2011 Prelims Question Paper with Answers

1. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways:
1. Soil formation
2. Prevention of soil erosion
3. Recycling of waste
4. Pollination of crops
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
ANS: (d)
2. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino
acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a lowcalorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use?
(a) Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not
readily oxidized in the human body due to lack of requisite enzymes.
(b) When Aspartame is used in food processing, the sweet taste remains, but
it becomes resistant to oxidation.
(c) Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after digestion into the body, it is
converted into metabolites that yield no calories.
(d) Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items
made with small quantities of Aspartame yield fewer calories on
oxidation.
ANS: (d)
3. What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W.S. Casine
had set up the Indian parliamentary committee in 1893?
(a) To agitate for Indian political reforms in the house of commons.
(b)To campaign for the entry of Indians into the imperial judiciary.
(c) To facilitate a discussion on India’s independence in the British
parliament.
(d)To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British parliament.
ANS: (a)
4. What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp?
(a) To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an
LED lamp uses semiconductor material.
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(b)The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp.
(c) A CFL is less energy-efficient as compared to an LED lamp.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (c)
5. Recently “oil zapper” was in the news. What is it?
(a) It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil
spills.
(b)It is the latest technology developed for under-sea oil exploration.
(c) It is a genetically engineered high biofuel-yielding maize variety.
(d)It is the latest technology to control the accidently caused flames from oil
wells.
ANS: (a)
6. A married couple adopted a male child. A few years later, twin boys were
born to them. The blood group of the couple is AB positive and O negative.
The blood group of three sons is A positive, B positive and O positive. The
blood group of the adopted son is?
(a) O positive
(b)A positive
(c) B positive
(d)Cannot be determined on the basis of the given data.
ANS: (a)
7. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of the deepest convictions were reflected in
a book titled, “Unto this last” and the book transformed his life. What was
the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi?
(a) Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an
educated man.
(b)The good of individual is contained in the good of all.
(c) The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life.
(d)All the statements (a), (b) and c are correct in this context.
ANS: (b)
8. With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well known
for?
(a) Running the secret congress radio in the wake of quit India movement.
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(b)Participating in the second round table conference.
(c) Leading a contingent of Indian national army.
(d)Assisting in the formation of interim government under Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru.
ANS: (a)
9. A new optical format disc known as the blu-ray disc (BD) is becoming
popular. In what way is it different from the traditional DVD?
1. DVD supports standard definition video while BD supports high
definition video.
2. Compared to a DVD, the BD format has several times more storage
capacity.
3. Thickness of BD is 2.4 mm while that of DVD is 1.2 mm.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (b)
10.With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the
following was/were recommended by the Nehru report?
1. Complete the independence for India.
2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities.
3. Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the
constitution.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (b)
11.Among the following states, which one has the most suitable climatic
conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum
cost of production, and can develop an export oriented industry in this field?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b)Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d)Uttar Pradesh
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ANS: (b)
12.Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of
flora?
(a) Biosphere reserve
(b)Botanical garden
(c) National park
(d)Wildlife sanctuary
ANS:
13.Consider the following statements:
In India, a metropolitan planning committee:
1. Is constituted under the provisions of the constitution of India.
2. Prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area.
3. Has the sole responsibility for implementing government sponsored
schemes in the metropolitan area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (a)
14.What is the difference between “vote-on-account” and interim budget?
1. The provision of a “vote-on-account” is used by a regular government
while an “interim budget” is a provision used by a caretaker government.
2. A “vote-on-account” inly deals with the expenditure in the government is
budget, while an “interim budget” includes both expenditure and receipts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (b)
15.Regarding the international monetary fund, which one of the following
statements is correct?
(a) It can grant to any country
(b)It can grant loans to only developed countries.
(c) It grant loans to only member countries
(d)It can grant loans to the central bank of a country.
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ANS: (c)
16.In the union budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty
was extended to the bio-based asphalt (biosphalt). What is the importance of
this material?
