All 150 questions from UPPSC PCS Prelims 2020, GS Paper I. Each question has the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right and the other options are not. Try each one first, then open “Show answer and explanation”.
Answers with explanations are written by our team. Explanations still being checked by a subject expert are marked.
Answer: (d) 2019
The National Clean Air Programme was launched by the Ministry of Environment in January 2019, initially targeting a 20–30% cut in PM2.5/PM10 by 2024.
Answer: (b) Ikshvakus
The Puranas call the Ikshvakus of the Krishna valley (Nagarjunakonda, ancient Sriparvata) 'Shriparvatiya Andhrabhrityas'.
Answer: (a) Alagh Committee
The Alagh Task Force (1979) defined the poverty line purely by calorie norms: 2,400 kcal rural and 2,100 kcal urban. Later committees added other consumption components.
Answer: (c) Construction of roads
According to Megasthenes, the agronomoi were district officials who looked after roads (building them and setting up milestones), irrigation and land measurement. The astynomoi were city officials.
Answer: (d) Social Inequality
HDI uses life expectancy, education (mean and expected years of schooling) and per capita income (GNI). Inequality is captured separately by the IHDI.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Mahajanpadas): A. Matsya, B. Kuru, C. Sursena, D. Asmak
List-II (Capitals): 1. Mathura, 2. Potan, 3. Virat Nagar, 4. Indraprastha
Codes:
Answer: (c) 3 4 1 2
Matsya–Viratnagar, Kuru–Indraprastha, Shurasena–Mathura and Ashmaka–Potana (Paudanya): A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
Answer: (a) Oscar Lewis
The anthropologist Oscar Lewis proposed the 'culture of poverty' (1959), the idea that poverty creates a self-perpetuating subculture.
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): We have much more information about Cholas than their predecessors.
Reason (R): The Chola rulers adopted the practice of having inscriptions written on the walls of temples giving a historical narrative of their victories.
Codes:
Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
From Rajaraja I onwards, the Cholas prefixed their inscriptions with meykkirti (historical preambles listing conquests) and inscribed them on temple walls, so we know far more about them than about earlier dynasties.
Answer: (c) Politics and Development
The mid-1980s debate on development's negative side (leading to the Brundtland Report) centred on resource degradation, pollution, and displacement and rehabilitation (for example, large dams). 'Politics and development' was not one of these.
Answer: (c) V.S. Wakankar
V.S. Wakankar noticed the Bhimbetka rock shelters in 1957 and established the prehistoric significance of their paintings.
Answer: (a) 10
Ten UP cities are in the Smart Cities Mission: Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Kanpur, Aligarh, Jhansi, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Moradabad and Saharanpur.
Match List-I with List-II and answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Harappan Site): A. Balu, B. Manda, C. Padri, D. Hulas
List-II (UT/State of India): 1. Uttar Pradesh, 2. Jammu & Kashmir, 3. Haryana, 4. Gujarat
Codes:
Answer: (d) 3 2 4 1
Balu–Haryana, Manda–Jammu and Kashmir, Padri–Gujarat and Hulas–Uttar Pradesh: A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1.
Answer: (b) Our Common Future
'Our Common Future' (1987), the Brundtland Commission report, defined sustainable development and set off the global debate.
Consider the following statements and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1. The Sun temple of Multan is mentioned by Hiuen Tsang, Abuzaiyid, Al-Masudi and Alberuni.
2. The pilgrimage to Sambapur was associated with Sun worship.
Codes:
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2 are correct
The Multan sun temple is described by Hiuen Tsang, Abu Zaid, al-Masudi and Alberuni. Multan was the ancient Sambapura, linked with Samba's sun cult, and its pilgrimage festival was a sun-worship event.
Answer: (b) NITI Aayog
The Atal Innovation Mission (2016) is NITI Aayog's flagship initiative for innovation and entrepreneurship (Atal Tinkering Labs, incubators).
Answer: (b) N.M. Joshi
N.M. Joshi represented Indian workers at the first International Labour Conference in Washington (1919). He later helped found the AITUC (1920).
Answer: (c) Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' (1962) exposed the harm of DDT and pesticides and launched the modern environmental movement.
With reference to the Treaty of "Aix-la-Chapelle-1748", which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The I Carnatic War was ended.
2. The English got back Madras.
Codes:
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748) ended the War of Austrian Succession and with it the First Carnatic War. Madras was restored to the English (in exchange for Louisbourg).
