UPSC CIVIL SERVICES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

UPSC Prelims 2013 PYQs

Explore the complete 2013 General Studies Paper-I Previous Year Questions with answers, explanations and topic-wise classification.

100Questions

100Published Questions

100Questions with Answer

0Dropped / No Answer

8Subjects

SUBJECT-WISE VIEW

2013 Question Distribution

Economy20

Polity & Governance16

Geography16

Science & Technology16

Environment & Ecology13

History12

Art & Culture4

Agriculture3

COMPLETE QUESTION BANK

2013 GS Paper-I Questions

100 Questions

What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?

Polity & GovernanceParliamentRajya Sabhamoderate

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Which one of the following statements is correct?

Polity & GovernanceUnion ExecutiveExecutive Powersmoderate

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Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? Geographical Feature Region

GeographyWorld GeographyContinentseasy

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With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: 1\. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 2\. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3\. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Art & CultureArt & CultureArchitecturedifficult

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Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred 1\. across different species of plants 2\. from animals to plants 3\. from microorganisms to higher organisms Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Science & TechnologyBiologyGeneticsdifficult

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The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1\. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. 2\. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3\. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

HistoryAncient IndiaAncient Indian Economydifficult

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Consider the following 1\. Star tortoise 2\. Monitor lizard 3\. Pygmy hog 4\. Spider monkey Which of the above found in India?

Environment & EcologyEcologyEcosystemeasy

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Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? 1\. Arsenic 2\. Sorbitol 3\. Fluoride 4\. Formaldehyde 5\. Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Environment & EcologyPollutionmoderate

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With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were

HistoryModern IndiaConstitutional Developmentmoderate

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Q10

Consider the following animals: 1\. Sea cow 2\. Sea horse 3\. Sea lion Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

Science & TechnologyBiologyHuman Biologyeasy

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Q11

Consider the following statements 1\. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only. 2\. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Polity & GovernanceConstitutionConstitutional Amendmentsdifficult

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Q12

Cnsider the following statements: Attorney General of India can 1\. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha 2\. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha 3\. speak in the Lok Sabha 4\. vote in the Lok Sabha Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Polity & GovernanceConstitutional Bodiesmoderate

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Q13

With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is / are correct? 1\. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy. 2\. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers. 3\. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

AgricultureFood Processingeasy

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Q14

Variations in the length of daytime and nighttime from season to season are due to

GeographyPhysical GeographyOceanseasy

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Q15

The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why? 1\. It occupies a linear rift valley. 2\. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras. 3\. The land slopes to the west from Central India. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

GeographyIndian GeographyIndian Riversdifficult

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Q16

On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion

GeographyPhysical GeographyGeomorphologyeasy

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Q17

Consider the following pairs: 1\. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve : Garo Hills 2\. Logtak (Loktak)Lake : Barail Range 3\. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

GeographyIndian GeographyTransportdifficult

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Q18

Consider the following: 1\. Electromagnetic radiation 2\. Geothermal energy 3\. Gravitational force 4\. Plate movements 5\. Rotation of the earth 6\. Revolution of the earth Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

GeographyPhysical GeographyPlate Tectonicsdifficult

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Q19

Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution? 1\. National Development Council 2\. Planning Commission 3\. Zonal Councils Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Polity & GovernanceConstitutional Bodiesdifficult

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Q20

The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for

HistoryModern IndiaPeasant Movementseasy

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Q21

The Parliament can make any law for whole or any part of India for implementing international treaties

Polity & GovernanceFederalismeasy

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Q22

In the grasslands, trees do not replace the grasses as a part of an ecological succession because of

Environment & EcologyEcologyEcological Successionmoderate

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Q23

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of ecosystems in the order of decreasing productivity?

Environment & EcologyEcologyEnergy Flowmoderate

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Q24

Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in

GeographyPhysical GeographySoilsmoderate

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Q25

The Government enacted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in 1996. Which one of the following is not identified as its objective?

Polity & GovernanceLocal Governmentdifficult

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Q26

Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

Polity & GovernanceLocal Governmentdifficult

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Q27

Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by

Science & TechnologyBiologyPlant Biologyeasy

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Q28

‘Economic Justice’ the objectives of Constitution has been as one of the Indian provided in

Polity & GovernanceRights & Welfaremoderate

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Q29

Due to improper / indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? 1\. Beryllium 2\. Cadmium 3\. Chromium 4\. Heptachlor 5\. Mercury 6\. Lead 7\. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Environment & EcologyPollutiondifficult

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Q30

Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

Environment & EcologyPollutioneasy

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Q31

With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements : 1\. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other. 2\. Food chains are found within the populations of a species. 3\. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others. Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

Environment & EcologyEcologyFood Chaineasy

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Q32

Consider the following pairs National Park River flowing through the Park 1\. Corbett National Park : Ganga 2\. Kaziranga National Park : Manas 3\. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Environment & EcologyEcologyEcosystemdifficult

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Q33

Consider the following organisms 1\. Agaricus 2\. Nostoc 3\. Spirogyra Which of the above is / are used as biofertilizer / biofertilizers

AgricultureFood Processingeasy

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Q34

Which of the following adds / add nitrogen to the soil? 1\. Excretion of urea by animals 2\. Burning of coal by man 3\. Death of vegetation Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

AgricultureSoil & Fertilitymoderate

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Q35

In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? 1\. Tamil Nadu 2\. Kerala 3\. Karnataka 4\. Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Environment & EcologyEcologyEcosystemeasy

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Q36

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

Art & CultureArt & CultureArchitectureeasy

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Q37

Which one of the following describes best the concept of Nirvana in Buddhism?

