UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper — 96 Questions with Answers

GS Paper I of the 2024 Preliminary examination, held on 16 June 2024. 100 questions · 200 marks · one-third negative marking. The questions broke down as Polity & Governance 21, Environment & Ecology 19, Geography 18, Economy 16, History 9, General Science 8, Current Events 5.

  1. Q1 The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as :
    Economy· easy
  2. Q2 Consider the following statements : 1. In India, Non-Banking Financial Companies can access the Liquidity Adjustment Facility window of the Reserve Bank of India. 2. In India, Foreign Institutional Investors can hold the Government Securities (G-Secs). 3. In…
    Economy· hard
  3. Q3 In India, which of the following can trade in Corporate Bonds and Government Securities ? 1. Insurance Companies 2. Pension Funds 3. Retail Investors Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    Economy· medium
  4. Q4 Consider the following : 1. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) 2. Motor vehicles 3. Currency swap Which of the above is/are considered financial instruments ?
    Economy· easy
  5. Q5 With reference to the sectors of the Indian economy, consider the following pairs : Economic activity | Sector 1. Storage of agricultural produce : Secondary 2. Dairy farm : Primary 3. Mineral exploration : Tertiary 4. Weaving cloth : Secondary How many of…
    Economy· medium
  6. Q6 Consider the following materials : 1. Agricultural residues 2. Corn grain 3. Wastewater treatment sludge 4. Wood mill waste Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel ?
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  7. Q7 With reference to physical capital in Indian economy, consider the following pairs : Items | Category 1. Farmer's plough : Working capital 2. Computer : Fixed capital 3. Yarn used by the weaver : Fixed capital 4. Petrol : Working capital How many of the above…
    Economy· easy
  8. Q8 Which one of the following words/phrases is most appropriately used to denote "an interoperable network of 3D virtual worlds that can be accessed simultaneously by millions of users, who can exert property rights over virtual items" ?
    General Science· easy
  9. Q9 With reference to the rule/rules imposed by the Reserve Bank of India while treating foreign banks, consider the following statements : 1. There is no minimum capital requirement for wholly owned banking subsidiaries in India. 2. For wholly owned banking…
    Economy· hard
  10. Q10 With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements : 1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities. 2. CSR rules do not…
    Economy· medium
  11. Q11 With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements : 1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors. 2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. 3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product…
    General Science· medium
  12. Q12 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars. Statement-II : Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above…
    General Science· medium
  13. Q13 Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow ?
    General Science· easy
  14. Q14 Consider the following activities : 1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft 2. Monitoring of precipitation 3. Tracking the migration of animals In how many of the above activities can the radars be used ?
    General Science· medium
  15. Q15 Consider the following aircraft : 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft ?
    General Science· easy
  16. Q16 In which of the following are hydrogels used ? 1. Controlled drug delivery in patients 2. Mobile air-conditioning systems 3. Preparation of industrial lubricants Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    General Science· easy
  17. Q17 Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen ?
    General Science· easy
  18. Q18 Recently, the term "pumped-storage hydropower" is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following ?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  19. Q19 "Membrane Bioreactors" are often discussed in the context of :
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  20. Q20 With reference to the Indian economy, "Collateral Borrowing and Lending Obligations" are the instruments of :
    Economy· medium
  21. Q21 Consider the following airports : 1. Donyi Polo Airport 2. Kushinagar International Airport 3. Vijayawada International Airport In the recent past, which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield projects ?
    Geography· medium
  22. Q22 With reference to "water vapour", which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude. 2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles. Select the answer using the code given below :
    Geography· easy
  23. Q23 Consider the following description : 1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low. 2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year. 3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm. What is this type of climate ?
    Geography· medium
  24. Q24 With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. 2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. Select the answer using the code given below :
    Geography· medium
  25. Q25 On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours ? 1. Equator 2. Tropic of Cancer 3. Tropic of Capricorn 4. Arctic Circle Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    Geography· easy
  26. Q26 One of the following regions has the world's largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of…
    Environment & Ecology· hard
  27. Q27 With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements : 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials. 2. PFAS are not…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  28. Q28 Consider the following : 1. Carabid beetles 2. Centipedes 3. Flies 4. Termites 5. Wasps Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms ?
