12 Years PYQ Sample

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12 PREVIOUS YEAR-WISE SOLVED PAPERS
TOTAL OF 1200 MCQS DETAILED SOLUTIONS
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Table of contents
PRELIMS 2013 01
PRELIMS 2014 46
PRELIMS 2015 97
PRELIMS 2016 143
PRELIMS 2017 188
PRELIMS 2018 228
PRELIMS 2019 269
PRELIMS 2020 306
PRELIMS 2021 348
PRELIMS 2022 388
PRELIMS 2023 424
PRELIMS 2024 467

PREVIOUS YEAR PAPER SOLVED 2013-2024
UPSC PRELIMS 2013 QUESTIONS

1.What will follow if a Money Bill is Geographical Feature Region
substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?
a) Abyssinian Plateau : Arabia
a) The Lok Sabha may still proceed with b) Atlas Mountains : North-Western
the Bill, accepting or not accepting the Africa
recommendations of the Rajya Sabha c) Guiana Highlands : South-Western Africa
b) The Lok Sabha cannot consider the Bill d) Okavango Basin : Patagonia
further
4. With reference to the history of Indian rock-
c) The Lok Sabha may send the Bill to the
cut architecture, consider the following
Rajya Sabha for reconsideration
statements:
d) The President may call a joint sitting for
passing the Bill 1. The caves at Badami are the oldest
surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. Which one of the following statements is
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were
correct?
originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor
a) In India, the same person cannot be Chandragupta Maurya.
appointed as Governor for two or more 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different
States at the same time faiths.
b) The Judges of the High Court of the
Which of the statements given above is/are
States in India are appointed by the
correct?
Governor of the State just as the Judges
of the Supreme Court are appointed by a) 1 only
the President b) 2 and 3 only
c) No procedure has been laid down in the c) 3 only
Constitution of India for the removal of d) 1, 2 and 3
a Governor from his/her post
5. Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic
d) In the case of a Union Territory having a
Engineering) allows genes to be transferred
legislative setup, the Chief Minister is
appointed by the Lt. Governor on the 1. across different species of plants
basis of majority support 2. from animals to plants
3. from microorganisms to higher
3. Which one of the following pairs is correctly
organisms
matched?
Select the correct answer using the codes given
below.
a) 1 only
Page | 1
b) 2 and 3 only 1. Arsenic

c) 1 and 3 only 2. Sorbitol
d) 1, 2 and 3 3. Fluoride
4. Formaldehyde
6. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen
5. Uranium
Tsang. who visited India recorded the general
conditions and culture of India at that time. In Select the correct answer using the codes given
this context, which of the following statements below.
is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
1. The roads and river-routes were b) 2, 4 and 5 only
completely immune from robbery. c) 1, 3 and 5 only
2. As regards punishment for offences, d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
ordeals by fire, water and poison were
9. With reference to Indian History, the
the instruments for determining the
Members of the Constituent Assembly from the
innocence or guilt of a person.
Provinces were
3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at
ferries and barrier stations. a) directly elected by the people of those
Provinces
b) nominated by the Indian National
below.
Congress and the Muslim League
a) 1 only c) elected by the Provincial Legislative
b) 2 and 3 only Assemblies
c) 1 and 3 only d) selected by the Government for their
d) 1, 2 and 3 expertise in constitutional matters
7. Consider the following 10. Consider the following animals:
1. Star tortoise 1. Sea cow
2. Monitor lizard 2. Sea horse
3. Pygmy hog 3. Sea lion
4. Spider monkey
Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?
Which of the above found in India?
a) 1 only
a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only c) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 4 only d) 1, 2 and 3
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
11. Consider the following statements
8. Which of the following can be found as
1. An amendment to the Constitution of
pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of
India can be initiated by an introduction
India?
of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.
Page | 2
2. If such an amendment seeks to make Select the correct answer using the codes given
changes in the federal character of the below.
Constitution, the amendment also
a) 1 only
requires to be ratified by the legislature
b) 2 and 3 only
of all the States of India.
c) 1 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above is/are d) 1, 2 and 3
correct?
14. Variations in the length of daytime and
a) 1 only nighttime from season to season are due to
b) 2 only
a) the earth’s rotation on its axis
c) Both 1 and 2
b) the earth’s revolution round the sun in an
d) Neither 1 nor 2
elliptical manner
12. Consider the following statements: c) latitudinal position of the place
d) revolution of the earth on a tilted axis
Attorney General of India can
15. The Narmada river flows to the west, while
1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok
most other large peninsular rivers flow to the
Sabha
east. Why?
2. be a member of a committee of the Lok
Sabha 1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
3. speak in the Lok Sabha 2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the
4. vote in the Lok Sabha Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central
India.
correct?
a) 1 only
below.
b) 2 and 4
c) 1, 2 and 3 a) 1 only
d) 1 and 3 only b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
13. With reference to the usefulness of the by-
d) None
products of sugar industry, which of the
following statements is / are correct? 16. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater
exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the
1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for
remaining freshwater, the largest proportion
the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the a) is found in atmosphere as moisture and
feedstocks for the production of clouds
synthetic chemical fertilizers. b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
3. Molasses can be used for the production c) exists as groundwater
of ethanol. d) exists as soil moisture
Page | 3
17. Consider the following pairs: 20. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant
Movement in Bengal was for
1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve :Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak)Lake : Barail Range a) the reduction of the share of the
3. Namdapha National Park : Dafla Hills landlords from one-half of the crop to
one-third
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly
b) the grant of ownership of land to
matched?
peasants as they were the actual
a) 1 only cultivators of the land
b) 2 and 3 only c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and
c) 1, 2 and 3 the end of serfdom
d) None d) writing off all peasant debts
18. Consider the following: 21. The Parliament can make any law for whole
or any part of India for implementing
1. Electromagnetic radiation
international treaties
2. Geothermal energy
3. Gravitational force a) with the consent of all the States
4. Plate movements b) with the consent of the majority of States
5. Rotation of the earth c) with the consent of the States concerned
6. Revolution of the earth d) without the consent of any State
Which of the above are responsible for bringing 22. In the grasslands, trees do not replace the
dynamic changes on the surface of the earth? grasses as a part of an ecological succession
because of
a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only a) insects and fungi
c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only b) limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 c) water limits and fire
d) None of the above
19. Which of the following bodies does not/do
not find mention in the Constitution? 23. Which one of the following is the correct
sequence of ecosystems in the order of
1. National Development Council
decreasing productivity?
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils a) Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
b) Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
c) Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
below.
d) Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
a) 1 and 2 only
24. Contour bunding is a method of soil
b) 2 only
conservation used in
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3 a) desert margins, liable to strong wind
action
Page | 4
100. Which of the following grants/ grant direct Net Bank Credit (ANDC) for lending to
credit assistance to rural households? these sectors.
1. Regional Rural Banks Regional rural banks, co-operative banks
2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural and small finance banks have to allocate
Development 75% of ANDC to PSL.
3. Land Development Banks
The idea behind this is to ensure that
Select the correct answer using the codes given adequate institutional credit reaches some of
below: the vulnerable sectors of the economy,
which otherwise may not be attractive for
a) 1 and 2 only
banks from the profitability point of view.
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only 2. Option (d) is correct.
d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation: Industrial sector only
accounts for 3% of the annual water
withdrawals in India, yet its contribution to
water pollution, particularly in urban areas,
2013 SOLUTION is considerable. Of the total water use by the
industry, thermal power plants are the
biggest users of water and account for 88%
1. Option (d) is correct. of the total industrial water use. They are
Explanation: Initially in 1974, the banks followed by engineering (5. 05%) pulp &
were mandated 33.33 % as a share of the paper (2. 26%) and textiles (2. 07%)
priority sector in the total bank credit. This industries.
was later revised on the recommendation of
Dr. K. S. Krishnaswamy to 40%. It is the 3. Option (a) is correct.
current target given to banks to disburse the Explanation: The economic survey 2011-12
loans to priority sector. says that India did not have as much growth
in capital per worker as other countries such
Priority Sector Lending: as China, South Korea but had
The RBI mandates banks to lend a certain comparatively stronger growth in TFP.
amount of their funds to specified sectors, If India were to follow a similar path, it
like agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium would need to increase savings and
Enterprises (MSMEs), export credit, investment, both of which will follow from
education, housing, social infrastructure, the demographic transformation.
renewable energy among others.
The survey says that the country can reap
All scheduled commercial banks and foreign the demographic dividend by improving the
banks (with a sizable presence in India) are Total Factor Productivity; a transition from
mandated to set aside 40% of their Adjusted agriculture to non-agriculture sectors such as
Page | 17
manufacturing/service sector and from Congress, in late 1917.The INC Session of

unorganized sector to the organized. 1917 was headed by Annie Besant at
Calcutta.
This can be done via skill development and
that is why skill development is key to 6. Option (c) is correct.
reaping the demographic dividend for a Explanation: The bill was introduced in
country like India. 1883 by Viceroy Ripon, who actually aimed
to abolish the racial prejudice from the
4. Option (a) is correct.
Indian Penal Code. Ripon had proposed an
Explanation:
amendment for existing laws in the country
Tribhanga, as the name suggest, consists of and to allow Indian judges and magistrates
three bends in the body; at the neck, waist the jurisdiction to try British offenders in
and knee, hence the body is oppositely criminal cases at the district level. It was
curved at waist and neck which gives it a never allowed before. So naturally, the
gentle "S" shape and is considered the most Europeans living in India looked it as a
graceful and sensual of the Odissi positions. humiliation and the introduction of the bill
led to intense opposition in Britain as well as
The techniques of movement are built
in India (by the British residents). So, it was
around the two basic postures of the Chowk
withdrawn but was reintroduced and enacted
and the Tribhanga.
in 1884 in a severely compromised state.
The chowk is a position imitating a square -
a very masculine stance with the weight of 7. Option (d) is correct.
the body equally balanced. Explanation: If there is a drop in aggregate
level of output, the money available in the -
The tribhanga is a very feminine stance
economy will chase for goods/services
where the body is deflected at the neck,
which are now less available now. This will
torso and the knees.
be resulted to inflation.
5. Option (c) is correct.
If there is an increase in the effective
Explanation: Annie Besant has become the
demand, this would mean that too much
head of the Theosophical Society, based in
money is available for few goods. This also
Adyar, Madras. It was a religious
may cause inflation.
movement, founded by the Russian Madame
Blavatsky and not Besant herself. 8. Option (b) is correct.
Besant also involved in politics in India, Explanation: Foreign-exchange reserves,

