UPSC Prelims 2011 Previous Year Questions with Answers and Explanations
100 questions from the UPSC Prelims 2011 General Studies Paper I, each with the correct answer, a full explanation, why every option is right or wrong, and named sources.
- Q1 · Environment & Ecology: In the Union Budget 2011 - 12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio - based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is…
- Q2 · Environment & Ecology: Consider the following: 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Oxides of Nitrogen 3. Oxides of Sulphur Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from…
- Q3 · Science & Technology: Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when: 1. The…
- Q4 · Indian Economy: India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons? 1. Due to a gradual switchover to…
- Q5 · Science & Technology: At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this…
- Q6 · Indian Economy: In terms of economy, the visit by foreign nationals to witness the XIX Commonwealth Games in India amounted to
- Q7 · Science & Technology: Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why? 1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity…
- Q8 · Indian Economy: Which one of the following statements appropriately describes the “fiscal stimulus”?
- Q9 · Environment & Ecology: The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?
- Q10 · Indian Economy: Consider the following actions which the Government can take: 1. Devaluing the domestic currency. 2. Reduction in the export subsidy. 3.…
- Q11 · Indian Polity: The Constitution (Seventy - Third Amendment) Act, 1992, which aims at promoting the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the country, provides…
- Q12 · Environment & Ecology: Two important rivers - one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha…
- Q13 · Indian Economy: A rapid increase in the rate of inflation is sometimes attributed to the "base effect". What is "base effect" ?
- Q14 · Geography: India is regarded as a country with “Demographic Dividend”. This is due to
- Q15 · Environment & Ecology: Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
- Q16 · Indian Economy: Which one of the following is not a feature of “Value Added Tax”?
- Q17 · Indian Economy: “A closed economy” is an economy in which
- Q18 · Science & Technology: When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it gradually dries up and dies because
- Q19 · Current Affairs: The “New START” treaty was in the news. What is this treaty?
- Q20 · Environment & Ecology: Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats - Sri Lanka and Indo - Burma regions as hotspots of…
- Q21 · Environment & Ecology: Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not…
- Q22 · Environment & Ecology: In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the 1.…
- Q23 · Environment & Ecology: If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because
- Q24 · Environment & Ecology: The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?
- Q25 · Environment & Ecology: With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts: 1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 2. Mining and Mineral Development…
- Q26 · Indian Polity: Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories?
- Q27 · Geography: A layer in the Earth’s atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why? 1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection…
- Q28 · Indian Economy: Both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) are related to investment in a country. Which one of the…
- Q29 · Science & Technology: A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt - brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is
- Q30 · Indian Economy: With reference to "Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana", consider the following statements: 1. The member insured under the scheme must be the head of…
- Q31 · Indian Economy: In the context of global oil prices, "Brent crude oil" is frequently referred to in the news. What does this term imply? 1. It is a major…
- Q32 · Science & Technology: The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to
- Q33 · Indian Polity: In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national minority, what special advantages is it entitled to? 1. It can…
- Q34 · Indian Polity: India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law? 1. Free schooling till the age…
- Q35 · Indian Economy: With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of "Mega Food Parks"? 1. To provide good infrastructure facilities for…
- Q36 · Indian Polity: The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from
- Q37 · Indian Polity: All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the
- Q38 · Indian Economy: Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low - income groups. This includes both the consumers and the self -…
- Q39 · Geography: Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among…
- Q40 · Science & Technology: A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans - fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers?…
- Q41 · Indian Economy: Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”?
- Q42 · Current Affairs: With reference to “Look East Policy” of India, consider the following statements: 1. India wants to establish itself as an important…
- Q43 · Indian Polity: When the annual Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha,
- Q44 · Indian Polity: Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty?
- Q45 · Indian Polity: With reference to the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is correct?
- Q46 · Indian Polity: Consider the following: 1. Right to education. 2. Right to equal access to public service. 3. Right to food. Which of the above is/are…
- Q47 · Environment & Ecology: There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this…
- Q48 · Environment & Ecology: Consider the following : 1. Photosynthesis 2. Respiration 3. Decay of organic matter 4. Volcanic action Which of the above add carbon…
- Q49 · Current Affairs: Recently, the USA decided to support India's membership in multi - lateral export control regimes called the "Australia Group" and the…
- Q50 · Science & Technology: The surface of a lake is frozen in severe winter, but the water at its bottom is still liquid. What is the reason ?
