UPSC CSE · General Studies Paper I

UPSC Prelims 2013 Question Paper with Answers & Explanations – Page 2

99 questions from the UPSC Prelims 2013 General Studies Paper I paper, in paper order, each with its answer and a full explanation. Difficulty split: 37% easy, 39% medium and 23% hard. Subjects covered: Polity, Art and Culture, Environment and Ecology, Geography, Indian Economy and more.

  1. Consider the following statements:

    1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.
    2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2

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  2. Consider the following statements: Attorney General of India can

    1. take part in the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
    2. be a member of a committee of the Lok Sabha.
    3. speak in the Lok Sabha.
    4. vote in the Lok Sabha.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 4
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. 1 and 3 only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3

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  3. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
    2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
    3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

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  4. Variations in the length of daytime and night time from season to season are due to:

    1. The Earth’s rotation on its axis
    2. The Earth’s revolution round the Sun in an elliptical manner
    3. Latitudinal position of the place
    4. Revolution of the Earth on a tilted axis
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Revolution of the Earth on a tilted axis

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  5. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?

    1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
    2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
    3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3
    3. 1 and 3
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1 only

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

    1. Is bound in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
    2. Is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
    3. Exists as groundwater
    4. Exists as soil moisture
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Exists as groundwater

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  7. Consider the following pairs:

    1. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve — Garo Hills
    2. Loktak (Loktak) Lake — Barail Range
    3. Namdapha National Park — Dafla Hills

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1 only

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  8. Consider the following:

    1. Electromagnetic radiation
    2. Geothermal energy
    3. Gravitational force
    4. Plate movements
    5. Rotation of the Earth
    6. Revolution of the Earth

    Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the Earth?

    1. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
    2. 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
    3. 2, 4, 5 and 6 only
    4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

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  9. Which of the following bodies does/do not find mention in the Constitution?

    1. National Development Council
    2. Planning Commission
    3. Zonal Councils

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

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  10. The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:

    1. The reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
    2. The grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
    3. The uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom
    4. Writing off all peasant debts
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third

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

    1. With the consent of all the States
    2. With the consent of the majority of States
    3. With the consent of the States concerned
    4. Without the consent of any State
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Without the consent of any State

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

    1. Insects and fungi
    2. Limited sunlight and paucity of nutrients
    3. Water limits and fire
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Water limits and fire

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

    1. Oceans, lakes, grasslands, mangroves
    2. Mangroves, oceans, grasslands, lakes
    3. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans
    4. Oceans, mangroves, lakes, grasslands
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Mangroves, grasslands, lakes, oceans

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  14. Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in:

    1. Desert margins, liable to strong wind action
    2. Low flat plains, close to stream courses, liable to flooding
    3. Scrublands, liable to spread of weed growth
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: D. None of the above

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

    1. To provide self-governance
    2. To recognize traditional rights
    3. To create autonomous regions in tribal areas
    4. To free tribal people from exploitation
    Show answer

    Answer: C. To create autonomous regions in tribal areas

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

    1. Bacteria
    2. Protozoa
    3. Moulds
    4. Viruses
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Moulds

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  17. Economic Justice' as one of the objectives of the Indian Constitution has been provided in:

    1. The Preamble and the Fundamental Rights
    2. The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy
    3. The Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The Preamble and the Directive Principles of State Policy

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  18. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

    1. Beryllium
    2. Cadmium
    3. Chromium
    4. Heptachlor
    5. Mercury
    6. Lead
    7. Plutonium

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    2. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
    3. 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
    4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only

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  19. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by:

    1. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
    2. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
    3. Ozone and carbon dioxide
    4. Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide

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  20. With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements:

    1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other.
    2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species.
    3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1 only

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  21. Consider the following pairs:

    National Park — River flowing through the Park
    1. Corbett National Park — Ganga
    2. Kaziranga National Park — Manas
    3. Silent Valley National Park — Kaveri

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

    1. 1 and 2
    2. 3 only
    3. 1 and 3
    4. None
    Show answer

    Answer: D. None

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  22. Consider the following organisms:
    1. Agaricus
    2. Nostoc
    3. Spirogyra

    Which of the above is/are used as biofertilizer/biofertilizers?

    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 only
    3. 2 and 3
    4. 3 only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 only

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  23. Which of the following adds/add nitrogen to the soil?

    1. Excretion of urea by animals
    2. Burning of coal by man
    3. Death of vegetation

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1 and 3 only

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  24. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?

    1. Tamil Nadu
    2. Kerala
    3. Karnataka
    4. Andhra Pradesh

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1, 2 and 3 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only

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

    1. Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
    2. Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
    3. Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
    4. There is no material difference between the two
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

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

    1. The extinction of the flame of desire
    2. The complete annihilation of self
    3. A state of bliss and rest
    4. A mental stage beyond all comprehension
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The extinction of the flame of desire

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

    1. Fundamental Rights
    2. Fundamental Duties
    3. Directive Principles of State Policy
    4. Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Directive Principles of State Policy

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  28. The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because:

    1. Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
    2. Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
    3. There was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
    4. The Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
    Show answer

    Answer: C. There was no Indian member in the Simon Commission

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  29. Quit India Movement was launched in response to:

    1. Cabinet Mission Plan
    2. Cripps Proposals
    3. Simon Commission Report
    4. Wavell Plan
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Cripps Proposals

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  30. The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of:

    1. All import and export transactions of a country during a given period of time, normally a year
    2. Goods exported from a country during a year
    3. Economic transaction between the government of one country to another
    4. Capital movements from one country to another
    Show answer

    Answer: A. All import and export transactions of a country during a given period of time, normally a year

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  31. The Reserve Bank of India regulates the commercial banks in matters of:

    1. Liquidity of assets
    2. Branch expansion
    3. Merger of banks
    4. Winding-up of banks

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 and 4 only
    2. 2, 3 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  32. An increase in the Bank Rate generally indicates that the:

    1. Market rate of interest is likely to fall
    2. Central Bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks
    3. Central Bank is following an easy money policy
    4. Central Bank is following a tight money policy
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Central Bank is following a tight money policy

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  33. In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for:

    1. Economic development
    2. Redemption of public debt
    3. Adjusting the balance of payments
    4. Reducing the foreign debt
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Economic development

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  34. Which of the following characterizes/characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

    1. They possessed great palaces and temples.
    2. They worshipped both male and female deities.
    3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare.

    Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below:

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. None of the statements given above is correct
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 only

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  35. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?

    1. Chikungunya
    2. Hepatitis B
    3. HIV-AIDS

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

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  36. Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine?

    1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
    2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
    3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

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

    1. Ecotone
    2. Ecological niche
    3. Habitat
    4. Home range
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Ecological niche

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  38. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

    1. NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
    2. CO, O2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
    3. CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature
    4. high concentration of NO2, O3 and CO in the evening
    Show answer

    Answer: A. NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight

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  39. Consider the following minerals:

    1. Calcium
    2. Iron
    3. Sodium

    Which of the minerals given above is/are required by human body for the contraction of muscles?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

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