HistoryAncient IndiaBuddhismeasy

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Q38

According to the Constitution of India, which of the following are fundamental for the governance of the country?

Polity & GovernanceGovernanceeasy

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Q39

The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because

HistoryModern IndiaIndian Independenceeasy

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Q40

Quit India Movement was launched in response to

HistoryModern IndiaQuit India Movementeasy

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Q41

The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

EconomyExternal Sectormoderate

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Q42

The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of 1\. liquidity of assets 2\. branch expansion 3\. merger of banks 4\. winding-up of banks Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

EconomyMoney & BankingCommercial Banksmoderate

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Q43

An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the

EconomyMonetary PolicyLiquidity Managementeasy

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Q44

In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for

EconomyPublic Financemoderate

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Q45

Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization? 1\. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2\. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3\. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below.

HistoryAncient IndiaIndus Valley Civilizationdifficult

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Q46

Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? 1\. Chikungunya 2\. Hepatitis B 3\. HIV-AIDS Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Science & TechnologyBiologyHuman Diseasesmoderate

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Q47

Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? 1\. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance. 2\. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul. 3\. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

HistoryAncient IndiaJainismdifficult

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Q48

Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?

Environment & EcologyEcologyEcological Successioneasy

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Q49

Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

Environment & EcologyPollutionmoderate

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Q50

Consider the following minerals 1\. Calcium 2\. Iron 3\. Sodium Which of the minerals given above is/are required by human body for the contraction of muscles?

Science & TechnologyBiologyHuman Biologymoderate

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Q51

Consider the following statements: The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts 1\. consists of not more than 25 Members of the Lok Sabha 2\. scrutinizes appropriation finance accounts of Government 3\. of the Auditor examines the report Comptroller and General of India Which of the statements given a bove is / are correct?

Polity & GovernanceParliamentParliamentary Committeesdifficult

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Q52

Consider the following Bhakti Saints: 1\. Dadu Dayal 2\. Guru Nanak 3\. Tyagaraja Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

HistoryMedieval IndiaBhakti Movementmoderate

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Q53

With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is / are known as decomposer organism/organisms? 1\. Virus 2\. Fungi 3\. Bacteria Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Environment & EcologyEcologyFood Chainmoderate

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Q54

The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where

GeographyPhysical GeographyOceanseasy

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Q55

Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests? 1\. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy 2\. Coexistence of a large number of species 3\. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes Select the correct answer using the code given below:

GeographyPhysical GeographyBiogeographyeasy

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Q56

Which of the following constitute Capital Account? 1\. Foreign Loans 2\. Foreign Direct Investment 3\. Private Remittances 4\. Portfolio Investment Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

EconomyExternal Sectormoderate

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Q57

Consider the following historical places: 1\. Ajanta Caves 2\. Lepakshi Temple 3\. Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?

Art & CultureArt & CulturePaintingmoderate

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Q58

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: 1 . Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transrmigration of soul. 2\. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent. Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

HistoryArt & CultureReligion & Philosophydifficult

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Q59

In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the parliamentary government? 1\. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament. 2\. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament. 3\. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Polity & GovernanceParliamentParliamentary Committeesdifficult

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Q60

The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is / are the reason / reasons? 1\. Thermal difference between land and water 2\. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans 3\. Presence of strong winds in the interior 4\. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

GeographyPhysical GeographyOceansmoderate

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Q61

Which of the following is / are the characteristic/ characteristics of Indian coal? 1\. High ash content 2\. Low sulphur content 3. Low ash fusion temperature Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

GeographyEconomic Geographymoderate

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Q62

Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? 1 . They are generally red in colour. 2\. They are rich In nitrogen and potash. 3\. Tiley are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 4\. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

GeographyPhysical GeographySoilsmoderate

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Q63

Consider the following statements: 1\. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds. 2\. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma. 3\. Dharwars are famous for petroleum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

GeographyIndian GeographyMineral Resourcesmoderate

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Q64

Consider the following crops 1.Cotton 2\. Groundnut 3\. Rice 4.Wheat Which of these are Kharif crops?

GeographyEconomic Geographyeasy

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Q65

“Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.” The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

GeographyWorld GeographyClimate Regionseasy

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Q66

Consider the following statements : 1\. Inflation benefits the debtors. 2\. Inflation benefits the bond-holders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

EconomyInflationCore Inflationmoderate

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Q67

Disguised unemployment generally means

EconomyEmployment & Labourmoderate

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Q68

Consider the following statements: 1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament. 2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India. 3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for Iegislation. Which of the Statements given above is/are correct?

