UPSC Prelims CSE 2020 Question Paper With Answer Key

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UPSC Prelims CSE 2020 Question Paper With Answer Key

1. Consider the following statements:

1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months.

2. State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data.

3. Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.

4. Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Ans1. Correct Option: (C)

• Statement 1 is incorrect: It cannot be stored more than 6 months and not 3 months

• Statement 2 is incorrect: State might enter into contract with private corporations

• Statement 3 is correct: IRDAI makes Aadhaar Linking with Insurance Policies Mandatory

• Statement 4 is incorrect: There is no such requirement

2. Raja Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in

(a) the matter of creating new All India Services

(b) amending the Constitution

(d) making cut motions

Ans2. Correct Option: (b)

• Option B is correct: RS has equal powers with LS in amending the constitution.

3. With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?

1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.

2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.

3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.

4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Ans3. Correct Option: (D)

• Statement 1 is correct: The emphasis is on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.

• Statement 2 is correct: MPs are to recommend every year, works costing at least 15 per cent of the MPLADS entitlement for the year for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste population and 7.5 per cent for areas inhabited by S.T. population.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: The funds released under the Scheme are non-lapsable as per MoSPI guidelines.

• Statement 4 is correct: As per MPLAD guidelines.

4. Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination?

(a) Right against Exploitation

(b) Right to Freedom

(d) Right to Equality

Ans4. Correct Option: (d)

• Right to equality incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination Under Article 17

5. In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by

(a) the Preamble of the Constitution

(b) a Directive Principle of State Policy

(d) the conventional practice

Ans5. Correct Option: (b)

• Article 50 of Constitution of India is a directive principle of state policy. It gives a direction to the State to keep Judiciary independent of the Executive, particularly in judicial appointments.

6. Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include ‘The Macro Economic Framework Statement’. The aforesaid document is presented because this is mandated by

(a) Long standing parliamentary convention

(b) Article 112 and Article 110(1) of the Constitution of India

(d) Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003

Ans6. Correct Option: (d)

• The Macro-Economic Framework Statement, presented to Parliament as per the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003.

7. A constitutional government by definition is a

(a) government by legislature

(b) popular government

(d) limited government

Ans7. Correct Option: (d)

Constitutional government by definition is a limited government.

8. Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)?

1. Preamble

2. Directive Principles of State Policy

3. Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans8. Correct Option: (d)

• It is included in Part III of the Constitution (Fundamental Rights) and part 4 (Directive Principles).

There are specific fundamental duties which deals with international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

9. In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?

1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000

2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000

3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000

4. All Senior Citizens

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Ans9. (A)

Reason – Statement I is correct.

Statement II is correct only from the point of view of Delhi as a state.

As different states can have different rules.

Statement III is not correct as no specific provision for OBC exists.

Statement IV – Free legal service to states depend on their income

Which is decided by respective states.

10. Consider the following pairs:

International

agreement/set-up Subject

1. Alma-Ata Declaration — Healthcare of the people

2. Hague Convention — Biological and chemical weapon

3. Talanoa Convention — Global climate change

4. Under2 Coalition — Child rights

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans10 . Correct Option: (C)

• Statement 1 is correct: Alma-Ata declaration-The International Conference on Primary Health Care, meeting in Alma-Ata this twelfth day of September in the year Nineteen hundred and seventy-eight, expressing the need for urgent action by all governments, all health and development workers, and the world community to protect and promote the health of all the people of the world.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Hague Convention protects children and their families against the risks of illegal, irregular, premature or ill-prepared adoptions abroad.

• Statement 3 is correct: The Talanoa Dialogue is a process designed to help countries implement and enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions by 2020.

• Statement 4 is incorrect: The Under2 Coalition is a global community of state and regional governments committed to ambitious climate action in line with the Paris Agreement. The coalition brings together more than 220 governments who represent over 1.3 billion people and 43% of the global economy.

11. A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which

(a) all political parties in the Parliament are represented in the Government

(b) the Government is responsible to the Parliament and can be removed by it

(d) the Government is chosen by the Parliament but cannot be removed by it before completion of a fixed term

Ans11. Correct Option: (B) A parliamentary system or parliamentary democracy is a system of democratic governance of a state (or subordinate entity) where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the legislature, typically a parliament, and is also held accountable to that parliament.

12. Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State?

(a) Directive Principles of State Policy

(b) Fundamental Rights

(d) Seventh Schedule

Ans12. Correct Option: (A)

Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) aim to create social and economic conditions under which the citizens can lead a good life. They also aim to establish social and economic democracy through a welfare state. The Directive Principles of State Policy is guidelines/principles given to the central and state governments of India, to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies.

13. Consider the following statements:

1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.

2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans13. Correct Option: (B)

Combined reading of article 13, 32 and other articles. But it has not been explicitly mentioned in constitution so answer can also be D.

Statement I is out rightly wrong as Basic structure has been defined by SC under Keshavananda Bharti case and not SC.

14. One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is

(a) the final goal of a stateless society

(b) class struggle

(d) economic determinism

Ans14. Correct Option: (A)

There is a great similarity between Mahatma Gandhi and Kart Marx. However, while the final aim of both them is the establishments of a stateless and classless society, their means for achieving this aim are different. Mahatma Gandhi wanted to achieve this end through non-violent means but Marx wanted to achieve it through violent means.

15. In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?

(a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy

(b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism

(d) An agency for the implementation of public policy

Ans15. Correct Option: (D)

They are politically neutral and their main job is to facilitate the effective working of different government departments and policy implementations.

16. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is

(a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect

(b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either

(d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts

Ans16. Correct Option: (A)

Kesavananda Bharati Case: In this case, for the first time, a bench of 13 judges was assembled to hear a writ petition. The Court held that: The Preamble of the Constitution will now be considered as part of the Constitution but won’t be having any legal effect.

This question can also have D as the answer. It’s a one of the controversial question of UPSC.

17. “Gold Tranche” (Reserve Tranche) refers to

(a) a loan system of the World Bank

(b) one of the operations of a Central Bank

(d) a credit system granted by IMF to its members

Ans17. Correct answer: (d) Option (d) is correct: Gold Tranche refers to the amount of gold that each member country of the International Monetary fund (IMF) contributes as part of its membership obligations to the fund, and can readily borrow when facing economic difficulties.

18. With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. They shall be enforceable by courts.

2. They shall not be enforceable by any court.

3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Ans18. Correct Option: (D)

Statement 1 is incorrect: The provisions contained in this Part cannot be enforced by any court

Statement 2 is correct: They shall not be enforced by any court

Statement 3 is correct: The principles therein laid down are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws.

19. Consider the following statements:

1. According to the Constitution of India, a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.

2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans19. Correct Option: (A)

Statement 1 is correct: Yes, he can be a minister if he becomes the member of the assembly within 6 months.

Statement 1 is incorrect: A person found guilty of any of the following shall be disqualified for a period of 6 years to contest elections after release from jail:

• Promoting hatred and enmity between classes

• Influencing elections

• Bribery

• Rape or other grave crimes against women

• Spreading religious disharmony

• Practising untouchability

• Importing or exporting prohibited goods

• Seling or consuming illegal drugs as well as other chemicals

• Engaging in terrorism in any form

• Have been imprisoned for at least two years

20. Consider the following statements:

1. The President of India can summon a session of the Parliament at such place as he/she thinks fit.

2. The Constitution of India provides for three sessions of the Parliament in a year, but it is not mandatory to conduct all three sessions.

3. There is no minimum number of days that the Parliament is required to meet in a year.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Ans20. Correct Option: (A)

Statement 1 is correct: The president from time to time summons each house of the parliament to meet.

Statement 2 is incorrect: There are usually 3 sessions but they are not provided by the constitution.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Parliament should meet at least twice a year

21. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs:

1. Aurang — In-charge of treasury of the state

2. Banian — Indian agent of the East India Company

3. Mirasidar — Designated revenue payer to the state

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans21. (B)

Banian – In Anglo-Indian society and among the natives too a banian was one who was engaged by an individual western merchant or a firm to work for them as a broker, interpreter and agent

Mirasidars – Under the Ryotwari settlement system, the company recognized mirasidars as the sole proprietors of land, dismissing tenants’ rights

Aurang – Means throne and Aurangzeb means Throne Adorer.

So most likely answer is B.

22. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements:

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.

2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.

3. The deification of Buddha by

Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans22. Correct Option: (B)

Statement 1 is incorrect: At the second Buddhist council of Vaishali two schools emerged Sthaviravadins while Mahayana came into being in 4th council

Statement 2 is correct: Subdivisions of the Mahasanghikas over the next seven centuries included the Lokottaravadins, the Ekavyavaharikas, and the Kaukkutikas

• Statement 3 is correct: Mahasanghika paved the way for the emergence of Mahayana sect of Buddhism during 4th Buddhist council. Mahayanist gave prominence to the Boddhisattva ideal.

23. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?

(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.

(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.

(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.

Ans23. Correct Option: (A)

• By the 1830s, cheap machine-made goods from Britain flooded the Indian markets. As these were cheaper than the Indian textiles, the Indian textile industries suffered. It led to the decline in Indian textiles and many weavers from Bengal were thrown out of their employment.

• Railways were introduced in India in 1853. This was not the first half of the nineteenth century.

• Heavy duties were imposed on imported Indian textiles in Britain and not vice versa

24. Consider the following events in the history of India:

1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja

2. Establishment of Pallava power under Hahendravarman – I

3. Establishment of Chola power by Parataka – I

4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

(a) 2 – 1– 4 – 3

(b) 3 – 1– 4 – 2

(d) 3 – 4– 1 – 2

Ans24. Correct Option: (C)

• Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja: Rambhadra (833-c. 836) briefly succeeded Nagabhata II. Mihira Bhoja (c. 836–886) expanded the Pratihara dominions west to the border of Sind, east to Bengal, and south to the Narmada. His son, Mahenderpal I (890–910), expanded further eastwards in Magadha, Bengal, and Assam.

• Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman- I: Pallavas became a major power during the reign of Mahendravarman I (571–630 CE)

• Establishment of Chola power: (907-950)

• Pala dynasty founded by Gopala: He was a local chieftain who rose to power in the mid-8th century during a period of anarchy.

25. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?

(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordinates

(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts

(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

Ans25. Correct Option: (C)

• Hundi is a financial instrument that developed in Medieval India for use in trade and credit transactions. Hundis are used as a form of remittance instrument to transfer money from place to place, as a form of credit instrument to borrow money and as a bill of exchange in trade transactions.

26. With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:

1. It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.

2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.

3. The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans26. Correct Option: (D)

• Desher katha was written in 1907 . According to Aurobindo Ghosh the word “Swaraj” was for the time used by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar in this book. The book had a huge impact on the youths of the country as a result book was banned by the British.

