parliament

(D)  must be a member of the Lok Sabha

Answer: (A)

29. With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements-

(1) The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law.

(2) When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are lad before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modification in the orders.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

30. Consider the following-

(1) Hotels and restaurants.

(2) Motor transport undertakings.

(3) Newspaper establishments.

(4) Private medical institutions.

The employees of which of the above can have the ‘Social Security’ coverage under Employees’ State Insurance Scheme?

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  4 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (D)

31. According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?

(1) The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission.

(2) The Report of the Public Accounts Committee.

(3) The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

(4) The Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 4 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

32. A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha calls for a joint sitting of the Parliament during the passage of-

(1) Ordinary Legislation

(2) Money Bill

(3) Constitution Amendment Bill

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

33. How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?

(1) DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.

(2) DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.

(3) DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and interdepartmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of antipoverty programmes.

(4) DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for antipoverty programmes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  3 and 4 only

(C)  4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

34. Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?

(1) To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

(2) To protect the weaker sections from social injustice.

(3) To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.

(4) The strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

35. What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?

(1) While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India.

(2) The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.

(3) The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.

(4) All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 and 3 only

(B)  3 and 4 only

(C)  4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

36. To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does thorium hold cover uranium?

(1) Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium.

(2) On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium.

(3) Thorium produces less harmful waste compared to uranium.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

37. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs-

(A)  the water vapour of the air and retains its heat

(B)  the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation

(C)  all the solar radiations

(D)  the infrared part of the solar radiation

Answer: (D)

38. Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

(A)  Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium

(B)  Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen

(C)  Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus

(D)  Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

Answer: (B)

39. What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?

(1) Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.

(2) The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.

(3) There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.

(4) There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

40. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?

(1) To enable them to withstand drought.

(2) To increase the nutritive value of the produce.

(3) To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in space-hips and space stations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 and 4 only

(C)  1, 2 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

41. Consider the following statements-

The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he

(1) exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British.

(2) interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians.

(3) stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

42. With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?

(1) Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.

(2) Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.

(3) Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1, 2 and 3

(D)  None of the above is correct

Answer: (B)

43. How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?

(1) Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.

(3) Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (A)

44. With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?

(1) Meditation and control of breath.

(2) Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place.

(3) Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

45. The Rowlatt Act aimed at-

(A)  compulsory economic support to war efforts

(B)  imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial

(C)  suppression of the Khilafat Movement

(D)  imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press

Answer: (B)

46. The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because-

(1) the Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence.

(2) the rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session.

(3) a resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3

(C)  1 and 3

(D)  None of the above

Answer: (A)

47. Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with the hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes-

(A)  Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation

(B)  Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

(C)  Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and thus this life is transitory

(D)  Both the statements (A) and (B) are correct in this context

Answer: (B)

48. The religion of early Vedic Aryans was primarily of-

(A)  Bhakti

(B)  image worship and Yajnas

(C)  worship of nature and Yajnas

(D)  worship of nature and Bhakti

Answer: (C)

49. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj?

(1) It opposed idolatry.

(2) It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts.

(3) It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  1 and 2 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

50. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) acts as a banker’s bank. This would imply which of the following?

(1) Other banks retain their deposits with the RBI.

(2) The RBI lends funds to the commercial banks in times of need.

(3) The RBI advises the commercial banks on monetary matters.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  2 and 3 only

(B)  1 and 2 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

51. Under which of the following circumstances may ‘capital gains’ arise?

(1) When there is an increase in the sales of a product.

(2) When there is a natural increase in the value of the property owned

(3) When you purchase a painting and there is a growth in its value due to increase in its popularity

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  2 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

52. Which of the following measures would result in an increase in the money supply in the economy?

(1) Purchase of government securities from the public by the Central Bank.

(2) Deposit of currency in commercial banks by the public.

(3) Borrowing by the government from the Central Bank.

(4) Sale of government securities to the public by the Central Bank.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 4 only

(C)  1 and 3

(D)  2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

53. Which of the following would include Foreign Direct Investment in India?

(1) Subsidiaries of foreign companies in India.

(2) Majority foreign equity holding in Indian companies.

(3) Companies exclusively financed by foreign companies.

(4) Portfolio investment.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1, 2, 3 and 4

(B)  2 and 4 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3 only

Answer: (D)

54. Consider the following statements-

The price of any currency in international market is decided by the

(1) World Bank.

(2) demand for goods/services provided by the country concerned.

(3) stability of the government of the concerned country.