joining the Indian National Congress. When also known as Forex reserves, are, in a strict
World War I broke out in 1914, she launched sense, only foreign-currency deposits held
the Home Rule League campaign for by nationals and monetary authorities. But,
democracy in India and dominion status in popular usage and in the list below, it also
within the British Empire. This led to her includes gold reserves, special drawing
election as president of the Indian National rights(SDRs) and International Monetary
Page | 18
Fund (IMF) reserve position because this It will lead to more savings than spending
total figure, which is usually more
May give rise to unemployment.
accurately termed as official reserves.
These foreign-currency deposits are the
Explanation: Respiration is the chemical
financial assets of the central banks and
process by which fruits and vegetables
monetary authorities that are held in
convert sugars and oxygen into carbon
different reserve currencies (e.g., the U. S.
dioxide, water and heat. The storage life of a
dollar, the Euro, the Japanese Yen, the
commodity is influenced by its respiratory
Chinese Yuan (renminbi), the Swiss Franc
activity. Respiration can be controlled by
and the Pound Sterling) and which are used
refrigerated storage.
to back its liabilities.
Forex reserves are assets held by the central 12. Option (c) is correct.
bank (Reserve Bank of India) in foreign Explanation:
currencies, gold reserves, SDRs with the Gharial is the most uniquely evolved
IMF and so on. crocodilian in the world, a specialized, river-
dwelling, fish-eater. It is critically
9. Option (d) is correct.
endangered. Population of Gharials are a
Explanation: Creating new money will be
good indicator of clear river. In India, we
the most inflammatory measure because of
have only viable population in the National
the concept of money multiplier
Chambal Sanctuary, spread across three
states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and
10. Option (b) is correct.
Madhya Pradesh in India. Small non-
Explanation: The supply of money
breeding populations exist in Son, Gandak,
remaining the same when there is an
Hooglyand Ghagra Rivers. Now extinct in
increase in demand for money, it should be
Myanmar, Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
increase in rate of interest. This occurs in
Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback are
order to attract customers and initiate
common names of the Turtles found in
deposits among them by the banks. Inflation
India. Turtles are placed in reptiles. The five
and Interest rate, both have an inverse
species are Green turtle (Chelonia mydas),
relationship.
Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Olive Ridley
Increased interest rates: (Lepidochelys olivace), Hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback
It will slow down economic growth and
(Dermochelys coriacea).
control the inflationary pressure.
Leatherback is Critically Endangered.
It will reduce disposable income and Swamp Deer or the Barasingha is vulnerable
increase the cost of borrowing. not endangered. It is found in isolated
localities in northern and central India and
It will bring appreciation to the exchange
southwestern Nepal. It is extinct in Pakistan
rate.
and Bangladesh.
Page | 19
It is state animal of Madhya Pradesh and an optical illusion. Light is made up of lots
Uttar Pradesh of colours. And out of all those colours, red
is the one that travels the farthest. It means,
Habitat
that red is the last colour seen, when the sun
They prefer tall grasslands and open sets. When the sun is about to set, all of
habitats. They are found in swampland and a those colours are slower-moving and it is no
variety of forest types ranging from dry to longer brighter outside, because the colours
moist and deciduous to evergreen. They are are all moving at a separate pace. The other
also found in grassy floodplains, wooded colours start disappearing and red (being the
areas and found near water bodies fastest), is what is last seen.
Range: Central and northern India and Moon being visible at dawn is not an optical
southern Nepal illusion. The moon is visible somewhere in
the sky at dawn during the entire half of the
India: Assam, Jumna River, Ganges River,
cycle of phases from Full Moon to just
Brahmaputra River, Madhya Pradesh, Utter
before New Moon is not an optical illusion.
Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh
Twinkle of stars in the sky is an optical
Protection Status of Swamp Deer:
illusion. Stars continuously emit light. These
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable light travels through various layers of earth
atmosphere before they reach our eyes. Now
CITES: Appendix 1
refractive index decreases as we move down
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I through atmosphere. So light keeps on
getting bent towards normal at each point of
incidence. Practically there are infinite
Explanation: The basic principle in friction
points of incidence as refractive index keeps
theory is that anything that reduced the
changing as we move down.
contact area between the wheel and axle will
decrease the friction. Since the ball is a This happens in accordance and finally light
sphere, it only contacts the wheel and axle at reaches our eye. So, we see the star at B but
a minimum area, which helps it spin very actual position of star is at A. Further
smoothly. atmospheric conditions keeps on changing
Hence light flux reaching our eyes keeps
14. Option (c) is correct. varying and so star appears bright at some
Explanation: Size of the sun at dusk is an time and it appears fade at other. So, starts
optical illusion. When the sun (or moon) is apparently twinkle but practically they don't.
high in the sky there are no objects of Polestar being visible in the sky) is not an
known size to compare the sun (or moon) to. optical illusion.
But, when the sun is low in the sky, we can
The sky appears to rotate around points
see far -off objects near the horizon that we
called the celestial poles (one north pole and
know are big, and we imagine that the sun is
one south pole). These points represent the -
even bigger. The apparent change in size is
Page | 20

1. “Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojna’ has been c) OECD
launched for
d) WT
a) providing housing loan to poor people at
4. A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country
cheaper interest rates
indicates which of the following?
b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in
1. Slowing economic growth rate
backward areas
2. Less equitable distribution of national
c) promoting financial inclusion in the
income
country
Select the correct answer using the code
d) providing financial help to the
given below:
marginalized communities
a) 1 only
2. With reference to the Fourteenth Finance
Commission, which of the following b) 2 only
statements is/ are correct?
c) Both 1 and 2
1. It hasincreased the share of Statesin the
d) Neither 1 nor 2
central divisible pool from 32 percent to
42 percent. 5. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern
Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone
2. It has made recommendations
does not originate. What is the reason?
concerning sector-specific grants.
a) Sea surface temperatures are low
given below: b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone
seldom occurs
a) 1 only
c) Coriolis force is too weak
b) 2 only
d) Absence of land in those regions
c) Both 1 and 2
6. Which one of the following pairs of States of
d) Neither 1 nor 2
India indicates the easternmost and
3. The ‘Fortaleza Declaration’, recently in the westernmost State?
news, is related to the affairs of
a) Assam and Rajasthan
a) ASEAN
b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan
b) BRICS
Page | 96
c) Assam and Gujarat 10. Which of the following statements is/are

correct regarding National Innovation
d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat
Foundation-India (NIF)?
7. Consider the following statements regarding
1. NIF is an autonomous body of the
the Directive Principles of State Policy
Department of Science and Technology
1. The Principles spell out the socio- under the Central Government.
economic democracy in the country.
2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the
2. The provisions contained in these highly advanced scientific research in
Principles are not enforceable by any India’s premier scientific institutions in
court. collaboration with highly advanced
foreign scientific institutions.
correct? Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
a) 1 only
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which
one of the following is given the highest 11. What can be the impact of
weight? excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous
fertilizers in agriculture?
a) Coal production
1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing
b) Electricity generation
microorganisms in soil can occur.
c) Fertilizer production
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take
d) Steel production place.
9. Which of the following National Parks is 3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water

unique in being a swamp with floating can occur.
vegetation thatsupports a rich biodiversity?
a) Bhitarkanika National Park given below:
b) Keibul Lamjao National Park a) 1 and 3 only
c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park b) 2 only
d) Sultanpur National Park c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3
Page | 97
12. With reference to the International Union b) Convergence of the two equatorial
for Conservation of Nature and Natural currents
Resources (IUCN. and the Convention on
c) Difference in salinity of water
International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the
the following statements is/are correct? equator
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations 15. Consider the following pairs:
and CITES is an international agreement
Pace of Pilgrimage Location
between governments.
1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects
around the world to better manage 2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills
natural environments.
3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills
3. CITES is legally binding on the States
Which of the above is/are correctly
that have joined it, but this Convention
matched?
does not take the place of national laws.
a) 1 only
given below: b) 2 and 3 only
a) 1 only c) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and.3
c) 1 and 3 only 16. With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha,
which of the following statements is/are
d) 1, 2 and 3
correct?
13. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP. of
1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the
sugarcane is approved by the
recommendations of the ‘Sedition
a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Committee’.
b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and 2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to
Prices utilize the Home Rule League.
c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, 3. Demonstrations against the arrival of
Ministry of Agriculture Simon Commission coincided with
Rowlatt Satyagraha.
d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee
14. What explains the eastward flow of the
given below:
equatorial counter-current?
a) 1 only
a) The Earth’s rotation on its axis
b) 1 and 2 only
Page | 98
c) 2 and 3 only 2. It is found along the, entire coast of