• In this book Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar had expressed the situation of a colonial country that is dependent on its colonial masters.

• He played a large role in Swadeshi Movement.

27. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?

1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference

2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement

3. Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses

4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans27. Correct Option: (D)

• Statement 2 is correct: The government agreed to withdraw all ordinances.

• Statement 4 is correct: They also agreed to withdraw trials relating to several offences except those involving violence and release of prisoners arrested for participating in the civil disobedience movement. It was also agreed that the British would remove the tax on salt, which allowed Indians to produce, trade, and sell salt legally and for their own use.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: A public inquiry into police excesses during its suppression of the movement was not agreed by Irwin.

28. The Vital-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by

(a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

(b) Jyotiba Phule

(d) Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Ans28. Correct Option: (A)

• In 1888, Gopal Baba Walangkar began publishing the monthly journal titled Vital-Vidhvansak (Destroyer of Brahmanical or Ceremonial Pollution), which was the first to have the untouchable people as its target audience. He also wrote articles for Marathi-language newspapers such as Sudharak and Deenbandhu

29. With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

(a) measurement of land

(b) coins of different monetary value

(d) religious rituals

Ans29. Correct Option: (A)

• The words kulyavapa, dronavapa and adhavapa indicate the area of land that was required to sow seed grains of the weight respectively of one kulya, drona and adhaka

30. Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription?

“Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.”

(a) Ashoka

(b) Samudragupta

(d) Krishnadeva Raya

Ans30. Correct Option: (A)

• Following is the Edict of Ashoka “Whoever praises his own religion, due to excessive devotion, and condemns others with the thought “Let me glorify my own religion,” only harms his own religion. Therefore contact (between religions) is good. One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others. Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, desires that all should be well-learned in the good doctrines of other religions”

31. With reference to the culture history of India, which one of following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?

a) The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style

b) Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas

c) Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path

d) Powerful merchant guilds of early

Ans31. Correct Option: (C)

• Pramit is a Buddhist term often translated as “perfection”. It is described in Buddhist commentaries as noble character qualities generally associated with enlightened beings.

• Pramita in Mahayana Buddhism means any of the perfections, or transcendental virtues, practiced by bodhisattvas (“Buddhas-to-be”) in advanced stages of their path toward enlightenment.

32. in the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

1. Women’s right to gain education

2. Age of consent

3. Restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans32. Correct Option: (B)

• Rukhmabai Raut went on to become India’s first qualified physician and was a major cause behind the enactment of Age of Consent Act in 1891.

• Raut was married off at the age of 11 to Dadaji Bhikaji who was aged 19. She, however, continued to stay at the house of her widowed mother, who later got married to Assistant Surgeon Sakharam Arjun Raut.

• She was supported by her step-father, when she refused to stay with Bhikaji and his family at his house. This led to the Dadaji Bhikaji vs Rukhmabai case, 1885. While Bhikaji asked for “restitution of conjugal rights”.

• Justice Robert Hill Pinhey made note that in this case, Raut was a young woman and was married off in “helpless infancy” and hence cannot be forced. The case came up for retrial after many criticised the judgement as diminishing Hindu customs.

• With debates around Hindu vs English law, internal reforms vs external reforms, respecting ancient customs and traditions, the final judgement asked Raut on March 4, 1887 to live with her husband or face imprisonment for six moths instead.

• Bravely, she wrote that she would rather be imprisoned for six months than choosing to live with her husband.

• The matter was finally settled when Queen Victoria dissolved her marriage by overruling the court order. Raut later went to England to pursue further studies. She studied at the London School of Medicine a 5 years degree course in medicine

33. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters

(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

(d) Government control over the planters

Ans33. (B)

Post industrialisation synthetic dyes made trading in traditional indigo unprofitable.

34. Wellesley established the fort William College at Calcutta because

(a) he was asked by the Board of Directors at London to do so

(b) he wanted to revive interest in oriental learning in India

(d) he wanted to train British civilians for administrative purpose in India

Ans34. (D)

35. With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following event?

(a) The Revolt of 1857

(b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921

(d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

Ans35. (D)

The ulgulan, meaning ‘Great Tumult’, sought to establish Munda Raj and independence.

36. With reference to scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statement:

1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.

2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.

3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta – II

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans36. (C)

(I) is incorrect.P??ini likely lived in Shalatura in ancient Gandhara in the northwest Indian subcontinent, in what is now modern day Pakistan, during the Mahajanapada era. Around 400BC. Pushyamitra sunga accessed the throne around 185BC.

(II) is incorrect as amarsimha is said to have been “one of the nine gems that adorned the throne of Vikramaditya.(375AD)

(III) is correct.

37. In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer’ is used for

(a) Fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm

(b) Genetic modification of sperm producing cells

(d) Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring

Ans37. Correct Option: (D)

• Option d Statements is correct: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are a common cause of genetic disease with pathogenic mtDNA mutations being detected in approximately 1 in 250 live births. MtDNA is transmitted maternally and it has been proposed that Pronuclear transfer techniques may be an approach to prevent the transmission of human mtDNA disease.

38. with the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following ?

1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units

2. Create meaningful short stories and songs

3. Disease diagnosis

4. Text –to –Speech Conversion

5. Wireless transmissions of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Ans38. (D)

39. With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statement are correct?

1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.

