UPSC Prelims 2015 GS Paper — 100 Questions with Answers

GS Paper I of the 2015 Preliminary examination, held on 23 August 2015. 100 questions · 200 marks · one-third negative marking. The questions broke down as Economy 23, History 16, Environment & Ecology 15, Geography 14, Polity & Governance 12, Current Events 10, General Science 10.

  1. Q1 'Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana' has been launched for
    Economy· easy
  2. Q2 With reference to the Fourteenth Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It has increased the share of States in the central divisible pool from 32 percent to 42 percent. 2. It has made recommendations concerning…
    Economy· medium
  3. Q3 The 'Fortaleza Declaration', recently in the news, is related to the affairs of
    Current Events· easy
  4. Q4 A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following? 1. Slowing economic growth rate 2. Less equitable distribution of national income Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Economy· medium
  5. Q5 In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?
    Geography· medium
  6. Q6 Which one of the following pairs of States of India indicates the easternmost and westernmost State?
    Geography· easy
  7. Q7 Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy : 1. The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country. 2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court. Which of the…
    Polity & Governance· easy
  8. Q8 In the 'Index of Eight Core Industries', which one of the following is given the highest weight?
    Economy· easy
  9. Q9 Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  10. Q10 Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)? 1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government. 2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly…
    General Science· medium
  11. Q11 What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture? 1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur. 2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place. 3. Leaching of nitrate to the…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  12. Q12 With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. IUCN is an…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  13. Q13 The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the
    Economy· medium
  14. Q14 What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?
    Geography· medium
  15. Q15 Consider the following pairs : Place of Pilgrimage : Location 1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills 2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills 3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
    Geography· medium
  16. Q16 With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the 'Sedition Committee'. 2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to utilize the Home Rule League. 3…
    History· medium
  17. Q17 Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
    Current Events· easy
  18. Q18 With reference to 'fly ash' produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction. 2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  19. Q19 With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a herbivorous marine animal. 2. It is found along the entire coast of India. 3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  20. Q20 Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India? 1. Dadabhai Naoroji 2. G. Subramania Iyer 3. R. C. Dutt Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    History· medium
  21. Q21 Which one of the following issues the 'Global Economic Prospects' report periodically?
    Economy· easy
  22. Q22 When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity Ratio by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?
    Economy· easy
  23. Q23 With reference to the use of nano-technology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology. 2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy. Select the correct answer…
    General Science· medium
  24. Q24 In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the
    Economy· easy
  25. Q25 Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  26. Q26 With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements : 1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes. 2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of proletariat. 3. It advocated separate electorate for minorities…
    History· medium
  27. Q27 Consider the following statements : 1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill. 2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants. 3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement. Which of the statements…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  28. Q28 The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined
    History· medium
  29. Q29 Which of the following brings out the 'Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers'?
    Economy· easy
  30. Q30 In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about 'IceCube', a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news : 1. It is the world's largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice…
    General Science· medium
  31. Q31 The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture', 'Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures' and 'Peace Clause' appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the
    Economy· easy
  32. Q32 With reference to 'Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields. 2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a…
    General Science· medium
  33. Q33 The area known as 'Golan Heights' sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to
    Current Events· easy
  34. Q34 Convertibility of rupee implies
    Economy· easy
  35. Q35 Consider the following pairs : Medieval Indian State : Present Region 1. Champaka : Central India 2. Durgara : Jammu 3. Kuluta : Malabar Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
    History· hard
  36. Q36 Consider the following rivers : 1. Vamsadhara 2. Indravati 3. Pranahita 4. Pennar Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?
    Geography· medium
  37. Q37 When a bill is referred to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament, it has to be passed by
    Polity & Governance· easy
  38. Q38 Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?
    Geography· medium
  39. Q39 Which of the following kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    History· medium
  40. Q40 Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  41. Q41 Consider the following : The arrival of Babur into India led to the 1. introduction of gunpowder in the subcontinent 2. introduction of the arch and dome in the region's architecture 3. establishment of Timurid dynasty in the region Select the correct answer…
    History· medium
  42. Q42 The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the
    Economy· easy
  43. Q43 What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  44. Q44 Consider the following statements : 1. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister. 2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    Polity & Governance· medium
  45. Q45 The term 'Goldilocks Zone' is often seen in the news in the context of
    General Science· easy
  46. Q46 Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?
    History· medium
  47. Q47 Who of the following founded a new city on the south bank of a tributary to river Krishna and undertook to rule his new kingdom as the agent of a deity to whom all the land south of the river Krishna was supposed to belong?
    History· medium
  48. Q48 Consider the following statements : 1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu. 2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    History· medium
  49. Q49 Which of the following statements regarding 'Green Climate Fund' is/are correct? 1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. 2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  50. Q50 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which one of the following?
