UPSC 2017 Prelims – all questions

100 questions · 2017 · answers as per the UPSC key · page 2 of 2

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By subject: Indian Economy (26)Indian Polity (22)Environment & Ecology (16)Science & Technology (10)Modern History (6)Geography (6)Current Affairs (6)Art & Culture (4)Ancient History (3)Medieval History (1)

Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom ?

(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
Show answer
Answer: (b) Motupalli

With reference to 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
  2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
  3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

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

  1. Sautrantika and Sammitiya were the sects of Jainism.
  2. Sarvastivadin held that the constituents of phenomena were not wholly momentary, but existed forever in a latent form.

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
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only

Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries ?

  1. Jordan
  2. Iraq
  3. Lebanon
  4. Syria

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Show answer
Answer: (c) 3 and 4 only

With reference to 'National Investment and Infrastructure Fund', which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
  2. It has a corpus of ₹ 4,00,000 crore at present.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

The Global Infrastructure Facility is a/an

(a) ASEAN initiative to upgrade infrastructure in Asia and financed by credit from the Asian Development Bank.
(b) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and institutional investor capital.
(c) Collaboration among the major banks of the world working with the OECD and focused on expanding the set of infrastructure projects that have the potential to mobilize private investment.
(d) UNCTAD funded initiative that seeks to finance and facilitate infrastructure development in the world.
Show answer
Answer: (b) World Bank collaboration that facilitates the preparation and structuring of complex infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enable mobilization of private sector and institutional investor capital.

For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by

(a) anyone residing in India.
(b) a resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.
(c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
(d) any citizen of India.
Show answer
Answer: (c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.

Consider the following statements :

  1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.
  2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.
  3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (b) 3 only

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for

(a) Measuring oxygen levels in blood
(b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems
(c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems
(d) Assessing oxygen levels in high altitude regions
Show answer
Answer: (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystems

With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct ?

  1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
  2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
  3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below ;

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 only
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

With reference to 'National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)', which of the statements given below is/are correct ?

  1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning.
  2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only

In the context of Indian history, the principle of 'Dyarchy (diarchy)' refers to

(a) Division of the central legislature into two houses.
(b) Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.
(c) Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.
(d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
Show answer
Answer: (d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.

Consider the following in respect of 'National Career Service' :

  1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.
  2. National Career Service has been launched in a Mission Mode to improve the employment opportunities to uneducated youth of the country.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following statements best describes the term 'Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)', recently seen in the news ?

(a) It is a procedure for considering ecological costs of developmental schemes formulated by the Government.
(b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.
(c) It is a disinvestment plan of the Government regarding Central Public Sector Undertakings.
(d) It is an important provision in 'The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code' recently implemented by the Government.
Show answer
Answer: (b) It is a scheme of RBI for reworking the financial structure of big corporate entities facing genuine difficulties.

Consider the following statements :

  1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
  2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

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
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only

With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
  2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino's impact on the monsoon.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only

If you want to see gharials in their natural habitat, which one of the following is the best place to visit ?

(a) Bhitarkanika Mangroves
(b) Chambal River
(c) Pulicat Lake
(d) Deepor Beel
Show answer
Answer: (b) Chambal River

Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) :

  1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
  2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 only

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

(a) Ajanta
(b) Badami
(c) Bagh
(d) Ellora
Show answer
Answer: (a) Ajanta

Consider the following pairs : Traditions Communities

  1. Chaliha Sahib Festival – Sindhis
  2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra – Gonds
  3. Wari-Warkari – Santhals

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

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 only

Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture ?

  1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
  2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
  3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Consider the following statements : The nation-wide 'Soil Health Card Scheme' aims at

  1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
  2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
  3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 3 only

Consider the following pairs : Commonly used / Unwanted or consumed materials controversial chemicals likely to be found in them

  1. Lipstick – Lead
  2. Soft drinks – Brominated vegetable oils
  3. Chinese fast food – Monosodium glutamate

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

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are used to create digital display in many devices. What are the advantages of OLED displays over Liquid Crystal displays ?

  1. OLED displays can be fabricated on flexible plastic substrates.
  2. Roll-up displays embedded in clothing can be made using OLEDs.
  3. Transparent displays are possible using OLEDs.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above statements is correct
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples ?