2. VLC is known as long-rang optical wireless communication.

3. VLC can transmit large amount of data faster than Bluetooth.

4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

Select the correct answer using code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Ans39. Correct Option: (C)

• 3rd Statement is incorrect: Optical wireless communications (OWC) is a form of optical communication in which unguided visible, infrared (IR), or ultraviolet (UV) light is used to carry a signal. OWC systems operating in the visible band (390–750 nm) are commonly referred to as visible light communication (VLC).

40. With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements:

1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect but which no single user controls.

2. The structure and design of block chain is such that all the data in it are about crypto currency only.

3. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission

Which of the statement given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1 and 3

Ans40. Correct Option: (D)

• 2nd Statement is incorrect:

Blockchain is a shared, trusted, public ledger of transactions, that everyone can inspect but which no single user controls. Not all cryptocurrencies operate on a blockchain, and not all blockchains utilize cryptocurrencies as part of their design. Bitcoin relies on a public blockchain, a system of recording transactions that allows anyone to read or write transactions. Anyone can aggregate and publish those transactions.

41. With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statement:

1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.

2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.

3. They can be used in biochemical sensors.

4. Carbon nanotubes are biochemical.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans41. Correct Option: (D)

• All Statements are correct: Single-walled carbon nanotubes covalently functionalized with polytyrosine: a new material for the development of NADH-based biosensors. .

42. Consider the following activities:

1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field

2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes

3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans42. Correct Option: (D)

• All Statements are correct: It is used in spraying pasticides and inspecting volcanoes also. The SnotBot is in fact a drone adapted for sampling whale breath that films while capturing the precious mucus in four Petri dishes or on sponges. To date, analyses have been used to identify DNA, ketones, hormones (notably to determine whether the animal is pregnant) and microbiomes contained in the whale exhalations.

43.”The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(d) Evolved LISA

Ans43 . Correct Option: (D)

LISA Pathfinder science LISA Pathfinder was a proof-of-concept mission to prove that the two masses can fly through space, untouched but shielded by the spacecraft, and maintain their relative positions to the precision needed to realise a full gravitational wave observatory planned for launch in 2034. Evolved LISA will be the final project to be launched in 2034.

44. Consider the following statements:

1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.

2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage.

3. Human induced pluripotent stem cells can be injected into the embryo of a pig.

Which of the statement given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans44. Correct Option: (D)

• All Statements are correct: All the above given statements are correct.

45. What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India?

1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.

2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.

3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans45. Correct Option: (B)

3rd Statement is incorrect: It has some side effects. Such as a decreased appetite

– a slightly raised temperature

– irritability

– redness and swelling at the site of the injection

– feeling sleepy or not sleeping well

46. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of

(a) Digital security infrastructure

(b) Food security infrastructure

(d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

Ans46. Correct Option: (A)

A public key infrastructure (PKI) is a set of roles, policies, hardware, software and procedures needed to create, manage, distribute, use, store and revoke digital certificates and manage public-key encryption.

47. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.

2. Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do.

3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.

select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans47. Correct Option: (C)

• 2nd Statement is incorrect: A plant cell wall is arranged in layers and contains cellulose microfibrils, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, and soluble protein. Animal cells are devoid of cell wall and do not contain cellulose. In bacterial and plant cells, a cell wall is attached to the plasma membrane on its outside surface. Animal vacuoles are smaller than their plant counterparts but also usually greater in number.

48. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution?

1. Automobile exhaust

2. Tobacco smoke

3. Wood burning

4. Using varnished wooden furniture

5. Using products made of polyurethane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Ans48. Correct Option: (D)

• Exposure can occur occupationally and domestically as a result of the ubiquitous use of benzene-containing petroleum products, including motor fuels and solvents. Active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke is also a significant source of exposure.

• Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers. Benzene is also used to make some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.

• Human exposure to benzene has been associated with a range of acute and long-term adverse health effects and diseases, including cancer and aplastic anaemia.

• Benzene is highly volatile, and exposure occurs mostly through inhalation.1–3 Public health actions are needed to reduce the exposure of both workers and the general population to benzene.

49. If another global financial crisis happens in the near future, which of the following actions/policies are most likely to give some immunity to India?

1. Not depending on short-term foreign borrowings

2. Opening up to more foreign banks

3. Maintaining full capital account convertibility

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans49. Correct Option: (B)

Option 1 is correct: Not depending on short term foreign borrowings and focusing on long term plans will give immunity to the economy.

Option 2 is correct: The presence of foreign banks lowers overhead costs and profits of domestic banks. Foreign banks also increase overall economic growth by raising the efficiency of domestic banks.

Option 3 is incorrect: India’s rupee is a partially convertible currency—rupees can be exchanged at market rates in certain cases, but approval is required for larger amounts. Making the rupee a fully convertible currency would mean increased liquidity in financial markets, improved employment and business opportunities, and easy access to capital. Some of the disadvantages include higher volatility, an increased burden of foreign debt, and an effect on the balance of trade and exports.

50. If you withdraw Rs. 1,00,000 in cash from your Demand Deposit Account at your bank, the immediate effect on aggregate money supply in the economy will be

(a) to reduce it by Rs. 1,00,000

(b) to increase it by Rs. 1,00,000

(d) to leave it unchanged

Ans50. D

51. What reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?

(a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.

(b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.

(d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.

Ans51. (B)

52. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.

