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UPSC Prelims Qstn set-A

 

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1 With reference to Kaleshwaram Multipurpose Lift Irrigation Project, recently seen in news, consider

the following statements.

1. Lift irrigation is a method of irrigation in which water is transported by its natural flow.

2. It will provide drinking water to Hyderabad and nearby villages.

3. The project starts at the confluence point of Pranahita River and Krishna River.

4. The project is a net producer of electricity.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2, 3 and 4 only

B. 2 and 4 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 2 only

2 Consider the following statements.

1. Taproots generally grow more deeply into the soil than do fibrous roots.

2. Unlike the fibrous root system, the taproot system is made up of thin, stringy roots that all have

about the same diameter.

3. Fibrous roots are found largely in complex vegetation, and not in simple vegetation like grass.

4. Lateral roots are usually larger in diameter than taproots.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

D. 3 and 4 only

3 How would you differentiate between Alpaca and Llamas, two camelids?

1. Alpaca is of South American origin, whereas Llamas are of Tibetan origin.

2. The alpaca produces a much coarser fiber than the llamas since the latter does not have as much

hair on their head and face as the former.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

4 In the 2019 edition of SDG (sustainable development goals) Gender Index, India performs most poorly

in which of the following categories of the index?

A. Hunger

B. Climate

C. Industry, infrastructure and innovation

D. Health

5 With reference to the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), recently seen in news, consider the

following statements.

1. It is the largest and oldest U.S. trade preference programme designed to promote economic

 

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development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary

countries.

2. GSP boosts American competitiveness by reducing the costs of imported inputs used by U.S.

companies to manufacture goods in the United States.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

6 With reference to cyclone warning systems in India disseminated by the Indian Meteorological

Department (IMD), consider the following statements.

1. The cyclone warnings are issued to state government officials in six stages.

2. A “Pre cyclone watch" warning is issued to state governments 72 hours in advance.

3. "Post landfall outlook" warning is issued 2 hours in advance of expected time of landfall and it gives

likely direction of movement of the cyclone after its landfall.

4. A "Fleet Forecast" is issued for Indian Navy.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 and 4 only

B. 1, 2, 3 and 4

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 4 only

7 Facebook has announced a digital currency called Libra that will roll out for use in 2020 and allow the

platform’s billions of users across the globe to make financial transactions online. It is backed by

which of the following technologies?

A. Internet of Things

B. Blockchain technology

C. Ubiquitous Computing

D. Hyperspectral imaging

8 Consider the following statements about the Siachen glacier.

1. Siachen glacier lies in the Karakoram Range system which is a part of western Himalayas

2. The Shimla agreement, 1972, contains the details of the respective jurisdictions of India and

Pakistan on the Siachen glacier.

3. The glacier does not contain any flora or fauna apart from mosses, lichens and some wild shrubs.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 only

D. 1 and 3 only

9 With reference to the World Organisation for Animal Health (abbreviated OIE), consider the following

statements.

1. The OIE's financial resources are derived principally from the World Health Organization.

 

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2. OIE is a non-governmental non-profit organisation.

3. As per OIE, of the five new human diseases appearing every year, three originate in animals.

4. OIE estimates that about four-fifth of premature deaths in poor countries are attributed to diseases

transmitted from animals to humans.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 3 only

C. 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 2 and 4 only

10 Consider the following statements.

1. MN Roy had put forth the idea of a Constituent assembly of India in 1934.

2. The Constituent assembly was constituted in 1943 after the approval of the Cripps Proposals.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

11 Line joining which of these would give us the shortest route?

A. Tirupati – Madurai

B. Tirunelveli – Kochi

C. Mysuru – Nizamabad

D. Rajkot – Nanded

12 Chaitanya, who popularised the Krishna cult in Medieval India

1. was a householder, and believed that a householder, engaged in his duties only, can attain spiritual

liberation

2. criticized all forms of idolatry and deity worship through rituals and performances, and instead

advocated union with the supreme through quiet reflections

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None of the above

13 NASA’s Artemis Mission deals with

A. Electrodynamics of Moon’s Interaction with the Sun

B. Gravitational lensing

C. Red Shift phenomena

D. Formation of white dwarfs

14 With reference to the Mahalwari system, consider the following statements.

1. Warren Hastings was associated with the conception of this system.

 

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2. A field was a basic unit of revenue assessment under mahalwari.