  1. Arasavalli
  2. Amarakantak
  3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 only

Consider the following statements :

  1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
  2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker's post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker's to the Opposition.

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
Show answer
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following has/have occurred in India after its liberalization of economic policies in 1991 ?

  1. Share of agriculture in GDP increased enormously.
  2. Share of India's exports in world trade increased.
  3. FDI inflows increased.
  4. India's foreign exchange reserves increased enormously.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

What is the application of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Technology ?

(a) Production of biolarvicides
(b) Manufacture of biodegradable plastics
(c) Reproductive cloning of animals
(d) Production of organisms free of diseases
Show answer
Answer: (c) Reproductive cloning of animals

Consider the following statements :

  1. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helps in promoting the financial inclusion in the country.
  2. NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment scheme.

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
Show answer
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

The term 'M-STrIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

(a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna
(b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
(c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System
(d) Security of National Highways
Show answer
Answer: (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves
UPSC 2017 · Q81 · Indian Economy › Taxation · Save

What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing 'Goods and Services Tax (GST)' ?

  1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
  2. It will drastically reduce the 'Current Account Deficit' of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
  3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 only

'Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and

(a) European Union
(b) Gulf Cooperation Council
(c) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(d) Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Show answer
Answer: (a) European Union

Consider the following statements :

  1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
  2. TFA is a part of WTO's Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
  3. TFA came into force in January 2016.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India ?

(a) India's trade with African countries will enormously increase.
(b) India's relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
(c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.
Show answer
Answer: (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents ?

  1. Service providers
  2. Data centres
  3. Body corporate

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Right to vote and to be elected in India is a

(a) Fundamental Right
(b) Natural Right
(c) Constitutional Right
(d) Legal Right
Show answer
Answer: (c) Constitutional Right

What is the purpose of 'evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)' project ?

(a) To detect neutrinos
(b) To detect gravitational waves
(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
Show answer
Answer: (b) To detect gravitational waves

What is the purpose of 'Vidyanjali Yojana' ?

  1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India.
  2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
  3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (a) 2 only

What is the aim of the programme 'Unnat Bharat Abhiyan' ?

(a) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government's education system and local communities.
(b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies.
(c) Strengthening India's scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power.
(d) Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.
Show answer
Answer: (b) Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies.

Consider the following statements :

  1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
  2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
  3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 3 only

In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply ?

(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
(b) and
(c) stated above are correct in this context.
(d) Both
Show answer
Answer: (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.
UPSC 2017 · Q92 · Indian Polity › Judiciary · Save

In India, Judicial Review implies

(a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.
(b) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.
(c) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.
(d) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.
Show answer
Answer: (a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders.

With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events :

  1. Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy
  2. Quit India Movement launched
  3. Second Round Table Conference

What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events ?

(a) 1-2-3
(b) 2-1-3
(c) 3-2-1
(d) 3-1-2
Show answer
Answer: (c) 3-2-1

Consider the following statements :

  1. Tax revenue as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
  2. Fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP of India has steadily increased in the last decade.

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
Show answer
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites ?

(a) Corbett National Park
(b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Sariska National Park
Show answer
Answer: (b) Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President's rule in a State ?

  1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
  2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State
  3. Dissolution of the local bodies

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Which of the following are envisaged by the Right against Exploitation in the Constitution of India ?

  1. Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour
  2. Abolition of untouchability
  3. Protection of the interests of minorities
  4. Prohibition of employment of children in factories and mines

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 4 only

Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar ?

(a) Sumatra
(b) Borneo
(c) Java
(d) Sri Lanka
Show answer
Answer: (a) Sumatra

Out of the following statements, choose the one that brings out the principle underlying the Cabinet form of Government :

(a) An arrangement for minimizing the criticism against the Government whose responsibilities are complex and hard to carry out to the satisfaction of all.
(b) A mechanism for speeding up the activities of the Government whose responsibilities are increasing day by day.
(c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.
(d) A device for strengthening the hands of the head of the Government whose hold over the people is in a state of decline.
Show answer
Answer: (c) A mechanism of parliamentary democracy for ensuring collective responsibility of the Government to the people.

Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism ?

(a) There is an independent judiciary in India.
(b) Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.
(c) The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.
(d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.
Show answer
Answer: (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.