UPSC CSE · General Studies Paper I

UPSC Prelims 2019 Question Paper with Answers & Explanations – Page 2

99 questions from the UPSC Prelims 2019 General Studies Paper I paper, in paper order, each with its answer and a full explanation. Difficulty split: 25% easy, 40% medium and 34% hard. Subjects covered: International Relations, Indian Economy, Polity, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology and more.

  1. Consider the following statements:

    1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.

    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.

    3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: A. 1 only

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  2. Consider the following pairs:
    Famous Place — River

    1. Pandharpur : Chandrabhaga

    2. Tiruchirappalli : Cauvery

    3. Hampi : Malaprabha

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

    Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

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  3. In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because

    1. poverty rates vary from State to State
    2. price levels vary from State to State
    3. Gross State Product varies from State to State
    4. quality of public distribution varies from State to State
    Show answer

    Answer: B. price levels vary from State to State

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  4. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the used of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

    1. Creating the artificial rains in some regions
    2. Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
    3. Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
    4. Reducing the global warming
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Reducing the global warming

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  5. In the context of which one of the following are the terms 'pyrolysis and plasma gasification' mentioned?

    1. Extraction of rare earth elements
    2. Natural gas extraction technologies
    3. Hydrogen fuel-based automobiles
    4. Waste-to-energy technologies
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Waste-to-energy technologies

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  6. Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

    1. Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
    2. Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
    3. Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
    4. Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

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  7. Consider the following statements:

    1. Some species of turtles are herbivores.

    2. Some species of fish are herbivores.

    3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores.

    4. Some species of snakes are viviparous.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

    Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  8. Consider the following pairs:
    Wildlife Naturally found in — River/Location

    1. Blue-finned Mahseer : Cauvery River

    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin : Chambal River

    3. Rusty-spotted Cat : Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    1. 1 and 2 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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  9. Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?

    1. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
    2. They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.
    3. They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.
    4. They are often found to be used as food adulterants.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

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  10. Building 'Kalyaana Mandapas' was a notable feature in the temple construction in the kingdom of

    1. Chalukya
    2. Chandela
    3. Rashtrakuta
    4. Vijayanagara
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Vijayanagara

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  11. Consider the following statements:

    1. In the revenue administration of Delhi Sultanate, the in-charge of revenue collection was known as 'Amil'.

    2. The Iqta system of Sultans of Delhi was an ancient indigenous institution.

    3. The office of 'Mir Bakshi' came into existence during the reign of Khalji Sultans of Delhi.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: A. 1 only

    Read the full explanation →

  12. Consider the following statements:

    1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.

    2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.

    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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  13. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'.

    2. In Lord Chelmsford's War Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.

    3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian people, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

    Answer: B. 1 and 3 only

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  14. With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:
    Person — Position held

    1. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru : President, All India Liberal Federation

    2. K. C. Neogy : Member, The Constituent Assembly

    3. P. C. Joshi : General Secretary, Communist Party of India

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

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

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

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  15. With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    1. Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
    2. Tansen composed Dhrupada on Hindu gods and goddesses.
    3. Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
    4. Tansen invented many Ragas.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.

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  16. Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

    1. Humayun
    2. Akbar
    3. Jahangir
    4. Shah Jahan
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Jahangir

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  17. Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone?

    1. Manas National Park
    2. Namdahpa National Park
    3. Neora Valley National Park
    4. Valley of Flowers National Park
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Valley of Flowers National Park

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  18. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

    1. Department of Science and Technology
    2. Ministry of Labour and Employment
    3. NITI Aayog
    4. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
    Show answer

    Answer: C. NITI Aayog

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  19. On 21st June, the Sun

    1. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
    2. does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
    3. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
    4. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
    Show answer

    Answer: A. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

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  20. Consider the following statements:

    1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment.

    2. Cattle release ammonia into environment.

    3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

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  21. What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?

    1. Recently discovered uranium deposits
    2. Tropical rain forests
    3. Underground cave systems
    4. Water reservoirs
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Water reservoirs

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  22. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:

    1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.

    2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.

    3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.

    4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

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  23. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?

    1. Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth's surface.
    2. Clouds reflect back the Earth's radiation.
    3. The Earth's surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.
    4. Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Clouds reflect back the Earth's radiation.

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  24. Consider the following statements:

    1. The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review.

    2. The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of judiciary.

    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: B. 2 only

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  25. Consider the following statements:

    1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of Indian cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

    2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes 'incapacity and proved misbehaviour' of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.

    3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

    4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: C. 3 and 4 only

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  26. The Ninth Schedule was introduced in the Constitution of India during the prime ministership of

    1. Jawaharlal Nehru
    2. Lal Bahadur Shastri
    3. Indira Gandhi
    4. Morarji Desai
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Jawaharlal Nehru

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  27. Consider the following statements:

    1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.

    2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.

    3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal product.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: A. 1 only

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  28. Consider the following statements:

    1. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 exempts several posts from disqualification on the grounds of 'Office of Profit'.

    2. The above-mentioned Act was amended five times.

    3. The term 'Office of Profit' is well-defined in the Constitution of India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

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  29. Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?

    1. Third Schedule
    2. Fifth Schedule
    3. Ninth Schedule
    4. Twelfth Schedule
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Fifth Schedule

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  30. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

    1. anti-malarial drug
    2. biodiesel
    3. pulp for paper industry
    4. textile fibre
    Show answer

    Answer: D. textile fibre

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  31. For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?

    1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location

    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location

    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

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  32. Consider the following states:

    1. Chhattisgarh
    2. Madhya Pradesh
    3. Maharashtra
    4. Odisha

    With reference to the States mentioned above, in terms of percentage of forest cover to the total area of State, which one of the following is the correct ascending order?

    1. 2-3-1-4
    2. 2-3-4-1
    3. 3-2-4-1
    4. 3-2-1-4
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 3-2-4-1

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  33. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'?

    1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.

    2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.

    3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after decade or two.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1 and 2 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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  34. Consider the following:

    1. Carbon monoxide
    2. Methane
    3. Ozone
    4. Sulphur dioxide

    Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

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

    Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  35. Consider the following pairs:
    Sea — Bordering country

    1. Adriatic Sea : Albania
    2. Black Sea : Croatia
    3. Caspian Sea : Kazakhstan
    4. Mediterranean Sea : Morocco
    5. Red Sea : Syria

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

    Answer: B. 1, 3 and 4 only

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  36. Among the following which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years?

    1. China
    2. India
    3. Myanmar
    4. Vietnam
    Show answer

    Answer: B. India

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  37. Consider the following pairs:
    Glacier — River

    1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri : Chenab
    3. Milam : Mandakini
    4. Siachen : Nubra
    5. Zemu : Manas

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

    Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4

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  38. In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as

    1. pesticides in agriculture
    2. preservatives in processed foods
    3. fruit-ripening agents
    4. moisturizing agents in cosmetics
    Show answer

    Answer: A. pesticides in agriculture

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  39. Consider the following statements:

    1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.

    2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendation of Ramsar Convention.

    3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

    Answer: C. 3 only

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