India.
d) 1, 2 and 3
3. It is given legal protection under
17. Among the following, which were
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection.
frequently mentioned in the news for the
Act, 1972.
outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
a) Syria and Jordan
given below:
b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
a) 1 and 2
c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
b) 2 only
d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam
c) 1 and 3
18. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the
d) 3 only
power plants using coal as fuel, which of the
following statements is/are correct? 20. Who of the following was/were economic
critic/ critics of colonialism in India?
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of
bricks for building construction. 1. Dadabhai Naoroji
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for 2. G. Subramania Iyer
some of the Portland cement contents of
3. R. C. Dutt
concrete.
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and
given below:
calcium oxide only, and does not contain
any toxic elements. a) 1 only
Select the correct answer using the code b) 1 and 2 only
given below:
c) 2 and 3 only
a) 1 and 2
d) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 only
21. Which one of the following issues the
c) 1 and 3 ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report
periodically?
d) 3 only
a) The Asian Development Bank
19. With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal
found in India, which of the following b) The European Bank for Reconstruction
statements is/are correct? and Development
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal. c) The US Federal Reserve Bank
d) The World Bank
Page | 99
22. When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the d) Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat
Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, and Food Products Order, 1973
which of the following is likely to happen?
25. Which one of the following is the national
a) India’s GDP growth rate increases aquatic animal of India?
drastically
a) Saltwater crocodile
b) Foreign Institutional Investors may bring
b) Olive ridley turtle
more capital into our country
c) Gangetic dolphin
c) Scheduled Commercial Banks may cut
their lending rates d) Gharial
d) It may drastically reduce the liquidity to 26. With reference to Congress Socialist Party,
the banking, system consider the following statements:
23. With reference to the use of nano- 1. It advocated the boycott of British goods
technology in health sector, which of the and evasion of taxes.
following statements is/ are correct?
2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible proletariat.
by nanotechnology.
3. It advocated separate electorate for
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute minorities and oppressed classes.
to gene therapy.
Select the correct answer using the code correct?
given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
a) 1 only
b) 3 only
b) 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
c) Both 1 and 2
d) None
d) Neither 1 nor 2
27. Consider the following statements:
24. In, India, markets in agricultural products
1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to
are regulated under the
reject or to amend a Money Bill.
a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955
2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the
b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee Demands for Grants.
Act enacted by States
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the
c) Agricultural Produce (Grading and Annual Financial Statement.
Marking. Act, 1937
correct?
Page | 100
a) 1 only Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
b) 1 and 2 only
a) 1 only
c) 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3 only
28. The Government of India Act of 1919
clearly defined d) 1, 2 and 3
a) The separation of power between the 31. The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’,
judiciary and the legislature ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary
and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace
b) The jurisdiction of the central and
Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the
provincial governments
context of the affairs of the
c) The powers of the Secretary of State for
a) Food and Agriculture Organization
India and Viceroy
b) United Nations Framework Conference
d) None of the above
on Climate Change
29. Which of the following brings out the
c) World Trade Organization
‘Consumer Price Index Number for
Industrial Workers? d) United Nations Environment Programme
a) The Reserve Bank of India 32. With reference to ‘Near Field
Communication (NFC. Technology’,
b) The Department of Economic Affairs
which of the following statements is/are
c) The Labour Bureau correct?
d) The Department of Personnel and 1. It is a contactless communication

Training technology that uses electromagnetic
radio fields.
30. In the context of modem scientific
research, consider the following statements 2. NFC is designed for use by devices
about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located which can be at a distance of even a
at South Pole, which was recently in the metre from each other.
news:
3. NFC can use encryption when sending
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, sensitive information.
encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for given below:
dark matter.
a) 1 and 2 only
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
b) 3 only
Page | 101
The Mission proposed a prompt

development of the Interim Government in
2015 SOLUTION the middle with the Indians holding all the
portfolios.
1. Option (a) is correct. 2. Option (d) is correct.

Explanation: The Cabinet Mission came to Explanation: Khangchendzonga and
India in 1946. It came to discuss the transfer Nandadevi National Park do not have
of power from the British government to the tropical vegetation.
Indian political leadership. It had an aim of
Namdapha National Park is the largest
preserving India's unity and granting its
protected area in the Eastern Himalaya
independence. The mission was formed at
biodiversity hotspot. It is located in
the initiative of Clement Attlee (the then
Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom).
Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State Namdapha National Park is also known for
for India), Sir Stafford Cripps (President of extensive Dipterocarp forests. It comprises
the Board of Trade), and A.V. Alexander the north western parts of the eco-region of
(First Lord of the Admiralty) were the Mizoram-Manipur-Kachin rain forests.
members of the Cabinet Mission to India.
Recommendations of Cabinet Mission: Explanation: Amnesty International is a
London based Non-Governmental
The solidarity of India must be held.
Organisation founded in 1961.
It proposed a free association of all the It aims to create a world where every person
Indian domains under middle that would enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in
control and safeguard, the Foreign Affairs the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and communication. (UDHR).
All subjects other than Union subjects and It conducts research, generates action to
residuary force would vest in the regions of prevent grave abuses of human rights and
British India. demands justice for those whose rights have
been violated.
The Princely Legislatures would then
choose a Constituent Assembly or a The organization was awarded the Nobel
Constitution-making body with every Peace Prize in 1977 for its "Defence of
territory being dispensed a predefined human dignity against torture" and the
number of seats proportionate to its United Nations Prize in the field of Human
populace. Rights in 1978.
The proposed Constituent Assembly was to 4. Option (b) is correct.

comprise 292 parts from British India and Explanation:
93 from the Indian States. Restructure all the temples
chronologically Rock-cut Elephant:
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It is the earliest Buddhist sculpture of peasants (villeins or serfs) were obliged to

Odisha and the earliest among the four live on their lord’s land and give him
options. homage, labour, and a share of the produce,
notionally in exchange for military
Lingaraja Temple:
protection.
Lingaraj Temple was created in the 11th
Feudalism emerged as a result of the
century AD. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It
decentralization of an empire.
is considered as the largest temple of the city
Bhubaneswar. 6. Option (d) is correct.
Explanation: The Bio Carbon Fund was
It was built by the Somvanshi King Yayati I.
established in 2004. It was the first carbon
Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram fund established in the world.
These monuments were built by the King The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for
Pallava Narsimha in the 7th and 8th Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is a
centuries. multilateral fund, supported by donor
governments and managed by the World
Varaha Image at Udayagiri is located in
Bank. It seeks to promote reduced
the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh. It
greenhouse gas emissions from the land
was the personal temple of King Chandra
sector, from deforestation and forest
Gupta II. He ruled from 376-415 C.E around
degradation in developing countries
5th century AD
(REDD+), and from sustainable agriculture,
5. Option (b) is correct. as well as smarter land-use planning,
Explanation: The terms feudalism and policies and practices.
feudal system were generally applied to the
early and central Middle Ages-the period
Explanation: India is a member of East
from the5th century, when central political
Asia Summit and ASEAN+6, not ASEAN.
authority in the Western empire disappeared,
to the 12th century, when kingdoms began to The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is
emerge as effective centralized units of an inter-governmental forum for 21 member
government. economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes.
Free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific
Feudalism was a way of structuring society
region. The Association of Southeast Asian
around relationships. The relationship is
Nations is a regional organization which was
derived from the holding of land in
established to promote political and social
exchange for service or labour (lord-vassal
stability amid rising tensions among the
relationship).
Asia-Pacific's post-colonial states. ASEAN
It is a European concept where the landed was established in 1967 with the signing of
nobility held lands from the Crown in the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok
exchange for military service, and vassals Declaration) by its founding fathers
were in turn tenants of the nobles. The
Page | 115
(Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore Fourth Schedule: The fourth schedule

and Thailand). enumerates the allocation of Rajya Sabha
seats to States or Union Territories.
East Asia Summit:
Fifth Schedule: It contains the
It is a forum of 18 regional leaders,
administration and control of Scheduled
established in 2005, for strategic dialogue
Areas and Scheduled Tribes.
and cooperation on the key political,
security, and economic challenges facing the Sixth Schedule: This schedule comprises
Indo-Pacific region. provisions for the administration of tribal
areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and
The then Malaysian Prime Minister,
Mizoram.
Mahathir bin Mohammad first promoted the
concept of East Asia grouping in 1991. Seventh Schedule: It contains three lists;
i.e.1) Union List, 2) State List and 3)
There are six priority areas of regional
Concurrent List.
cooperation within the framework of the
EAS. Eighth Schedule: It lists the official
languages of the Republic of India.
Explanation: Saltpeter (Potassium nitrate) Ninth Schedule: It covers state laws and
is not used in the production of steel. It is regulations relating to land reform and the
used in fertilizers, tree stump removal, dismantling of the zamindari system.
rocket propellants and fireworks. Saltpeter is
Tenth Schedule: Anti defection law,
one of the major constituents of gunpowder
introduced by the 52nd Constitutional
(black powder). It has also been used as a
Amendment Act of1985.
food preservative since the middle Ages.
Eleventh Schedule: It provisions that
India imports coking coal for steel
specify the Panchayats' powers, authority,
production industry. It takes 0.8 tonnes
and responsibilities in order for them to
coking coal to produce one tonne of steel.
function as local governments.
Twelfth Schedule: It contains provisions
Explanation: Schedules: Provisions
that define the Municipalities' powers,
First Schedule: The first schedule lists the authority, and responsibilities in order for
states and territories of India. them to function as local governments.
Second Schedule: The second schedule lists 10. Option (c) is correct.
the emoluments for holders of constitutional Explanation: The budget is referred to in
offices. the Constitution as the "Annual Financial
Statement."
Third Schedule: This schedule lists the
various forms of oath for holders of various In India, the Union Budget is prepared by
constitutional offices. the Department of Economic Affairs of the
Page | 116
Ministry of Finance. The Finance Secretary Deposits in provident funds, judicial

coordinates the overall Budget-making deposits, savings bank deposits,
process. departmental deposits, and remittances are
all examples of this.
The constitution establishes three types of
funds Consolidated Fund of India; Public Article 266 (2) of the Constitution
Account; Contingency Fund. established this fund. Payments from it can
be made without the need for parliamentary
Consolidated Fund of India:
appropriation. The majority of these
It is a fund in which all revenues and payments come in the form of banking
payments are credited and debited. It is transactions.
made up of -
Each state may have its own version of a
All revenues received by the government of public account.
India;
The Comptroller and Auditor General is in
All loans raised by the government through charge of auditing all expenditures from the
the issue of treasury bills, loans, or other Public Account of India.
ways and means of advances; and
There are five major heads of accounts
All money received by the government in under the Public Account:
repayment of leans. This fund is used to
i. Small Savings, Provident Fund, and
make all legally authorized payments on
Other Accounts
behalf of the Indian government.
ii. Reserve Funds
No money from this fund can be allocated iii. Deposits and Advances
(issued or drawn) unless a parliamentary iv. Suspense and Miscellaneous
statute authorizes it. v. Remittances
It is constituted under Article 266 (1) of the