Answer: (d) Family Planning
ICDS provides six services: supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check-ups, referral, pre-school education, and nutrition and health education. Family planning is not one of them.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I: A. Indian Arm Act, B. Royal Title Act, C. Indian High Court Act, D. Indian Divorce Act
List-II: 1. 1876, 2. 1878, 3. 1869, 4. 1861
Codes:
Answer: (d) 2 1 4 3
Indian Arms Act 1878, Royal Titles Act 1876, Indian High Courts Act 1861 and Indian Divorce Act 1869: A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I: A. Indus Valley Civilization, B. Later Vedic Society, C. Rigvedic Society, D. Medieval Period
List-II: 1. Pastoral, 2. Land Lordism, 3. Agrarian, 4. Urban
Codes:
Answer: (d) 4 3 1 2
The Indus civilisation was urban, later Vedic society agrarian and Rigvedic society pastoral, and the medieval period was marked by landlordism: A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2.
Answer: (c) Lord Dalhousie
In 1850, under Lord Dalhousie, the British annexed the Sikkim Terai (Morang) and other parts of Sikkim. The answer key credits him with the 'merger'.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (c) 1971 and 1981 respectively
Kanpur crossed one million in the 1971 Census and Lucknow in the 1981 Census.
Answer: (d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Gandhi (the sole Congress representative), Sarojini Naidu and Madan Mohan Malaviya attended the Second Round Table Conference (1931). Rajendra Prasad did not.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I: A. Jajmani, B. Bara Balute, C. Mirasi, D. Adade
List-II: 1. North India, 2. Karnataka, 3. Maharashtra, 4. Tamil Nadu
Codes:
Answer: (d) 1 3 4 2
Village service systems: jajmani (north India), bara balute (Maharashtra), mirasi (Tamil Nadu) and adade (Karnataka): A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2. The extraction printed option (d) as '1 3 4 4'; it is read as '1 3 4 2'.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Book): A. The Story of My Deportation, B. Gita Rahasya, C. A Nation in Making, D. India Wins Freedom
List-II (Writer): 1. Surendranath Banerjee, 2. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, 3. Lala Lajpat Rai, 4. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Codes:
Answer: (a) 3 4 1 2
The Story of My Deportation is by Lajpat Rai, Gita Rahasya by Tilak, A Nation in Making by Surendranath Banerjea and India Wins Freedom by Maulana Azad: A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
Answer: (a) Robert E. Park
Robert E. Park (1928) introduced the concept of the 'marginal man', a person living between two cultures.
Answer: (b) Haider Ali
As faujdar of Dindigul (1755), Haidar Ali set up a modern arsenal there with French help.
Answer: (d) Fast pace of population growth
The direct major causes of extinction are habitat loss, poaching and illegal trade, and forest fires. Population growth is an indirect, underlying pressure rather than a direct cause.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The British Government introduced different land revenue system in different part of India.
Reason (R): It led to create different classes in Indian peasantry.
Codes:
Answer: (b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
Both are true: the British introduced Permanent, Ryotwari and Mahalwari settlements in different regions, and these created distinct peasant classes. The reason is a consequence, not why the systems differed.
Answer: (a) Hubballi
In August 2020 the Hubballi Railway Museum (South Western Railway, Karnataka) was dedicated to the nation.
Consider the following text and arrange them in chronological order:
1. Fatawa-i-Jahandari
2. Prithviraja-Raso
3. Kitab-ul-Hind
4. Tabaqat-i-Nasiri
Codes:
Answer: (d) 3, 2, 4, 1
Kitab-ul-Hind (Alberuni, about 1030), Prithviraj Raso (Chand Bardai, 12th century tradition), Tabaqat-i-Nasiri (Minhaj, about 1260) and Fatawa-i-Jahandari (Barani, 14th century): 3, 2, 4, 1.
Answer: (c) United Arab Emirates
The UAE's 'Hope' probe, launched from Japan on 20 July 2020, was the Arab world's first Mars mission.
Answer: (a) Abul Hasan Qutb Shah
Abul Hasan Qutb Shah (Tana Shah) was the last Qutb Shahi ruler when Aurangzeb took Golconda in 1687.
Answer: (d) Bangladesh
In July 2020 Bangladesh's telecom regulator (BTRC) told operators to stop free internet bundles for social media.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Which of the following statement/s is/are correct?
1. Akbar tried to fix the age of marriage for boys and girls.
2. Akbar gave freedom to girls to marry at their own will and not under parental pressure.
Codes:
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Akbar fixed minimum marriage ages (16 for boys, 14 for girls) and required the consent of the bride and groom as well as their parents, so both statements are correct.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Which of the following statement/s about 'India Ideas Summit, 2020' is/are correct?
