upsc general studies paper 1 prelims 2016
1. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither i nor 2
2. Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only
3. 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?
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, 3 and 4
4. 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?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
5. With reference to 'Lifi', recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
6. The term Intended Nationally Deter- mined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
(a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
(c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals
7. Which one of the following is a purpose of 'UDAY', a scheme of the Government?
(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entre- preneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies
8. With reference to IFC Masala Bonds', sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct?
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
9. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements:
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
10. Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
(a) Swapnavasavadatta
(b) Malavikagnimitra
(c) Meghadoota
(d) Ratnavali
11. In the context of which of the following do you sometimes-find the terms amber box, blue box and green box' in the news?
(a) WTO affairs
(b) SAARC affairs
(c) UNFCCC affairs
(d) India-EU negotiations on FTA
12. Which of the following is/are included. in the capital budget of the Government of India?
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
13. What is/are the importance/importances of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?
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
14. Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF's SDR?
(a) Rouble
(b) Rand
(c) Indian Rupee
(d) Renminbi
15. With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider statements: the following
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
16. Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan' is a national campaign to
(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood
(b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood
(c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
(d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them
17. With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements:
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
18. Which of the following best describes the term import cover', sometimes seen in the news?
(a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country
(b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year
(c) It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries
(d) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country's international reserves
19. Consider the following pairs:
Community sometimes mentioned in the news : In the affairs of
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
20. With reference to 'Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)', consider statements: the following
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
21. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana', consider the following statements:
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
22. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the 'Great Indian Hornbill' in its natural habitat?
(a) Sand deserts of northwest India
(b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat
(d) Western Ghats
23. Which of the following are the key features of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?
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
24. Why does the Government of India promote the use of 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture?
(a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms
(b) Neem coating slows down the ratc of dissolution of urea in the soil
(c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields
(d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops
25. Consider the following statements:
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
26. With reference to 'Stand Up India Scheme, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
27. The FAO accords the status of 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)' to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
28. Which of the following is/are tributary/ tributaries of Brahmaputra?
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
29. The term 'Core Banking Solutions' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/ describe this term?
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
30. Consider the following pairs:
Terms sometimes seen in the news : Their origin
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only.
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
31. In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term 'transcriptome', sometimes seen in the news, refers to
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells
32. 'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to
(a) immunization of children and pregnant women
(b) construction of smart cities across the country
(c) India's own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) New Educational Policy
33. Which of the following best describes/ describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the Government of India?
adaptation and mitigation measures
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
34. With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main. label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1 and 4 only
35. Project Loon', sometimes seen in the news, is related to
(a) waste management technology
(b) wireless communication technology
(c) solar power production technology
(d) water conservation technology
36. 'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
(a) production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers
(b) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households
(c) installation of CNG kits in motor- cars
(d) installation of water meters in urban households
37. India's ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?
(a) Organization for Cooperation and (OECD) Economic Development
(b) World Economic Forum
(c) World Bank
(d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
38. Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
(a) agriculturists
(b) warriors
(c) weavers
(d) traders
39. Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
(a) Georg Bühler
(b) James Prinsep
(c) Max Müller
(d) William Jones
40. With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
41. With reference to the Trans-Pacific Partnership', consider the following statements:
purpose of maritime security only. 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
42. Consider the following statements:
The India-Africa Summit
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
43. What is/are the purpose/purposes of the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)' announced by RBI?
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
44. What is/are unique about Kharai camel', a breed found in India?
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
45. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana. plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
(a) Andaman Islands
(b) Anaimalai Forests
(c) Maikala Hills
(d) Tropical rain forests of northeast
46. Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
47. What is 'Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)', recently in the news?
(a) Electric plane tested by NASA
(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
(c) Space observatory launched by China
(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO
48. With reference to Initiative for Nutri- tional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion', which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
49. The 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott' were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
(a) agitation against the Partition of Bengal
(b) Home Rule Movement
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
(d) visit of the Simon Commission to India
50. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
51. Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)', often in the news, is
(a) a division of Organization World Health
(b) a non-governmental international organization
(c) an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union
(d) a specialized agency of the United Nations
52. With reference to an initiative called The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
53. With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
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
54. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
Proper design and effective implemen- tation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to