3. Under the system, ryots paid a variable sum to the Zamindars who then paid to the British.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. None of the above

15 Consider the following statements.

1. Quantitatively measured, digital payment transaction turnover vis-à-vis GDP (at market pricescurrent

price) hovers about 20% in 2018.

2. Debit card usage at Point of Sale (PoS) vis-à-vis ATM is about 30% of total in terms of volume

presently.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

16 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its ‘Payment and Settlement Systems in India: Vision 2019 –

2021’, advocates

1. Setting up a 24x7 helpline for payment settlements

2. Appointment of an internal ombudsman by payment system operators (PSOS)

3. Self-regulatory organisation for the digital payment space, which can serve as a two-way

communication channel between the players and the regulator

4. Geo-tagging of payment system touch points

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 1, 2, 3 and 4

C. 1, 2 and 4 only

D. 2, 3 and 4 only

17 ‘Coalition of the Willing’ is sometimes used to refer to

A. Green Cadets of the Greenpeace ‘Mission Clean Earth’

B. G7 nations involved in global ecological audit

C. Proponent nations of the ‘Christchurch Call to Action’

D. Nations involved in the 2003 War on Terror in Iraq

18 An increase in the instances of redactive pricing in India may lead to

1. Weakening of the financial accountability of the executive

2. A degradation in the rigour of the performance auditing done by the CAG

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

 

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B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

19 Consider the following statements.

1. Buddhist monks went from place to place throughout the year except rainy season, teaching people.

2. Earliest Viharas served as a permanent shelter for the wandering monks and nuns during rainy

season.

3. Viharas and chaityas are synonymous, the early Buddhist tradition uses the term ‘viharas’ whereas

the later Mahayana tradition uses ‘chaitya’.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 2 only

D. 1 and 3 only

20 Consider the following statements with reference to drug price control in India.

1. The term "Drug" includes the medicines for internal or external use of human beings or animals,

including preparations applied on human body for the purpose of repelling insects like mosquitoes.

2. A branded generic is a drug with the same intended effects, but is not a bioequivalent of the original

drug, and is marketed under a generic brand name.

3. Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO) are issued by the Government, in exercise of the powers

conferred under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, for all scheduled or non-scheduled drugs.

4. Drug Price controls in India are applicable irrespective of whether a drug is generic or branded.

5. Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) include both chemical and biological or plant products that

are used as ingredients in any formulation.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 4 and 5 only

B. None of the above

C. 2 and 5 only

D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

21 With reference to record-keeping in early British India, consider the following statements.

1. Dedicated record rooms were attached to administrative institutions such as village tahsildar’s

office and the collectorate.

2. Specialised institutions like archives and museums were established to preserve important records.

3. Revenue surveys were conducted in the villages in the early nineteenth century.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 2 only

22 With reference to Masala bonds, consider the following statements.

1. Any corporate, body corporate and Indian bank is eligible to issue Rupee denominated bonds

 

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overseas.

2. According to RBI, the minimum maturity period for Masala Bonds raised up to Rupee equivalent of

USD 50 million in a financial year should be 3 years.

3. RBI mandates that the money raised through such bonds cannot be used for real estate activities

other than for development of integrated township or affordable housing projects.

4. Money can be raised through Masala bonds to invest in capital markets, but not for speculative

purposes.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 3 and 4 only

C. 1, 2, 3 and 4

D. 1, 2 and 3 only

23 Although this Scottish historian never set foot in India at any time in his life, he best known literary

work is the “History of British India (1817)”, which many believe to be a celebration of colonial values

and denunciation of orientalism?

A. James Mill

B. Lawrence James

C. David Arnold

D. Alexander Cunningham

24 Which of the following areas of regulation has been brought newly in the E-Waste (Management)

Rules, 2016, that were not present in the E-waste (Management) rules, 2011?

1. Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury containing lamp

2. Exemption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the Micro Enterprise generated e-waste.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

25 Arrange the following regions based on the potential of landslide incidence in them, in decreasing

order:

1. Himalayas

2. North-eastern Hills

3. Vindhayachal

4. Western Ghats and the Nilgiris

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1243

B. 1234

C. 2134

D. 2143

26 With reference to the Rajamannar Committee (1969), consider the following statements.

1. The Terms of Reference of the Committee had enjoined it ‘to suggest suitable amendments to the

 

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Constitution to secure to the States the utmost autonomy’.

2. The central theme in the recommendations of the Committee was to eliminate the concept of the

legislative supremacy of the Centre and to confer maximum autonomy to the States.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

27 Consider the following capitals of North-eastern states of India.

1. Aizwal

2. Imphal

3. Kohima

4. Itanagar

What is the correct order of these capitals from south to North?

A. 1234

B. 2314

C. 3214

D. 1342

28 An Open Architecture based Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (WANI) has been proposed by the

Telecom Regulatory Authority in India (TRAI). The vision of this initiative is such that

1. Any entity, including small entrepreneurs will be able to easily set up a paid public WiFi access

point or hotspot.

2. Public Data Offices (PDOs), who would provide bandwidth to the entities interested in setting up

WANI, will need a telecom license and share revenue with the government.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

29 What is often referred by philosophers as “The Paradox of Positive Liberty”?

A. Licentiousness

B. Authoritarianism

C. Democracy

D. Perfect Competition

30 Consider the following statements.

1. Diclofenac was administered to livestock as painkillers/anti-inflammatory drugs.

2. The Central Government banned both Diclofenac and its replacement Meloxicam since they were

harmful for vultures.

Which of the above is/are correct?

 

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A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

31 Consider the following about photosynthesis.

1. Not only plants, but some bacteria also perform photosynthesis.

2. Glucose and oxygen are the end products of oxygenic photosynthesis.

3. Chlorophyll in plants absorbs its energy mostly from the green-yellow-orange wavelengths of light.

4. During anoxygenic photosynthesis, light energy transfers electrons from water (H2O) to carbon

dioxide (CO2), to produce carbohydrates.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 3 and 4 only

C. 2, 3 and 4 only

D. 3 only

32 Astrobatrachus kurichiyana, a frog, was discovered recently. What is important about this discovery?

1. It belongs to an ancient lineage of frogs.

2. It is one of the very few burrowing species that are found in the Western Ghats.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

33 Consider the following statements about the role of earthworms.

1. They are considered primary “ecosystem engineers”.

2. They are not found in temperate climatic zones.

3. They can significantly increase the water-holding capacity of soils.

4. As they consume organic matter and mineral particles, earthworms excrete wastes in the form of

casts, which is a type of soil aggregate.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1, 3 and 4 only

D. 1 and 2 only

34 Which of the following differentiate(s) Acclimatisation with Adaptation?

1. Acclimatization occurs within a very short period of time, but adaptation takes a longer time but

usually occurs within the organism's lifetime.

2. Acclimatization can be a response to a change in photoperiod or pH around an organism, but these

changes do not lead to any adaptation.

Which of the above is/are correct?

 

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A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

35 The tool ‘AWaRe’ launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) concerns which of the following

problems?

A. Malaria epidemics

B. Yellow Fever

C. Anti-biotic resistance

D. Tuberculosis

36 Consider the following statements. In eukaryotes

1. The cytoplasm contains all of the organelles.

2. Reproduction is always asexual.

3. DNA is usually circular without proteins.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

37 Consider the following statements.

1. United Nations Organization (UNO) and its officials enjoy immunity under the United Nations

(Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.

2. The consent of the Government of India is not required to initiate a legal suit against UNO as it is

not a foreign state.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

38 Which of the following is/are anti-biotics isolated from fungi?

1. Ergosterol

2. Penicillin

3. Psilocybin

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 2 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

39 Consider the following statements.

1. The chairman of the Inter-State Council is nominated by the Union Cabinet on the recommendation

 

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of a collegium.

2. The chairman of the Council of States is elected directly by the Rajya Sabha after the interim

speaker passes a resolution to the same effect.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

40 Given the distribution of all the species across the World

1. The percentage of occurrence of fungi and lichen species in India is higher than the percentage of

occurrence of the species of flowering plants.

2. The percentage of occurrence of angiosperms in India is higher than the percentage of occurrence

of the species of non-flowering plants.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

41 Which of the following was/were NOT a causative factor behind the “Indigo or Blue rebellion” in

1859?