Constitution of India.
Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is
Each state can establish its own the supreme judicial body of the Republic of
Consolidated Fund with identical features. India under the constitution.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of It is the judiciary that safeguards the interest
India audits the consolidated funds and of citizens by not allowing the other organs
reports on their management to the to go beyond their role assigned in the
appropriate legislatures. Constitution. In brief, the Supreme Court of
India is the logical and primary custodian of
Public Account of India:
the Indian Constitution, while also being its
The Public Account of India keeps track of interpreter and guardian.
flows for transactions in which the
Parliament enjoys the authority to amend the
government only serves as a banker.
Constitution; the Supreme Court has the
Page | 117
authority to examine the validity of It is the apex body for approval of activities
constitutional amendments. The Supreme involving large scale use of hazardous
Court ensures that the other branches of microorganisms and recombinants in
government perform their responsibilities in research and industrial production from the
accordance with the Constitution. environmental angle. The committee is also
responsible for the appraisal of proposals
relating to the release of Genetically
Explanation: The Accelerated Irrigation
Engineered (GE) organisms and products
Benefits Program (AIBP) was launched by
into the environment including experimental
the government of India in 1996-97. It
field trials.
provided loan assistance to the states to help
them in few major irrigation projects which 14. Option (c) is correct.
were in advanced stage of completion. Explanation: The Mekong - Ganga
Cooperation takes its name from the Ganga
The Accelerated Irrigation Benefit
and the Mekong, the two civilizational rivers
Programme (AIBP) is under the Ministry of
in Southeast Asia.
Water Resources, River Development &
Ganga Rejuvenation (now Ministry of Jal The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
Shakti). was established on November 10, 2000 at
Vientiane at the First MGC Ministerial
Meeting. The cooperation comprises six
A Centrally-sponsored scheme, the members namely India, Thailand, Myanmar,
Command Area Development Programme, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. These
was launched in 1974-75. Its main member countries have emphasised on four
objectives were improving the utilization of areas of cooperation, which are tourism,
created irrigation potential and optimizing culture, education, and transportation.
agriculture production and productivity from
irrigated agriculture. It was done through a
Explanation: A global, voluntary regulatory
multidisciplinary team under an Area
framework on bank capital adequacy, stress
Development Authority.
testing and market liquidity risk is known as
The Programme was restructured as Basel III Accord or the Third Basel Accord.
"Command Area Development and Water It is an effort for strengthening the
Management (CADWM) Programme" from international banking system, and was
1 April 2004. agreed upon by the members of the Basel
Committee on Banking Supervision in 2010-
11.
Explanation: The Genetic Engineering
Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex These guidelines were the response to the
body constituted under the Environment 2008 financial crisis.
Protection Act, 1986. It is constituted under
There was a need to strengthen the system
the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
because banks in developed economies were
Page | 118
undercapitalized, over-leveraged, and relied 1997. It is an international organization

more on short-term funding. consisting of coastal states bordering the
Indian Ocean. It has 22 member states.
The guidelines are intended to promote
amore resilient banking system by focusing Its Secretariat is based in Cyber City, Ebene,
on four critical banking parameters: capital, Mauritius.
leverage, funding, and liquidity.
It manages, coordinates, services and
16. Option (b) is correct. monitors the implementation of policy
Explanation: The winds blowing from the decisions, work programmes and projects
sub-tropical high pressure belts towards the adopted by the member states.
sub polar low pressure belts are knows as
The association gains importance by the fact
westerlies.
that the Indian Ocean carries half of the
The westerlies blow from south-west to
world's container ships, one-third of the
north-east and north-west to south-east in
world's bulk cargo traffic and two-thirds of
the northern hemisphere and the southern
the world's oil shipments.
hemisphere, respectively.
There were six priority areas identified at
The westerlies blow between 40° and 65°
the 11th Council of Ministers, in Bengaluru
Slatitudes. These latitudes are often known
are:
as Roaring Forties, Furious Fifties, and
Shrieking Sixties (dreaded terms for sailors). • Maritime Safety & Security,
• Trade & Investment Facilitation,
There are many seasonal and short-term
fluctuations in the poleward boundary of the • Fisheries Management,
westerlies. These winds produce wet spells • Disaster Risk Management,
and variability in weather. • Academic, Science & Technology,
• Tourism & Cultural Exchanges
The western cyclonic disturbances are
• Gender Empowerment
weather phenomena of the winter months
brought in by the westerly flowing from the
Mediterranean region. They usually
Explanation: The Surat Split was the split
influence the weather of the north and north- of the Indian National Congress (INC)
western regions of India. They are a non- between Moderates and Extremists in 1907.
monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by This split happened due to disagreements in
the westerlies. the methods for protest against the partition
17. Option (d) is correct. of Bengal (in the Swadeshi Movement).
Explanation: The Indian Ocean Rim
There was a time of disagreement among
Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR- Moderates and Extremists in the years
ARC) was first established as the Indian 19051907.
Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March
1995 and formally launched on6-7 March
Page | 119
The Extremists wanted to extend the Explanation: The first civilian IRS-1A was
Swadeshi and the Boycott Movement from launched in March 1988. It marked the
Bengal to the rest of the country while the beginning of a successful journey in the
Moderates wanted to confine the boycott course of the Indian Space Programme.
part of the movement to Bengal.
The National Natural Resources
19. Option (a) is correct. Management System (NNRMS) carries out
Explanation: the Indian earth Observation activities.
The double-decker and single-decker root The Indian Earth Observation (EO) system
bridges of Meghalaya are unique in the is providing operational services to the user
world. The local people train the massive community.
thick of living tree into robust bridges across
The Indian Remote Sensing series of
the streams, and those bridges that can hold
satellites provide data in a variety of spatial,
several people at a time. Khasi tribe is
spectral and temporal resolutions.
trained to grow these bridges across the
raised banks of streams. These bridges are The National Remote Sensing Centre
made from the roots of the Ficus elastic tree. (NRSC) distributes remote sensing satellite
This tree produces a series of secondary data products in India and its neighboring
roots that are perched atop huge boulders countries.
along the streams or the riverbanks to form
The Indian Space programme has two major
bridges.
operational systems - the Indian National
The bridges are alive and still growing and Satellite (INSAT), which is a geostationary
gain strength over time that is why they are satellite, is used for telecommunication,
called 'Living Root Bridges' television broadcasting, and meteorological
services and the Indian Remote Sensing
Satellite (IRS) for monitoring and
Explanation: Tides are the rise and fall of
management of natural resources (e.g.
sea levels. It is the combined effects of
locating groundwater resources, mineral
gravitational forces exerted by the Moon,
exploration etc.) and Disaster Management
Sun, and the rotation of the Earth.
Support.
Together, the gravitational pull by the sun
and the moon and the centrifugal force are
Explanation:
responsible for creating the two major tidal
bulges on the Earth. The centrifugal force Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests or Rain
acts opposite to gravitational pull of Earth. Forests
The tide-generating force is the difference Climatic Conditions:

between the gravitational attraction of the
• Annual rainfall exceeds 250 cm
Moon and the centrifugal force.
• The annual temperature is about 25°-
21. Option (a) is correct. 27°C
Page | 120

1. Which of the following statements is/are 3. Rationalizing subsidies
correct? 4. Reducing import duty
1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses Select the correct answer using the code given
on its prorogation. below.
2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha,
which has not been passed by the Lok a) 1 only
Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of b) 2 and 3 only
the Lok Sabha. c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Select the correct answer using the code given
below. 4. The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is
being allowed in India to promote financial
a) 1 only inclusion.
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2 Which of the following statements is/are correct
d) Neither 1 nor 2 in this context?
2. Which of the following is/are the 1. Mobile telephone companies and
indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute supermarket chains that are owned and
the Global Hunger Index Report? controlled by residents are eligible to be
promoters of Payment Banks
1. Undernourishment 2. Payment Banks can issue both credit
2. Child stunting cards and debit cards.
3. Child mortality 3. Payment Banks cannot undertake
Select the correct answer using the code given lending activities.
below. Select the correct answer using the code given
a) 1 only below.
b) 2 and 3 only a) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 b) 1 and 3 only
d) 1 and 3 only c) 2 only
3. There has been a persistent deficit budget d) 1, 2 and 3
year after year. Which action/actions of the 5. With reference to ‘Li-Fi’, recently in the
following can be taken by the Government to news, which of the following statements is/are
reduce the deficit? correct?
1. Reducing revenue expenditure 1. It uses light as the medium for high-
2. Introducing new welfare schemes speed data transmission.
Page | 143
2. It is a wireless technology and is several 1. The International Finance Corporation,

times faster than ‘Wi-Fi’. which offers these bonds, is an arm of
the World Bank.
Select the correct answer using the code given
2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds
below. and are a source of debt financing for the
a) 1 only public and private sector.
b) 2 only Select the correct answer using the code given
c) Both 1 and 2 below.
d) Neither 1 nor 2
a) 1 only
6. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined
b) 2 only
Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in c) Both 1 and 2
the context of d) Neither 1 nor 2
a) pledges made by the European countries 9. Regarding the taxation system of Krishna
to rehabilitate refugees from the war- Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the
affected Middle East following statements:
b) plan of action outlined by the countries
of the world to combat climate change 1. The tax rate on land was fixed
c) capital contributed by the member depending on the quality of the land.
countries in the establishment of Asian 2. Private owners of workshops paid an
Infrastructure Investment Bank industries tax.
d) plan of action outlined by the countries
of the world regarding Sustainable
Development Goals correct?
7. Which one of the following is a purpose of a) 1 only

