What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'? 1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. 2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this. 3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this. 4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative' (SSI) is an innovative method of sugarcane cultivation that offers several benefits over conventional methods: 1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation: SSI promotes the use of single-budded setts (small seedlings) instead of the traditional large number of whole canes. This significantly reduces the amount of seed material required, thereby lowering seed costs. This statement is correct. 2. Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this: SSI advocates for wider spacing between sugarcane plants and rows, which makes it highly conducive for the efficient application of water through drip irrigation. Drip irrigation minimizes water wastage and ensures water reaches the plant roots directly. This statement is correct. 3. There is no application of chemical/inorganic fertilizers at all in this: While SSI encourages reduced use of chemical fertilizers and promotes organic manures and bio-fertilizers for soil health, it does not mandate a complete absence of chemical/inorganic fertilizers. The phrase 'no application at all' makes this statement incorrect. 4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation: Due to the wider spacing between rows in SSI, there is ample space available for cultivating companion crops (intercropping) like pulses, vegetables, or oilseeds. This practice helps suppress weeds, improves soil fertility, and provides additional income to farmers. This statement is correct. Based on the analysis, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.

If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List. Option A precisely describes the implication of a wetland being brought under the Montreux Record. The purpose of listing a site in the Montreux Record is to highlight such threats and to encourage national and international cooperation to address them. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. The Montreux Record does not impose legal restrictions on human activity within a certain radius (B), nor does it primarily concern cultural practices and traditions (C), nor is it equivalent to being granted 'World Heritage Site' status (D), although some sites might hold both designations independently.

Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference

The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland

The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed

It is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'

Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the "Ten Degree Channel?"

The "Ten Degree Channel" is a strait that separates the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It is called the 'Ten Degree Channel' as it lies on the 10-degree line of latitude north of the equator. This channel forms a significant geographical demarcation between these two island groups. Option B (Nicobar and Sumatra) are separated by the Great Channel. Option C (Maldives and Lakshadweep) are separate island groups not directly divided by a single 'Ten Degree Channel'. Option D (Sumatra and Java) are Indonesian islands separated by the Sunda Strait.

Consider the following pairs: Programme/Project Ministry 1. Drought-Prone Area Programme : Ministry of Agriculture 2. Desert Development Programme : Ministry of Environment and Forests 3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas : Ministry of Rural Development Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Let's analyze each pair regarding the implementing Ministry/Department: 1. Drought-Prone Area Programme (DPAP): This program was initially launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1973. However, over time, its administration shifted. It was later under the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. Therefore, the pair 'Drought-Prone Area Programme : Ministry of Agriculture' is not currently or entirely correct in a comprehensive historical context. 2. Desert Development Programme (DDP): Similar to DPAP, DDP was also initially launched by the Ministry of Agriculture. It was later transferred to the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. Hence, the pair 'Desert Development Programme : Ministry of Environment and Forests' is incorrect. 3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA): This project falls under the purview of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, specifically implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare. The pair 'National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas : Ministry of Rural Development' is incorrect. Given the historical changes in ministerial responsibilities for these programs, none of the provided pairs are correctly matched as their primary or current administrating ministries.

With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: 1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. 2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness. 3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's analyze the statements about the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS): 1. It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests: This statement is incorrect. The BNHS is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to nature conservation and research. It is independent and not an autonomous body under any government ministry. 2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness: This statement is correct. BNHS has a long history of conducting scientific research on wildlife and ecosystems, educating the public about conservation issues, and raising awareness through various programs. 3. It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public: This statement is correct. BNHS is well-known for its public engagement activities, including organizing nature trails, birdwatching camps, and awareness programs to foster an appreciation for nature among citizens. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral financial mechanism that provides grants to developing countries and countries with economies in transition for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants. Its primary role is to fund projects that address global environmental challenges. Option A correctly states that GEF serves as a financial mechanism for the 'Convention on Biological Diversity' (CBD) and the 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change' (UNFCCC). It also serves other conventions like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. Option B is incorrect because GEF's main function is providing funding, not undertaking scientific research at a global level itself, though it funds projects that may include research components. Option C is incorrect. While GEF facilitates transfer of funds, it is an independent financial entity, not solely an agency under the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). Thus, option A is the most accurate description of GEF's role among the given choices.