2. India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.

3. India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.

4. India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Ans52. (D)

53. The term ‘West Taxes Intermediate’ sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of

(a) Crude oil

(b) bullion

(d) Uranium

Ans53. A

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) can refer to a grade or a mix of crude oil, and/or the spot price, the futures price, or the assessed price for that oil; colloquially WTI usually refers to the price of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) WTI Crude Oil futures contract or the contract itself.

54. In the context of the Indian Economy, non-financial debt includes which of the following?

1. Housing loans owed by households

2. Amounts outstanding on credit cards

3. Treasury Bills

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans54. C

Non-financial debt consists of credit instruments issued by governmental entities, households and businesses that are not included in the financial sector. Non-financial debt consists of credit instruments issued by governmental entities, households and businesses that are not included in the financial sector.

Best possible answer could be C. As in case of treasury bill generally RBI provides debt to government.

55. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others or not?

(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium

(b) some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies

(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

Ans55. B

2nd Statement is correct: India will decide on the number of new reactors to be placed under IAEA safeguards only after assessing if these will be fuelled by uranium procured from abroad. There are at present 22 operational reactors, of which 14 are under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards as these use imported fuel.

56. With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS); which of the following statement is/are correct?

1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.

2. They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.

3. They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans56. C

TRIMs are rules that restrict preference of domestic firms and thereby enable international firms to operate more easily within foreign markets. It does not apply to services.

57. If the RBI to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do?

1. Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio.

2. Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate.

3. Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans57. B

MSF or Marginal Standing Facility enables banks to borrow funds from RBI (Reserve Bank of India) in emergency situations when their liquidity absolutely dries up.

• This short-term borrowing scheme facilitates the scheduled banks to get funds from the central bank of India overnight in case of serious cash shortage by offering their approved government securities.

• MSF rate or Marginal Standing Facility rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India provides money to the scheduled commercial banks who are facing acute shortage of liquidity.

• If RBI decided to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, it will not increase the MSF rate.

58. With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization consider the following statements:

1. Worker productivity (Rs per worker at 2004-05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.

2. The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.

3. In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased.

4. The growth rate in rural employment decreased.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Ans58. B

Statement 1 is incorrect:

Statement 2 is incorrect: It has been fluctuating.

Statement 3 is correct: Rural non-farm economy, in recent times, is considered as an effectual strategy for decentralization of economic activities to rural India. The Economic Census of India estimates that around 41.89 million rural people are employed in non-agricultural establishments which registered a growth rate of 4.56 % during 1998-2005.

Statement 4 is correct: Liberalisation is being criticized for jobless growth.

59. Consider the following statements:

1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks.

2. One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans59. B

Explanation:

A District Co-operative Central Bank (DCCB) is a cooperative bank operating at the district level in various parts of India to provide banking to the rural hinterland for the agricultural sector with the branches primarily established in rural and semi-urban areas.

Statement 1 is incorrect: SCBs and RRBs provide more credit than DCCBs.

Statement 2 is correct: DCCB’s main function can be considered as money pooling for the PACS. DCCBs act as a balancing center for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). This is done by diverting the surplus funds of some societies to those who face shortages of funds.

60. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits?

1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer.

2. Cost of new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so

3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion

4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans60. B

61. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?

1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops.

2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.

3. Social Capital Development.

4. Free electricity supply to farmers

5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system

6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Ans61. C

62. What is the importance of the term “Interest Coverage Ratio” of a firm in India?

1. It helps in understanding the present risk of a firm that a bank is going to give loan to

2. It helps in evaluating the emerging risk of a firm that a bank is going to give loan to

3. The higher a borrowing firm’s level of Interest Coverage Ratio, the worse is its ability to service its debt.

Select the correct answer using the code given:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans62. A

The interest coverage ratio measures a company’s ability to handle its outstanding debt. It is one of a number of debt ratios that can be used to evaluate a company’s financial condition.

Statements 1 and 2 are correct: It is one of the parameters that help understand and evaluate present and emerging risks of a firm a bank is lending to.

Statement 3 is incorrect: A higher ratio indicates a better financial health as it means that the company is more capable to meeting its interest obligations from operating earnings.

63. Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past?

1. Minimum Support Price

2. Government’s trading

3. Government’s stockpiling

4. Consumer subsidies

Select the Correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Ans63. (D)

64. Consider the following statements:

1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.

2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.

3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

Which of the statement given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans64. B

Statement 1 is incorrect: It is fluctuating.

Statement 2 is correct. Bangladesh has been a major textile trading partner for India, with a share of more than 5% in exports and over 7% in imports. While annual textile exports to Bangladesh averages US$2,000 million, imports are worth US$400. The major items of exports are fibre and yarn of cotton, man-made staple fibres and man-made filaments while major import items include apparel and clothing, fabric and other made up textile articles.

Statement 3 is incorrect: India’s trade with countries in South Asia has remained less than 4% of its global trade since the late 1980s. Bangladesh is India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, followed by Nepal, Sri. Lanka, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives.

65. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries member of G20?

(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey

(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand

(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea

Ans65. A

Option (a) is correct: The members of the G20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union

66. Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?

1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets

2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks

3. Consumption requirements of farm households

4. Post-harvest expenses

5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans66. B

Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks and Consumption requirements of farm households both are long term Capital Support

67. Consider the following statements:

1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does.

3. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI at its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans67. A

Statement 1 is correct: The weightage of food in the CPI is close to 50%. Weightage of Food group in WPI is 39.06%.

