UPSC Prelims 2014 — Every Question with Answer and Explanation

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants are naturally growing there? 1. Oak 2. Rhododendron 3. Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of

Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

In Medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was:

With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements: 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield fine wool. 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of PushtiMarg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants? 1. Vegetative propagation produces a clonal population. 2. Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus. 3. Vegetative propagation can be practised most of the year. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is:

Consider the following towns of India: 1. Bhadrachalam 2. Chanderi 3. Kancheepuram 4. Karnal Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?

If the interest rate is decreased in an economy, it will:

With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements: 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents. 3. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

In Medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for

In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person? 1. Iris scanning 2. Retinal scanning 3. Voice recognition Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to a conservation organisation called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an intergovernmental organisation formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention. 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilise knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. 2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? 1. Volcanic action 2. Respiration 3. Photosynthesis 4. Decay of organic matter Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?

There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various products. Why? 1. They can accumulate in the environment and contaminate water and soil. 2. They can enter the food chains. 3. They can trigger the production of free radicals. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following pairs: Wetlands: Confluence of Rivers 1. Harike Wetlands: Confluence of Beas and Satluj/ Sutlej 2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park: Confluence of Banas and Chambal 3. Kolleru Lake: Confluence of Musi and Krishna Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: 1. It is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. 2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. 3. It organises and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its:

Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? 1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule 2. Appointing the Ministers 3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India 4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following pairs: Region Well-known for the production of 1. Kinnaur Areca nut 2. Mewat Mango 3. Coromandel Soya bean Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a:

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of:

The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in

What is the correct sequence of occurrences of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north? 1. Bangkok 2. Hanoi 3. Jakarta 4. Singapore Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above the pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre- industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world? 1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? 1. Terrace cultivation 2. Deforestation 3. Tropical climate Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which of the following organisations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook’?

With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India was established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. The National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. 3. The National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following have coral reefs? 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2. Gulf of Kachchh 3. Gulf of Mannar 4. Sunderbans Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following statements: 1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government of India, and for the allocation among Ministers of the said business. 2. All executive actions of the Government of India shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to India’s culture and tradition, what is ‘Kalaripayattu’?

What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria’s Proclamation (1858)? 1. To disclaim any intention to annex the Indian States 2. To place the Indian administration under the British Crown. 3. To regulate East India Company’s trade with India Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a surface-to-surface missile. 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a

Consider the following: 1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until:

Consider the following statements: 1. ‘Bijak’ is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of PushtiMarg was propounded by Madhvacharya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following is/are the example/examples of chemical change? 1. Crystallisation of sodium chloride 2. Melting of ice 3. Souring of milk Select the correct answer using the code given below.

If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?

Consider the following techniques/phenomena: 1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants 2. Cytoplasmic male sterility 3. Gene silencing Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?

If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which one of the following is/are such bird/birds? 1. Painted Stork 2. Common Myna 3. Black-necked Crane Select the correct answer using the code given below.

What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’? 1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. 2. Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this. 3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this. 4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Chaitra, one of the national calendars based on the Saka Era, corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a normal year of 365 days?

The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to:

With reference to technology for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilises the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process. 2. Photovoltaics-generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for photovoltaics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telugu Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language/Languages’ by the Government?

With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs. Famous works of sculpture Site A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below Ajanta A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on the rock Mount Abu “Arjuna’s Penance”/“Descent of Ganga” sculpted on the surface of huge boulders Mamallapuram Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas? 1. It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages. 2. It enables the beneficiaries in the rural areas to make deposits and withdrawals. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Famous Shrine: Location 1. Tabo monastery and temple complex: Spiti Valley 2. Lhotsava Lhakhang: Zanskar Valley 3. Alchi Temple Complex: Ladakh Which of the above pairs given is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Garba: Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam: Odisha 3. Yakshagana: Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs: Hills Region 1. Cardamom Hills Coromandel Coast 2. Kaimur Hills Konkan Coast 3. Mahadeo Hills Central India 4. Mikir Hills North-East India Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their

In the context of the Indian economy, which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘Statutory Reserve Requirements’? 1. To enable the Central Bank to control the amount of advances the banks can create. 2. To make the people’s deposits with banks safe and liquid. 3. To prevent the commercial banks from making excessive profits. 4. To force the banks to have sufficient vault cash to meet their day-to-day requirements. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is on significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the:

Consider the following statements: A Constitutional Government is one which: 1. Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority. 2. Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following pairs: 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve: Mizoram 2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary: Sikkim 3. Saramati Peak: Nagaland Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term ‘Panchayatan’ refers to:

Consider the following rivers: 1. Barak 2. Lohit 3. Subansiri Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from:

With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/constitute the Current Account? 1. Balance of trade 2. Foreign assets 3. Balance of invisibles 4. Special Drawing Rights Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following pairs: National Highway Cities Connected 1. NH4 Chennai and Hyderabad 2. NH6 Mumbai and Kolkata 3. NH15 Ahmedabad and Jodhpur Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings 2. Secretariat assistance to Cabinet Committees 3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Consider the following statements regarding a No- Confidence Motion in India: 1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constitution of India. 2. A motion of No-Confidence can be introduced in the Lok Sabha only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following diseases: 1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox 3. Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms? 1. Continental drift 2. Glacial cycles Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. An increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers. 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the

With reference to the Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure? 1. Defence expenditure 2. Interest payments 3. Salaries and pensions 4. Subsidies Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of the other three?

What does venture capital mean?

The terms ‘Marginal Standing Facility Rate’ and ‘Net Demand and Time Liabilities’, sometimes appearing in news, are used in relation to:

Turkey is located between:

With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam. 3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following international agreements: 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. 2. T h e U n i te d N a t i o n s C o nve n t i o n to C o m b a t Desertification. 3. The World Heritage Convention Which of the above has/have a bearing on biodiversity?

Every year, a month-long ecologically important campaign/ festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

Consider the following pairs: Vitamin Deficiency: Disease 1. Vitamin C: Scurvy 2. Vitamin D: Rickets 3. Vitamin E: Night blindness Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’ 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO 2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year. 3. It is a movement to raise awareness about climate change and the need to save the planet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? 1. Oxides of sulphur 2. Oxide of nitrogen 3. Carbon monoxide 4. Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Consider the following statements: 1. Maize can be used for the production of starch. 2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel. 3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?