It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'

It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level

It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. 'Photovoltaics' is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while 'Solar Thermal' is a technology that utilizes the Sun's rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process. 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's analyze the given statements regarding solar power production technologies: 1. 'Photovoltaics' is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while 'Solar Thermal' is a technology that utilizes the Sun's rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process: This statement is correct. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity using the photoelectric effect. Solar thermal power (Concentrated Solar Power - CSP) systems use mirrors to concentrate sunlight to heat a fluid, which then generates steam to drive a turbine, producing electricity. This accurately distinguishes the two technologies. 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC): This statement is incorrect. Photovoltaic panels primarily generate Direct Current (DC), which then needs to be converted into Alternating Current (AC) using inverters for grid connection or household use. Solar thermal power plants, similar to conventional power plants, generate Alternating Current (AC) using a turbine connected to a generator. 3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics: This statement is incorrect. India has a growing manufacturing base for both solar photovoltaic cells/modules and components for solar thermal systems. The 'not for Photovoltaics' part is definitively false, as India is a significant producer and consumer of PV technology. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telugu Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language/Languages' by the Government?

As of the knowledge cutoff (and up to early 2025), the Government of India has recognized six languages as 'Classical Languages'. The criteria for classical language status include high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years, a body of ancient literature/texts which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers, and the literary tradition being original and not derived from another speech community. The recognized classical languages are: 1. Tamil (declared in 2004) 2. Sanskrit (declared in 2005) 3. Kannada (declared in 2008) 4. Telugu (declared in 2008) 5. Malayalam (declared in 2013) 6. Odia (declared in 2014) Based on this list: Gujarati has NOT been declared a Classical Language by the Government. Kannada HAS been declared a Classical Language. Telugu HAS been declared a Classical Language. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Consider the following pairs: 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram 2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim 3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Let's examine each pair: 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram: This pair is correctly matched. Dampa Tiger Reserve is located in the Mamit district of Mizoram, India. 2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim: This pair is incorrectly matched. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Tripura, not Sikkim. 3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland: This pair is correctly matched. Mount Saramati is the highest peak in the state of Nagaland, India, and forms a natural boundary with Myanmar. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correctly matched.

With reference to a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention. 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Let's analyze the statements about 'Wetlands International': 1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention: This statement is incorrect. Wetlands International is a global non-profit organization (an international NGO) dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. It is not an intergovernmental body formed by the signatories to the Ramsar Convention. While it works closely with the Ramsar Convention and its contracting parties, it is distinct from it. 2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies: This statement is correct. Wetlands International operates through a network of offices worldwide, conducting field projects, generating scientific knowledge about wetlands, and using this expertise to influence policy-making at local, national, and international levels to promote wetland conservation. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: 1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009. 2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's analyze the statements regarding BRICS: 1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009: This statement is incorrect. The concept of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) emerged in 2001. The first BRIC leaders' summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in June 2009. South Africa joined the group in 2010, after which it became BRICS. Rio de Janeiro hosted the 4th BRICS summit in 2012, not the first. 2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping: This statement is correct in the context of the original five members. South Africa officially joined the BRIC group in December 2010, leading to the formation of BRICS. No other country joined this original grouping of five after South Africa until the expansion announced in 2023 for 2024. Therefore, only statement 2 is correct.

Consider the following diseases: 1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox 3. Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

Let's assess the eradication status of each disease in India: 1. Diphtheria: While vaccination has significantly reduced its incidence, diphtheria has not been fully eradicated in India. Sporadic cases and outbreaks still occur, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage. 2. Chickenpox: Chickenpox is a common viral infection that has not been eradicated in India. While a vaccine is available, it is not part of the universal immunization program aimed at eradication, and cases continue to be reported regularly. 3. Smallpox: Smallpox was globally eradicated in 1980, following a massive vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO). India played a significant role in this global effort and was declared smallpox-free in 1977. This is a landmark achievement in public health. Therefore, among the given options, only Smallpox has been eradicated in India.

Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms? 1. Continental drift 2. Glacial cycles Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Both continental drift and glacial cycles have profoundly influenced the evolution of organisms: 1. Continental drift: The slow movement of Earth's continents over millions of years has dramatically altered global climates, ocean currents, and the distribution of landmasses. This has led to: Geographical isolation: Separating populations that were once connected, leading to allopatric speciation as isolated groups evolve independently. For example, the distribution of marsupials in Australia and South America is a result of continental drift. New environmental conditions: As continents moved into different climatic zones, organisms had to adapt to new temperatures, rainfall patterns, and habitats, driving evolutionary change. Formation and destruction of barriers: The opening and closing of oceans and land bridges influenced migration routes and gene flow. 2. Glacial cycles: Recurring periods of extensive glaciation (ice ages) followed by warmer interglacial periods have occurred over geological time, especially in the Quaternary period. These cycles caused: Drastic climate changes: Leading to shifts in vegetation zones and habitat availability. Sea-level fluctuations: Lowering sea levels during glaciations exposed land bridges (e.g., Beringia), facilitating species migrations, while rising sea levels during interglacials isolated populations on islands. Selective pressures: Organisms faced intense selective pressures to adapt to colder temperatures, reduced food availability, and altered landscapes, leading to evolutionary adaptations or extinctions. Thus, both phenomena have played crucial roles in shaping the diversity and distribution of life on Earth.

Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers 2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) is an endangered freshwater dolphin species. Besides poaching, several human-induced factors contribute to its decline: 1. Construction of dams and barrages on rivers: Dams and barrages fragment the dolphins' habitat, isolate populations, disrupt their migratory routes, and alter water flow and quality. This is a major threat. This statement is correct. 2. Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers: While crocodiles are natural predators in riverine ecosystems, their population increase is generally not considered a primary or significant factor leading to the *decline* in Ganges River Dolphin numbers. The major threats are anthropogenic. This statement is incorrect as a primary reason for decline. 3. Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally: This is a significant cause of mortality for Ganges River Dolphins. They often get entangled in fishing nets (especially gillnets) set by local fishermen, leading to drowning. This is known as bycatch. This statement is correct. 4. Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers: Runoff from agricultural fields carries pesticides, herbicides, and excessive nutrients from fertilizers into the rivers. This chemical pollution degrades water quality, affects the dolphin's food chain, and can directly harm the dolphins. This statement is correct. Therefore, factors 1, 3, and 4 are significant reasons for the decline in the Ganges River Dolphin population, in addition to poaching.

The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

The Radcliffe Committee was appointed in July 1947, just before India's independence. Its primary mandate was to formally delimit the boundaries between the two newly created independent dominions: India and Pakistan (West Pakistan and East Pakistan, now Bangladesh). Sir Cyril Radcliffe was the chairman of the Boundary Commissions (one for Punjab and one for Bengal) which constituted the Radcliffe Committee. The resulting boundary line, known as the Radcliffe Line, was officially published on 17 August 1947. Options A, B, and D describe other aspects or consequences of partition but not the specific mandate of the Radcliffe Committee.

solve the problem of minorities in India

give effect to the Independence Bill

delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan

enquire into the riots in East Bengal

Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. 2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a group of organobromine compounds that are added to manufactured materials to make them less flammable. They have been widely used in a variety of products, including electronics, textiles, plastics, and furniture (like mattresses and upholstery). Concerns about their use stem from their environmental and health characteristics: 1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment: This statement is correct. Many BFRs are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), meaning they do not easily break down in the environment and can persist for long periods. This allows them to accumulate in various environmental compartments, including soil, water, and air. 2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals: This statement is correct. Due to their persistence and lipophilic (fat-loving) nature, BFRs can bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, including humans, fish, and wildlife. They can also biomagnify up the food chain. Accumulation in the body can lead to various health concerns, including developmental, neurological, and endocrine effects. Therefore, both statements highlight valid concerns about the use of brominated flame retardants.

Consider the following: 1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

Hibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression in endothermic (warm-blooded) animals. It is characterized by lower body temperature, slower breathing, and a lower metabolic rate. Animals hibernate to conserve energy during periods of limited food availability or harsh environmental conditions (typically cold winters). 1. Bats: Many bat species, especially those in temperate regions, are true hibernators. They seek out caves, mines, or other sheltered places to spend the winter in a state of torpor. 2. Bears: While bears are often said to hibernate, their state of torpor is not as deep as that of true hibernators (like rodents or bats). Their body temperature doesn't drop as dramatically, and they can be roused more easily. However, it is still considered a form of hibernation or winter lethargy to conserve energy during food scarcity. 3. Rodents: Many rodent species, such as groundhogs, hamsters, dormice, and marmots, are classic examples of true hibernators, undergoing profound physiological changes during their dormant period. Therefore, the phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in all three kinds of animals listed.

Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above

Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

In the Indian Parliament, the Committee on Estimates is the largest of the three financial standing committees. Its composition is as follows: The Committee on Estimates: Consists of 30 members, all from the Lok Sabha (House of the People). Its function is to examine the estimates included in the budget and suggest economies in public expenditure. The Committee on Public Accounts: Consists of 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha). It examines the annual audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. The Committee on Public Undertakings: Consists of 22 members (15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha). It examines the reports and accounts of public undertakings. The Committee on Petitions: Consists of 15 members in Lok Sabha and 10 in Rajya Sabha. It examines petitions presented to the House. Comparing the numbers, the Committee on Estimates, with 30 members, is the largest among the given options.

The Committee on Public Accounts

The Committee on Public Undertakings

Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? 1. Volcanic action 2. Respiration 3. Photosynthesis 4. Decay of organic matter Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Let's analyze which of the given processes add carbon dioxide (CO2) to the carbon cycle: 1. Volcanic action: Volcanic eruptions release significant amounts of CO2 and other gases into the atmosphere from the Earth's interior. This is a natural process that adds carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle. This statement is correct. 2. Respiration: All living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) respire, breaking down organic compounds to release energy. A byproduct of this process is CO2, which is released into the atmosphere or water. This statement is correct. 3. Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight to convert CO2 and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Therefore, photosynthesis *removes* CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than adding it. This statement is incorrect. 4. Decay of organic matter: When dead plants and animals, and their waste products, decompose, microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) break down the organic material. This decomposition process involves respiration by the decomposers, which releases CO2 into the atmosphere or soil. This statement is correct. Therefore, volcanic action, respiration, and decay of organic matter add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle.

If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds? 1. Painted Stork 2. Common Myna 3. Black-necked Crane Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Let's analyze the feeding behavior of each bird in relation to cattle: 1. Painted Stork: Painted Storks are large wading birds typically found in wetlands, feeding primarily on fish, frogs, and other aquatic life. They forage by probing in shallow waters with their long bills and are not generally seen stalking alongside cattle for insects in grasslands. 2. Common Myna: Common Mynas are highly adaptable and often found in open grasslands, cultivated fields, and human habitations. They are opportunistic feeders, and it is a very common sight to see them walking alongside grazing cattle or other livestock to catch insects (like grasshoppers, beetles, grubs) that are disturbed or flushed out by the movement of the animals. This is a classic example of commensalism. 3. Black-necked Crane: The Black-necked Crane is a large, high-altitude crane species primarily found in the wetlands and alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau and parts of the Himalayas. Their diet includes roots, tubers, insects, and small vertebrates, but their habitat and specific foraging behavior do not typically involve stalking cattle in countryside grasslands. Based on their typical habitats and feeding behaviors, the Common Myna is the most suitable bird for the described phenomenon.

In medieval India, the designations 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for

In medieval India, particularly in the Deccan and various parts of North India under different dynasties, specific terms were used for local administrators and village functionaries: 'Mahattara': This term, or variations like 'Mahattaka', generally referred to prominent village elders or leading persons in a village. They often held considerable influence in village affairs and sometimes assisted in administration or revenue collection. In some contexts, it could signify a village chief or head. 'Pattakila': This term (or 'Pattakil' or 'Pattakila-adhikari') was commonly used to denote the village headman. The 'Pattakila' was responsible for the land record (patta), revenue collection from the village, and maintaining law and order at the village level. Both terms, therefore, were associated with the administration and leadership at the village level, strongly indicating their role as village headmen or significant village figures. The other options (military officers, specialists in Vedic rituals, chiefs of craft guilds) are incorrect, as these terms specifically refer to village-level administration.

Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of

Lichens are remarkable organisms known for their ability to colonize harsh environments, including bare rock, where they play a crucial role in initiating ecological succession (primary succession). A lichen is a symbiotic association (a close and often long-term interaction between two different biological organisms) primarily between: A fungus (mycobiont): This component typically provides the structural body of the lichen, protects the photosynthetic partner from desiccation, and absorbs water and minerals from the environment. A photosynthetic partner (photobiont): This is usually a green alga (chlorophyta) or a cyanobacterium (formerly known as blue-green algae). The photobiont produces food (sugars) through photosynthesis, providing nutrients to the fungus. This mutualistic relationship allows lichens to survive in extreme conditions where neither partner could thrive alone. The fungus benefits from the food produced by the alga/cyanobacterium, while the alga/cyanobacterium benefits from the protection and access to water/minerals provided by the fungus. Options A, C, and D describe other combinations that do not accurately represent the symbiotic nature of lichens.