    Current Events· easy
  51. Q51 With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It recommended a federal government. 2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts. 3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS. Select the correct answer using the…
    History· medium
  52. Q52 Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  53. Q53 Amnesty International is
    Current Events· easy
  54. Q54 With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
    History· medium
  55. Q55 With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system? 1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority 2. Emergence of administrative…
    History· medium
  56. Q56 'BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes' is managed by the
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  57. Q57 India is a member of which among the following? 1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2. Association of South-East Asian Nations 3. East Asia Summit Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Current Events· medium
  58. Q58 In India, the steel production industry requires the import of
    Geography· easy
  59. Q59 The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to
    Polity & Governance· easy
  60. Q60 With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements : 1. The Department of Revenue is responsible for the preparation of Union Budget that is presented to the Parliament. 2. No amount can be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  61. Q61 Who/Which of the following is the custodian of the Constitution of India?
    Polity & Governance· easy
  62. Q62 Consider the following statements : 1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to provide loan assistance to poor farmers. 2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the development of water-use…
    Economy· medium
  63. Q63 The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  64. Q64 In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. China 4. Myanmar 5. Thailand Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Current Events· medium
  65. Q65 'Basel III Accord' or simply 'Basel III', often seen in the news, seeks to
    Economy· easy
  66. Q66 Consider the following statements : 1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies. 2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies. Which of the…
    Geography· medium
  67. Q67 With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)', consider the following statements : 1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for…
    Current Events· medium
  68. Q68 Which one of the following movements has contributed to a split in the Indian National Congress resulting in the emergence of 'moderates' and 'extremists'?
    History· easy
  69. Q69 In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique 'living root bridges' are found in
    Geography· easy
  70. Q70 Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following? 1. Gravitational force of the Sun 2. Gravitational force of the Moon 3. Centrifugal force of the Earth Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Geography· easy
  71. Q71 In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used? 1. Assessment of crop productivity 2. Locating groundwater resources 3. Mineral exploration 4. Telecommunications 5. Traffic studies Select the correct answer using the code…
    General Science· medium
  72. Q72 Consider the following States : 1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Mizoram In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests' occur?
    Geography· medium
  73. Q73 The term 'IndARC', sometimes seen in the news, is the name of
    General Science· medium
  74. Q74 With reference to 'Forest Carbon Partnership Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples. 2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  75. Q75 Which one of the following was given classical language status recently?
    History· easy
  76. Q76 With reference to an organization known as 'BirdLife International', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations. 2. The concept of 'biodiversity hotspots' originated from this organization. 3…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  77. Q77 Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?
    Geography· easy
  78. Q78 In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
    Geography· easy
  79. Q79 'Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action', often seen in the news, is
    Current Events· easy
  80. Q80 "Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over." Which of the following regions is…
    Geography· easy
  81. Q81 With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements : 1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last…
    Economy· medium
  82. Q82 Consider the following statements : 1. The Legislative Council of a State in India can be larger in size than half of the Legislative Assembly of that particular State. 2. The Governor of a State nominates the Chairman of Legislative Council of that…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  83. Q83 "To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India" is a provision made in the
    Polity & Governance· easy
  84. Q84 Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'ecosystem'?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  85. Q85 The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? 1. People's participation in development 2. Political accountability 3. Democratic decentralization 4. Financial mobilization Select the correct answer using the code…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  86. Q86 With reference to Indian economy, consider the following : 1. Bank rate 2. Open market operations 3. Public debt 4. Public revenue Which of the above is/are component/components of Monetary Policy?
    Economy· easy
  87. Q87 With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct?
    Economy· easy
  88. Q88 Consider the following countries : 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty…
    Current Events· medium
  89. Q89 The ideal of 'Welfare State' in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its
    Polity & Governance· easy
  90. Q90 The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of
    Economy· medium
  91. Q91 There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because the
    Polity & Governance· easy
  92. Q92 H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?
    General Science· easy
  93. Q93 With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements : 1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum. 2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this…
    General Science· medium
  94. Q94 The problem of international liquidity is related to the non-availability of
    Economy· easy
  95. Q95 With reference to 'fuel cells' in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements : 1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products. 2. Fuel cells can be used for…
    General Science· medium
  96. Q96 Kalamkari painting refers to
    History· easy
  97. Q97 Which one of the following best describes the main objective of 'Seed Village Concept'?
    Economy· medium
  98. Q98 There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which of the following actions can be taken by the government to reduce the deficit? 1. Reducing revenue expenditure 2. Introducing new welfare schemes 3. Rationalizing subsidies 4. Expanding…
    Economy· easy
  99. Q99 Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Economy· medium
  100. Q100 With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a Public Limited Government Company. 2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company. Select the correct answer using the…
    Economy· medium

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