1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
2. Biosphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
4. It is ec0-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.
Which is the correct answer using the codes given below?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
ANS: (b)
17.Consider the following:
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Oxides of nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion
at thermal power plants?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS:
18.Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit.
A satellite is said to be in such as orbit when:
1. The orbit is geosychronous
2. The orbit is circular
3. The orbit lies in the plane of the earth’s equator
4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236
Which the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
ANS: (a)
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19.India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past.
What could be the reasons?
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the
area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last
five years by about 30%
2. As a sequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the
people have undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural constraints.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
ANS: (b)
20.At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of
genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge
benefit us?
1. It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock.
2. It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
3. It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (d)
21.In terms of economy, the visit by foreign nationals to witness the XIX
common wealth games in India amounted to?
(a) Export
(b)Import
(c) Production
(d)Consumption
ANS: (a)
22.Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?
1. They use living organism as catalysts to generate electricity from certain
substrates.
2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.
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3. They can be installed in waste water treatment plants to cleanse water
and produce electricity.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (d)
23.Which one of the following statements approximately describes the “fiscal
stimulus”?
(a) It is a massive investment by the government in manufacturing sector to
ensure the supply of goods to meet the demand surge caused by rapid
economic growth.
(b)It is an intense affirmative action of the government to boost economic
activity in the country.
(c) It is government’s intensive action on financial institutions to ensure
disbursement and allied sectors to promote greater food production and
contain food inflation.
(d)It is an extreme affirmative action by the government to pursue its policy
of financial inclusion.
ANS: (b)
24.The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of
concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?
(a) Presence of prominent tropical turbulence; and inflow of
chloroflurocarbons.
(b)Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of
chloroflurocarbons.
(c) Absence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of
methane and chloroflurocarbons.
(d)Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming
ANS: (b)
25.Consider the following actions which the government can take:
1. Devaluing the domestic currency
2. Reduction in the export subsidy
3. Adopting suitable policies which attract grater FDI and more funds from
fills.
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Which of the above action/actions can help in reducing the current
account deficit?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3
ANS: (a)
26.The constitution (seventy- third amendment) act, 1992, which aims at
promoting the panchayati raj institutions in the country, provides for which
of the following?
1. Constitution of district planning committees.
2. State election commissions to conduct all panchayat elections.
3. Establishment of state finance commission.
State the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS; (c)
27.Two important rivers- one with its source in Jharkhand ( and known by a
different names in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha merge at a
place only a short distance from the coast of bay of Bengal before flowing
into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a
protected area. Which one of the following could be this?
(a) Bhitarkanika
(b)Chandipur-on-sea
(c) Gopalpur-on-sea
(d)Simlipal
ANS: (a)
28.A rapid increase in the rate of inflation is sometimes attributed to the “base
effect”. What is “base effect”?
(a) It is the impact of drastic deficiency in supply due to failure of crops.
(b)It is the impact of the surge in demand due to rapid economic growth.
(c) It is the impact of the price levels of previous year on the calculation of
inflation rate.
(d)None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this
context.
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ANS: (c)
29.India is regarded as a country with “Demographic Dividend”. This is due to?
(a) Its high population in the age group below 15 years.
(b)Its high population in the age group below 15-64 years.
(c) Its high population in the age group below 65 years.
(d)Its high total population
ANS: (b)
30.Regarding “carbon credits” which one of the following statements is not
correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto
protocol.
(b)Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced
greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon
dioxide.
(d)Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the united
nations environment programs.
ANS: (d)
31.Consider the following:
1. Right to education
2. Right to equal access to public service.
3. Right to food.
Which of the above is/are human right/human rights under “universal
declaration of human rights”?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (d)
32.There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawater
of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?
1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
3. Upwelling in the seas
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
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(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (d)
33.Consider the following:
1. Photosynthesis
2. Respiration
3. Decay of organic matter
4. Volcanic action
Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on earth?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
ANS: (c)
34.Recently, the USA decided to support India’s membership in multi-lateral
export control regimes called the “Australia group” and the “Wassenaar”
arrangement. What is the difference between them?