1. The peasants were compelled to plant Indigo rather than the food Crops.

2. The peasants were provided loans called “dadon” for indigo planting which was at a very high

interest rate.

3. Acquisition of farmland by the British for their industrial projects

4. Restrictions on international trade of indigo

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 and 4 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 3 and 4 only

D. 1 and 4 only

42 Which of these countries has the unique distinction of being the only country producing all the five

known commercial silks - namely, mulberry, tropical tasar, oak tasar, eri and muga?

A. Nepal

B. India

C. Sri Lanka

D. Bangladesh

43 Consider the following statements.

Assertion (A): Windows of the houses in coastal areas are made to face the sea to receive the

cooler sea breeze in the night.

Reason (R): Land and water get heated at different rates which leads to wind movement due to

pressure difference.

 

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In the context of the above, which of these is correct?

A. A is correct, and R is an appropriate explanation of A.

B. A is correct, but R is not an appropriate explanation of A.

C. A is correct, but R is incorrect.

D. A is incorrect, but R is correct.

44 Which of the following can be used as naturally occurring indicators of acids and base?

1. Turmeric

2. China Rose petals

3. Litmus obtained from lichens

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 2 and 3

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 1 and 2 only

D. 2 and 3 only

45 Match the following acids with what they are usually found in:

1. Formic Acid: Lemon

2. Oxalic Acid: Spinach

3. Ascorbic Acid: Ant’s Sting

4. Lactic Acid: Curd

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 2 and 4 only

D. 1 and 4 only

46 According to the terms of the ‘Subsidiary Alliance’, Indian rulers were

1. Not allowed to have their independent armed forces

2. Supposed to protect the British representatives in the princely states

3. Penalized for not adhering with the terms of the alliance, examples being the Nawab of Awadh and

princely state of Hyderabad

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 2 only

47 Which of the following polar habitants are good swimmers and can swim for miles in the ocean?

1. Polar bears

2. Penguins

3. Walruses

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

 

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B. 1, 2 and 3

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1 and 3 only

48 A wind flow pattern is setup across the earth. The factor/s influencing this pattern is/are,

1. Uneven heating of earth

2. Coriolis force

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

49 What is/are the difference between tornadoes and hurricanes/cyclones?

1. Tornados and cyclones do not co-exist.

2. While the latter is characterized by extremely strong horizontal winds swirling around the centre, in

the former horizontal winds are absent and vertical wind dominate.

3. The direction of rotation of a hurricane/cyclone is decided by the direction of earth’s rotation, which

is not the case with tornadoes.

4. Tornadoes are much smaller in scale than hurricanes.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 3 and 4 only

B. 1 and 4 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 4 only

50 The regional coalition known as the ‘Quad’ does NOT include

A. China

B. Japan

C. India

D. United States

51 Upon investigating a soil, you find that the amount of large and fine particles is about the same in the

soil. How would you categorize the soil?

A. Sandy soil

B. Bedrock soil

C. Clayey soil

D. Loamy soil

52 When breakdown of glucose occurs without the use of oxygen, it yields

1. Water

2. Carbon dioxide

3. Alcohol

4. Energy

 

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Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 2 and 4 only

B. 2 and 4 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 2, 3 and 4 only

53 Consider the following statements.

1. Although yeast are single-celled organisms, they possess a cellular organization similar to that of

higher organisms.

2. Yeast replicate very quickly which makes their genetic manipulation clinically impossible.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

54 Consider the following statements.

Assertion (A): X-ray photons carry enough energy to ionize atoms and disrupt molecular bonds.

Reason (R): X-rays have much longer wavelengths than visible light.

In the context of the above, which of these is correct?

A. A is correct, and R is an appropriate explanation of A.

B. A is correct, but R is not an appropriate explanation of A.

C. A is correct, but R is incorrect.

D. A is incorrect, but R is correct.

55 With reference to the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), consider the

following statements.

1. It is a grant-funding mechanism, managed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), that supports

disaster risk management projects worldwide.

2. GFDRR contributes to the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

(SFDRR).

3. India is a member of GFDRR.

4. SFDRR was endorsed by the UN General Assembly following the 2015 Third UN World Conference

on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR).

