UPSC 2018 Prelims – all questions

100 questions · 2018 · answers as per the UPSC key · page 2 of 2

Take test Free
By subject: Indian Economy (20)Science & Technology (16)Environment & Ecology (15)Modern History (14)Indian Polity (13)Geography (8)Art & Culture (7)Current Affairs (6)Medieval History (1)

After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government ?

  1. The territories called ‘Santhal Paraganas’ were created.
  2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.

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: (c) Both 1 and 2

Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the

(a) increase in the export of Indian handicrafts
(b) growth in the number of Indian owned factories
(c) commercialization of Indian agriculture
(d) rapid increase in the urban population
Show answer
Answer: (c) commercialization of Indian agriculture

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

(a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
(b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.
(c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
(d) the President can make laws relating to that State.
Show answer
Answer: (b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.

Consider the following pairs : Craft Heritage of

  1. Puthukkuli shawls — Tamil Nadu
  2. Sujni embroidery — Maharashtra
  3. Uppada Jamdani saris — Karnataka

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

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

In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used ?

  1. Mobile phone operations
  2. Banking operations
  3. Controlling the power grids

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: (d) 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements :

  1. The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities.
  2. Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments.
  3. Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Consider the following statements :

  1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.
  2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
  3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.

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
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to

(a) Exoplanets
(b) Cryptocurrency
(c) Cyber attacks
(d) Mini satellites
Show answer
Answer: (c) Cyber attacks

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ?

  1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
  2. Adopting minimum tillage
  3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
  4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
  5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2, 4 and 5

The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

(a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
(b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.
(c) Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
(d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
Show answer
Answer: (d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements : 1. 2. 3. 2019.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Consider the following phenomena : 1. 2. 3.

Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media ?

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

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements : 1. pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. 3.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Consider the following pairs : Terms sometimes seen in news 1. 2. 3.

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

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

Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization" ?

(a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(b) Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(c) Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
(d) Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Show answer
Answer: (a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario ?

(a) Border Gateway Protocol
(b) Internet of Things
(c) Internet Protocol
(d) Virtual Private Network
Show answer
Answer: (b) Internet of Things

With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements : 1. units. 2.

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

The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were

(a) Raw cotton, oil-seeds and opium
(b) Sugar, salt, zinc and lead
(c) Copper, silver, gold, spices and tea
(d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium
Show answer
Answer: (d) Cotton, silk, saltpetre and opium

Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha ?

(a) Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement
(b) Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement
(c) Joining of peasant unrest to India's National Movement
(d) Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops
Show answer
Answer: (c) Joining of peasant unrest to India's National Movement

Who among the following were the founders of the "Hind Mazdoor Sabha" established in 1948 ?

(a) B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and K.C. George
(b) Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy
(c) C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu
(d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta
Show answer
Answer: (d) Ashok Mehta, T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
Show answer
Answer: (b) Jainism

With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements : 1. 2. Lucknow.

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 one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India ?

(a) Francois Bernier
(b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
(c) Jean de Thevenot
(d) Abbe Barthelemy Carre
Show answer
Answer: (b) Jean-Baptiste Tavernier

With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world ?

(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani
Show answer
Answer: (c) Maitreya

Which one of the following statements does not apply to the system of Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley ?

(a) To maintain a large standing army at other's expense
(b) To keep India safe from Napoleonic danger
(c) To secure a fixed income for the Company
(d) To establish British paramountcy over the Indian States
Show answer
Answer: (c) To secure a fixed income for the Company

Which of the following led to the introduction of English Education in India ? 1. 2. 3.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

Which one of the following is an artificial lake ?

(a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)
(b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)
(c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)
(d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)
Show answer
Answer: (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements : 1. 2. digital literacy. 3. Skill Qualification Framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

In 1920, which of the following changed its name to "Swarajya Sabha" ?

(a) All India Home Rule League
(b) Hindu Mahasabha
(c) South Indian Liberal Federation
(d) The Servants of India Society
Show answer
Answer: (a) All India Home Rule League

Which among the following events happened earliest ?

(a) Swami Dayanand established Arya Samaj.
(b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.
(c) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Anandmath.
(d) Satyendranath Tagore became the first Indian to succeed in the Indian Civil Services Examination.
Show answer
Answer: (b) Dinabandhu Mitra wrote Neeldarpan.

Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds ?

  1. Decreased salinity in the river
  2. Pollution of groundwater
  3. Lowering of the water-table

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: (b) 2 and 3 only

With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :

  1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
  2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
  3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.

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
Show answer
Answer: (b) 3 only

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at

(a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
(b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
(c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris
(d) The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi
Show answer
Answer: (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro

"3D printing" has applications in which of the following ?

  1. Preparation of confectionery items
  2. Manufacture of bionic ears
  3. Automotive industry
  4. Reconstructive surgeries
  5. Data processing technologies

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2, 3 and 5 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Consider the following statements :

  1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
  2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
  3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news ?

(a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.
(b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.
(c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.
(d) None of the above
Show answer
Answer: (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

Consider the following statements :

  1. Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters.
  2. More than one-third of the world's coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
  3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.

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
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

"Momentum for Change : Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organization
Show answer
Answer: (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat

With reference to educational institutions during colonial rule in India, consider the following pairs : Institution — Founder

  1. Sanskrit College at Benaras — William Jones
  2. Calcutta Madarsa — Warren Hastings
  3. Fort William College — Arthur Wellesley

Which of the pairs given above is/are correct ?

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

Consider the following pairs : Regions sometimes mentioned in news — Country

  1. Catalonia — Spain
  2. Crimea — Hungary
  3. Mindanao — Philippines
  4. Oromia — Nigeria

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

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

Consider the following events :

  1. The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India.
  2. India's then largest bank, 'Imperial Bank of India', was renamed 'State Bank of India'.
  3. Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier.
  4. Goa became a part of independent India.

Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events ?

(a) 4 – 1 – 2 – 3
(b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4
(c) 4 – 2 – 1 – 3
(d) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4
Show answer
Answer: (b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4

Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement ?

(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution
(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV
(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III
(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution
Show answer
Answer: (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III

Consider the following :

  1. Areca nut
  2. Barley
  3. Coffee
  4. Finger millet
  5. Groundnut
  6. Sesamum
  7. Turmeric The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has announced the Minimum Support Price for which of the above ?
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 7 only
(b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located ?

(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Manipur
(c) Meghalaya
(d) Nagaland
Show answer
Answer: (a) Arunachal Pradesh

With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements :

  1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
  2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
  3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements :

  1. Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
  2. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected.

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
UPSC 2018 · Q97 · Indian Economy › Taxation · Save

Consider the following items :

  1. Cereal grains hulled
  2. Chicken eggs cooked
  3. Fish processed and canned
  4. Newspapers containing advertising material

Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax) ?

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

Consider the following statements :

  1. The definition of "Critical Wildlife Habitat" is incorporated in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
  2. For the first time in India, Baigas have been given Habitat Rights.
  3. Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change officially decides and declares Habitat Rights for Primitive and Vulnerable Tribal Groups in any part of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Consider the following :

  1. Birds
  2. Dust blowing
  3. Rain
  4. Wind blowing

Which of the above spread plant diseases ?

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

With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements :

  1. ‘The National Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
  2. ‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority’ (APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
  3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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