ÙDAY’, a scheme of the Government? b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
a) Providing technical and financial d) Neither 1 nor 2
assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in
10. Which one of the following books of ancient
the field of renewable sources of energy
b) Providing electricity to every household India has the love story of the son of the founder
in the country by 2018 of Sunga dynasty?
c) Replacing the coal-based power plants a) Swapnavasavadatta
with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and b) Malavikagnirnitra
tidal power plants over a period of time c) Meghadoota
d) Providing for financial turnaround and d) Ratnavali
revival of power distribution companies
11. In the context of which of the following do
8. With reference to ÌFC Masala Bonds’, you sometimes find the terms àmber box, blue
sometimes seen in the news, which of the box and green box’ in the news?
statements given below is/are correct?
a) WTO affairs
b) SAARC affairs
Page | 144
c) UNFCCC affairs 14. Recently, which one of the following

d) India-EU negotiations on FTA currencies has been proposed to be added to the
12. Which of the following is/are included in the basket of IMF’s SDR?
capital budget of the Government of India? a) Rouble
b) Rand
1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like
c) Indian Rupee
roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
d) Renminbi
2. Loans received from foreign
governments 15. With reference to the International Monetary
3. Loans and advances granted to the States and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the
and Union Territories following statements:
Select the correct answer using the code given 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern
below. affecting the global economy, and
a) 1 only advises the International Monetary Fund
b) 2 and 3 only (IMF) on the direction of its work.
c) 1 and 3 only 2. The World Bank participates as observer
d) 1, 2 and 3 in IMFC’s meetings.
13. What is/are the importance/importances of Which of the statements given above is/are
the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat correct?
Desertification’? a) 1 only
b) 2 only
1. It aims to promote effective action
c) both 1 and 2
through innovative national programmes
d) neither 1 nor 2
and supportive inter-national
partnerships. 16. Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national
2. It has a special/particular focus on South campaign to
Asia and North Africa regions, and its
Secretariat facilitates the allocation of a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute
major portion of financial resources to persons and provide them with suitable
these regions. sources of livelihood
3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, b) release the sex workers from their
encouraging the participation of local practice and provide them with
people in combating the desertification. alternative sources of livelihood
c) eradicate the practice of manual
Select the correct answer using the code given scavenging and rehabilitate the manual
below. scavengers
d) release the bonded laborers from their
a) 1 only
bondage and rehabilitate them
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only 17. With reference to the cultural history of
d) 1, 2 and 3 medieval India, consider the following
statements:
Page | 145
a) Andhra Pradesh d) Neither 1 nor 2

b) Chhattisgarh
99. A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew
c) Karnataka
d) Rajasthan Infinity is based on the biography of
97. With reference to the Agreement at the a) S. Ramanujan

UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of b) S. Chandrasekhar
c) S. N. Bose
the following statements is/are correct?
d) C. V. Raman
1. The Agreement was signed by all the
member countries of the UN and it will
go into effect in 2017. 1. The minimum age prescribed for any
2. The Agreement aims to limit the person to be a member of Panchayat is
greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise 25 years.
in average global temperature by the end 2. A Panchayat reconstituted after
of this century does not exceed 2 °C or premature dissolution continues only for
even 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. the remainder period.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their
historical responsibility in global Which of the statements given above is/are
warming and committed to donate $ correct?
1000 billion a year from 2020 to help a) 1 only
developing countries to cope with b) 2 only
climate change. c) Both 1 and 2
Select the correct answer using the code given d) Neither 1 nor 2
below.
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 only 2016 SOLUTION
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
98. Consider the following statements: 1. Option (c) is correct.
Explanation: It was launched in April 2016
1. The Sustainable Development Goals to promote entrepreneurship at the grass-
were first proposed in 1972 by a global root level focusing on economic
think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
empowerment and job creation.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals
have to be achieved by 2030. To leverage the institutional credit structure
to reach out to the underserved sector of
people such as SCs, STs and Women
correct?
Entrepreneurs.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only The objective of this scheme is to facilitate
c) Both 1 and 2 bank loans between Rs.10 lakh and Rs.1
Page | 159
crore to at least one SC or ST borrower and It is a specialised agency of the United

at least one woman borrower per bank Nations that leads international efforts to
branch of Scheduled Commercial Banks for defeat hunger.
setting up a Greenfield enterprise.
The World Food Day is celebrated every
The offices of SIDBI (Small Industries year on 16th October to mark the
Development Bank of India) and NABARD anniversary of the founding of the FAO in
(National Bank for Agriculture and Rural 1945. It is one of the UN food aid
Development) are designated Stand-Up organisations based in Rome (Italy). Its
Connect Centres (SUCC). sister bodies are the World Food Programme
and the International Fund for Agricultural
Recently, the Ministry of Finance has
Development (IFAD).
extended the Standup India Scheme up to
the year 2025. 3. Option (d) is correct.
Explanation: The Brahmaputra (meaning
New Changes:
the son of Brahma) originated from the
The margin money requirement for loans Chemayungdung glacier in south western
under the scheme has been reduced Tibet. Its source is very close to the sources
from'25% to 'up to 15%', and activities allied of Indus and Satluj.
to agriculture have been included in the
Mariam La separates the source of the
Scheme.
Brahmaputra from the Manasarovar Lake.
In Tibet, it passes through the depression
Explanation: In order to safeguard and
formed by the Indus-Tsangpo Structure
support the world's agricultural heritage
Zone between the Great Himalayas in the
systems, in 2002 FAO started an initiative
south and the Kailash Range in the north.
for the dynamic conservation of Globally
Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Dibang, Kameng and Lohit are the
(GIAHS). So, clearly, modern practices tributaries of the Brahmaputra River.
wouldn't be relevant to the initiative.
Region Brahmaputra’s Name
The initiative intends to safeguard the social.
Tibet Tsangpo (meaning ‘The
Cultural, economic and environmental Purifier’)
goods and services of these heritage
systems. China Yarlung Zangbo Jiangin
There is no such provision, GI is accorded to Assam Valley Dihang or Siong, South

products from a certain origin and not to of Sadiya: Brahmaputra
traditional agricultural systems. Bangladesh Jamuna River
Food and Agriculture Organization: Bangladesh Padma River: Combined

Waters of Ganga and
Brahmaputra
Page | 160
Bangladesh Meghana: From the Classification of Parties and their

confluence of Padma commitments -Kyoto Protocol:
and Meghna
Annex I
Developed countries
Explanation: The Core Banking Solution Annex II
(CBS) is the networking of branches, which
enables customers to operate their accounts,
and banking services from any branch of the Developed countries (Annex II is a subset of
bank on the CBS network, regardless of Annex I).
where they open their accounts. Annex B
It enables banks to offer a multitude of
customer-centric services on a 24 x 7 basis Annex I Parties with first or second-round
from a single location. Kyoto greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Almost all branches of commercial banks, Non-Annex I

including the Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Parties to the UNFCCC not listed in Annex I
are brought into the core-banking fold. of the Convention (mostly low-income
By Core Banking Solution, there is no developing countries).
change in RBI's control over commercial Nagoya Protocol:
banks. In Core Bank Solution there is no
provision related to non-performing assets. • This protocol is a legal framework
for the implementation of one of the
5. Option (c) is correct. objectives of the Convention on
Explanation: Kyoto Protocol (COP 3; Biological Diversity, which is the
UNFCCC Summit 1997): fair & equitable sharing of benefits
• It was adopted in Kyoto, Japan in arising out of the utilisation of
1997. genetic resources.
• India ratified Kyoto Protocol in • The protocol was adopted in 2010 in
2002. Nagoya, Japan.
• It came into force in February 2005. • It entered into force in October
There are currently 192 Parties. 2014.India signed the Nagoya
• The Kyoto Protocol aimed to cut Protocol in 2011 and ratified it in
emissions of greenhouse gases across October 2012.
the developed world by about 5% by
2012compared with 1990 levels. The Cartagena Protocol: It is an
international agreement on biosafety as a
• It is the only global treaty with
supplement to the Convention on Biological
binding limits on GHG emissions.
Diversity (CBD) effective since 2003. The
Biosafety Protocol seeks to protect
Page | 161
biological diversity from the potential risks Rotavirus vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae
posed by genetically modified organisms type B infections, Japanese Encephalitis
resulting from modern biotechnology. (JE), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
(PCV), and Measles-Rubella vaccine (MR).
Explanation: The transcriptome is the set of Mission Indradhanush has also been
all RNA transcripts, including coding and identified as a flagship initiative under the
noncoding, in an individual or a population Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and Extended Gram
of cells. The term can also sometimes be Swaraj Abhiyan.
used to refer to all RNAs or just mRNA
depending on a particular experiment. The
Explanation: The Green India Mission
term transcriptome is a portmanteau of the
(GIM) one of the eight missions launched
words transcript and genome; it is associated
under the National Action Plan on Climate
with the process of transcript production
Change (NAPCC),
during the biological process of
transcription. It was launched in February 2014, is aimed
at protecting, restoring and enhancing
Two biological techniques are used to study
India's diminishing forest cover and
the transcriptome, namely DNA microarray,
responding to climate change by a
a hybridisation-based technique and RNA-
combination of adaptation and mitigation
seq, a sequence-based approach, but RNA-
measures.
seq is the preferred method.
It aims to enhance ecosystem services like
carbon sequestration and storage (in forests
Explanation: The Ministry of Health and
and other ecosystems), hydrological services
Family Welfare launched the Immunisation
and biodiversity; along with provisioning
Programme in India in 1978 as the
services like fuel, fodder, and timber and
Expanded Programme of Immunisation.
non-timber forest produces (NTFPs); and To
The Programme was modified as a universal increase forest based livelihood income of
Immunization Programme in 1985. It about 3 million households.
prevents children and pregnant women from
12 vaccine-preventable diseases, lowering
Explanation: Every pre-packaged item in
mortality and morbidity.
India should have the following information
It was established and implemented in 2015 on the label:
with the goal of rapidly increasing full 1. Name of the food
immunisation coverage to 90 percent. 2. List of ingredients
3. Declaration of food additives
It protects against 12 Vaccine-Preventable
4. Net quantity or net weight
Diseases, including Diphtheria, Whooping
5. Batch identification
Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Tuberculosis,
6. Name and address of the
Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Pneumonia,
manufacturer
Page | 162
7. Date marking • Giving customers control over their