5. The National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) of India is consistent with the Sendai Framework

for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

B. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

C. 1, 2 and 5 only

D. 3 and 4 only

56 Consider the following statements. The Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX)

1. is India’s most recently established listed exchange

2. operates under the regulatory framework of SEBI

3. does not offer trading in commodity futures contracts

 

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Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 2 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

57 Consider the following statements.

1. The Constitution contains lists that detail the subjects that each tier of government can make laws

on.

2. Indian citizens are governed by laws and rules made by both Central and state governments at the

same time.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

58 If Parliament disagrees with the Supreme Court (SC) on the interpretation of the constitution

A. Parliament has no choice but to accept the ruling of the Judiciary

B. Parliament can immediately declare the ruling of SC as unconstitutional

C. Parliament can amend the constitution to nullify the ruling of the SC

D. Parliament can pass a resolution discussing the conduct of the judges in the SC who passed

this ruling.

59 In lichens, an organism, algae and fungus live together. Consider the following about it.

1. The fungus provides shelter, water and minerals to the alga.

2. The alga provides food to the fungus, which it prepares by photosynthesis.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

60 The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear

explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments. However, it is not in force

because it has not been ratified by certain specific states. Apart from India, which of the following

nations have neither signed nor ratified the CTBT?

1. China

2. Pakistan

3. Iran

4. United States

5. Russia

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

 

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C. 2, 3 and 4 only

D. 1, 4 and 5 only

61 Eleventh and Twelfth schedule of the Constitution deal with

A. Local Governance

B. Land reforms

C. Scheduled areas and tribal areas

D. Scheduled languages

62 The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015

seeks to ensure more stringent provisions for prevention of Atrocities against SCs and STs. Which of

these provisions have been brought newly by the 2015 act which were absent in the 1989 act?

1. Special Courts for the trial of atrocities against SCs/STs.

2. Penalty to someone who wrongfully occupies or cultivates any land allotted to a member of a SC or

a ST

3. Imposing or threatening a social or economic boycott on a SC/ST member is now an offence.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 and 3 only

B. 1 only

C. 1 and 2 only

D. 3 only

63 National Testing Agency (NTA) has been established as a premier, specialist, autonomous and selfsustained

testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for admission/fellowship in higher

educational institutions. Its functions include.

1. To help individual colleges and universities in the field of testing and to provide training and

advisory services to the institutions in India

2. To identify partner institutions with adequate infrastructure from the existing schools and higher

education institutions which would facilitate conduct of online examinations without adversely

impacting their academic routine

3. To undertake the reforms and training of school boards as well as other bodies where the testing

standards should be comparable with the entrance examinations

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

64 In the context of Buddhism, the term Boddhisattvas can be used to refer to

1. Gautam Buddha in his former lives

2. Compassionate beings who accumulated merit through their efforts not to attain nibbana but to

help others

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

 

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C. Both 1 and 2

D. None of the above

65 A sorter in a wool industry can be infected with a fatal blood disease called sorter’s disease caused by

a

A. Virus

B. Bacterium

C. Protozoa

D. Fungi

66 With reference to Geographical Indications (GI), consider the following statements.

1. A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial

goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

2. Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse the name to market similar

products.

3. GI is covered as element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under Paris Convention for Protection

of Industrial Property.

4. GI is governed by WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights

(TRIPS).

5. The Controller-General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, appointed under the Trademarks Act,

1999, is the Registrar of Geographical Indications in India.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

B. 4 and 5 only

C. 1, 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

67 Appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal, and thus the first Governor-General of British

India (1773-1785), was

A. William Bentick

B. Cornwallis

C. Warren Hastings

D. Colin McKenzie

68 With reference to Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), which heat a solution (e-liquid) to

create an aerosol, and related concerns, consider the following statements.

1. Lead, chromium, nickel and formaldehyde have been found in aerosols of some ENDS.

2. In India, nicotine is prohibited for use as an ingredient in any food item.

3. Nicotine is used as insecticides and pesticides.

4. Maharashtra government has recently banned e-cigarettes.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 4 only

B. 1, 3 and 4 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

 

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69 Consider the following statements.