1. It was organised by US-India Business Council virtually on 22nd July, 2020.
2. The theme of the Summit was 'Empowering India'.
Codes:
Answer: (a) 1 only
The US-India Business Council held the India Ideas Summit virtually on 21–22 July 2020 (the PM spoke on 22 July). Its theme was 'Building a Better Future', not 'Empowering India'.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Officer): A. Diwan-i-Tan, B. Mustarfi, C. Mushrif, D. Vakianvis
List-II (Assign Duty): 1. Look after the office, 2. Maintained a proper list of main events and firmans, 3. Look after the Jagir and Salaries, 4. Examine the income-expenditure of State
Codes:
Answer: (b) 3 4 1 2
In Mughal administration, the diwan-i-tan handled jagirs and salaries, the mustaufi audited income and expenditure, the mushrif ran the office (accounts) and the waqia-navis recorded events and farmans: A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2.
Answer: (d) Prayagraj
On 29 July 2020 the UP cabinet approved the Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University at Prayagraj.
Answer: (d) Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya - Multan
Nizamuddin Auliya's dargah is in Delhi, not Multan. Multan was the Suhrawardi centre of Bahauddin Zakariya.
Answer: (a) Haryana
On 25 July 2020 the sports minister announced that Haryana (Panchkula) would host the 4th Khelo India Youth Games in 2021.
Answer: (b) Shahab Nahr
Under Akbar, Shihabuddin Ahmad Khan restored Firuz Shah's Rajabwah (Western Yamuna) canal, which became known as the Nahr-i-Shihab (Shahab Nahr). Ali Mardan Khan later extended it under Shah Jahan.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (c) Mohan Bagan
On Mohun Bagan Day (29 July 2020), the club became the first Indian football club featured on the NASDAQ billboard in Times Square.
Answer: (a) Ibrahim Adil Shah II
Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (called Jagadguru) wrote Kitab-i-Nauras, a collection of Dakhani songs in praise of Saraswati and the Sufis.
Answer: (b) Devlali (Maharashtra) and Danapur (Bihar)
India's first Kisan Rail ran from Devlali (Nashik, Maharashtra) to Danapur (Bihar) on 7–8 August 2020.
Answer: (d) Mirzapur
The 75 MW Dadar Kalan solar plant in Mirzapur, built by France's Engie, was inaugurated by PM Modi and President Macron in March 2018.
Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
(Summit - Place)
Answer: (a) East Asia Summit, 2020 - Singapore
The 2020 East Asia Summit was hosted virtually by Vietnam (Hanoi), not Singapore. G20 2019 was in Osaka, G7 2019 in Biarritz and EAS 2019 in Bangkok.
Answer: (b) 6
In January 2020 six UP wetlands were declared Ramsar sites: Nawabganj, Parvati Arga, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi and Sarsai Nawar.
Answer: (c) Chhattisgarh
India's first e-Lok Adalat was held by the Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority in July 2020, during the COVID-19 period.
Answer: (b) Rengma
The Rengma are a Naga tribe of Nagaland and Assam. The Halchu (Nicobarese group), Onge and Shompen are native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
With reference to the detailed report of Tiger Census 2018 released by Government of India in July 2020, which of the following Statement(s) is/are correct?
1. India has 70% of total global tiger's population.
2. Nearly 30% of India's tigers live outside tiger reserve.
Codes:
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 both
The Status of Tigers 2018 report (July 2020) put India's count at 2,967, about 70% or more of the world's wild tigers, with roughly 30% living outside tiger reserves.
Answer: (b) Sutlej
The Sutlej rises near Rakshastal and Mansarovar in Tibet, beyond the Himalaya, and cuts through the ranges, so it is a trans-Himalayan (antecedent) river. The Indus and Brahmaputra are the others.
Answer: (a) United Kingdom
The United Kingdom hosted the virtual Global Vaccine Summit (Gavi replenishment) on 4 June 2020.
Which of the following is NOT correctly matched?
(Tribes - Location)
Answer: (c) Khas - Arunachal Pradesh
The Khas live in Uttarakhand (Jaunsar-Bawar), Himachal and Nepal, not Arunachal Pradesh. The other pairs are correct.