Statement 2 is correct: The WPI inflation does not capture price changes of services but the CPI does.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Reserve Bank of India on 1 April 2014 adopted the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the key measure of Inflation. Till now the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was using Wholesale Price Index (WPI) to gauge and measure indicative inflation projections.

68. Consider the following pairs:

River : Flow into

1. Mekong – Andaman Sea

2. Themes – Irish Sea

3. Volga – Caspian Sea

4. Zambezi – Indian Ocean

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

Ans68. C

Pair 1 incorrect because: River Mekong flows into South China Sea

• Pair 2 incorrect because: River Thames flows into North Sea.

• Pair 3 correct: River Volga flows into Caspian Sea.

• Pair 4 correct: River Zambezi flows into Indian Ocean.

69. Consider the following statements:

1. In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.

2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the marketing price will never rise.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans69. (D)

Statement I is incorrect : In case of cereals ie wheat and rice, government’s policy is specifically of open procurement. In case of other products government fixes target.

Statement II is incorrect : As there is no such condition in fixing MSP.

70. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1. ‘Commercial Paper’ is a short-term unsecured promissory note.

2. ‘Certificate of Deposit’ is a long-term instruments issued by the Reserve Bank of India to a corporation.

3. ‘Call Money’ is a short-term finance used for interbank transactions.

4. ‘Zero-Coupon Bonds’ are the interest bearing short-term bonds issued by the Scheduled Commercial Banks to corporations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans70. C

Statement 1 is correct: Commercial paper, in the global financial market, is an unsecured promissory note with a fixed maturity.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Regulated by the Reserve Bank of India, a Certificate of Deposit is a type of money market instrument issued against the funds deposited by an investor with a bank in a dematerialized form for a specific period of time. CDs can only be issued to individuals, companies, fund houses, and such.

Statement 3 is correct: An interbank call money market is a short-term money market which allows for large financial institutions to borrow and lend money at interbank rates.

Statement 4 is incorrect: A zero-coupon bond is a debt security that does not pay interest but instead trades at a deep discount, rendering a profit at maturity, when the bond is redeemed for its full face value.

71. With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:

1. Parivrajaka – Renunciant and Wanderer

2. Shramana – Priest with a high status

3. Upasaka – Lay follower of Buddhism

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans71. B

Option 1 is correctly matched A wandering mendicant, vagrant, recluse, an ascetic who has renounced the world.

•Option 2 is incorrectly matched Shramana means “seeker, one who performs acts of austerity, ascetic”. Shramana is a wandering monk in certain austere traditions of ancient India, including Jainism, Buddhism, and ajvika religion.

•Upasaka 3 is correctly matched feminine Upasika, lay devotee of the Gautama Buddha.

72. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.

2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.

3. An elephant can normally go on calying till the age of 40 years only.

4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Ans72. A

Statement 1 is correct: The elephant herd is led by the oldest and largest female cow known as the matriarch

• Statement 2 is correct: Females (called “cows”) can usually breed when they are 10-15 years old. After a pregnancy (called the “gestation period”) of 22 months, they give birth to a single baby (called a “calf”) which weighs about 220 lb (100 kg). Elephant calves are cared for by their mothers, and also by other females in the herd (called “aunties”).

• Statement 3 is incorrect: Calves stay with their mothers until they are about 5 years old, at which time males often leave the herd, but females remain.

• Statement 4 is incorrect: Karnataka has the highest number of elephants (6,049), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054).

73. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin?

1. Nagarhole National Park

2. Papikonda National Park

3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans73. C

(c) Option is correct: Nagarhole National Park is in the Cauvery Basin. Papikonda National Park lies in the River Godavari basin. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve lies on the banks of the River Bhavani, a tributary of the River Cauvery in the foothills of the Eastern Ghats. Kabini river (a tributary of Cauvery river) flows through the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary.

74. With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are

(a) Birds

(b) Primates

(d) Amphibians

Ans74. A

Cylon Frogmouth is a small, nocturnal bird found in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats in India. Related to the nightjars, it is nocturnal and is found in forest habitats. The plumage coloration resembles that of dried leaves and the bird roosts quietly on branches, making it difficult to see. Each has a favourite roost that it uses regularly unless disturbed. It has a distinctive call that is usually heard at dawn and dusk. The sexes differ slightly in plumage.

• The coppersmith barbet, also called crimson-breasted barbet and coppersmith, is an Asian barbet with crimson forehead and throat, known for its metronomic call that sounds similar to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. It is a resident bird in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

• The grey-chinned minivet is a species of bird in the family Campephagidae. It is found from the Himalayas to China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Its natural habitat is forests about 1,000–2,000 m in elevation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed it as a least-concern species.

• The white-throated redstart is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Nepal, Bhutan, central China and far northern areas of Myanmar and Northeast India. Its natural habitat is temperate forests

75. Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barahsingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminiviorous?

(a) Kanha National Park

(b) Manas National Park

(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Ans75. A

Correct Option: (A) • Swamp deer occur in the Kanha National Park of Madhya Pradesh, in two localities in Assam, and in only 6 localities in Uttar Pradesh. They are regionally extinct in West Bengal.They are also probably extinct in Arunachal Pradesh. A few survive in Assam’s Kaziranga and Manas National Park.

76. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following?

1. Construction of base road

2. Improvement of agricultural soil

3. Production of cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans76. Correct Option: (D)

• All Statements are correct: Steel slag contains significant amounts of free iron, which gives the material high density and hardness and makes it as a suitable artificial source of aggregates for road construction. Slag application favors the increase of pH and the availability of nutrients such as Ca, Mg, and Si in the soil. Steel-slag can be used to produce energy-saving cement by co-grinding with OPC clinker and blastfurnace slag.

77. Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat?

1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Gangotri National Park

3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Manas National Park

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Ans77. (A)

• Statement 1 is correct: Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary is located 54 km from Pithoragarh near Askot in Uttarakhand state of India. This sanctuary has been set up primarily with the object of conserving the musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) and its habitat. Intensive efforts have been initiated to conserve this rare species.

• Statement 2 is correct: Gangotri National Park is home to the snow leopard. To date, 15 mammal species and 150 bird species have been documented in the park, including Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), etc.

• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve near Mailani in Uttar Pradesh, India. Musk deer is not found here.

• Statement 4 is incorrect: The fauna of the Manas sanctuary include Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, gaurs, Asian water buffaloes, barasingha, Indian tigers, Indian leopards, clouded leopards, Asian golden cats, dholes, capped langurs, golden langurs, Assamese macaques, slow loris, hoolock gibbons, smooth-coated otters, sloth bears, barking deers, hog deers, black panthers, sambar deers and chitals.

• Himalayan musk deer occurs in parts of northern Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and in northern India such as in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. It inhabits high alpine environments above altitudes of 2,500 m (8,200 ft).

78. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?

1. Copper slag

2. Cold mix asphalt technology

3. Geotextiles

4. Hot mix asphalt technology

5. Portland cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 5 only

Ans78. (A)

79. Consider the following statements:

1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury.

2. Coal-fired power plants release sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment.

3. High ash content is observed in India coal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans79. D

• Statement 1 is correct: Constituents that are found at various concentrations in coal ash are arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, mercury, molybdenum, selenium, thallium and uranium.

• Statement 2 is correct: Coal fired power plants lead to significant emissions of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and carbon dioxide.

• Statement 3 is correct: Ash content of coal produced in the country is generally 25 to 45 % whereas average ash content of imported coal varies from 10 to 20 %. Indian Coal has comparatively higher ash content than imported coal due to drift theory of formation of coal deposits in India.

80. What is the use of bochar in farming?

1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.

2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorganism.

3. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the growing medium to retain water for longer time.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans80. D

All the statements are correct

Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167880914001303

https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/benefits-of-biochar-on-the-agriculture-and-environment–a-review-2380-2391-1000207.pdf

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/climatechange/australias-farming-future/biochar

81. If a particular plat specie is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?

(a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant.

(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.

(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.

Ans81. (B)

• (b) Option is correct: Schedule VI contains the plants, which are prohibited from cultivation and planting. These plants are as follows: Beddomes’ cycad (Cycas beddomei),Blue Vanda (Vanda eoerulea), Kuth (Saussurea costus), Ladies slipper orchids (Paphiopedilium spp.), Pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana), Red Vanda (Rananthera imschootiana).

Its answer could also be A.

82. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns, Ghantasala, kadura and Chaul were well known as.

(a) port handling foreign trade

(b) capitals of powerful kingdoms

(d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centres

Ans82. A

•In the Gupta period , there was flourishing trade both internal and external.

•The wealth of the Roman Empire reached India through the ports of Kalyan, Chaul, Broach and cambay in western India.

•In the Andhra region the ports were Kadura and Ghantashala.

•Kaveripattanam and Tondai were ports of Pandya region.

83. What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture/

1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop.

2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of paddy seeds in the wet soil is possible.

3. Carbon sequestration in the soil is possible.

Select the correct answer using code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans83. D

All statements are correct

84. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofules?

1. Cassava

2. Damaged wheat grains

3. groundnut seeds

4. Horse gram

5. Rotten potatoes

6. Sugar beet

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 ,4 ,5 and 6

Ans84. A

National Policy on Biofuels

• Statements 1,2,5 and 6 are correct: The Policy expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of Sugarcane Juice, Sugar containing materials like Sugar Beet, Sweet Sorghum, Starch containing materials like Corn, Cassava, Damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production.

• The Policy categorises biofuels as “Basic Biofuels” viz. First Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” – Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc. to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category.

• The Policy encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, Used Cooking Oil, short gestation crops.

85. Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’, It is a measure, in monetary value, of the

(a) Long term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emissions in a given year.

(b) requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burring of those fuels.

(d) contribution of an individual persons to the carbon footprint on the planted Earth.

Ans85. A

• Option A is correct: The “social cost of carbon” (SCC) is the present value of the future damages from one additional unit of carbon emissions in a particular year. The Social Cost of Carbon is usually estimated as the net present value of climate change impacts over the next 100 years (or longer) of one additional tonne of carbon emitted to the atmosphere today. It is the marginal global damage costs of carbon emissions.

• The model includes the essential ingredients for calculating the SCC at the global scale, and is designed to be transparent and easy to use by decision-makers and non-specialists.

86. With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.

2. Green-gram alone account for nearly half of pulse production.

3. In the last three decades while the production of kharif pulse has increases, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

Which of the statements above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans86. A

Statement 1 is correct: Black Gram can be cultivated as both kharif and Rabi crop. During kharif, it is cultivated throughout the country. It is best suited to rice fallows during rabi in southern and south-eastern parts of India.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Gram is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad/Black Matpe and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each.

Statement 3 is incorrect : It is other way round.

87. “The Crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop. Which one of the following is that crop?