1. The “Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)”,

that publishes the list of UNESCOs ICH, is Elected by State parties meeting in UN General

Assembly.

2. While Yoga and traditional performances of Ramayana have been a recognized as ICH of India by

UNESCO, no ritual performances have been given such recognition so far.

3. All the ICH from India belongs to either the Western states or the Southern States.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 2 only

D. None of the above

70 The British Resident in the courts of various princely states were

1. Appointed based on the provisions of the 1858 Act

2. The senior embers of the British Cabinet who, one at a time, temporarily settled down, at the

princely courts

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None of the above

71 Consider the following statements about cess in India.

1. A cess can be levied on both direct and indirect taxes.

2. The proceeds of all taxes and cesses are credited in the Public Account of India (PAI).

3. Cess is not a part of the sharable pool of resources and thus is not devolved to the states under the

recommendations of Finance Commission (FC).

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 only

D. 3 only

72 As a result of the Battle of Plassey

1. The British started wielding influence over the Bengal Nawabs and consequently acquired

significant concessions for revenue from trade.

2. It resulted in the Central Legislative Council, in India, using its legislative authority to push other

European colonial powers away from Bengal.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

 

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73 The OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI) project includes

#69801

1. STRI indices for each country and sector in the STRI that quantify restrictions on foreign entry and

the movement of people and barriers to competition in OECD and some non-OCED countries

2. Empirical analysis assessing the impact of services trade policies on economic performance and

trade costs in various countries.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

74 Among the reasons given below, the least significant reason causing desertification in India is

A. Water erosion

B. Human settlements

C. Vegetation degradation

D. Salinity led erosion

75 Consider the following statements with respect to Eutrophication.

1. Excess of phosphorous and nitrogen in a water body may cause eutrophication.

2. Unoxygenated “dead zones” appear in waterways due to eutrophication.

3. Eutrophication in the ocean can lead to ocean acidification.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

76 Consider the following statements.

1. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) have been set up to provide generic drugs.

2. Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency of PMBJP.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

77 The policy of “paramountcy” primarily aimed at

A. Making all Indian states accept the suzerainty of the British

B. Inhibiting alliances with the princely courts of India

C. Dismantling the economic might of all European companies trading in India

D. Creating a circle of power among the princely states of India

78 ‘SCORM’ is a set of

 

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A. Inter-operable airline standards

B. E-learning technical standards

C. DNA information record

D. Telecom spectrum bandwidth

79 Consider the following statements with reference to the Buddhist and Jain metaphysical positions.

1. The Jainas believe that things or substance have attributes, whereas the Buddhists believe that

things are essentially devoid of any permanent or independent attributes.

2. The Jainas believe that the natural and supernatural things of the universe can be traced back to

seven fundamental elements, whereas the Mahayana Buddhists hold that the Universe can be

described by sunyavada.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

80 With reference to the ijaradari system in British India, consider the following statements.

1. The ijaradari system was introduced by Munro.

2. The right to collect revenue from the land was given to the highest bidder.

3. The land was given as a permanent asset to the ijardars.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 3 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 2 only

81 Which of the following plants/species survive on heterotrophic mode of nutrition?

A. Red algae

B. Cuscuta

C. Lithops

D. Green algae

82 Consider the following statements.

1. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers makes the soil acidic.

2. Plants do not grow well when the soil is either too acidic or too basic.

3. Acidic soil should be treated with more organic matter to reduce acidity.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 and 3 only

B. 1, 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1 and 2 only

83 Multilateral environmental agreements signed at which of the following places share the common

objective of protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes?

 

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1. Basel

2. Rotterdam

3. Stockholm

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

84 With regards to “Dual Government” system introduced in British India, consider the following

statements.

1. It was introduced first in Madras by Robert Clive.

2. A representative of the East India Company was made the in charge of both civil and police

administration.

3. The Princely states were empowered with the right of collecting the revenue but had no

responsibility for internal administration.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2 and 3

D. None of the above

85 National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) recently signed the Mutual

Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) for its

accreditation programme based on international standard. What is the significance of this move?

1. Any person carrying the concerned skill certificate with NABCB logo will be recognized

internationally.