1. The Australia group is an informal arrangement which aims to allow
exporting countries to minimize the risk of assisting chemical and
biological weapons proliferation, whereas the wassenaar arrangement is a
formal group under the OECD holding identical objectives.
2. The Australia group comprises predominantly of Asian, African and
North American countries, whereas the member countries of wassenaar
arrangement are predominantly from the European union and American
continents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (d)
35.The surface of a lake is frozen in severe winter, but the water at its bottom is
still liquid. What is the reason?
(a) Ice is a bad conductor of heat.
(b)Since the surface of the lake is at the same temperature as the air, no heat
is lost.
(c) The density of water is maximum at 40C.
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(d)None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given is correct.
ANS: (a)
36.A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species.
The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to
the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that
animal?
(a) Indian wild buffalo
(b)Indian wild ass
(c) Indian wild boar
(d)Indian gazelle
ANS: (b)
37.La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La
Nina different from El Nino?
1. La Nina is characterized by usually cold ocean temperature in equatorial
Indian ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by usually warm ocean
temperature in equatorial pacific ocean.
2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina
has no effect on monsoon climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (d)
38.Then tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of
the land settlement system of Lord Cornwills in 1793. The reason for this is
normally traced to which of the following provisions?
(a) Making zamindar’s position stronger vis-à-vis the ryot.
(b)Making east India company an overlord of zamindars.
(c) Making judicial system more efficient.
(d)None of the (a), (b) and (c) above.
ANS: (d)
39.Which one of the following observation is not true about the quit India
movement of 1942?
(a) It was a non-violent movement.
(b)It was led by Mahatma Gandhi
(c) It was a spontaneous movements.
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(d)It did not attract the labour class in general
ANS: (d)
40.Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal
insurrection in India in the 19th century?
(a) Introduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal
products.
(b)Influence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas.
(c) Rise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as
middlemen in tribal areas.
(d)The complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities.
ANS: (d)
41.India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with southeast
Asia across the bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime
history of bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most
convincing explanation/explanations?
(a) As compared to other countries, India had a better ship building
technology in ancient and medieval times.
(b)The rulers of southern India always partronized traders Brahmin priests
and Buddhist monks in this context.
(c) Monsoon winds across the Bay of Bengal facilitated sea vouyages.
(d)Both (a) and (b) are convincing explanation in thos context.
ANS: (d)
42.What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices?
(a) Bluetooth uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, whereas Wi-Fi can use 2.4
GHz or 5 GHz frequency band.
(b)Bluetooth is used for wireless local area network (WLAN) only, whereas
Wi-Fi is used for wireless wide area network (WWAN ) only.
(c) When information is transmitted between two devices using blue-tooth
technology, the devices have to be in the line of sight of each other, but
when Wi-Fi technology is used the devices need not be in the line of
sight of each other.
(d)The statements (a) and (b) given above are correct in this context.
ANS: (a)
43.With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are
correct?
1. Fertilizer/Nutrient loss can be reduced.
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2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
3. In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (c)
44.With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, “Home charges”
formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the
following funds constituted “home charges”?
1. Funds used to support the India office in London
2. Funds used to pay salaries and pensions of british personnel engaged in
India.
3. Funds used for waging wars outside India by the british.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (d)
45.What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on
behalf of the peasants off Kheda?
1. The administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of
a drought.
2. The administration proposed to introduce permanent settlement in
Gujarat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (a)
46.The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a
reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function
as a safety hedge?
(a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a
wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.
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(b)The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in
need of after any natural disaster.
(c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent
shelter during a cyclone or Tsunami.
(d)The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of
their extensive roots.
ANS: (d)
47.The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by?
(a) Universal law
(b)Universal truth
(c) Universal faith
(d)Universal soul
ANS: (a)
48.Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil
evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of
Salinization on the irrigated land?