Answer: (c) Offshore Patrol Vessel
'Sarthak' is an Offshore Patrol Vessel built by Goa Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard, launched in August 2020.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Lake): A. Sala Lake, B. Badkhal Lake, C. Loktak Lake, D. Kaliveli Lake
List-II (Location): 1. Arunachal Pradesh, 2. Haryana, 3. Manipur, 4. Tamil Nadu
Codes:
Answer: (a) 1 2 3 4
Sela Lake is in Arunachal Pradesh, Badkhal Lake in Haryana, Loktak Lake in Manipur and Kaliveli Lake in Tamil Nadu: 1 2 3 4.
Answer: (b) Haryana
Haryana launched the Pashu Kisan Credit Card scheme in 2020 to give livestock farmers credit.
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Ahmedabad is the largest centre of cotton textile industry in India.
Reason (R): Ahmedabad is located in Major cotton growing region of India, so it has no problem of raw materials.
Codes:
Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Ahmedabad (the 'Manchester of India') has the largest number of cotton mills. Its location in the Gujarat cotton belt, with a humid climate, cheap land and port access, explains its growth.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (b) Kolkata, Noida, Mumbai
On 27 July 2020 the PM inaugurated high-throughput COVID-19 testing labs at ICMR institutes in Kolkata, Noida and Mumbai.
Answer: (a) Himadri Range
The Himadri (Greater Himalaya) is a young Tertiary fold mountain range. The Aravalli is among the world's oldest, and the Western Ghats and Vindhyas are much older.
Answer: (d) Kushinagar Airport
On 24 June 2020 the Union Cabinet declared Kushinagar airport an international airport, to serve the Buddhist circuit.
Match List-I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (National Parks): A. Indravati, B. Mollem, C. Kalesar, D. Betla
List-II (States): 1. Jharkhand, 2. Haryana, 3. Goa, 4. Chhattisgarh
Codes:
Answer: (a) 4 3 2 1
Indravati National Park is in Chhattisgarh, Mollem in Goa, Kalesar in Haryana and Betla ('Betva' in the extraction) in Jharkhand: A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1.
Answer: (d) Canada
In June 2020 India, Ireland, Norway, Mexico and Kenya were elected to the UNSC for 2021–22. Canada lost to Ireland and Norway.
Which of the following are NOT correctly matched?
(Mineral - Mining City)
1. Copper - Chitradurga
2. Iron ore - Ballari
3. Manganese - Bhilwara
4. Bauxite - Katni
Codes:
Answer: (c) 1 and 3
Bhilwara is known for lead–zinc and mica, not manganese (Rajasthan's manganese is in Banswara). Chitradurga is better known for iron ore and gold, and the key treats copper–Chitradurga as a mismatch too. Ballari (iron ore) and Katni (bauxite) are correct.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Consider the following statements about New National Education Policy approved by Union Cabinet of India on 29th July, 2020:
1. It was drafted by a Committee headed by Dr. K Kasturirangan.
2. It will replace the previous Education Policy which has been followed since last 38 years.
Codes:
Answer: (a) 1 only
NEP 2020 was drafted by the committee chaired by Dr K. Kasturirangan. It replaced the National Policy on Education of 1986 (34 years earlier), not 38, so only statement 1 is correct.
Answer: (b) Pir-Panjal and Himadri ranges
The Kashmir valley is a synclinal basin between the Pir Panjal (Lesser Himalaya) and the Great Himalaya (Himadri/Zaskar).
Answer: (c) Delhi
Delhi notified its Electric Vehicle Policy on 7 August 2020.
Consider the following tributaries of River Yamuna and arrange them from West to East:
1. Betwa
2. Ken
3. Sindh
4. Chambal
Codes:
Answer: (a) 4, 3, 1 and 2
From west to east, the southern tributaries of the Yamuna are the Chambal, Sindh, Betwa and Ken: 4, 3, 1, 2.
Answer: (b) Naandi Foundation
Hyderabad's Naandi Foundation (Araku coffee model) was among the top visionaries of the Rockefeller Foundation's Food System Vision 2050 Prize (August 2020).
Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched?
(Country - Iron-Ore Producing Area)
Answer: (c) Germany - Normendy
Normandy is in France, not Germany (and the main French iron ore field is Lorraine). The key takes Germany–Normandy as the mismatch. Krivoy Rog (Ukraine) is correct. Karaganda (Kazakhstan) is chiefly a coal field.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (d) Chattogram (Chittagong)
In July 2020 the first transshipment container cargo from Kolkata to Agartala moved through Chattogram (Chittagong) port, Bangladesh.
Answer: (c) Mediterranean regions
Mediterranean regions, with hot dry summers and mild wet winters, are the world's great citrus-fruit (orchard) belts.