2. Certification would support many professionals in India, especially those who do not have formal

education or certificate programme.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

86 With reference to Mughal India, Nankar and Malikana could be

A. Principal income of the Zamindar

B. Remuneration for the service of the Zamindar in some case

C. A form of services tax imposed by the Zamindar

D. Both (a) and (b)

87 The Central Government has declared which of the following minerals as minor minerals?

1. Chalk

2. Brick-earth

3. Marble

 

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Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

88 What is/are the advantage(s) of Intercropping as compared to the conventional method of sole

cropping?

1. It helps maintain soil fertility as the nutrient uptake is made from different layers of soil.

2. It generally gives higher income per unit area than mono-cropping.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None of the above

89 With reference to the Telecom Regulatory Authority in India (TRAI), consider the following

statements.

1. TRAI is a quasi-judicial body since its adjudicated orders cannot be appealed to any tribunal in the

telecom sector and lie straight to the higher courts.

2. One of the main objectives of TRAI is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which

promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.

3. The Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations, 2010 (TCCCPR) was

issued by TRAI.

4. National Customer Preference Register (NCPR) was scrapped by TRAI sometime back to bring a

revised Do Not Disturb (DND) Register.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 4 only

B. 1, 2, 3 and 4

C. 2, 3 and 4 only

D. 2 and 3 only

90 With reference to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora), consider the following:

1. CITES is legally binding on the Parties and replaces respective national laws.

2. CITES was adopted as a result of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None of the above

91 With reference to Common Property Land Resources (CPLR) in India, consider the following

statements.

1. Most of the land in the country is constituted as CPLRs.

2. The jurisdiction to manage CPLRs has been placed exclusively in the hands of local bodies by the

 

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constitution.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

92 How are mulches spread on the soil beneficial to the farm?

1. They provide organic matter which helps keep the soil loose.

2. They improve root growth and improve the filtration of water through the soil.

3. They provide a good base for the growth of microorganisms in the soil.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

93 This species in the human lineage is often referred to as the ‘first cosmopolitan hominin lineage’, i.e.

the first hominin species whose geographic range had expanded beyond a single continental region.

This important species was

A. Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis)

B. Danisovans

C. Australopithecus

D. Homo erectus

94 What is the difference between Llanos (Venezuela) and Veld (South Africa) types of vegetation?

A. Former is a dense forest land whereas the latter is a grassland.

B. Llanos is a tropical grassland whereas Veld is a temperate grassland.

C. Veld is taiga type vegetation, whereas Campos is tropical vegetation.

D. None of the above

95 Consider the following statements.

1. Liquefied petroleum gases is lighter than air.

2. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is heavier than air.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

96 Which of these minerals can be found in the Peninsular plateaus of India?

1. Copper

2. Gold

3. Manganese

 

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4. Mica

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2, 3 and 4 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

97 A ‘Dispute Resolution Committee’ (DRC) has been approved to be constituted to consider the

unforeseen disputes between solar/wind power developers and SECI/NTPC, beyond contractual

agreement. Consider the following about it.

1. DRC will be designed as an arbitration forum where each party shall be represented by a lawyer.

2. The decision of the DRC shall be final and binding on the parties and an appeal can lie only to the

High courts or the Supreme Court.

Which of the above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. None

98 With reference to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery

against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), consider the following statements.

1. ReCAAP is the first regional government-to-government agreement to promote and enhance

cooperation against piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.

2. India is a member of ReCAAP.

3. International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a partner organization of ReCAAP.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

99 Trees growing in colder conditions are normally cone shaped, have sloping branches and needleshaped

leaves. What is the advantage conferred on such trees with respect to the conditions

prevailing in their habitat?

1. This design helps the rainwater and snow to slide off easily.

2. Needles have a thick, waxy coating that retains more water than a regular leaf.

3. Since needles don’t shed every fall season, they can capture sunlight for nearly the entire year.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 1, 2 and 3

D. 1 and 3 only

100 World Population Prospects 2019 has been released by the Population Division of the UN

Department of Economic and Social Affairs. As per the report

 

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1. The global population is projected to increase by another 2 billion people by 2050.

2. India leads the set of countries that will make up for more than half the projected growth of the

global population by 2050.

3. Overall, the world’s population is getting younger by 2050.

Select the correct answer using the codes below.

A. 2 only

B. 1 and 2 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

 

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