(a) It greatly increases the crop production.
(b)It makes some soils impermeable.
(c) It raises the water table.
(d)It fills the air spaces in the soil with water.
ANS:
49.The “Red books” published by the international union for conservation of
nature and natural resources (IUCN) contain lists of ?
(a) Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
(b)Threatened plant and animal species.
(c) Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various
countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
ANS: (b)
50.Why is the offering of “teaser loans” by commercial banks a cause of
economic concern?
1. The teaser loans are considered to be an aspect of sub-prime lending and
banks may be exposed to the risk of defaulters in future.
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2. In India, the teaser loans are mostly given to inexperienced entrepreneurs
to set up manufacturing or export units.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (a)
51.An artificial satellite orbiting around the earth does not fall down. This is so
because the attraction of earth?
(a) Does not exist at such distance
(b)Is neutralized by the attraction of the moon
(c) Provides the necessary speed for its steady motion
(d)Provides the necessary acceleration for its motion.
ANS: (d)
52.In the context of Indian economy, consider the following statements?
1. The growth rate of GDP has steadily increased in the last five years.
2. The growth rate in per capita income has steadily increased in the last
five years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (d)
53.In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement
of credit to agriculture and allied activities?
(a) Commercial banks.
(b)Cooperative banks.
(c) Regional rural banks.
(d)Microfinance institutions
ANS: (a)
54. Which if the following can aid in furthering the government’s objective of
inclusive growth?
1. Promoting self- help groups.
2. Promoting micro, small and medium enterprises.
3. Implementing the right to education act.
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Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only
ANS: (d)
55.Why is the government of India disinvesting its equity in the central public
sector enterprises (CPSEs)?
1. The revenue intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvest- ment
mainly to pay back the external debt.
2. The government no longer intends to retain the management control of
the CPSEs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (d)
56.What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen
gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and mars, while
comets are found mostly between venus and mercury.
3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (b)
57.Economic growth is usually coupled with?
(a) Deflation
(b)Inflation
(c) Stagflation
(d)Hyperinflation
ANS: (b)
58.The lowering of bank rate by the reserve bank of India leads to?
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(a) More liquidity in the market.
(b)Less liquidity in the market.
(c) No change in the liquidity in the market.
(d)Mobilization of more deposits by commercial banks.
ANS: (a)
59.Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in
northern hemisphere. Why?
1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern
hemisphere.
2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern
hemisphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (a)
60.Between India and East Asia, the navigation time and distance can be greatly
reduced by which of the following?
1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
2. Opening a new canal across the Kra Isthmus between the Gulf of Siam
and Andaman sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (b)
61.Which one of the following is not a feature of “value added tax”?
(a) It is multipoint destination based system of taxation.
(b)It is a tax levied on value addiction at each stage of transaction in the
production distribution chain.
(c) It is a tax on the final consumption of goods or services and must
ultimately be borne by the consumer
(d)It is basically a subject of the central government are only a facilitator for
its successful implementation.
ANS: (d)
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62.A “closed economy” is an economy in which?
(a) The money supply is fully controlled
(b)Deficit financing takes place
(c) Only exports takes place
(d)Neither exports nor imports takes place.
ANS: (d)
63.When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its
base, it gradually dries up and dies because?
(a) Water from soil cannot rise to aerial parts.
(b)Roots are starved of energy.
(c) Tree is infected by soil microbes.
(d)Roots do not receive oxygen for respiration.
ANS: (b)
64.The “New START” treaty was in the news. What is this treaty?
(a) It is a bilateral strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty between the USA
and the Russian federation.
(b)It is a multilateral energy security cooperation treaty among the members
of the east asia summit.
(c) It is a treaty between the Russian federation and the European union for
the energy security cooperation.
(d)It is a multilateral cooperation treaty among the BRICS countries for the
promotion of trade.
