UPSC 2024 Prelims – all questions

100 questions · 2024 · answers as per the UPSC key · page 2 of 2

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By subject: Geography (18)Indian Polity (18)Indian Economy (15)Science & Technology (14)Environment & Ecology (14)Current Affairs (11)Art & Culture (6)Modern History (2)Medieval History (1)Ancient History (1)

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : If the United States of America (USA) were to default on its debt, holders of US Treasury Bonds will not be able to exercise their claims to receive payment.

Statement-II : The USA Government debt is not backed by any hard assets, but only by the faith of the Government.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : Syndicated lending spreads the risk of borrower default across multiple lenders.

Statement-II : The syndicated loan can be a fixed amount/lump sum of funds, but cannot be a credit line.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: No single answer
Note: Cancelled by UPSC — marks awarded to all candidates

Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee :

  1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy.
  2. It appears as a liability on the RBI's balance sheet.
  3. It is insured against inflation by its very design.
  4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets ?

  1. Nayaputta
  2. Shakyamuni
  3. Tathagata

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above are epithets of Gautama Buddha
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Consider the following information : Archaeological Site | State | Description

  1. Chandraketugarh | Odisha | Trading Port town
  2. Inamgaon | Maharashtra | Chalcolithic site
  3. Mangadu | Kerala | Megalithic site
  4. Salihundam | Andhra Pradesh | Rock-cut cave shrines In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Show answer
Answer: (b) 2 and 3

Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal ?

(a) Krishnadevaraya
(b) Narasimha Saluva
(c) Muhammad Shah III
(d) Yusuf Adil Shah
Show answer
Answer: (a) Krishnadevaraya

With reference to revenue collection by Cornwallis, consider the following statements :

  1. Under the Ryotwari Settlement of revenue collection, the peasants were exempted from revenue payment in case of bad harvests or natural calamities.
  2. Under the Permanent Settlement in Bengal, if the Zamindar failed to pay his revenues to the state, on or before the fixed date, he would be removed from his Zamindari.

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: No single answer
Note: Cancelled by UPSC — marks awarded to all candidates

Consider the following statements :

  1. There are no parables in Upanishads.
  2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas.

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

Consider the following statements : 1. 2. rice and wheat.

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: (a) 1 only

Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ?

(a) Chhau dance
(b) Durga puja
(c) Garba dance
(d) Kumbh mela
Show answer
Answer: (c) Garba dance

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over ?

(a) C. Rajagopalachari
(b) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
(c) T.T. Krishnamachari
(d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
Show answer
Answer: (d) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha

With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements : 1. Indian Provinces and Princely States. 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: (a) 1 only

Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa ?

(a) Kavyalankara
(b) Natyashastra
(c) Madhyama-vyayoga
(d) Mahabhashya
Show answer
Answer: (c) Madhyama-vyayoga

Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on :

(a) Prajnaparamita Sutra
(b) Visuddhimagga
(c) Sarvastivada Vinaya
(d) Lalitavistara
Show answer
Answer: (c) Sarvastivada Vinaya

Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO : 1. 2. 3. 4.

How many of the above properties were included in 2023 ?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Show answer
Answer: (b) Only two

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of : 1. 2. 3.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 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 countries : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population ?

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

Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament ? 1. 2. 3. 4. Sabha.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

Which of the following is/are correctly matched in terms of equivalent rank in the three services of Indian Defence forces ? 1. 2. 3. 4.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members ? 1. 2. 3. 4.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023 ?

(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
Show answer
Answer: (d) Four

The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages ? 1. 2. 3. 4.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

Consider the following pairs :

1. 2. 3. 4.

How many of the above are correctly matched ?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Show answer
Answer: (b) Only two

Which of the following statements are correct about the Constitution of India ? 1. 2. 3. Constitution.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

Which one of the following statements is correct as per the Constitution of India ?

(a) Inter-State trade and commerce is a State subject under the State List.
(b) Inter-State migration is a State subject under the State List.
(c) Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List.
(d) Corporation tax is a State subject under the State List.
Show answer
Answer: (c) Inter-State quarantine is a Union subject under the Union List.

Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy ?

(a) Article 15
(b) Article 16
(c) Article 19
(d) Article 21
Show answer
Answer: (d) Article 21

What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs ? 1. 2. 3.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called :

(a) Operation Sankalp
(b) Operation Maitri
(c) Operation Sadbhavana
(d) Operation Madad
Show answer
Answer: (c) Operation Sadbhavana

The longest border between any two countries in the world is between :

(a) Canada and the United States of America
(b) Chile and Argentina
(c) China and India
(d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation
Show answer
Answer: (a) Canada and the United States of America

Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct ?

  1. Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee.
  2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha.
  3. This Committee cannot take up any matter which is sub-judice.

Select the answer using the code given below :

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

Consider the following statements regarding 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' :

  1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha.
  2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act.
  3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct ?

  1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
  2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
  3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
  4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4
UPSC 2024 · Q83 · Indian Polity › Judiciary · Save

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :

(a) a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
(b) the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
(c) the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
(d) the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.
Show answer
Answer: (c) the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.

Consider the following statements :

  1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.
  2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.

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 Union Budget, consider the following statements :

  1. The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament.
  2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India.

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

Who of the following is the author of the books "The India Way" and "Why Bharat Matters" ?

(a) Bhupender Yadav
(b) Nalin Mehta
(c) Shashi Tharoor
(d) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Show answer
Answer: (d) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Consider the following pairs : Country | Reason for being in the news

  1. Argentina | Worst economic crisis
  2. Sudan | War between the country's regular army and paramilitary forces
  3. Turkey | Rescinded its membership of NATO

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
Show answer
Answer: (b) Only two pairs

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.

Statement-II : Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
UPSC 2024 · Q89 · Geography › Oceanography · Save

Consider the following statements :

  1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
  2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.

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

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions ?

(a) Locomotives using fossil fuels
(b) Ships using fossil fuels
(c) Extraction of metals from ores
(d) Power plants using fossil fuels
Show answer
Answer: (d) Power plants using fossil fuels

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.

Statement-II : There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : India does not import apples from the United States of America.

Statement-II : In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements : While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration

  1. He/She shall not preside.
  2. He/She shall not have the right to speak.
  3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements :

  1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution.
  2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
  3. A bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements :

  1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers.
  2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die but there is no bar to the President of India prorogating the House which is in session.
  3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently.

Statement-II : The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries.

Statement-II : Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does <i>not</i> explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements : 1. 2. 3. any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements : 1. second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility. 2. provide services at nearby government health facilities.

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 the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements : 1. 2. 3. attaining the age of 60 years. 4.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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