    Environment & Ecology· hard
  29. Q29 Consider the following plants : 1. Groundnut 2. Horse-gram 3. Soybean How many of the above belong to the pea family ?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  30. Q31 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation. Statement-II : Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation…
    Geography· medium
  31. Q32 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles. Statement-II : At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents. Which one of the following…
    Geography· medium
  32. Q33 Consider the following : 1. Pyroclastic debris 2. Ash and dust 3. Nitrogen compounds 4. Sulphur compounds How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions ?
    Geography· easy
  33. Q34 Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January ? 1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent. 2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North…
    Geography· medium
  34. Q35 Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world ?
    Geography· easy
  35. Q36 With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct ?
    Geography· medium
  36. Q37 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks. Statement-II : Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution. Statement-III : Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen. Which one of the following is…
    Geography· medium
  37. Q38 Consider the following countries : 1. Finland 2. Germany 3. Norway 4. Russia How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea ?
    Geography· medium
  38. Q39 Consider the following information : Waterfall | Region | River 1. Dhuandhar | Malwa | Narmada 2. Hundru | Chota Nagpur | Subarnarekha 3. Gerseoppa | Western Ghats | Netravati In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched ?
    Geography· medium
  39. Q40 Consider the following information : Region | Name of the mountain range | Type of mountain 1. Central Asia | Vosges | Fold mountain 2. Europe | Alps | Block mountain 3. North America | Appalachians | Fold mountain 4. South America | Andes | Fold mountain In…
    Geography· medium
  40. Q41 The organisms "Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater" are :
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  41. Q42 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II : Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  42. Q43 Consider the following pairs : | Country | Animal found in its natural habitat | | :--- | :--- | | 1. Brazil | Indri | | 2. Indonesia | Elk | | 3. Madagascar | Bonobo | How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  43. Q44 Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization : 1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations. 2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  44. Q45 Consider the following statements : 1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season. 2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. 3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking. Which of the statements given…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  45. Q46 Which one of the following is the correct description of "100 Million Farmers" ?
    Environment & Ecology· hard
  46. Q47 Consider the following : 1. Battery storage 2. Biomass generators 3. Fuel cells 4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units How many of the above are considered "Distributed Energy Resources" ?
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  47. Q48 Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree ?
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  48. Q49 Consider the following : 1. Butterflies 2. Fish 3. Frogs How many of the above have poisonous species among them ?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  49. Q50 Consider the following : 1. Cashew 2. Papaya 3. Red sanders How many of the above trees are actually native to India ?
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  50. Q51 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region. Statement-II : There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past. Which one…
    Current Events· medium
  51. Q52 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : India does not import apples from the United States of America. Statement-II : In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority. Which one of…
    Economy· medium
  52. Q53 With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements : While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration 1. He/She shall not preside. 2. He/She shall not have the right to speak. 3. He/She…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  53. Q54 With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements : 1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution. 2. A bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha. 3. A bill…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  54. Q55 With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements : 1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers. 2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is…
    Polity & Governance· hard
  55. Q56 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently. Statement-II : The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology…
    Environment & Ecology· medium
  56. Q57 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries. Statement-II : Venezuela has the world's largest…
    Current Events· medium
  57. Q58 With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements : 1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding. 2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised. 3. An initiative has…
    Polity & Governance· hard
  58. Q59 With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements : 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months…
    Economy· medium
  59. Q60 With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements : 1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years. 2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary. 3. Each…
    Economy· medium
  60. Q61 Consider the following statements regarding 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' : 1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha. 2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act. 3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  61. Q62 Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct ? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this…
    Current Events· medium
  62. Q63 A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :
    Polity & Governance· easy
  63. Q64 Consider the following statements : 1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe. 2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. . Which of the…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  64. Q66 Who of the following is the author of the books "The India Way" and "Why Bharat Matters" ?