Answer: (d) Ashok Sahni
The Ministry of Earth Sciences gave the 2020 Lifetime Excellence Award in Earth System Science to palaeontologist Prof. Ashok Sahni.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Tropical cyclones): A. Baguios, B. Hurricanes, C. Typhoons, D. Willy-Willies
List-II (Country): 1. Australia, 2. China, 3. Philippines, 4. United States of America
Codes:
Answer: (b) 3 4 2 1
Baguios occur in the Philippines, hurricanes in the USA, typhoons in China and Japan, and willy-willies in Australia: A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1.
With reference to Eutrophication, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. It decreases dissolved oxygen of water.
2. It is a phenomenon of nutrient enrichment of a water body.
Codes:
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Eutrophication is nutrient enrichment of water, which causes algal blooms. Their decay depletes dissolved oxygen, so both statements are correct.
Answer: (d) South-Western Coast
The Darling Range (Darling Scarp) runs parallel to the coast near Perth in south-western Australia.
Arrange the following events in chronological order of their commencement:
1. Project Tiger
2. Project Elephant
3. Wildlife Protection Act
4. Biological Diversity Act
Codes:
Answer: (c) 3, 1, 2, 4
Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Project Tiger 1973, Project Elephant 1992 and Biological Diversity Act 2002: 3, 1, 2, 4.
Answer: (c) Agulhas current
The Agulhas is the warm western-boundary current of the south-west Indian Ocean, along south-east Africa. The Florida and Canary currents are Atlantic, and the Kurile current is Pacific.
Answer: (a) Bio-geo-chemical cycle
The cycling of nutrients through the biotic and abiotic parts of an ecosystem is called a biogeochemical (nutrient) cycle.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Ethnic Group): A. Jews, B. Teda, C. Beja, D. Lur
List-II (Country): 1. Egypt, 2. Iran, 3. Libya, 4. Israel
Codes:
Answer: (d) 4 3 1 2
Jews live in Israel, the Teda (Tubu) in Libya and Chad, the Beja in Egypt and Sudan, and the Lur in Iran: A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2.
Answer: (d) Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh
The Mitti Bachao Abhiyan began in 1977 in Hoshangabad (MP) against waterlogging and salinity caused by the Tawa dam.
Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched?
(Country - Capital)
Answer: (d) Cape Verde - Bamako
Cape Verde's capital is Praia. Bamako is the capital of Mali.
Answer: (b) −18°C
Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth's average surface temperature would be about −18°C instead of about 15°C.
Answer: (c) Manganese
The Postmasburg field in the Northern Cape is a major manganese producer, along with the nearby Kalahari manganese field.
Answer: (b) Sere
In NCERT terms, the entire sequence of communities that successively change in an area is called a sere. Each transitional community is a seral stage.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Mountain): A. Atlas, B. Kalimanjaro, C. Chimborazo, D. Pyrenees
List-II (Country): 1. France/Spain, 2. Ecuador, 3. Tanzania, 4. Morocco
Codes:
Answer: (a) 4 3 2 1
The Atlas is in Morocco, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Chimborazo in Ecuador and the Pyrenees in France/Spain: A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1.
Answer: (d) Myoglobin
Myoglobin, the oxygen-storing protein of muscle, has an iron-containing haem group. Chlorophyll contains magnesium, and collagen and keratin are iron-free proteins.
Answer: (c) Tin Production
The Kinta Valley (Ipoh, Perak) was among the world's richest tin-mining areas.
Answer: (a) Mutation
A change in the base sequence of DNA within a gene is a mutation.
The equator does NOT pass through which of the following Countries?
1. Gabon
2. Somalia
3. Equatorial Guinea
4. Rwanda
Codes:
Answer: (d) 3 and 4
The equator crosses Gabon and Somalia but not Equatorial Guinea (its mainland is north of it) or Rwanda (just south of it).
Answer: (a) Photo cell
Optical smoke or fire alarms use a photocell: smoke changes the light falling on it and triggers the alarm.
Answer: (a) IX
Part IX (Articles 243–243O), added by the 73rd Amendment, deals with the Panchayats.
Answer: (b) Neoprene
Neoprene (polychloroprene) is an elastomer (synthetic rubber), not a thermoplastic. Teflon, polystyrene and polythene are thermoplastics.
Answer: (c) 1992
The third tier of government came from the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of 1992 (in force in 1993). The key takes 1992.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (d) Stomach
Protein digestion begins in the stomach, where pepsin acts in HCl. Saliva has no protease.
