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UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2016 - General Studies Paper I — question paper

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UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2016 - General Studies Paper I

Paper #3252 · 2016 · General Studies Paper I · 100 reviewed questions · Showing 41–80 of 100

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2016 General Studies Paper I, Series A: 100 questions with 100 final-key answers and concise KSLC explanations. Original questions and applicable copyright belong to UPSC and the respective rights holders. KSLC explanations are independent educational commentary; KSLC is not affiliated with or endorsed by UPSC. Official source: https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-question-papers/archives

  1. With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements : 1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia. 2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
  2. Consider the following statements : The India-Africa Summit 1. held in 2015 was the third such Summit 2. was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
  3. What is/are the purpose/purposes of the ‘Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)’ announced by RBI? 1. These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances. 2. These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fair to the borrowers as well as the banks. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
  4. What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater. 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves. 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  5. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
    1. Andaman Islands
    2. Anaimalai Forests
    3. Maikala Hills
    4. Tropical rain forests of northeast
  6. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
    1. Amphibious warfare ship
    2. Nuclear-powered submarine
    3. Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
    4. Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
  7. What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?
    1. Electric plane tested by NASA
    2. Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
    3. Space observatory launched by China
    4. Reusable rocket designed by ISRO
  8. With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach. 2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in this scheme. 3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and microirrigation equipment. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  9. The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
    1. agitation against the Partition of Bengal
    2. Home Rule Movement
    3. Non-Cooperation Movement
    4. visit of the Simon Commission to India
  10. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  11. ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is
    1. a division of World Health Organization
    2. a non-governmental international organization
    3. an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union
    4. a specialized agency of the United Nations
  12. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum. 2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity. 3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  13. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements : 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India. 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
  14. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to 1. protection of biodiversity 2. resilience of forest ecosystems 3. poverty reduction Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  15. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?
    1. It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
    2. It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies
    3. It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
    4. It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank
  16. With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consider the following statements : 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog. 2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister. 3. It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  17. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements : 1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development. 2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
  18. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
    1. a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
    2. a temple-entry movement in Gujarat
    3. an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra
    4. a peasant movement in Punjab
  19. Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect 1. bacteria 2. fungi 3. plants Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  20. The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
    1. mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas
    2. curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
    3. exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies
    4. lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects
  21. Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in
    1. Andhra Pradesh
    2. Gujarat
    3. Maharashtra
    4. Uttar Pradesh
  22. What is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘District Mineral Foundations’ in India? 1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts 2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations 3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licences for mineral exploration Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  23. ‘SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at
    1. promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
    2. providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs
    3. promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
    4. providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
  24. The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to
    1. social reforms
    2. educational reforms
    3. reforms in police administration
    4. constitutional reforms
  25. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. None of the statements given above is correct
  26. With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries. 2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address. 3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  27. Consider the following statements : 1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC. 2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
  28. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to
    1. constitutional reforms
    2. Ganga Action Plan
    3. linking of rivers
    4. protection of Western Ghats
  29. Consider the following : 1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee 2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation 3. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?
    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  30. Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?
    1. Iran
    2. Saudi Arabia
    3. Oman
    4. Kuwait
  31. What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’? 1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy 2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector 3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  32. ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
    1. African Union
    2. Brazil
    3. European Union
    4. China
  33. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
    1. bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
    2. providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
    3. providing pensions to old and destitute persons
    4. funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation
  34. In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found? 1. Cambay Basin 2. Cauvery Basin 3. Krishna-Godavari Basin Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  35. ‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is prepared by the
    1. European Central Bank
    2. International Monetary Fund
    3. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
    4. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
  36. Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers. 2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme. 3. Same amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  37. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
    1. G20
    2. ASEAN
    3. SCO
    4. SAARC
  38. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
  39. India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
    1. It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
    2. It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
    3. It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
    4. It can build fusion reactors for power generation
  40. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs :
    Term — Description
    1. Eripatti — Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank
    2. Taniyurs — Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins
    3. Ghatikas — Colleges generally attached to the temples
    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
    1. 1 and 2
    2. 3 only
    3. 2 and 3
    4. 1 and 3

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