(4) economic potential of the country in question.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A)  1, 2, 3 and 4

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  3 and 4 only

(D)  1 and 4 only

Answer: (B)

55. The basic aim of Lead Bank Scheme is that-

(A)  big banks should try to open offices in each district

(B)  there should be stiff competition among the various nationalized banks

(C)  individual banks should adopt particular districts for intensive development

(D)  all the banks should make intensive efforts to mobilize deposits

Answer: (C)

56. Consider the following-

(1) Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops.

(2) Use of mobile cannons in warfare.

(3) Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies

Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?

(A)  1 only

(B)  1 and 2

(C)  2 and 3

(D)  None

Answer: (D)

57. With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Every guild was registered with the central authority of the State and the king was the chief administrative authority on them.

(2) The wages, rules of work, standards and prices were fixed by the guild.

(3) The guild had judicial powers over its own members.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 only

(C)  2 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

58. The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the scheme provided in the-

(A)  Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909

(B)  Montagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919

(C)  Government of India Act, 1935

(D)  Indian Independence Act, 1947

Answer: (C)

59. Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?

(1) It is the policy of India to save its own coal reserves for future, and import it from other countries for the present use.

(2) Most of the power plants in India are coal-based and they are not able to get sufficient supplies of coal from within the country.

(3) Steel companies need large quantity of coking coal which has to be imported.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

60. A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village which was situated 5 km east of the point where he was standing. He had no instruments to find the direction but he located the polestar. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the-

(A)  direction facing the polestar

(B)  direction opposite to the polestar

(C)  direction keeping the polestar to his left

(D)  direction keeping the polestar to his right

Answer: (C)

61. Recently thee was been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?

(1) China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.

(2) Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.

(3) Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is growing demand for these elements.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C)

62. Consider the following protected areas-

(1) Bandipur

(2) Bhitarkanika

(3) Manas

(4) Sunderbans

Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  1, 3 and 4 only

(C)  2, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

63. Consider the following statements-

(1) The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.

(2) The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  Both 1 and 2

(D)  Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (C)

64. Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region?

(A)  Rainfall throughout the year

(B)  Rainfall in winter only

(C)  An extremely short dry season

(D)  A definite dry and wet season

Answer: (D)

65. In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

(A)  Biosphere Reserves

(B)  National Parks

(C)  Wetlands declared  under Ramsar Convention

(D)  Wildlife Sanctuaries

Answer: (B)

66. Consider the following kinds of organisms-

(1) Bat    (2) Bee            (3) Bird

Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  1 and 3only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

67. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

(A)  Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

(B)  Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

(C)  Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

(D)  Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bul, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

Answer: (A)

68. Consider the following statements-

If there were no phenomenon of capillarity

(1) it would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp

(2) one would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink

(3) the blotting paper would fail to function

(4) the big trees that we see around would not have grown on the Earth

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  1, 3 and 4 only

(C)  2 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

69. The Milennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?

(A)  Production of food and water

(B)  Control of climate and disease

(C)  Nutrient cycling and crop pollination

(D)  Maintenance of diversity

Answer: (C)

70. What is the difference between the antelopes Oryx and Chiru?

(A)  Oryx is adapted to live in hot and arid areas whereas Chiru is adapted to live in steppes and semi-desert areas of cold high mountains

(B)  Oryx is poached for its antlers whereas Chiru is poached for its musk

(C)  Oryx exists in western India only whereas Chiru exists in north-east India only

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct

Answer: (A)

71. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?

(1) Global warming

(2) Fragmentation of habitat

(3) Invasion of alien species

(4) Promotion of vegetarianism

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

72. Consider the following-

(1) Black-necked crane

(2) Cheetah

(3) Flying squirrel

(4) Snow leopard

Which of the above are naturally found in India?

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  1, 3 and 4 only

(C)  2 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

73. Consider the following agricultural practices-

(1) Contour bunding (2) Relay cropping

(3) Zero tillage

In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 only

(C)  1, 2 and 3

(D)  None of them

Answer: (C)

74. What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

(1) The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.

(2) The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.

(3) The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

75. Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to-

(A)  the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

(B)  a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

(C)  scarcity of food available to them

(D)  a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

Answer: (B)

76. In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?

(1) Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.

(2)  Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.

(3) Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting licence or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  1 and 2 only

(C)  2 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

77. In the Parliament of India, the purpose of an adjournment motion is-

(A)  to allow a discussion on a definite matter of urgent public importance

(B)  to let opposition members collect information from the ministers

(C)  to allow a reduction of specific amount in demand for grant

(D)  to postpone the proceedings to check the inappropriate or violent behaviour on the part of some members

Answer: (A)

78. How does National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?

(1) NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.

(2) NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.

(3) Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic/biological resources cannot be made without the approval of NBA.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

79. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 was enacted in consonance with which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?