    Current Events· easy
  65. Q67 Consider the following pairs : Country | Reason for being in the news 1. Argentina | Worst economic crisis 2. Sudan | War between the country's regular army and paramilitary forces 3. Turkey | Rescinded its membership of NATO How many of the pairs given above…
    Current Events· medium
  66. Q68 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. Statement-II : Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. Which one of the following is…
    Geography· medium
  67. Q69 Consider the following statements : 1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form. 2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
    Geography· easy
  68. Q70 According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions ?
    Environment & Ecology· easy
  69. Q71 Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over ?
    Polity & Governance· easy
  70. Q72 With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements : 1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation based on the union of the British Indian Provinces and Princely States. 2. Defence and Foreign Affairs…
    History· medium
  71. Q73 Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa ?
    History· medium
  72. Q74 Sanghabhuti, an Indian Buddhist monk, who travelled to China at the end of the fourth century AD, was the author of a commentary on :
    History· hard
  73. Q75 Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO : 1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya How many of the above properties were included in 2023 ?
    History· medium
  74. Q76 As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of : 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    Polity & Governance· easy
  75. Q77 Consider the following countries : 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population ?
    Economy· medium
  76. Q78 Which of the following statements are correct in respect of a Money Bill in the Parliament ? 1. Article 109 mentions special procedure in respect of Money Bills. 2. A Money Bill shall not be introduced in the Council of States. 3. The Rajya Sabha can either…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  77. Q79 Which of the following is/are correctly matched in terms of equivalent rank in the three services of Indian Defence forces ? | | Army | Airforce | Navy | |---|---|---|---| | 1. | Brigadier | Air Commodore | Commander | | 2. | Major General | Air Vice Marshal…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  78. Q80 The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises which of the following members ? 1. Governor of the Constituent State 2. Chief Minister of the…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  79. Q81 Consider the following statements : Statement-I : If the United States of America (USA) were to default on its debt, holders of US Treasury Bonds will not be able to exercise their claims to receive payment. Statement-II : The USA Government debt is not…
    Economy· medium
  80. Q83 Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee : 1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy. 2. It appears as a liability on the RBI's balance sheet. 3. It is insured…
    Economy· medium
  81. Q84 With reference to ancient India, Gautama Buddha was generally known by which of the following epithets ? 1. Nayaputta 2. Shakyamuni 3. Tathagata Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    History· easy
  82. Q85 Consider the following information : Archaeological Site | State | Description 1. Chandraketugarh | Odisha | Trading Port town 2. Inamgaon | Maharashtra | Chalcolithic site 3. Mangadu | Kerala | Megalithic site 4. Salihundam | Andhra Pradesh | Rock-cut cave…
    History· medium
  83. Q86 Who of the following rulers of medieval India gave permission to the Portuguese to build a fort at Bhatkal ?
    History· medium
  84. Q88 Consider the following statements : 1. There are no parables in Upanishads. 2. Upanishads were composed earlier than the Puranas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
    History· medium
  85. Q89 Consider the following statements : 1. India is a member of the International Grains Council. 2. A country needs to be a member of the International Grains Council for exporting or importing rice and wheat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
    Economy· medium
  86. Q90 Which one of the following was the latest inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO ?
    History· medium
  87. Q91 How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023 ?
    Polity & Governance· medium
  88. Q92 The Constitution (71st Amendment) Act, 1992 amends the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution to include which of the following languages ? 1. Konkani 2. Manipuri 3. Nepali 4. Maithili Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    Polity & Governance· easy
  89. Q93 Consider the following pairs : Party | Its Leader 1. Bharatiya Jana Sangh : Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee 2. Socialist Party : C. Rajagopalachari 3. Congress for Democracy : Jagjivan Ram 4. Swatantra Party : Acharya Narendra Dev How many of the above are…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  90. Q94 Which of the following statements are correct about the Constitution of India ? 1. Powers of the Municipalities are given in Part IX A of the Constitution. 2. Emergency provisions are given in Part XVIII of the Constitution. 3. Provisions related to the…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  91. Q95 Which one of the following statements is correct as per the Constitution of India ?
    Polity & Governance· medium
  92. Q96 Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy ?
    Polity & Governance· easy
  93. Q97 What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs ? 1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee 2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs 3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence…
    Polity & Governance· medium
  94. Q98 Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called :
    Polity & Governance· easy
  95. Q99 The longest border between any two countries in the world is between :
    Geography· easy
  96. Q100 Which of the following statements about the Ethics Committee in the Lok Sabha are correct ? 1. Initially it was an ad-hoc Committee. 2. Only a Member of the Lok Sabha can make a complaint relating to unethical conduct of a member of the Lok Sabha. 3. This…
    Polity & Governance· medium

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