ANS: (a)
65.Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of
Western ghats, Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of
biodiversity:
1. Species richness
2. Vegetation density
3. Endemism
4. Ethno- botanical importance
5. Threat perception
6. Adaption of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions.
Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?
(a) 1, 2 and 6
(b) 2, 4 and 6
(c) 1, 3 and 5
(d) 3, 4 and 6
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ANS: (c)
66.Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the
lower atmosphere because of?
1. Its escapes into the outer stratosphere.
2. The photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans.
3. The trapping of air in the polar ice caps.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
ANS: (b)
67.In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are
important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the?
1. Decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2. Nutrients to the surface
3. Bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
ANS: (c)
68.If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as
compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because?
(a) The soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients.
(b)Propagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability
(c) The rain forest species are slow- growing.
(d)Exotic species invade the fertile soil of rain forest.
ANS: (a)
69.The Himalayan range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the
following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.
(b)It is a confluence of different bio- geographical zones.
(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been invasive species have not been
introduced in this region.
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(d)It has less human interference.
ANS: (b)
70.With reference to India, consider the following central acts:
1. Import and export (control) act, 1947
2. Mining and mineral development (regulation) act, 1957
3. Customs act,1962
4. Indian forest act, 1927
Which of the above acts have relevance t/bearing on the biodiversity
conservation in the country?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d)None of the above acts.
ANS: (c)
71.Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one
of the following theories?
(a) Empirical liberalism
(b)Existentialism
(c) Darwin’s theory of evolution
(d)Dialectical materialism
ANS: (d)
72.A layer in the earth’s atmosphere called ionosphere facilities radio
communication. Why?
1. Why presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to earth
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (d)
73.Both foreign direct investment (HDI) and Foreign institutional investor (FII)
are related to investment in a country. Which one of the following
statements best represents an important difference between the two?
(a) FII helps bring better management skills and technology. While FDM
only targets specific.
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(b)FDI flows only into the secondary market, in general, while FDI only
targets specific sectors.
(c) FII helps in increasing capital availability in general, while FDI only
targets specific.
(d)FII is considered to be more stable than FDI.
ANS: (c)
74.A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt- brinjal, has been
developed. The objective of this is?
(a) To make it pest- resistant.
(b)To improve its taste and nutritive qualities
(c) To make it drought- resistant
(d)To make its shelf- life longer.
ANS: (a)
75.With reference to “Aam Admi Bima Yojna” consider the following
statements?
1. The member insured under the scheme must be the head of the family or
an earning member of the family in a rural landless house hold
2. The member insured must be in the age of 30 to 65 years.
3. There is a provision for free scholarship insured who are studying
between classes 9 and 12.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (c)
76.Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet
since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a
person maintain health and promote longevity?
(a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body
and help prevent vitamin deficiency.
(b)They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in
the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy.
(c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during
metabolism.
(d)They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the
ageing process.
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ANS: (c)
77.Regarding the Indus valley civilization, consider the following statements?
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element,
though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (c)
78.The lower Gangetic plain is Cahrac- terised by humid climate with high
temperature throughout the year. Which one of the following pairs of crops
is most suitable for this region?
(a) Paddy and cotton
(b)Wheat and jute
(c) Paddy and jute
(d)Wheat and cotton
ANS: (c)
79.What could be the main reason/ reasons for the formation of African and
Eurasian desert belt?
1. It is located in the sub- tropical high pressure cells.
2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (a)
80.The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What
could be the appropriate explanation?
1. There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere.
2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
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(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (b)
81.Consider the following statements:
1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the
higher latitudes.
2. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the
lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (c)
82.The Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet narrow
and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers,
Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn
is due to?
(a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series.
(b)Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas.
(c) Geo- tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains.
(d)Both (a) and (b) above.
ANS: (b)
83.A state in India has the following characteristics:
1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.
2. Its central part produces cotton.
3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.
Which one of the following states has all of the above characteritics?
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b)Gujarat
(c) Karnataka
(d)Tamil Nadu
ANS: (b)
84.What is “virtual private network”?