(a) Cotton

(b) Jute

(d) Tea

Ans87. A

All mentioned features are best suited for the cultivation of cotton

Climatic requirements for cotton:

• Temperature- 21-30 degree Celsius

• Rainfall: 50-100 cm

• 210 frost free days

• Soil : Black soil of Deccan and Malwa Plateau

88. With reference to solar water pumps consider the followings statements:

1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps.

2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans88. (D)

89. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements:

1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field.

2. When direct planting of setts in done the germination percentages is better with single-budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.

3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts.

4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using setting prepared from tissues culture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans89. (C)

Statement 1 is correct : The settlings are raised in the nursey and are ready for transplanting by 30-35 days. After 30-35 days old settlings are transplanted in the main field using the sugarcane settling transplanter.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Large setts have better survival under bad weather but single budded setts also gives 70% germination if protected with chemical treatment.

Statement 4 is correct : Planting material for vegetative propagation such as whole cane, setts having of single bud to six buds, settling prepared from tissue culture or single buds in nursery are being used.

90. In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to the practices(s) of eco-friendly agriculture?

1. Crop diversification

2. Legume intensification

3. Tensiometer use

4. Vertical frming

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 , 3 and 4

Ans90. D

All statements are correct

91. What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?

1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.

2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.

3. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 2 and 3 only

(b) 1,2 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans91. C

Statement 1 is correct: Fertigation can control alkalinity of irrigation water

Statement 2 is incorrect: Efficient application of all phosphatic fertilisers is not possible

Statement 3 is correct: Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible

Statement 4 is correct: Reduction in leaching is possible

92. Consider the following minerals:

1. Bentonite

2. Chromite

3. Kyanite

4. Sillimanite

In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?

(a) 1 and 3only

(b) 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans92. D

On 10th February 2015 bentonite has been declared as ‘Minor Mineral’ hence the production is not available with IBM. Bentonite is exploited mainly by manual and at places by semi-mechanised methods by deploying shovels and dumpers for mining, haulage, etc.

• The major minerals cover fuel minerals consisting of coal, lignite, petroleum & natural gas and other major minerals i.e. metallic minerals including atomic minerals and non-metallic minerals. Minor minerals consist of materials such as marble, slate, shale etc

93. With references to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 120 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.

2. OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term Mean.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 and 2

Ans93. B

Statement 1 is incorrect:

• The 26 degree C isotherm is seen at depths varying from 50-100 metres. During January-March, the mean 26 degree C isotherm depth in the Southwestern Indian Ocean is 59 metres.

Statement 2 is correct:

• Researchers at Pune’s Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology report that ocean mean temperature is more accurate in predicting Indian monsoon

• The information on whether the amount of monsoon rainfall will be more or less than the long-term mean will be available by beginning of April, two months before the south-west monsoon can set. This is because OMT is analysed by measuring the ocean thermal energy during the period January to March.

94. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:

1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market driven and administered by the Government.

2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea is produced from natural gas.

3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by product of oil refineries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans94. (B)

95. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?

1. It is spread over two districts.

2. there is no human habitation inside the Park.

3. It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans95. C

Statement 1 is correct : The Desert National Park is Situated in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Indian state Rajasthan.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The park’s vegetation is revered and protected by the local communities specially the ‘Bishnois’.

Statement 3 is correct: The endangered great Indian bustard is a magnificent bird found in relatively fair numbers.

96. Siachen Glacier is situated to the

(a) East of Akasai Chin

(b) East of Leh

(d) North of Nubra Valley

Ans96. (D)

97. With reference in the history of India, consider the following pairs:

Famous Place Present State

1. Bhilsa Madhya Pradesh

2. Dwarasamudra Maharashtra

3. Girinagar Gujarat

4. Sthanesvara Uttar Pradesh

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4only

(d) 2 and 4 only

Ans97. B

•Option 1 is correctly matched: Vidisha is a city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Vidish? was the administrative headquarters of Bhelsa, or Bhilsa, during the Medieval period. It was renamed Vidisha in 1956.

•Option 2 is incorrectly matched: Halebidu is a town located in Hassan District, Karnataka, India. Halebidu (which used to be called Dwarasamudra) was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century.

•Option 3 is correctly matched : Girnar, also known as Girinagar. It is in Gujarat.

•Option 4 in incorrectly matched: The ancient Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated in Thanesar, a holy town in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana, India.

98. Consider the following statements:

1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.

3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Ans98. B

• (b) Option is correct: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) was constituted under sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. At 39 million hectares (67% of its total irrigation), India has the world’s largest groundwater well equipped irrigation system (China with 19 mha is second, USA with 17 mha is third). Out of 6,584 blocks assessed in the country, 1,034 (around 15%) are in the over-exploited category, 253 in the critical category, 681 in the semi-critical category, 96 in the saline category, and 4,520 in the safe category(CGWA).

99. Consider the following statements:

1. Jet stream occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

2. Only some cyclones develop on eye.

3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Ans99. (C)

Statement 1 is incorrect: Jet Streams occur in both Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

Statement 2 is correct

Statement 3 is incorrect as cyclone eye has higher temperature than surrounding.

100. among the following Tiger Reserves which one has the largest area under the “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

(a) Corbett

(b) Ranthambore

(d) Sunderbans

Ans100. (C)

Manas, Assam – 840 sq km Pakke, Arunachal Pradesh – 683 sq km Nagarjunsagar, Andhra Pradesh – 2595 sq km Periyar, Kerala – 881 sq km

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