8. Veg/non veg declaration electricity bills.
• Net metering allows utility
10. Option (b) is correct. customers to generate their own
Explanation: The Project Loon aims to tap electricity cleanly and efficiently.
the Earth's stratosphere to provide internet • Net metering provides substantial
connectivity to the remote parts of the economic benefits in terms of jobs,
world. The project involves helium-filled income and investment in the
balloons that remain in the stratosphere and renewable energy sector.
create aerial wireless networks. The project • By encouraging generation near the
has collaborated with several countries and point of consumption, net metering
their technology partners to provide internet also reduces the stress on distribution
connectivity. systems and prevents losses in long-
At present, the internet connectivity system distance electricity transmission and
consists of only two basic methods, to distribution.
deliver a connection, namely Signal from
Space and Signal from Ground. Lately, the 12. Option (c) is correct.
Project Loon has used these balloons as Explanation: The Ease of Doing Business
weather monitors. Index is published by the World Bank. It is
an aggregate figure that includes different
11. Option (a) is correct. parameters which define the ease of doing
Explanation: Net metering concept allows business in a country.
to set-off the number of units produced from
the total consumption and the consumer Name of Reports Published by:
pays electricity charges of only what he/she 1. Ease of Doing Business - World
has derived from the grid or distribution Bank
company. 2. World Development Report - World
Net metering is a billing mechanism that Bank
credits solar energy system owners for the 3. Environmental Performance Index
electricity they add to the grid. World Economic Forum
It allows domestic or commercial users who 4. Global Competitive Index World
generate their own electricity using solar Economic Forum
panels or photovoltaic systems to export 5. Global Gender Gap Report World
their surplus energy back to the grid. Economic Forum
6. Global Information Technology
Advantage of Net Metering Report World Economic Forum
• It is a low cost and easily 7. Human Capital Report - World
administered method for the Economic Forum
customer to invest in renewable 8. The Global Risk Report. - World
energy technologies. Economic Forum
Page | 163
9. World Trade Outlook Indicator – force on October 2, 2009. Gram Nyayalayas

World Trade Organization (WTO) are village courts in rural areas that provide
10. The Programme for International quick and easy access to the legal system at
Student Assessment (PISA) grassroot levels in India. As per Article 39-
Organization of Economic Aof the Indian Constitution, the destitute
Development and Cooperation and weaker sections of society should
(OECD) receive free legal assistance.
Gram Nyayalayas - Features:

Explanation: There were many different 1. It shall be the court of Judicial
tribal groups in Medieval India. Some were Magistrate of the first class and its
hunter gatherer nomads. presiding officer (Nyayadhikari) shall be
appointed by the state government in
One such type of nomadic group was that of
consultation with the High Court.2.
the banjaras.
2. It shall be established for every
They were the most important trader- panchayat and intermediate level.
nomads during the medieval period. 3. It shall be mobile court and shall
exercise the powers of both the Criminal
Their caravan was called fanda. Sultan
and the Civil courts.
Alauddin Khilji's market regulation system
4. The Gram Nyayalaya shall try to settle
could become successful because he relied
the disputes as far as possible by
heavily on the banjaras to transport grains to
bringing about conciliation between the
the city markets.
parties, and for this purpose, it shall
14. Option (b) is correct. make use of the conciliation to be
Explanation: James Prinsep was ar. English appointed for this purpose and allow
scholar, orientalist, antiquary and the local social activists as
founding editor of the Journal of the Asiatic mediators/reconciliators.
Society of Bengal. He is best remembered
for deciphering the Kharosthi and Brahmi 16. Option (d) is correct.
scripts of ancient India. He studied, Explanation: The TPP (Trans-Pacific
documented and illustrated many aspects of Partnership) was initially formed as an
numismatics, metallurgy, meteorology. expansion of the Trans-Pacific Strategic
Economic Partnership Agreement (TPSEP)
James Prinsep is considered as the first
signed by Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and
European Scholar to decipher the Ashokan
Singapore in 2005. The US President
Edicts of Ancient India.
Donald Trump withdrew the US signature
15. Option (b) is correct. from TPP in January 2017; the agreement
Explanation: could not enter into force.
Gram Nyayalayas was established by the The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 and came into was a proposed trade agreement between
Page | 164
Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Banks will also publically publish all kinds
Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, of MCLR periodically.
Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States
This will surely bring transparency in the
signed on4 February 2016 in Auckland.
calculation methodology.
The original TPP agreement consisted of
The RBI expects the new formula to make
measures to lower both non-tariff and tariff
floating lending rates more responsive to its
barriers to trade, and establish an Investor
policy rate cuts.
State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)
mechanism. Based upon this MCLR, interest rate for
different types of customers should be fixed
in accordance with their riskiness. So, it
Explanation: The India-Africa Summit
becomes fair to both borrowers as well as
started in 2008 (first summit) is one of the
lenders.
most spectacular diplomatic exercises hosted
by India since the 1983 Non-Aligned 19. Option (a) is correct.
Movement (NAM) summit. Explanation:
The India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is It can swim up to three kilometres into the
the official platform for the African-Indian sea in search of mangroves, its primary
relations. food.
It is held once in every three years beginning The breed population has declined
from 2008. drastically in recent years due to loss of
mangroves. Given the breed's ability to
India by consistently holding India-Africa
survive both on land and sea, the Kharai
Forum Summit (IAFS) in places like New
camel is one of the most preferred choices of
Delhi (2008), Addis Ababa (2011) and New
graziers in the arid coastal region of
Delhi (2015) has already forged ties with the
Kachchh.
54African states through the African Union
(AU). People consume its milk, while male calves
are sold for economic returns (females are
not sold because they are considered
Explanation: The MCLR will be calculated
sacred). So, clearly they are domesticated
after factoring in banks' marginal cost of
and don't live in the wild. Gujarat is the only
funds (largely, the interest at which banks
home to the Kharai camel.
borrow money), return on equity (a measure
of banks' profitability), and other risks and 20. Option (a) is correct.
costs. Explanation:
The MCLR should be revised monthly by Musa indanda manensis, a sweet species of
considering some new factors, including the banana with orange pulp, has been
repo rate and other borrowing rates. discovered in the islands of Andamans.
Page | 165

1. In which one of the following regions was
b) Learned persons assembling in royal
Dhanyakataka, which flourished
courts to discuss religious and
Prominent Buddhist centre under the
philosophical matters
Mahasanghikas, located?
c) Young girls keeping watch over
(a) Andhra agricultural fields and driving away
birds and animals
(b) Gandhara
d) A king defeated in a battle committing
(c) Kalinga ritual suicide starving himself to death
origin.
(d) Magadha
2. With reference to ancient India, consider 5. Consider the following dynasties:
the following statements: 1. Hoysala
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in 2. Gahadavala
origin. 3. Kakatiya
2. Stupa was generally a repository of 4. Yadava
relics.
How many of the above dynasties
3. Stupa was a votive and
established their kingdoms in early eighth
commemorative.
century AD?
How many of the statements given above
(a) Only one (b) Only two
are correct?
(c)All three (d) None
(a) Only one (b) Only two 6. With reference to ancient Indian History,
(c)All three (d) None consider the following pairs:
Literary work Author
3. With reference to ancient South India, 1. Devichandraguta Bihana
Korkai, Poompuhar and Muchiri were 2. Hammira- Nayachandra
well knows as Mahakavya suri
a) Capital cities 3. Milinda-panha Nagarjuna
b) Ports 4. Nitivakyamrita Somedeva
c) Centres of iron-and-steel making Suri
d) Shrines of Jain Tirthankaras How many of the above are correctly matched?
4. Which one of the following explains the (a) Only one (b) Only two
practice of Vatta kirutal, mentioned in (c)Only three (d) None
Sangam poems? 7. “Souls are not only the property of
a) Kings employing women bodyguards animal and plant life, but also of rocks,
running water and many other natural
objects not looked on as living by other
religious sects”.
Page | 426
The above Statement reflects one of the Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed
core beliefs of which one of the following by State Governments with their own rules
religious sects of ancient India? and regulations for the day-to-day
a) Buddhism administration of prisons.
b) Jainism Statement-II: In India, prisons are
c) Shaivism governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which
d) Vaishhavism expressly kept the subject of prisons in the
control of Provincial Governments.
8. Who among the following rulers of Which one of the following in correct in
Vijayanagara Empire constructed a respect of the above statements?
large dam across Tungabhadra River a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
and a canal-cum-aqueduct several correct and Statement-II is the correct
kilometres long from the river to the explanation for Statement-I
capital city? b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
a) Devaraya I correct and Statement-II is not the
b) Mallikarjuna correct explanation for Statement-I
c) Vira Vijaya c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
d) Virupaksha is incorrect
d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-
9. Who among the following rules of II is correct
medieval Gujarat surrendered Diu to
Portuguese? 13. Which one of the following statements
a) Ahmad Shah best reflects the Chief purpose of the
b) Mahmud Begarha ‘Constitution’ of a country?
c) Bahadur Shah a) It determines the objective for the
d) Muhammad Shah making of necessary laws.
b) It enables the creation political offices
10. By which one of the following Acts was and a government.
the Governor General of Bengal c) It defines and limits the powers of
designated as the Governor General of government.
India? d) It secures social justice, social equality
a) The Regulating Act and social security.
b) The Pitt’s India Act
c) The Charter Act of 1793 14. In India, which one of the following
d) The Charter Act of 1833 Constitutional Amendments was widely
believed to be enacted to overcome the
11. In essence, what does, Due Process of judicial interpretations of the
Law’ mean? Fundamental Rights?
a) The principle of natural justice a) 1st Amendment
b) The procedure established by law b) 42st Amendment
c) Fair application of law c) 44st Amendment
d) Equality before law d) 86st Amendment
Page | 427
15. Consider the following or reject the Bill, it can only make
organizations/bodies in India: recommendations.
1. The National Commission for 3. In the case of disagreement between the
Backward Classes Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is
2. The National Human Rights no join sitting for Money Bill, but a
Commission joint sitting becomes necessary for
3. The National Law Commission Finance Bill.
4. The National Consumer Disputes
How many of the above statements are
Redressal Commission
correct?
How many of the above are constitutional
bodies?
(c) All three (d) None
(c) Only three (d) None 18. Consider the following statements:
Once the Central Government notifies an
16. Consider the following statements: area as a ‘Community Reserve’
1. If the election of the President of India 1. The Chief Wildlife Warden of the State
is declared void by the Supreme Court becomes the governing authority of
of India, all acts done by him/her office such forest
of President before the date of decision 2. Hunting is not allowed in such area.
become invalid. 3. People of such area are allowed to
2. Election for the post of the President of collect non-timber forest produce
India can be postponed on the ground 4. People of such area are allowed
that some Legislative Assemblies have traditional agricultural practices.
been dissolved and elections are yet to
take place.
correct?
3. When a Bill is presented to the
President of India, the Constitution (a) Only one (b) Only two
prescribes time limits within which (c)All three (d) None
he/she has to declare his/her assent.
19. With reference to ‘Scheduled Areas’ in
India, consider the following statements:
correct?
1. Within a State, the notification of an
(a) Only one (b) Only two area as Scheduled Are takes place
(c) All three (d) None through an Order of the President.
2. The largest administrative unit forming
17. With reference to Finance Bill and the Scheduled Area is the District and
Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, the lowest is the cluster of villages in
consider the following statements: the Block.
1. When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance 3. The Chief Ministers of the concerned
Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or States are required to submit annual
reject the Bill. reports to the Union Home Minister on
2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money the administration on Scheduled Areas
Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend in the States.
Page | 428
How many of the above statements are c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
correct? is incorrect
II is correct
Statement-I: Marsupials are not naturally
Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India
found in India.
has held in some judgements that the
Statement-II: Marsupials can thrive only
reservation policies made under Article
in montane grasslands with no predators.
16(4) of the Constitution of India would be
Which one of the following is correct in
limited by Article 335 for the maintenance
respect of the above statements?
of efficiency of administration.
a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
Statement-II: Article 335 of the
correct and Statement-II is the correct
Constitution of India defines the term
explanation for Statement-I
‘efficiency of administration’.
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
correct and Statement-II is not the
correct explanation for Statement-I
c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
is incorrect
explanation for Statement-I
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are
II is correct
23. ‘Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that
c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II
develops Global Invasive Species
is incorrect
Database) belongs to which one of the
following organizations?
II is correct
a) The International Union for
Conservation of Nature.
b) The United Nations Environment
Statement-I: India, despite having uranium
Programme
deposits, depends on coal for most of its
c) The United Nations World Commission
electricity production.
for Environment and Development
Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the
d) The World Wide Fund for Nature
extent of at least 60% is required for the
production of electricity.
24. Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer
explanation for Statement-I How many of the above are generally
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are nocturnal or most active after sunset?
Page | 429
(c)All three (d) None 2. Some microorganisms can grow in the