Answer: (d) Admission of new States
Admission of new States falls under Article 2. Article 3 covers forming new States and altering the areas, boundaries or names of existing ones.
Answer: (d) Beriberi
Polishing removes the thiamine-rich bran, so a polished-rice diet causes vitamin B1 deficiency (beriberi).
In the removal of which of the following officials does the Parliament NOT play any role?
1. Judges of the High Court
2. Judges of the Supreme Court
3. Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission
4. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Codes:
Answer: (d) 3 only
The UPSC Chairman is removed by the President after a Supreme Court inquiry (Article 317), with no role for Parliament. Judges of the High Courts and Supreme Court, and the CAG, are removed on an address by Parliament.
Answer: (a) Vitamin K
Vitamin K is needed to make clotting factors such as prothrombin.
Answer: (d) The State Election Commission
Under Article 243K, panchayat elections are conducted under the superintendence, direction and control of the State Election Commission.
Consider the following statements about human brain:
1. The brain is responsible for regulating the heart beat.
2. It is responsible for balancing the body.
Codes:
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 both are correct
The medulla oblongata regulates heartbeat (and breathing), and the cerebellum maintains balance, so both statements are correct.
Answer: (d) Union Public Service Commission - Article 315
As printed, all four pairs are correct: Inter-State Council (Art. 263), Finance Commission (Art. 280), Administrative Tribunals (Art. 323A) and Public Service Commissions for the Union and States (Art. 315). Option (d) is marked here as the answer commonly given, probably because Article 315 covers both Union and State commissions, not the UPSC alone. Verify against the official UPPSC answer key.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (a) Asafoetida
Asafoetida (hing) is the dried resin from the roots of Ferula plants, a plant product. Shilajit is a mineral pitch and tincal is borax, a mineral.
Answer: (d) None of the above
The CVC (1964) is not constitutional. It became statutory under the CVC Act, 2003, so no Article describes it.
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Invert sugar is more sweeter than sucrose.
Reason (R): Invert sugar is obtained by the hydrolysis of sucrose.
Codes:
Answer: (b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
Invert sugar (glucose + fructose) is sweeter than sucrose because fructose is very sweet. It is made by hydrolysing sucrose, but that is how it is made, not why it is sweeter.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Consider the following Chairpersons of the National Women Commission:
1. Jayanti Patnaik
2. Mamta Sharma
3. Dr. Girija Vyas
4. Dr. Poornima Advani
Select the correct chronological order of their appointment from the codes given below.
Codes:
Answer: (d) 1, 4, 3 and 2
NCW chairpersons in order: Jayanti Patnaik (1992), Poornima Advani (2002), Girija Vyas (2005) and Mamta Sharma (2011): 1, 4, 3, 2.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Metal): A. Sodium, B. Mercury, C. Silver, D. Lead
List-II (Property): 1. Good conductor of electricity, 2. Liquid at room temperature, 3. Poor conductor of heat, 4. Can be easily cut with knife
Codes:
Answer: (c) 4 2 1 3
Sodium is soft enough to cut with a knife, mercury is liquid at room temperature, silver is the best electrical conductor, and lead is a poor heat conductor among metals: A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3.
Answer: (b) Hyderabad and Karnataka
Article 371J (98th Amendment, 2012) gives special provisions for the Hyderabad-Karnataka (Kalyana-Karnataka) region of Karnataka.
Answer: (a) Fibroin
Fibroin is the natural protein of silk. Lexan (polycarbonate), neoprene and Teflon are synthetic.
Answer: (c) Attorney General of India - Part XIII
The Attorney General (Article 76) is in Part V. Part XIII deals with trade and commerce within India.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Substance): A. Blue Vitriol, B. Eosin, C. Silver iodide, D. Zinc phosphide
List-II (Use): 1. Artificial rain, 2. Fungicide, 3. Red ink, 4. Rodenticide
Codes:
Answer: (c) 2 3 1 4
Blue vitriol (CuSO₄) is a fungicide, eosin a red-ink dye, silver iodide is used for artificial rain, and zinc phosphide is a rodenticide: A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4.
Answer: (b) Estimates Committee
The Estimates Committee, with 30 Lok Sabha members, is the largest parliamentary committee. The PAC has 22 members and the COPU 22.
Answer: (b) Performer
In NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2019-20, Uttar Pradesh scored 55 and was a 'Performer' (50–64).
Answer: (c) Article 5 to 11
Articles 5–11 (Part II) deal with citizenship.
Which of the following cities of Uttar Pradesh is/are covered under the 'Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)'?
