UPSC CSE · Prelims GS Paper I
2011 Previous Year Questions
100 questions available. Choose a question to open it and submit an answer.
- Question 1
The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to
Attempt question - Question 2
What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W. S. Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893 ?
Attempt question - Question 3
The lowering of Bank Rate by the Reserve Bank of India leads to
Attempt question - Question 4
In terms of economy, the visit by foreign nationals to witness the XIX Common Wealth Games in India amounted to
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If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because
Attempt question - Question 6
In India, which of the following have the highest share in the disbursement of credit to agriculture and allied activities ?
Attempt question - Question 7
With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report ? Complete Independence for India. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities.…
Attempt question - Question 8
Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways : Soil formation Prevention of soil erosion Recycling of waste Pollination of crops Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
Attempt question - Question 9
India is regarded as a country with "Demographic Dividend". This is due to
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Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity ?
Attempt question - Question 11
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by
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A company marketing food products advertises that its items do not contain trans-fats. What does this campaign signify to the customers ? The food products are not made out of hydrogenated oils. The food products are…
Attempt question - Question 13
When the annual Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha,
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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 threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following…
Attempt question - Question 15
Regarding the International Monetary Fund, which one of the following statements is correct ?
Attempt question - Question 16
With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for
Attempt question - Question 17
What is the difference between asteroids and comets ? Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material. Asteroids are found mostly between the…
Attempt question - Question 18
Consider the following: Right to education. Right to equal access to public service. Right to food. Which of the above is/are Human Right/Human Rights under "Universal Declaration of Human Rights"?
Attempt question - Question 19
The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge ?
Attempt question - Question 20
Consider the following : Carbon dioxide Oxides of Nitrogen Oxides of Sulphur Which of the above is/are the emission/emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants ?
Attempt question - Question 21
There is a concern over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon ? Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries. Run-off from the land…
Attempt question - Question 22
The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation ? There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere. There are no vertical winds in the…
Attempt question - Question 23
All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the
Attempt question - Question 24
Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when : The orbit is geosynchronous. The orbit is circular. The orbit lies in the plane of the…
Attempt question - Question 25
Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why ? Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere. Coriolis force is higher in southern…
Attempt question - Question 26
A state in India has the following characteristics : Its northern part is arid and semi-arid. Its central part produces cotton. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops. Which one of the following…
Attempt question - Question 27
Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, "Unto this Last" and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi ?
Attempt question - Question 28
Salinization occurs when the irrigation water accumulated in the soil evaporates, leaving behind salts and minerals. What are the effects of salinization on the irrigated land ?
Attempt question - Question 29
The surface of a lake is frozen in severe winter, but the water at its bottom is still liquid. What is the reason ?
Attempt question - Question 30
When the bark of a tree is removed in a circular fashion all around near its base, it gradually dries up and dies because
Attempt question - Question 31
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low-calorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of…
Attempt question - Question 32
Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century ?
Attempt question - Question 33
The "New START" treaty was in the news. What is this treaty ?
Attempt question - Question 34
Karl Marx explained the process of class struggle with the help of which one of the following theories ?
Attempt question - Question 35
Consider the following statements : Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes…
Attempt question - Question 36
Southeast Asia has captivated the attention of global community over space and time as a geostrategically significant region. Which among the following is the most convincing explanation for this global perspective ?
Attempt question - Question 37
In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the decomposer microorganisms to the surface. nutrients to the surface.…
Attempt question - Question 38
Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of its escape into the outer…
Attempt question - Question 39
Regarding "carbon credits", which one of the following statements is not correct ?
Attempt question - Question 40
The "dharma" and "rita" depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements : Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one's duties…
Attempt question - Question 41
The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. Threatened…
Attempt question - Question 42
Two important rivers - one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another with its source in Odisha - merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before…
Attempt question - Question 43
India maintained its early cultural contacts and trade links with Southeast Asia across the Bay of Bengal. For this pre-eminence of early maritime history of Bay of Bengal, which of the following could be the most…
Attempt question - Question 44
A rapid increase in the rate of inflation is sometimes attributed to the "base effect". What is "base effect"?
Attempt question - Question 45
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 negative. The blood group of the three sons is A positive, B positive, and O…
Attempt question - Question 46
Which of the following can aid in furthering the Government's objective of inclusive growth ? Promoting Self-Help Groups Promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Implementing the Right to Education Act Select…
Attempt question - Question 47
Why is the offering of "teaser loans" by commercial banks a cause of economic concern ? The teaser loans are considered to be an aspect of sub-prime lending and banks may be exposed to the risk of defaulters in…
Attempt question - Question 48
The lower Gangetic plain is characterised by humid climate with high temperature throughout the year. Which one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for this region ?
Attempt question - Question 49
Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) ? The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.…
Attempt question - Question 50
In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material ? Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not…
Attempt question - Question 51
What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp?To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semi-conductor material.The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of…
Attempt question - Question 52
With reference to the period of colonial rule in India, "Home Charges" formed an important part of drain of wealth from India. Which of the following funds constituted "Home Charges"? Funds used to support the India…
Attempt question - Question 53
Both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) are related to investment in a country. Which one of the following statements best represents an important difference between the two ?