freezing point of water.
25. Which of the following organisms 3. Some microorganisms can grow in
perform waggle dance for others of their highly acidic environment with pH
kin to indicate the direction and the below 3.
distance to a source of their food?
a) Butterflies
correct?
b) Dragonflies
c) Honeybees (a) Only one (b) Only two
d) Wasps (c)All three (d) None
29. Which one of the following makes a tool
26. Consider the following statements: with a stick to scrape insects from a hole
1. Some mushrooms have medicinal in a tree or a log of wood?
properties. a) Fishing cat
2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active b) Orangutan
properties. c) Otter
3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal d) Sloth bear
properties.
4. Some Mushrooms have bioluminescent 30. Consider the following statements:
properties. 1. Aerosols
2. Foam agents
3. Fire retardants
correct?
4. Lubricants
In the making of how many of the above are
(c)Only three (d) None
hydrofluorocarbons used?
27. Consider the following statements (a) Only one (b) Only two
regarding the Indian squirrels: (c) Only three (d) All four
1. They build nests by making burrows in
the ground. 31. Consider the following statements:
2. They store their food materials like nuts 1. Jhelum River passes through Wular
and seeds in the ground. Lake.
3. They are omnivorous. 2. Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru
Lake.
3. Meandering of Gandak River formed
correct?
Kanwar Lake.
correct?
28. Consider the following statements: (a) Only one (b) Only two
1. Some microorganisms can grow in (c) All three (d) None
environments with temperature above
the boiling point of water. 32. Consider the following pairs:
Page | 430
• Object stupas: They are those in which

2023 SOLUTION the objects belonging to the Buddha or
his disciples are buried. - VAISHALI.
• Commemorative stupas: These are
1. Option (a) is correct
those which are built to commemorate
Explanation: Dharanikota is a village in
events in the life of Buddha and his
Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh. Its old
disciples. -ANURADHAPURA
name was Dhanyakataka, or
• Symbolic stupas: They are those which
Dhanyakatakam. Many historical sources
are built to symbolise various aspects of
attest that Gautama Buddha visited
Buddhist theology. - LEH
Andhaka country and gave his sermons.
Archaeological excavations at Dharanikota • Votive stupas: They are constructed
revealed viharas in Dharanikotaand nearby commemorate visits or gain spiritual
areas. It is the site of the ancient benefits. can be made from metal, stone,
Dhanyakataka which was the capital of the glass, etc
Satavahana kingdom which ruled in the
Deccan around the 1st to 3rd centuries A.D. 3. Option (b) is correct
It was the site of a great Buddhist Stupa Explanation: Poompuhar is a town in the
built in pre-Mauryan times, ruled by Mayiladuthurai region in the southern
Satavahana kings. Indian province of Tamil Nadu. It was a
thriving old port city known as Kaveri
2. Option (c) is correct Poompattinam and Kaveripattinam (not to
Explanation: A stupa is a reliquary, a be mistaken for current Kaveripattinam),
shrine containing the remains of a holy or which for some time filled in as the capital
sainted person and/or relics associated with of the early Chola rulers in Tamilakam.
them, originating in India prior to the 5th Korkai was the capital of Pandya Kingdom.
century BCE as tombs of holy men and This city was centre of trade and important
evolving afterwards into sacred sites port of early Pandya Kingdom. Earlier, it
dedicated to the Buddha. It is a was situated on the banks of the
hemispherical structure, with a spire at the Tamiraparani Stream and at the ocean
top, sometimes situated on a base that coast, making a natural harbour. Because of
varies in shape and size (depending on the extreme sedimentation, the ocean has
designated purpose of that particular stupa) reduced around 6 km in the past 2000years,
surrounded by a walkway for visitors. leaving Korkai well inland today.
Later, stupas were also raised to honour
Buddhist arhats (saints), bodhisattvas Muchiri found notice in the Periplus of the
(enlightened ones), other saintly figures, or Erythraean Ocean, the bardic Tamil sonnets
local deities. and various old style sources. It was the
significant port city of Cheras. Center of the
According to Buddhist sources, the remains city is arranged in the present day
of the Buddha's body (relics) were divided Kodungallur, North Paravoor region.
into eight parts and placed under the stupas.
4. Option (d) is correct
According to A. Cunningbam, Maisey and Explanation: Vatakkiruttal was a Tamil
Foucher the Stupas can be classified in to ritual of fasting till death which was
five categories especially widespread during the Sangam
age. It was a Tamil martial art. This was
• Relic stupas: These are those in which
either done alone, or as a group with the
the relics of Buddha and other religious
supporters of the captured king. In order to
persons are buried. - SANCHI.
save their honour, and prestige the Tamil
kings were prepared to meet their death
Page | 444
facing North ('Vatakkiruttal) and never Nitivakyamrta. He quotes fragments of the

would they turn their back in battle. metrical works on polity attributed to Atri,
Angiras, Kausika, Garga, Devala, Narada,
5. Option (d) is correct Parasara, Bhaguri, Bharadvaja, Bhrgu,
Explanation: The Hoysala Empire was a Brhaspati, Sukra, Vyasa etc.
Kannadiga power originating from the
Indian subcontinent that ruled most of what 7. Option (b) is correct
is now Karnataka between the 10th and the Explanation: Jainism is an ancient Indian
14th centuries. religion that places a strong emphasis on
non-violence, compassion, and the
The Kakatiya dynasty was a Telugu principle of ahimsa (non-harming). One of
dynasty that ruled most of the eastern the fundamental teachings in Jainism is the
Deccan region in present-day India between belief in the existence of souls (jivas) in all
the 12th and 14th centuries. living beings, including humans, animals,
and plants. However, Jain philosophy goes
The Seuna, Sevuna, or Yadavas of Devagiri beyond this and extends the concept of
was a Medieval Indian dynasty, (12th and souls to non-living entities as well,
13th century) which at its peak ruled a including rocks, water, and other natural
kingdom stretching from the Narmada river objects. According to Jainism, all entities
in then north to the Tungabhadra river in the possess a soul, regardless of whether they
south. The Yadava kingdom reached its are traditionally considered living or not.
peak under Simhana-II, and flourished until This belief in the inherent presence of souls
the early 14th century, when it was annexed in various natural objects is a unique aspect
by the Khalji dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate Jainism's worldview and distinguishes it
in 1308 CE. from other major Indian religions such as
The Gahadavala dynasty was a Rajput Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism.
dynasty that ruled parts of the present-day
Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, 8. Option (a) is correct
during 11th and 12th centuries. Explanation: Krishna Deva Raya was one
of the most famous rulers of the
6. Option (b) is correct Vijayanagara Empire, and he undertook
Explanation: Devi-Chandraguptam or numerous infrastructure projects to
Devi-Chandragupta is an Indian political improve their irrigation and agricultural
drama in Sanskrit-language which is capabilities of his kingdom.
attributed to Vishakhadeva, who is
generally identified with Vishakhadatta. The credit for making the capital city of the
Vijayanagara Empire one of the biggest
Hammira Mahakavya is a 15th-century cities in the 15th century goes to Deva Raya
Indian Sanskrit epic poem which is written I. In 1410 CE he had a barrage constructed
by the Jain scholar Nayachandra Suri. across the Tungabhadra river and
Milinda-panha is a Buddhist text between commissioned a 24km long aqueduct from
100BC and 200 AD written by Nagasena. the Tungabhadra river to the capital.
It consists of dialogue between the Indian 9. Option (c) is correct