1. Varanasi
2. Mathura
3. Prayagraj
4. Ayodhya
Codes:
Answer: (c) 1 and 2
HRIDAY (2015) covered 12 cities. Varanasi and Mathura were the Uttar Pradesh cities in it.
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The nature of Indian Political System embodies the elements of 'continuity and change'.
Reason (R): The Indian Political System contains the elements of the following political system such as the modern style, the traditional style and saint style.
Codes:
Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
W.H. Morris-Jones described Indian politics as combining modern, traditional and saintly idioms. This mix of old and new is what gives the system its 'continuity and change' character.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (c) 2.1
Replacement-level fertility is a TFR of about 2.1 children per woman.
Answer: (b) 12
Under Article 164(1A) (91st Amendment, 2003), a state's council of ministers, including the CM, must have at least 12 members and at most 15% of the Assembly's strength.
Which of the following methods has/have been used to estimate poverty in India?
1. Head Count Ratio
2. Calorie intake
3. Household Consumption Expenditure
4. Per Capita Income
Codes:
Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3
Indian poverty estimates use the head-count ratio, calorie norms and household consumption expenditure (NSSO data). Per capita income is not used.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (b) The Keshavanand Bharati Case in 1973
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) laid down the basic structure doctrine.
With reference to 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana' which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. This Yojana provides free health insurance of Rs. five lakh per person.
2. The expenses incurred in this Scheme (Yojana) is shared between the Centre and State in 60: 40 ratio.
Codes:
Answer: (b) 2 only
AB-PMJAY gives ₹5 lakh cover per family per year, not per person. Centre and states share the cost 60:40 (90:10 in NE and Himalayan states).
Answer: (d) Article 48 - Separation of Judiciary from Executive
Article 48 deals with agriculture and animal husbandry. Separating the judiciary from the executive is Article 50.
Answer: (c) To manage tourism and environment while maintaining cultural integrity and ecological processes
Sustainable tourism manages tourism and the environment while maintaining cultural integrity and ecological processes (UNWTO).
Consider the following statements in the context of Attorney General of India:
1. The President shall appoint a person who is qualified as to be appointed a Judge of Supreme Court.
2. The Attorney General shall receive such remuneration as the Parliament may determine.
Codes:
Answer: (a) Only 1 is correct
Under Article 76 the Attorney General must be qualified to be a Supreme Court judge, and receives the remuneration the President determines, not Parliament.
With reference to the 'HAUSLA-2018' which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. 'HAUSLA 2018' was organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India in New Delhi.
2. It was National Festival for Children of Child Care Institution.
Codes:
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
HAUSLA 2018, the national festival for children from Child Care Institutions, was held by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in New Delhi (November 2018).
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Indian federalism is called 'Quasi-federal'.
Reason (R): India has an independent judiciary with power of Judicial Review.
Codes:
Answer: (b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
India is called quasi-federal because of its strong centre, single constitution, emergency powers and similar features. An independent judiciary with judicial review is a federal feature, so it is true but does not explain the label.
Answer: (b) 2024
In 2019 the government set the goal of a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024 (2024-25).
Answer: (a) Ordinary Legislation
Under Article 108, a joint sitting can resolve deadlocks only on ordinary bills, not on money bills or constitutional amendment bills.
Answer: (c) 2010
The 2010 Human Development Report replaced the HPI with the Multidimensional Poverty Index, developed with OPHI.
Which of the following gave legal basis to extra-ordinary powers exercised by the Government of India during Lockdown?
1. Mental Health Care Act, 2017
2. Disaster Management Act, 2005
3. Enemy Property Act, 1968
4. Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
Codes:
Answer: (c) 2 and 4
The COVID-19 lockdown orders were issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, together with the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Government has launched the 'National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)' for period of 2020-30.
Reason (R): The objective of NIP is to provide equitable access to infrastructure for all.
Codes:
Answer: (d) (A) is false but (R) is true
The National Infrastructure Pipeline covers 2019-20 to 2024-25 (about ₹111 lakh crore), not 2020–30, so the assertion is false. Providing world-class infrastructure and equitable access is a stated objective.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Article): A. Article 61, B. Article 67(b), C. Article 94, D. Article 90
List-II (Provision): 1. Removal of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, 2. Impeachment of President, 3. Removal of Vice-President, 4. Removal of Speaker
Codes:
Answer: (c) 2 3 4 1
Article 61 covers impeachment of the President, 67(b) removal of the Vice-President, 94 removal of the Speaker and 90 removal of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman: A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1.
