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UPSC CSE 2013 · GS-I

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100 questions · 1 paper

Original scans open on the source website. Booklet question order may differ from the online questions.

Question 1final

What will follow if a Money Bill is substantially amended by the Rajya Sabha?

  1. A
    The Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha
  2. B
    The Lok Sabha cannot consider the Bill further
  3. C
    The Lok Sabha may send the Bill to the Rajya Sabha for reconsideration
  4. D
    The President may call a joint sitting for passing the Bill
Show answer
A. The Lok Sabha may still proceed with the Bill, accepting or not accepting the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha

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Question 2final

Which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. A
    In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time
  2. B
    The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President
  3. C
    No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post
  4. D
    In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support
Show answer
C. No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post

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Question 4final

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements: 1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. 2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. 3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 6final

1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the f

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 9final

With reference to Indian History, the Members of the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were

  1. A
    directly elected by the people of those Provinces
  2. B
    nominated by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
  3. C
    elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies
  4. D
    selected by the Government for their expertise in constitutional matters
Show answer
C. elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies

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Question 11final

Consider the following statements: 1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only. 2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. C
    Both 1 and 2
  4. D
    Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Question 13final

1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy. 2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic chemical fertilizers. 3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of sugar industry, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 18final

Consider the following: 1. Electromagnetic radiation 2. Geothermal energy 3. Gravitational force 4. Plate movements 5. Rotation of the earth 6. Revolution of the earth Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

  1. A
    1, 2, 3 and 4 only
  2. B
    1, 3, 5 and 6 only
  3. C
    2, 4, 5 and 6 only
  4. D
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Show answer
Question 20final

The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for

  1. A
    the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
  2. B
    the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
  3. C
    the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom
  4. D
    writing off all peasant debts
Show answer
A. the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third

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Question 26final

Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both?

  1. A
    State Forest Department
  2. B
    District Collector/Deputy Commissioner
  3. C
    Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer
  4. D
    Gram Sabha
Show answer
Question 29final

1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?

  1. A
    1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
  2. B
    1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
  3. C
    2, 4, 5 and 7 only
  4. D
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Show answer
Question 31final

With reference to food chains in ecosystems, consider the following statements: 1. A food chain illustrates the order in which a chain of organisms feed upon each other. 2. Food chains are found within the populations of a species. 3. A food chain illustrates the numbers of each organism which are eaten by others. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    1, 2 and 3
  4. D
    None
Show answer
Question 36final

Some Buddhist rock-cut caves are called Chaityas, while the others are called Viharas. What is the difference between the two?

  1. A
    Vihara is a place of worship, while Chaitya is the dwelling place of the monks
  2. B
    Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks
  3. C
    Chaitya is the stupa at the far end of the cave, while Vihara is the hall axial to it
  4. D
    There is no material difference between the two
Show answer
B. Chaitya is a place of worship, while Vihara is the dwelling place of the monks

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Question 39final

The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because

  1. A
    Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
  2. B
    Simon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
  3. C
    there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
  4. D
    the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
Show answer
C. there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission

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Question 41final

The balance of payments of a country is a systematic record of

  1. A
    all import and export transactions of a country during a given period of time, normally a year
  2. B
    goods exported from a country during a year
  3. C
    economic transaction between the government of one country to another
  4. D
    capital movements from one country to another
Show answer
A. all import and export transactions of a country during a given period of time, normally a year

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Question 45final

1. They possessed great palaces and temples. 2. They worshipped both male and female deities. 3. They employed horse-drawn chariots in warfare. Select the correct statement/ statements using the codes given below. Which of the following characterizes/ characterize the people of Indus Civilization?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. C
    1, 2 and 3
  4. D
    None of the statements given above is correct
Show answer
Question 55final

1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy 2. Coexistence of a large number of species 3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes Select the correct answer using the codes given below. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 58final

With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Sankhya school: 1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of soul. 2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. C
    Both 1 and 2
  4. D
    Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Question 59final

1. Members of the Cabinet are Members of the Parliament. 2. Ministers hold the office till they enjoy confidence in the Parliament. 3. Cabinet is headed by the Head of the State. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. In the context of India, which of the following principles is/are implied institutionally in the parliamentary government?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    3 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 60final

1. Thermal difference between land and water 2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans 3. Presence of strong winds in the interior 4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts Select the correct answer using the codes given below. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2, 3 and 4
Show answer
Question 62final

1. They are generally red in colour. 2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash. 3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP. 4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?

  1. A
    1, 2 and 3
  2. B
    2, 3 and 4
  3. C
    1 and 4
  4. D
    2 and 3 only
Show answer
Question 68final

Consider the following statements: 1. The Council of Ministers in the Centre shall be collectively responsible to the Parliament. 2. The Union Ministers shall hold the office during the pleasure of the President of India. 3. The Prime Minister shall communicate to the President about the proposals for legislation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 69final

Consider the following statements: 1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission. 2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India. 3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 70final

Consider the following statements: 1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House. 2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. C
    Both 1 and 2
  4. D
    Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Question 71final

With reference to National Legal Services Authority, consider the following statements: 1. Its objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society on the basis of equal opportunity. 2. It issues guidelines for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the legal programmes and schemes throughout the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. C
    Both 1 and 2
  4. D
    Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Question 79final

In the context of cultural history of India, a pose in dance and dramatics called 'Tribhanga' has been a favourite of Indian artists from ancient times till today. Which one of the following statements best describes this pose?

  1. A
    One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck
  2. B
    Facial expressions, hand gestures and make-up are combined to symbolize certain epic or historic characters
  3. C
    Movements of body, face and hands are used to express oneself or to tell a story
  4. D
    A little smile, slightly curved waist and certain hand gestures are emphasized to express the feelings of love or eroticism
Show answer
A. One leg is bent and the body is slightly but oppositely curved at waist and neck

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Question 81final

The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the

  1. A
    imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians
  2. B
    imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages
  3. C
    removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans
  4. D
    removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth
Show answer
C. removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans

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Question 83final

Which one of the following groups of items is included in India's foreign-exchange reserves?

  1. A
    Foreign-currency assets, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and loans from foreign countries
  2. B
    Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs
  3. C
    Foreign-currency assets, loans from the World Bank and SDRs
  4. D
    Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and loans from the World Bank
Show answer
B. Foreign-currency assets, gold holdings of the RBI and SDRs

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Question 88final

Ball bearings are used in bicycles, cars, etc., because

  1. A
    the actual area of contact between the wheel and axle is increased
  2. B
    the effective area of contact between the wheel and axle is increased
  3. C
    the effective area of contact between the wheel and axle is reduced
  4. D
    None of the above statements is correct
Show answer
C. the effective area of contact between the wheel and axle is reduced

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Question 93final

1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy. 2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Question 95final

The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz., gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. With reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. A
    Gravity is the strongest of the four
  2. B
    Electromagnetism acts only on particles with an electric charge
  3. C
    Weak nuclear force causes radioactivity
  4. D
    Strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom
Show answer
D. Strong nuclear force holds protons and neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom

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Question 96final

1. It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass. 2. It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. 3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance/ im

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3
Show answer

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