Buddhist sage Nagasena, and the Indo- Explanation: In 1535, after a long siege,
Greek king Menander of Bactria, who Sultan Bahadur Shah was compelled to
reigned in the2nd century BC. surrender the island of Diu to the
Portuguese led by Nuno da Cunha. This
Nitivakyamrita was the work of Jaina writer event marked as the beginning of
Somadeva of tenth century A.D. He writes Portuguese control and influence in the
a treatise on niti which is called
Page | 445
region, particularly in the maritime trade It stated that Indians should not be debarred
routes of the Indian Ocean. from holding any place, office and
employment under the company but this
In 1538 Siege of Diu resulted in the was nullified after opposition from the
permanent occupation of Diu by Portuguese Court of Directors.
which lasted till 1961.
The concept of a merit based modern Civil
10. Option (d) is correct Service in India was introduced on the
Explanation: The office of the Governor recommendations of Lord Macaulay's
General of Bengal was designated as the Report in 1854.
Governor General of India through the
Government of India Act of 1833. This act The Act permitted the English to settle
was also known as the Charter Act of 1833. freely in India this effectively legalised
It was passed by the British Parliament and British Colonisation of India.
granted expanded powers to the Governor
General of Bengal, transforming the The act provided for the mitigation of
position into the Governor General of India. slavery in India. The slavery was abolished
Lord William Bentinck was the first by British Parliament in Britain and all its
Governor General of India under this new possessions in1833.
designation, serving from 1833 to 1835. The Indian Law Commission was
Features of Charter Act of 1833 established in 1833 through this act and
Lord Macaulay was made its first chairman.
The Governor-General of Bengal became It aimed to codify all kinds of law in India.
the Governor-General of India with
exclusive legislative powers. The 11. Option (c) is correct
Governor-General of India was given civil Explanation: Due process refers to just,
and military powers. rational and fair treatment under the regular
judicial process. For instance, the accused
The presidencies of Bombay and Madras must be given the chance to present their
were deprived of their legislative powers. own defence before being sentenced. "Due
Process of Law" is a doctrine that not only
The Government of India was created for checks if there is a law to deprive the life
the first time having the authority over the and personal liberty of a person but also
entire territorial area possessed by the ensures that the law is made fair and just.
British in India.
Procedure Established by Law means that a
The members of the Governor General's law approved by Parliament would be valid
council were reduced by the Pitt's India act if it had followed the proper procedure. It
1784 was again increased to 4 and the originates from the British Constitution.
fourth member had very limited powers, he The legal scope of procedure is more
was not entitled to act as a member of the limited.
council except for legislative purposes.
The Governor General Council had the Explanation: The Prisons of 1894 Act
authority to amend, repeal or alter any law dealt with provisions for accommodation,
in the entire length and breadth of India for food, clothing, bedding segregation, and the
any British, Foreigner or Indian. discipline of prisoners, including solitary
The activities of East India Company as a confinement. It also laid down provisions
commercial body came to an end and it for the prisoners' employment, health, and
purely became an administrative body. The visits.
act attempted to introduce a system of open Prisons' is a State subject under the Seventh
competition for selection in Civil Services. Schedule to the Constitution of India. So,
Page | 446
the management and administration of 1988under the Consumer Protection Act,

Prisons fall exclusively in the domain of the 1986. It is headed by a sitting or retired
State Governments. judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The responsibility of prison management 16. Option (d) is correct
and prisoners administration solely vested Explanation: If the election of the
in hand with State Governments who alone President of India is declared void by the
are competent to make appropriate Supreme Court, it does not render all acts
legislative provisions in this regard. done by the President in the performance of
their duties before the date of the decision
13. Option (c) is correct as invalid. The President's actions and
Explanation: The main purpose of decisions taken during their tenure remain
constitution is to establish the frame work valid unless specifically declared
for governance and define the structure of otherwise.
the government. It defines and outlines the
powers and functions of various branches The election of the President follows a
of government, such as the executive, specific schedule and process outlined in
legislative, and judiciary. the Constitution.
Explanation: The main objectives of the The elections for the post of the President
1stConstitutional Amendment were, of India cannot be postponed solely on the
accordingly to amend article 19 for the ground that some Legislative Assemblies
purposes indicated above and to insert have been dissolved and elections are yet to
provisions fully securing the constitutional take place.
validity of zamindari abolition laws in The Constitution of India does not prescribe
general and certain specified State Acts in specific time limits within which the
particular. The opportunity has been taken President has to declare their assent when a
propose a few minor amendments to other bill is presented to them. The President has
articles in order to remove difficulties that the power to return a bill for
may arise. reconsideration, withhold their assent, or
15. Option (a) is correct give their assent based on their discretion.
Explanation: The National Commission
for Backward Classes is a constitutional 17. Option (a) is correct
body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry Explanation: The Question asks about
of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is Finance bill and not financial bill. Finance
established through 102nd Amendment Act, bill is an example of money bill. It is passed
2018 by inserting article 338B in the Indian during the budget for enacting tax
Constitution. proposals.
The National Human Rights Commission Statement 1 is incorrect because Rajya

of India is a statutory body established in Sabha cannot amend or reject the finance
1993.It was given a statutory basis through bill but only can recommend changes which
the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. the Lok Sabha can accept or not.
Law Commission of India is a non-statutory Statement 2 is correct as after a money bill

body and constituted by a notification of the is passed by the Lok Sabha, it is transmitted
Government of India, Ministry of Law to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration.
&Justice. The Rajya Sabha has restricted powers with
regard to a money bill. It cannot reject or
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal amend a money bill. It can only make the
Commission of India is a quasi-judicial recommendations.
commission in India which was set up in
Page | 447
Statement 3 is incorrect because finance bill The Governor acts as the representative of
is a money bill and there is no provision for the President in the State and is responsible
holding joint sitting for a money bill. for reporting on the administration and
development activities in the Scheduled
18. Option (c) is correct Areas the President through the Union
Explanation: When an area is notified as a Home Ministry.
"Community Reserve', the Chief Wildlife
Warden of the State or a designated 20. Option (c) is correct
authority becomes responsible for the Explanation: The Supreme Court has held
management and governance of the reserve. in certain judgments that while reservation
policies can be implemented under Article
In a Community Reserve, hunting is strictly 16(4) to provide opportunities to backward
prohibited to protect and conserve the classes, they should also be balanced with
wildlife. the consideration of maintaining the
Such areas are designated as conservation efficiency of administration, as stated in
areas if they are uninhabited and Article 335 of the constitution of India.
completely owned by the Government of
India but used for subsistence by Article 335 states that the claims of the
communities and community areas if parts SC/ST candidates should be taken into
of the lands are privately owned. Thus, consideration in appointments and posts
people of such areas are allowed to collect under the State, but without compromising
non-timber forest produce. the efficiency of administration.
Traditional agricultural practices are Article 335 does not provide a specific
generally not allowed within a Community definition of 'efficiency of administration'.
Reserve. The main focus of a Community Instead, it emphasises the need to balance
Reserve is to conserve biodiversity and the claims of the Scheduled Castes and
natural habitats, so restricting agricultural Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) with the
activities is done protect the ecological maintenance of efficiency in
integrity of the area. administration.
19. Option (b) is correct
Explanation: The notification of an area as 21. Option (c) is correct
Scheduled Area within a State is done Explanation: India does have significant
through a Presidential Order. The President uranium deposits, but its reliability on coal
has the authority to declare certain. Areas as for electricity production is higher
Scheduled areas based on the criteria compared to uranium. Coal continues to be
specified in the Constitution. the primary source of energy for electricity
generation in India due to its abundant
In a Scheduled Area, the administrative availability and existing infrastructure
units are organised from the district level to
the cluster of villages in the Block. The Uranium is used as a fuel for nuclear power
District is the largest administrative unit, generation, the level of enrichment required
and within the District, there are smaller for electricity production is not fixed at
administrative units such as Blocks and 60%.The enrichment level can vary
Clusters of villages. depending on the type of reactor and its
design. Typically, for light-water reactors,
The Governor of the concerned State
the enrichment level is around 3-5%
responsible for submitting annual reports to
uranium-235, not 60%.
the President of India, and not the Chief
Ministers.
22. Option (c) is correct
Page | 448

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PRELIMS 2016 143

PRELIMS 2017 188

PRELIMS 2018 228

PRELIMS 2019 269

PRELIMS 2020 306

PRELIMS 2021 348

PRELIMS 2022 388

PRELIMS 2023 424

PRELIMS 2024 467

UPSC PRELIMS 2013 QUESTIONS

b) 2 and 3 only 1. Arsenic

manufacturing/service sector and from Congress, in late 1917.The INC Session of

Besant also involved in politics in India, Explanation: Foreign-exchange reserves,

UPSC PRELIMS 2015 QUESTIONS

c) Assam and Gujarat 10. Which of the following statements is/are

9. Which of the following National Parks is 3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water

b) Keibul Lamjao National Park a) 1 and 3 only

c) Keoladeo Ghana National Park b) 2 only

d) Sultanpur National Park c) 2 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only 2. It is found along the, entire coast of

a) 1 only Which of the statements given above is/are

d) The Department of Personnel and 1. It is a contactless communication

The Mission proposed a prompt

1. Option (a) is correct. 2. Option (d) is correct.

The proposed Constituent Assembly was to 4. Option (b) is correct.

It is the earliest Buddhist sculpture of peasants (villeins or serfs) were obliged to

(Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore Fourth Schedule: The fourth schedule

Ministry of Finance. The Finance Secretary Deposits in provident funds, judicial

It is constituted under Article 266 (1) of the

undercapitalized, over-leveraged, and relied 1997. It is an international organization

The tide-generating force is the difference Climatic Conditions:

UPSC PRELIMS 2016 QUESTIONS

2. It is a wireless technology and is several 1. The International Finance Corporation,

7. Which one of the following is a purpose of a) 1 only

c) UNFCCC affairs 14. Recently, which one of the following

a) Andhra Pradesh d) Neither 1 nor 2

97. With reference to the Agreement at the a) S. Ramanujan

crore to at least one SC or ST borrower and It is a specialised agency of the United

There is no such provision, GI is accorded to Assam Valley Dihang or Siong, South

Food and Agriculture Organization: Bangladesh Padma River: Combined

Bangladesh Meghana: From the Classification of Parties and their

Almost all branches of commercial banks, Non-Annex I

7. Date marking • Giving customers control over their

9. World Trade Outlook Indicator – force on October 2, 2009. Gram Nyayalayas

Gram Nyayalayas - Features:

Gram Nyayalayas was established by the The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

UPSC PRELIMS 2023 QUESTIONS

12. Consider the following statements:

(c)All three (d) None 2. Some microorganisms can grow in the

• Object stupas: They are those in which

facing North ('Vatakkiruttal) and never Nitivakyamrta. He quotes fragments of the