With reference to the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Report, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. In Ease of Doing Business Report 2020, India's rank is 63.
2. India ranking for Ease of Doing Business in the year 2019 was 77.
Codes:
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
India ranked 63rd in Doing Business 2020 (up from 77th in Doing Business 2019), so both statements are correct.
Answer: (c) 22 July, 1947
The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Flag on 22 July 1947.
Answer: (d) 15%
Budget 2020-21 raised the FPI limit in corporate bonds from 9% to 15% of the outstanding stock.
Answer: (d) Lucknow
UP's Biotechnology Park is in Lucknow (Kursi Road), set up in 2003.
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Scheme): A. P.M. Jan Arogya Abhiyan, B. P.M. Vaya Vandan Yojana, C. P.M. Rojgar Protsahan Yojana, D. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
List-II (Launching Year): 1. 2015, 2. 2018, 3. 2017, 4. 2014
Codes:
Answer: (a) 2 3 1 4
PM-JAY began in 2018, PM Vaya Vandana Yojana in 2017, PM Rojgar Protsahan Yojana in 2016 (2015 in the key's list) and Swachh Bharat in 2014: A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (d) NITI Aayog
The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (2015) is an attached office of NITI Aayog.
Answer: (a) Nitrogen oxide
The natural greenhouse gases are water vapour, CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide (N₂O) and ozone. 'Nitrogen oxide' (NOx) is mainly a pollutant from combustion.
Answer: (c) National Pension Scheme's member are also eligible.
The NPS for Traders (2019) is for traders aged 18–40 with turnover up to ₹1.5 crore and assures a ₹3,000 monthly pension. Existing NPS, ESIC or EPFO members and income-tax payers are excluded.
With reference to the programme "NIDHI" which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. The programme of "NIDHI" was started for students to begin start ups.
2. Its aim is to financially support 20 students for start up in each year.
Codes:
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
NIDHI (DST, 2016) supports innovation and student start-ups, and its target included financial support to about 20 student start-ups a year.
This explanation is being checked by a subject expert.
Answer: (a) Operational Environment
The environment is usually classified as physical (abiotic), biological (biotic) and cultural (human-made). 'Operational environment' is not one of these categories.
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The Union Budget 2020-21 has focused on Rural Development with aim of doubling farmer income.
Reason (R): The 16 Action points announced in the budget is centred around agriculture, irrigation and rural development.
Codes:
Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Budget 2020-21 announced a 16-point action plan for agriculture, irrigation and rural development to double farmers' income, so the reason explains the assertion.
Answer: (b) Bennett
John W. Bennett introduced the concept of 'ecological transition' (The Ecological Transition, 1976).
Answer: (c) World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum publishes the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. India ranked 34th in 2019.
Which of the following are the impacts of Global Warming?
1. Rise in sea level
2. Melting of glaciers
3. Spread of diseases
4. Bleaching of Coral reefs
Codes:
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Global warming raises sea levels, melts glaciers, spreads vector-borne diseases and bleaches corals, so all four are impacts.
Consider the following events and arrange them of chronological order:
1. Establishment of NABARD
2. Self Help Group Bank Linkage Programme
3. Kisan Credit Card Plan
4. Establishment of Regional Rural Bank
Codes:
Answer: (a) 4, 1, 2, 3
RRBs were set up in 1975, NABARD in 1982, the SHG–Bank Linkage Programme began in 1992 and the Kisan Credit Card in 1998: 4, 1, 2, 3.
Arrange the following events in chronological order and select the correct answer from the codes given below:
1. Rio Earth Summit
2. Publication of Brundtland Commission Report
3. Enforcement of Montreal Protocol
4. Publication of 'The Limit to Growth' Report
Codes:
Answer: (b) 4, 2, 3, 1
Limits to Growth was published in 1972, the Brundtland Report in 1987, the Montreal Protocol entered into force in 1989 and the Rio Earth Summit was held in 1992: 4, 2, 3, 1.
With reference to the Skill India Campaign, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
1. Prime Minister had launched the Skill India Campaign in July 2015.
2. The main objective of this Campaign was to train India's Youths in information technology.
Codes:
Answer: (a) 1 only
Skill India was launched on 15 July 2015 (World Youth Skills Day). It aims at skilling across sectors, not specifically IT training.
Answer: (c) Haryana
The National Chambal Sanctuary (gharial) spans Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, not Haryana.
Timed mock tests with negative marking, in English and हिन्दी, with an explanation for every answer and subject-wise analysis of your result.
