UPSC Prelims 2016 GS Paper — 100 Questions with Answers

GS Paper I of the 2016 Preliminary examination, held on 7 August 2016. 100 questions · 200 marks · one-third negative marking. The questions broke down as Economy 33, Environment & Ecology 22, History 16, General Science 9, Current Events 9, Polity & Governance 6, Geography 5.

  1. Q1 Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation. 2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Select the…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  2. Q2 Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? 1. Undernourishment 2. Child stunting 3. Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Economy· easy
  3. Q3 There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit? 1. Reducing revenue expenditure 2. Introducing new welfare schemes 3. Rationalizing subsidies 4. Reducing…
    Economy· easy
  4. Q4 The establishment of 'Payment Banks' is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context? 1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled, by residents…
    Economy· medium
  5. Q5 With reference to 'LiFi', recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission. 2. It is a wireless technology and is several times faster than 'WiFi'. Select the correct…
    General Science· easy
  6. Q6 The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  7. Q7 Which one of the following is a purpose of 'UDAY', a scheme of the Government?
    Economy· easy
  8. Q8 With reference to 'IFC Masala Bonds', sometimes seen in the news, which of the statements given below is/are correct? 1. The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank. 2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds and…
    Economy· medium
  9. Q9 Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements : 1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land. 2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax. Which of the statements…
    History· medium
  10. Q10 Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?
    History· medium
  11. Q11 In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms 'amber box, blue box and green box' in the news?
    Economy· easy
  12. Q12 Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? 1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc. 2. Loans received from foreign governments 3. Loans and advances granted to the States and…
    Economy· medium
  13. Q13 What is/are the importance/importances of the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification'? 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive inter-national partnerships. 2. It has a special/particular focus…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  14. Q14 Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF's SDR?
    Economy· easy
  15. Q15 With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements : 1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work…
    Economy· medium
  16. Q16 'Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan' is a national campaign to
    Economy· easy
  17. Q17 With reference to the cultural history of medieval India, consider the following statements : 1. Siddhas (Sittars) of Tamil region were monotheistic and condemned idolatry. 2. Lingayats of Kannada region questioned the theory of rebirth and rejected the caste…
    History· medium
  18. Q18 Which of the following best describes the term 'import cover', sometimes seen in the news?
    Economy· easy
  19. Q19 Consider the following pairs : Community sometimes mentioned in the news : In the affairs of 1. Kurd : Bangladesh 2. Madhesi : Nepal 3. Rohingya : Myanmar Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
    Current Events· easy
  20. Q20 With reference to 'Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)', consider the following statements : 1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO. 2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from…
    Current Events· medium
  21. Q21 With reference to 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana', consider the following statements : 1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year. 2. This scheme covers post-harvest…
    Economy· medium
  22. Q22 In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the 'Great Indian Hornbill' in its natural habitat?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  23. Q23 Which of the following are the key features of 'National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)'? 1. River basin is the unit of planning and management. 2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level. 3. One of the Chief Ministers of the…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  24. Q24 Why does the Government of India promote the use of 'Neem-coated Urea' in agriculture?
    Economy· medium
  25. Q25 Consider the following statements : 1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State. 2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    Polity & Governance· medium
  26. Q26 With reference to 'Stand Up India Scheme', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. 2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI. Select the correct answer using the…
    Economy· medium
  27. Q27 The FAO accords the status of 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)' to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  28. Q28 Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra? 1. Dibang 2. Kameng 3. Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Geography· medium
  29. Q29 The term 'Core Banking Solutions' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term? 1. It is a networking of a bank's branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on…
    Economy· easy
  30. Q30 Consider the following pairs : Terms sometimes seen in the news : Their origin 1. Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol 2. Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol 3. Clean Development Mechanism : Kyoto Protocol Which of the pairs given above is/are…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  31. Q31 In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term 'transcriptome', sometimes seen in the news, refers to
    General Science· easy
  32. Q32 'Mission Indradhanush' launched by the Government of India pertains to
    Economy· easy
  33. Q33 Which of the following best describes/ describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the Government of India? 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the 'green accounting' 2. Launching the second…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  34. Q34 With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011? 1. List of ingredients including…
    Economy· medium
  35. Q35 'Project Loon', sometimes seen in the news, is related to
    General Science· easy
  36. Q36 'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  37. Q37 India's ranking in the 'Ease of Doing Business Index' is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?
    Economy· easy
  38. Q38 Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally
    History· easy
  39. Q39 Who of the following had first deciphered the edicts of Emperor Ashoka?
    History· easy
  40. Q40 With reference to the 'Gram Nyayalaya Act', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases. 2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators. Select the…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  41. Q41 With reference to the 'Trans-Pacific Partnership', consider the following statements : 1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia. 2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only. Which of the…
    Current Events· medium
  42. Q42 Consider the following statements : The India-Africa Summit 1. held in 2015 was the third such Summit 2. was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    Current Events· medium
  43. Q43 What is/are the purpose/purposes of the 'Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)' announced by RBI? 1. These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances. 2. These…
    Economy· medium
  44. Q44 What is/are unique about 'Kharai camel', a breed found in India? 1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater. 2. It survives by grazing on mangroves. 3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated. Select the correct answer using the…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  45. Q45 Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  46. Q46 Which one of the following is the best description of 'INS Astradharini', that was in the news recently?
    General Science· easy