If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 1. Oak 2. Rhododendron 3. Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Let's consider the natural distribution of these plants in the Himalayan region: 1. Oak: Various species of Oak (genus Quercus) are very common and widespread in the temperate and subtropical forest zones of the Himalayas. They form a significant part of the broadleaf forests across different altitudes, particularly in the mid-Himalayan ranges. This statement is correct. 2. Rhododendron: Rhododendrons are characteristic and iconic flowering plants of the Himalayan ecosystem. Numerous species of Rhododendron are found naturally growing at various altitudes in the Himalayas, from temperate forests to alpine regions, often forming dense undergrowth or even dominant tree species at higher elevations. This statement is correct. 3. Sandalwood: Sandalwood (Santalum album) is primarily found in the dry deciduous forests of Peninsular India, especially in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It is not naturally found growing in the Himalayan region, which has a distinct climatic and ecological profile. Therefore, Oak and Rhododendron are plants naturally growing in the Himalayas.

Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? 1. Oxides of sulphur 2. Oxides of nitrogen 3. Carbon monoxide 4. Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The steel industry is one of the most energy-intensive and polluting industries globally. Its production processes involve high temperatures and the combustion of various fuels (like coal and coke), leading to the release of a wide range of pollutants into the atmosphere. 1. Oxides of sulphur (SOx): These are released primarily from the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels (like coal and coke) used in steel production. 2. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx): These are formed at high temperatures during the combustion processes in blast furnaces, coke ovens, and other steel-making units. 3. Carbon monoxide (CO): This toxic gas is produced due to incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels in various stages of steel manufacturing. 4. Carbon dioxide (CO2): The steel industry is a major emitter of CO2, both from the combustion of fossil fuels for energy and from the chemical reactions involved in reducing iron ore (e.g., in blast furnaces where coke reacts with iron oxides to produce iron and CO2). Therefore, all four listed pollutants are significant emissions from the steel industry in India and globally.

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.

Let's analyze the association of each kingdom with the life of the Buddha: 1. Avanti: Avanti was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, with its capital at Ujjain. While it was a contemporary kingdom, there is no significant historical record or Buddhist text that directly links Buddha's life or extensive travels to Avanti. His activities were primarily concentrated in the Gangetic plains to the east. 2. Gandhara: Gandhara was a kingdom located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan). This region became a significant center for Buddhism much later, particularly during the Kushana period (around 1st-3rd centuries CE), known for Gandhara art. However, Buddha himself did not live or preach in Gandhara during his lifetime. 3. Kosala: Kosala was a powerful kingdom in the Gangetic plains. Buddha spent a considerable part of his life and ministry in Kosala. He frequently visited its capital, Shravasti (Sāvatthi), and delivered many discourses there. The Jetavana monastery in Shravasti, gifted by Anathapindika, was a significant place where Buddha resided during the rainy seasons. This statement is correct. 4. Magadha: Magadha was one of the most prominent Mahajanapadas and was central to Buddha's life and the early spread of Buddhism. Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya (within Magadha), delivered his first sermon in Sarnath (near Varanasi, which was under Magadhan influence), and spent much of his time teaching in Magadhan cities like Rajagriha (Rajgir) and its vicinity. This statement is correct. Therefore, Kosala and Magadha were directly associated with the life of the Buddha.

Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

The question refers to an ecologically important campaign/festival involving the planting of fruit-bearing trees by certain communities/tribes. The Gond and Korku tribes, predominantly found in Central India (including parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra), have a deep historical and cultural connection with forests and their resources. Many indigenous communities, including the Gond and Korku, traditionally engage in practices that promote forest conservation, sustainable resource use, and tree planting, often as part of their cultural rituals and festivals. Their livelihoods are frequently dependent on forest produce, making such activities integral to their way of life and ecological balance. Therefore, these communities are known for their practices that align with the description of planting fruit-bearing trees as an ecologically important activity.