Attempt question - Question 54
Among the following States, which one has the most suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of a large variety of orchids with minimum cost of production, and can develop an export oriented industry in this…
Attempt question - Question 55
What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian desert belt ? It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents. Which of the…
Attempt question - Question 56
Between India and East Asia, the navigation-time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following ? Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia. Opening a new canal across the Kra…
Attempt question - Question 57
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 ?
Attempt question - Question 58
Consider the following : Photosynthesis Respiration Decay of organic matter Volcanic action Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth ?
Attempt question - Question 59
Consider the following actions which the Government can take : Devaluing the domestic currency. Reduction in the export subsidy. Adopting suitable policies which attract greater FDI and more funds from FIIs. Which of…
Attempt question - Question 60
Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity : Species richness Vegetation density Endemism Ethno-botanical…
Attempt question - Question 61
In the context of global oil prices, "Brent crude oil" is frequently referred to in the news. What does this term imply ? It is a major classification of crude oil. It is sourced from North Sea. It does not contain…
Attempt question - Question 62
Which one of the following statements appropriately describes the "fiscal stimulus" ?
Attempt question - Question 63
The tendency for increased litigation was visible after the introduction of the land settlement system of Lord Cornwallis in 1793. The reason for this is normally traced to which of the following provisions ?
Attempt question - Question 64
An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth does not exist at such distance is neutralized by the attraction of the moon provides the necessary…
Attempt question - Question 65
What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices ?
Attempt question - Question 66
Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements : It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. During this period,…
Attempt question - Question 67
Consider the following statements : In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India. prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area. has the…
Attempt question - Question 68
In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national minority, what special advantages it is entitled to ? It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions. The President of…
Attempt question - Question 69
A "closed economy" is an economy in which
Attempt question - Question 70
With reference to "Look East Policy" of India, consider the following statements : India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in the East Asian affairs. India wants to plug the vacuum created by…
Attempt question - Question 71
The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon ?
Attempt question - Question 72
Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora ?
Attempt question - Question 73
What is "Virtual Private Network" ?
Attempt question - Question 74
With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts : Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947 Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957 Customs Act, 1962 Indian Forest Act, 1927 Which of the above…
Attempt question - Question 75
Microfinance is the provision of financial services to people of low-income groups. This includes both the consumers and the self-employed. The service/services rendered under microfinance is/are : Credit facilities…
Attempt question - Question 76
What is the difference between "vote-on-account" and "interim budget"? The provision of a "vote-on-account" is used by a regular Government, while an "interim budget" is a provision used by a caretaker Government. A…
Attempt question - Question 77
With reference to the Finance Commission of India, which of the following statements is correct ?
Attempt question - Question 78
In the context of Indian economy, consider the following statements : The growth rate of GDP has steadily increased in the last five years. The growth rate in per capita income has steadily increased in the last five…
Attempt question - Question 79
A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is
Attempt question - Question 80
Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the "Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act" ?
Attempt question - Question 81
Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty ?
Attempt question - Question 82
La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino ? La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is…
Attempt question - Question 83
Economic growth is usually coupled with
Attempt question - Question 84
At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us ? It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock. It is…
Attempt question - Question 85
Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942 ?
Attempt question - Question 86
The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from
Attempt question - Question 87
India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law ? Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools. Preferential allotment of land for…
Attempt question - Question 88
Recently, "oilzapper" was in the news. What is it ?
Attempt question - Question 89
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 ? DVD supports Standard Definition video while BD supports High Definition video.…
Attempt question - Question 90
With what purpose is the Government of India promoting the concept of "Mega Food Parks" ? To provide good infrastructure facilities for the food processing industry. To increase the processing of perishable items and…
Attempt question - Question 91
Recently, the USA decided to support India's membership in multi-lateral export control regimes called the "Australia Group" and the "Wassenaar Arrangement". What is the difference between them ? The Australia Group…
Attempt question - Question 92
With reference to "Aam Admi Bima Yojana", consider the following statements : The member insured under the scheme must be the head of the family or an earning member of the family in a rural landless household. The…
Attempt question - Question 93
What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda ? The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought. The Administration proposed…
Attempt question - Question 94
A layer in the Earth's atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why ? The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth. Radio waves have a very long wavelength. Which of the…
Attempt question - Question 95
Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why ? They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates. They use a variety of inorganic materials as…
Attempt question - Question 96
The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992, which aims at promoting the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the country, provides for which of the following ? Constitution of District Planning Committees. State…
Attempt question - Question 97
India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons ? Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food…
Attempt question - Question 98
Which one of the following is not a feature of "Value Added Tax"?
Attempt question - Question 99
With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct ? Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming. In some areas of farming,…
Attempt question - Question 100
The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a "U" turn in its course to flow into…
Attempt question