(a) It is a private computer network of an organization where the remote
users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the
organization
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(b)It is a computer network across a public internet the users provides access
to their organization network while maintaining the security of the
information transmitted.
(c) It is a computer network in which can access a shared pool of computing
resources through a service provider.
(d)None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct.
ANS: (b)
85.The “dharma” and “Rita” depict a central idea of ancient vedic civilization
of India. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s
duties to oneself and to others.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the
universe and all it contained.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 only
(d)Neither 1 nor 2
ANS: (b)
86.In the context of global oil prices, “Brent crude oil” is frequently referred
into the news. What does this term imply?
1. It is a major classification of crude oil.
2. It is sourced from north sea.
3. It does not contain Sulphur.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (c)
87.The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to?
(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons.
(b)Increase the speed of neutrons.
(c) Cool down the reactor.
(d)Stop the nuclear reaction.
ANS: (a)
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88.In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national
minority, what special advantages it is entitled to?
1. It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions.
2. The president of India automatically nominates a representative of the
community to Lok Sabha.
3. It can derive benefits from the prime minister’s 15-point programme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
ANS: (c)
89.India is home to lakhs of person with disabilities, what are the benefits
available to them under the law?
1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government run schools.
2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up business.
3. Ramps in public buildings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (a)
90.With what purpose is the government of India promoting the concept of
“Mega food parks”?
1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing.
2. To increase the processing of perishable items and reduce wastage.
3. To provide emerging and ecosystem friendly food processing
technologies to entrepreneurs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3
ANS: (d)
91.The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the consolidated fund if
India must come from?
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(a) The president of India
(b)The parliament of India
(c) The prime minister of India
(d)The union finance minister
ANS: (b)
92.All revenues received by the union government by way of taxes and other
receipts for the conduct of government business are credited to the?
(a) Contingency fund of India
(b)Public account
(c) Consolidated fund of India
(d)Deposits and advances fund
ANS: (c)
93.Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low- income
groups. This includes both the consumers and the self employed. The
service/ services rendered under micro finance is/ are:
1. Credit facilities
2. Savings facilities
3. Insurance facilities
4. Fund transfer facilities
Select the correct answer using the codes given the lists?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
ANS: (d)
94.South east Asia was captivated the attention of global community over space
and time as geostrategically significant region. Which among the following
is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective?
(a) It was the hot theatre during the second world war.
(b)Its location between the Asian powers of China and India.
(c) It was the arena of superpower confrontation during the cold war period.
(d)Its location between the pacific and Indian oceans and its pre- eminent
maritime character.
ANS: (d)
95.A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain
trans- fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers?
1. The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils.
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2. The food products are not made out of animal fats/oils.
3. The oils used are not likely to damage the cardiovascular health of the
consumers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (c)
96.Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi
national rural employment guarantee act”?
(a) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households.
(b)Adult members of households of all backward communities.
(c) Adult members of households of all backward communities.
(d)Adult members of any household.
ANS: (d)
97.With reference to look east policy of India, consider the following
statements?
1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in the east
Asian regional player in the east Asian affairs.
2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of cold war.
3. India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours
in south east and east Asia.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
ANS: (b)
98.When the annual budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha?
(a) The budget is modified ad presented again.
(b)The budget is referred to the Rajya sabha for suggestions.
(c) The union finance minister is asked to resign.
(d)The prime minister submits the resignation of council of ministers.
ANS: (d)
99.Under the constitution of India, which one of the following is not a
fundamental duty?
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(a) To vote in public elections.
(b)To develop the scientific temper.
(c) To safeguard public property.
(d)To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals.
ANS: (a)
100. With reference to the finance commission of India, which of the
following statements is correct?
(a) It encourages the inflow of foreign capital for infrastructure development.
(b)It facilities the proper distributor of finances among the public section
undertakings.
(c) It ensures transparency in financial administration.
(d)None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
ANS: (d)
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