  47. Q47 What is 'Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)', recently in the news?
    General Science· easy
  48. Q48 With reference to 'Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate…
    Economy· hard
  49. Q49 The 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott' were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
    History· easy
  50. Q50 With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his…
    History· medium
  51. Q51 'Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)', often in the news, is
    Current Events· easy
  52. Q52 With reference to an initiative called 'The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum. 2. It is a global initiative that focuses on…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  53. Q53 With reference to 'Red Sanders', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements : 1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India. 2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India. Which of the…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  54. Q54 Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to 1. protection of biodiversity 2. resilience of forest ecosystems 3. poverty reduction Select the correct answer…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  55. Q55 What is 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol'?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  56. Q56 With reference to 'Financial Stability and Development Council', consider the following statements : 1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog. 2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister. 3. It monitors macroprudential supervision of the economy. Which of the…
    Economy· medium
  57. Q57 With reference to 'Agenda 21', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements : 1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development. 2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002. Which of…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  58. Q58 Satya Shodhak Samaj organized
    History· easy
  59. Q59 Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect 1. bacteria 2. fungi 3. plants Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    General Science· easy
  60. Q60 The term 'Base Erosion and Profit Shifting' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
    Economy· easy
  61. Q61 Recently, India's first 'National Investment and Manufacturing Zone' was proposed to be set up in
    Economy· easy
  62. Q62 What is/are the purpose/purposes of 'District Mineral Foundations' in India? 1. Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts 2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations 3. Authorizing State Governments to…
    Economy· medium
  63. Q63 'SWAYAM', an initiative of the Government of India, aims at
    Economy· easy
  64. Q64 The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to
    History· easy
  65. Q65 What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    History· medium
  66. Q66 With reference to 'Bitcoins', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries. 2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a…
    Economy· medium
  67. Q67 Consider the following statements : 1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC. 2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    Economy· easy
  68. Q68 'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, are related to
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  69. Q69 Consider the following : 1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee 2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation 3. Indian Reform Association Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?
    History· medium
  70. Q70 Which of the following is not a member of 'Gulf Cooperation Council'?
    Current Events· easy
  71. Q71 What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government's 'Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme' and 'Gold Monetization Scheme'? 1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy 2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector 3. To reduce India's…
    Economy· medium
  72. Q72 'Belt and Road Initiative' is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of
    Current Events· easy
  73. Q73 Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at
    Economy· easy
  74. Q74 In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found? 1. Cambay Basin 2. Cauvery Basin 3. Krishna-Godavari Basin Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Geography· medium
  75. Q75 'Global Financial Stability Report' is prepared by the
    Economy· easy
  76. Q76 Regarding 'Atal Pension Yojana', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers. 2. Only one member of a family can join the scheme. 3. Same amount of pension is…
    Economy· medium
  77. Q77 The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership' often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as
    Current Events· easy
  78. Q78 On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  79. Q79 India is an important member of the 'International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor'. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
    General Science· easy
  80. Q80 In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs : Term Description 1. Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 2. Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 3…
    History· hard
  81. Q81 Consider the following statements : 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are…
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  82. Q82 'European Stability Mechanism', sometimes seen in the news, is an
    Economy· easy
  83. Q83 Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practising drip irrigation? 1. Reduction in weed 2. Reduction in soil salinity 3. Reduction in soil erosion Select the correct answer using the code given below.
    Economy· medium
  84. Q84 Regarding 'DigiLocker', sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme. 2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your…
    Polity & Governance· easy
  85. Q85 Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?
    Geography· medium
  86. Q86 In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Carbon monoxide 3. Nitrogen dioxide 4. Sulfur dioxide 5. Methane Select the correct answer…
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  87. Q87 With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg…
    General Science· medium
  88. Q88 With reference to the economic history of medieval India, the term 'Araghatta' refers to
    History· medium
  89. Q89 With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?
    History· hard
  90. Q90 Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following States has declared a particular butterfly as 'State Butterfly'?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  91. Q91 Consider the following statements : The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO 1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission 2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA 3. made India the only country to be successful in making its…
    General Science· medium
  92. Q92 What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?
    History· easy
  93. Q93 The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War
    History· easy
  94. Q94 Consider the following pairs : Famous place : Region 1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand 2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand 3. Shirdi : Vidarbha 4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa 5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    Geography· medium
  95. Q95 The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the
    Polity & Governance· medium
  96. Q96 Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?
    Geography· medium
  97. Q97 With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit the…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  98. Q98 Consider the following statements : 1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome'. 2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  99. Q99 A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
    Current Events· easy
  100. Q100 Consider the following statements : 1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years. 2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period. Which of the statements given above…
    Polity & Governance· medium

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