Polity & GovernanceUnion ExecutiveCouncil of Ministersdifficult

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Q69

Consider the following statements: 1\. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission. 2\. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India. 3\. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Polity & GovernanceLocal Governmentmoderate

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Q70

Consider the following statements: 1\. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House. 2\. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Polity & GovernanceParliamentRajya Sabhadifficult

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Q71

With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements : 1\. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity. 2.It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country. Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

Polity & GovernanceRights & Welfaremoderate

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Q72

During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the 1\. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky 2\. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds 3\. violent upward movement of air and water particles Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Science & TechnologyPhysicsOpticsmoderate

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Q73

Consider the following pairs : Tribe State 1\. Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim 2\. Karbi : Himachal Pradesh 3\. Dongaria : Odisha 4\. Bonda : Tamil Nadu Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

GeographyIndian GeographyPopulationmoderate

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Q74

Consider the following liquid assets: 1.Demand deposits with the banks 2.Time deposits with the banks 3.Savings deposits with the banks 4.Currency The correct sequence of these decreasing order of Liquidity is

EconomyMoney & BankingCommercial Banksmoderate

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Q75

In the context of Indian economy,Open Market Operations’ refers to

EconomyMonetary PolicyOpen Market Operationseasy

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Q76

Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to

EconomyMoney & BankingCommercial Banksmoderate

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Q77

Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?

EconomyIndustry & Infrastructuremoderate

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Q78

To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do?

EconomyPoverty & Inclusive Growtheasy

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Q79

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called ‘Tribhanga’ has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

Art & CultureArt & CultureClassical Danceeasy

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Q80

Annie Besant was 1\. responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement 2\. the founder of the Theo-sophical Society 3\. once the President of the Indian National Congress Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

HistoryModern IndiaHome Rule Movementmoderate

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Q81

The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

HistoryModern IndiaConstitutional Developmenteasy

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Q82

A rise in general level of prices may be caused by 1. an increase in the money supply 2. a decrease in the aggregate level of output 3. an increase in the effective demand Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

EconomyInflationCore Inflationmoderate

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Q83

Which one of the following groups of items is included in India’s foreign-exchange reserves?

EconomyExternal Sectormoderate

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Q84

Which one of the following is likely to be the most inflationary in its effect?

EconomyInflationmoderate

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Q85

Supply of money remammg the same when there is an increase in demand for money, there will be

EconomyMonetary PolicyRepo Ratemoderate

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Q86

Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because

Science & TechnologyBiologyPlant Biologyeasy

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Q87

Consider the following fauna of India: 1.Gharial 2.Leatherback turtle 3.Swamp deer Which of the above is/are endangered?

Environment & EcologyEcologyEcosystemdifficult

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Q88

Ball bearings are used in bicycles, cars, etc., because

Science & TechnologyPhysicsMechanicseasy

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Q89

Consider the following phenomena: 1\. Size of the sun at dusk 2\. Colour of the sun at dawn 3\. Moon being visible at dawn 4\. Twinkle of stars in the sky 5\. Polestar beingvisible in the sky Which of the above are optical illusions?

Science & TechnologyPhysicsOpticsmoderate

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Q90

Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls on drops of rain. Which of the following physical phenomena are responsible for this? 1\. Dispersion 2\. Refraction 3\. Internal reflection Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Science & TechnologyPhysicsOpticseasy

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Q91

Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because

Science & TechnologyBiologyPlant Biologyeasy

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Q92

Economic growth in country X will necessarily have to occur if

EconomyBasic EconomicsEconomic Growthdifficult

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Q93

Which of the following statements is / are correct? 1\. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy. 2\. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3\. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Science & TechnologyBiologyHuman Diseasesmoderate

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Q94

Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss? 1\. Hard and waxy leaves 2\. Tiny leaves or no leaves 3\. Thorns instead of leaves Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Science & TechnologyBiologyPlant Biologyeasy

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Q95

The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz, gravity electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. with reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?

Science & TechnologyPhysicsMechanicseasy

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Q96

The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is /are the importance/importances of discovering this particle? 1\. It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass. technology to transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. 3\. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Science & TechnologyNuclear Technologydifficult

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Q97

Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to 1\. resist drought and increase absorptive area 2\. tolerate extremes of PH 3\. Resist disease infestation Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Science & TechnologyBiotechnologymoderate

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Q98

Who among the following constitute the National Development Council? 1\. The Prime Minister 2\. The Chairman, Finance Commission 3\. Ministers of the Union Cabinet 4\. Chief Ministers of the States Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

EconomyPublic Financemoderate

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Q99

The national income of a country for a given period is equal to the

EconomyBasic EconomicsNational Incomemoderate

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Q100

Which of the following grants/ grant direct credit assistance to rural households ? 1\. Regional Rural Banks 2\. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development 3\. Land Development Banks Select the correct anser using the codes given below:

EconomyMoney & BankingCommercial Bankseasy

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