- Q51 · Environment & Ecology: A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is…
- Q52 · Geography: La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino ? 1. La Nina is characterised by…
- Q53 · Modern History: The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The…
- Q54 · Modern History: Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942 ?
- Q55 · Modern History: Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century ?
- Q56 · Ancient History: India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre - eminence of…
- Q57 · Science & Technology: What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi - Fi devices ?
- Q58 · Geography: With reference to micro - irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced. 2. It…
- Q59 · Indian Economy: With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, "Home Charges" formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of…
- Q60 · Modern History: What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda? 1. The Administration did not suspend…
- Q61 · Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways: 1. Soil formation 2. Prevention of soil erosion 3. Recycling of…
- Q62 · Science & Technology: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it…
- Q63 · Modern History: What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W. S. Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893?
- Q64 · Science & Technology: What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp? 1. To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses…
- Q65 · Science & Technology: Recently, ‘oilzapper’ was in the news. What is it?
- Q66 · Science & Technology: A married couple adopted a male child. A few years later twin boys were born to them. The blood group of the couple is AB positive and O…
- Q67 · Modern History: Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled "Unto this Last" and the book transformed his…
- Q68 · Modern History: With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well - known for
- Q69 · Science & Technology: A new optical disc format known as the Blu - ray Disc (BD) is becoming popular. In what way is it different from the traditional DVD? 1.…
- Q70 · Modern History: With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report? 1. Complete…
- Q71 · Geography: Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with…
- Q72 · Environment & Ecology: Which one of the following is not a site for in - situ method of conservation of flora?
- Q73 · Indian Polity: Consider the following statements: In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee 1. Is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution…
- Q74 · Indian Economy: What is the difference between "vote - on - account" and "interim budget"? 1. The provision of a "vote - on - account" is used by a…
- Q75 · Indian Economy: Regarding the International Monetary Fund, which one of the following statements is correct?
- Q76 · Environment & Ecology: The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves…
- Q77 · Art & Culture: The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
- Q78 · Geography: Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects…
- Q79 · Environment & Ecology: The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of 1.…
- Q80 · Indian Economy: Why is the offering of "teaser loans" by commercial banks a cause of economic concern? 1. The teaser loans are considered to be an aspect…
- Q81 · Science & Technology: An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth
- Q82 · Indian Economy: In the context of Indian economy, consider the following statements: 1. The growth rate of GDP has steadily increased in the last five…
- Q83 · Indian Economy: In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities?
- Q84 · Indian Economy: Which of the following can aid in furthering the Government's objective of inclusive growth? 1. Promoting Self - Help Groups 2. Promoting…
- Q85 · Indian Economy: Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)? 1. The Government intends to use…
- Q86 · Science & Technology: What is the difference between asteroids and comets? 1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held…
- Q87 · Indian Economy: Economic growth is usually coupled with
- Q88 · Indian Economy: The lowering of Bank Rate by the Reserve Bank of India leads to
- Q89 · Geography: Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why? 1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass…
- Q90 · Geography: Between India and East Asia, the navigation - time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following? 1. Deepening the Malacca…
- Q91 · Science & Technology: Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants…
- Q92 · Ancient History: Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements : 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the…
- Q93 · Geography: The lower Gangetic plain is characterised by humid climate with high temperature throughout the year. Which one among the following pairs…
- Q94 · Geography: What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian desert belt? 1. It is located in the sub - tropical high…
- Q95 · Geography: The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation? 1. There are no…
- Q96 · Environment & Ecology: Consider the following statements: 1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes. 2.…
- Q97 · Geography: The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper…
- Q98 · Geography: A state in India has the following characteristics: 1. Its northern part is arid and semi - arid. 2. Its central part produces cotton. 3.…
- Q99 · Science & Technology: What is "Virtual Private Network"?
- Q100 · Ancient History: The "dharma" and "rita" depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements:…
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