UPSC Prelims 2016 — Every Question with Answer and Explanation

India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

Satya Shodhak Samaj organized:

With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases. 2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/re- conciliators. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to ‘Astrosat’,’ the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/ are correct? 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? 1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc. 2. Loans received from foreign governments 3. Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories Select the correct answer using the code given below.

‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to

With reference to ‘LiFi’, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission. 2. It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than ‘WiFi’. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to prepackaged items in India, is it mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011? 1. List of ingredients including additives 2. Nutrition information 3. Recommendation, if any, made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions 4. Vegetarian/nonvegetarian Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity. 2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities. 3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the:

The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context? 1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks. 2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards. 3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below.

What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?

With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements: 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work. 2. The World Bank participates as an observer in IMFC’s meetings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following best describe/ describes the aim of the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’ 2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future 3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation. 2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which of the following is/are tributary/ tributaries of Brahmaputra? 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below.

There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit? 1. Reducing revenue expenditure 2. Introducing new welfare schemes 3. Rationalising subsidies 4. Reducing import duty Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term ‘Araghatta’ refers to:

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.

Consider the following statements: 1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State. 2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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.

Which one of the following is the purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?

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 licenses for mineral exploration Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: Term Description 1. Eripatti: Land revenue which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs: Villages donated to single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3. Ghatikas: Colleges generally attached to the temples Which of the pairs given above is correctly matched?

What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

What is/are the importance/ importances of the ‘United Convention to Combat Desertification’? 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portions of financial resources to these regions. 3. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty?

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally

The term ‘Core Banking Solution’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/ describe this term? 1. It is a network of a bank’s branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts. 2. It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization. 3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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.

What is/are the purpose/purposes of the 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.

Consider the following pairs: Terms sometimes seen in the news: Their origin 1. Annex-I Countries: Cartagena Protocol 2. Certified Emissions Reductions: Nagoya Protocol 3. Clean Development Mechanisms: Kyoto Protocol Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following statements: 1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’. 2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO– 1. Is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2. Made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA 3. Made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following statements is/are correct? Virus can infect 1. Bacteria 2. Fungi 3. Plants Select the correct answer using the code given below

Consider the following statements: 1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years. 2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 2. Private owners of workshops paid an industry tax. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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?

In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to –

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?

The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to:

Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in-soil erosion Select the correct answer using the code given below.

In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms ‘amber box, blue box and green box’ in the news?

The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the:

India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War:

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.

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?

With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of the Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of the Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste hierarchy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following pairs: Famous Place Region 1. Bodhgaya Baghelkhand 2. Khajuraho Bundelkhand 3. Shirdi Vidarbha 4. Nasik (Nashik) Malwa 5. Tirupati Rayalaseema Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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 rainforest areas of South India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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.

With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorising of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of which of the following?

Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?

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.

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.

With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2 degrees C or even 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to the 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?

Which of the following best describes the term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news?