(1) Right to healthy environment, constructed as a part of Right of life under Article 21

(2) Provision of grants for raising the level of administration in the Scheduled Areas for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes under Article 275(1)

(3) Powers and functions of Gram Sabha as mentioned under Article 243(A)

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

80. If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?

(1) Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of wastewater.

(2) The water requirements of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water.

(3) All the rivers Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.

(4) The expenses incurred by farmers for digging borewells and for installing motors and pumpsets to draw ground-water will be completely reimbursed by the Government.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  1 and 2 only

(C)  3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (A)

81. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India-

(1) Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code.

(2) Organizing village Panchayats.

(3) Promoting cottage industries in rural areas.

(4) Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities.

Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy?

(A)  1, 2 and 4 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

82. Consider the following statements-

(1) Union Territories are not represented in the Rajya Sabha.

(2) It is within the purview of the Chief Election Commissioner to adjudicate the election disputes.

(3) According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3

(C)  1 and 3

(D)  None

Answer: (D)

83. With reference to consumer’s rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.

(2) When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.

(3) In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (C)

84. Regarding the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker, consider the following statements-

(1) He/She holds the office during the pleasure of the President.

(2) He/She need not be a member of the House at the time of his/her election but has to become a member of the House within six months from the date of his/her election.

(3) If he/she intends to resign, the letter of his/her resignation has to be addressed to the Deputy Speaker.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 only

(C)  1, 2 and 3

(D)  None

Answer: (B)

85. Which of the following are included in the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

(1) A dispute between the Government of India and one or more States.

(2) A dispute regarding elections to either House of the Parliament or that of Legislature of a State.

(3) A dispute between the Government of India and a Union Territory.

(4) A dispute between two or more States.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2

(B)  2 and 3

(C)  1 and 4

(D)  3 and 4

Answer: (C)

86. Consider the following kinds of organisms-

(1) Bacteria

(2) Fungi

(3) Flowering plants

Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed as biopesticides?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

87. Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.

(2) The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.

(3) The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

88. What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems?

(1) It inactivates/kills the harmful microorganisms in water.

(2) It removes all the undesirable odours from the water.

(3) It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (A)

89. Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance?

(1) It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity.

(2) It is one of the thinnest but strongest material tested so far.

(3) It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency.

(4) It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ required for touch screens, LCDs and organic LEDs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 and 4 only

(C)  1, 2 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

90. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?

(1) Smelting units

(2) Pens and pencils

(3) Paints

(4) Hair oils and cosmetics

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  1 and 3 only

(C)  2 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (B)

91. With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

(1) Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.

(2) Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.

(3) Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

92. Consider the following statements:

Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used

(1) in the production of plastic foams

(2) in the production of tubeless tyres

(3) in cleaning certain electronic components

(4) as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A)  1, 2 and 3 only

(B)  4 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

93. A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory including those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/implications of the creation of anti-matter?

(1) It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.

(2) It will help probe the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.

(3) It will help understand the evolution of the universe.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

94. Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of universe?

(1) Detection of microwaves in space.

(2) Observation of redshift phenomenon in space

(3) Movement of asteroids in space

(4) Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(A)  1 and 2

(B)  2 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4

(D)  None of the above can be cited as evidence

Answer: (A)

95. Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth?

(A)  The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them towards its poles

(B)  Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space

(C)  Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct

Answer: (A)

96. With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct?

(1) Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD.

(2) Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD.

(3) The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.

(4) The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 and 4 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (D)

97. With reference to the history, of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism?

(1) Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.

(2) Indifference to the authority of the Vedas.

(3) Denial of efficacy of rituals.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 only

(B)  2 and 3 only

(C)  1 and 3 only

(D)  1, 2 and 3

Answer: (B)

98. Which of the following can be said to be essentially the parts of Inclusive related to public purposes?

(1) Permitting the Non-Banking Financial Companies to do banking.

(2) Establishing effective District Planning Committees in all the districts.

(3) Increasing the government spending on public health.

(4) Strengthening the Midday Meal Scheme.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below-

(A)  1 and 2 only

(B)  3 and 4 only

(C)  1, 3 and 4 only

(D)  1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (C)

99. The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the

(A)  three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

(B)  three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

(C)  three main styles of Indian temple architecture

(D)  three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

Answer: (C)

100. The Congress ministries resigned in the seven provinces in 1939, because-

(A)  the Congress could not form ministries in the other four provinces

(B)  emergence of a ‘left wing’ in the Congress made the working of the ministries impossible

(C)  there were widespread communal disturbances in their provinces

(D)  None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is correct

Answer: (D)

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