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
55. What is 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol?
(a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
(b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies
(c) It is an inter governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
(d) It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank
56. With reference to Financial Stability and Development Council', consider the following statements:
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
57. With reference to 'Agenda 21', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
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
58. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
(a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar
(b) a temple-entry Gujarat movement in
(c) an anti-caste Maharashtra movement in
(d) a peasant movement in Punjab
59. Which of the following statements is/are correct?
Viruses can infect
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
60. The term 'Base Erosion and Profit Shifting is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
(a) mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward arcas.
(b) curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
(c) exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies
(d) lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects
61. Recently, India's first National Investment and Manufacturing Zone' was proposed to be set up in
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Uttar Pradesh
62. What is/are the purpose/purposes of 'District Mineral Foundations' in India?
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
63. 'SWAYAM', an initiative Government of India, aims at of the
(a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
(b) providing financial and technical assistance to entrepreneurs young start-up
(c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
(d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
64. The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to
(a) social reforms
(b) educational reforms
(c) reforms in police administration
(d) constitutional reforms
65. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta Mahabalipuram? and
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the statements given above is correct
66. With reference to Bitcoins', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
67. Consider the following statements:
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
68. 'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, related to are
(a) constitutional reforms
(b) Ganga Action Plan
(c) linking of rivers
(d) protection of Western Ghats
69. Consider the following:
Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
70. Which of the following is not a member of 'Gulf Cooperation Council?
(a) Iran
(b) Saudi Arabia
(c) Oman
(d) Kuwait
71. What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government's 'Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme' and 'Gold Monetization Scheme?
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
72. 'Belt and Road Initiative' is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
(a) African Union
(b) Brazil
(c) European Union
(d) China
73. Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
(a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
(b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
(c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
(d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation
74. In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found?
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
75. Global Financial Stability. Report' is prepared by the
(a) European Central Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(d) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
76. Regarding 'Atal Pension Yojana', which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
77. The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
(a) G20
(b) ASEAN
(c) SCO
(d) SAARC
78. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?
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
79. India is important member of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
(a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation
(b) It can attain a global role in satellite navigation
(c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation
(d) it can build fusion reactors for power generation
80. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs:
Term Description
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3
81. Consider the following statements:
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
82. European Stability Mechanism', sometimes seen in the news, is an
(a) agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East
(b) agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries
(c) agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade
(d) agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries
83. Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages drip irrigation? of practising
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is an advantage of practising drip irrigation
84. Regarding DigiLocker', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
85. Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
(a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra
(b) Godavari and Krishna
(c) Mahanadi and Sone
(d) Narmada and Tapti
86. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
87. With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
88. With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term 'Araghatta refers to
(a) bonded labour
(b) land grants made to military officers
(c) waterwheel used in the irrigation of land
(d) wasteland converted to cultivated land
89. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
(a) Shramanа
(b) Parivraajaka
(c) Agrahaarika
(d) Maagadha
90. Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as 'State Butterfly?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh-
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Maharashtra
91. Consider the following statements:
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
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
92. What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
(a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto
(b) Extremists' lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government
(c) Foundation of Muslim League
(d) Aurobindo Ghosh's inability to be elected as the President of the Indian National Congress
93. The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War
(a) India should be granted complete. independence
(b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence
(c) India should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the Commonwealth
(d) India should be given Dominion status
94. Consider the following pairs:
Famous place : Region
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5
95. 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
(a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total . membership
(c) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting
96. Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Kamataka
(d) Rajasthan
97. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
98. Consider the following statements:
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
99. A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
(a) S. Ramanujan
(b) S. Chandrasekhar
(c) S. N. Bose
(d) C. V. Raman
100. Consider the following statements:
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
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