The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a

Before the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India (which came into effect on July 1, 2017), Sales Tax was a prominent indirect tax. Under the constitutional division of powers, the authority to levy and collect sales tax on the sale of goods within a state rested with the respective State Governments. Therefore, when a consumer purchased a commodity like toothpaste, the sales tax component of its price was both imposed by and collected for the State Government where the transaction occurred. This structure existed prior to the comprehensive overhaul of indirect taxation by GST, which subsumed sales tax and many other levies.

tax imposed by the Central Government

tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government

tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government

tax imposed and collected by the State Government

What does venture capital mean?

Venture capital (VC) is a form of private equity financing that is provided by venture capital firms or funds to start-ups, early-stage, and emerging companies that have been deemed to have high growth potential or which have demonstrated high growth. Venture capitalists typically invest in companies that are new or have limited operating history but are expected to generate significant returns, usually in exchange for an equity stake. This capital is characterized by its long-term nature, aiming to support the initial growth, development, and expansion phases of new, often innovative, businesses, thereby fostering entrepreneurship.

A short-term capital provided to industries

A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs

Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses

Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries

The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is

The 12th Five-Year Plan of India, which covered the period from 2012 to 2017, articulated its central objective as "Faster, Sustainable and More Inclusive Growth." This comprehensive goal aimed not just at accelerating the pace of economic expansion but also at ensuring that such growth was environmentally responsible (sustainable) and distributed equitably across all sections of society, reducing poverty and disparities (inclusive). This objective built upon the themes of previous plans, emphasizing quality and equity alongside quantity of growth.

inclusive growth and poverty reduction

inclusive and sustainable growth

sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce unemployment

faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth

With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/constitute the Current Account? 1. Balance of trade 2. Foreign assets 3. Balance of invisibles 4. Special Drawing Rights Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The Balance of Payments (BoP) is a statement of all transactions made between entities in one country and the rest of the world over a specified period, typically a year. It is divided into two main accounts: the Current Account and the Capital Account. The **Current Account** records the flow of goods, services, income, and unilateral transfers. Specifically, it includes: **Balance of Trade (Visible Trade)**: This refers to the value of exports and imports of goods (physical commodities). **Balance of Invisibles**: This encompasses the value of exports and imports of services (e.g., software, tourism, shipping, banking), income (e.g., remittances, interest, dividends on investments), and current transfers (e.g., grants, gifts, workers' remittances). Foreign assets and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) are components typically found in the Capital Account or are part of a country's official reserve assets, not the Current Account. Foreign assets relate to financial claims, while SDRs are international reserve assets created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The terms 'Marginal Standing Facility Rate' and 'Net Demand and Time Liabilities', sometimes appearing in news, are used in relation to

Both 'Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate' and 'Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL)' are fundamental terms used within the financial and banking sector, particularly in the context of central banking and commercial banking operations in India. **Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate**: This is a penal rate at which scheduled commercial banks can borrow money from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) overnight, against government securities, when there is an acute shortage of inter-bank liquidity. It serves as a last resort for banks. **Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL)**: This refers to the total of demand and time deposits (liabilities) of a bank with the public and other banks, minus deposits of other banks with it. NDTL is a crucial figure used by the RBI to calculate key statutory requirements for banks, such as the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), which directly impact a bank's lending capacity. Given their direct relevance to how banks operate, borrow, and are regulated, these terms are exclusively associated with banking operations.

supply and demand of agricultural products

What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas? 1. It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages. 2. It enables the beneficiaries in the rural areas to make deposits and withdrawals. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Business Correspondents (BCs), also known as Bank Saathis or Bank Mitras, are integral to India's financial inclusion efforts, particularly in branchless and remote rural areas. Their primary role is to bridge the gap between banks and the unbanked population by providing a range of basic banking services at the doorstep or in villages themselves. **Statement 1: It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages.** This is a core function of BCs. They facilitate the disbursement of government welfare payments, NREGA wages, and various social security benefits (like pensions) directly to beneficiaries, thereby saving them the time and cost of traveling to distant bank branches. **Statement 2: It enables the beneficiaries in the rural areas to make deposits and withdrawals.** BCs are authorized to conduct basic financial transactions, including cash deposits and withdrawals, balance inquiries, and even small remittances, on behalf of banks. This significantly enhances access to banking services for the rural population. Therefore, both statements accurately describe the facilities and benefits offered by Business Correspondents.

In the context of Indian economy, which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of 'Statutory Reserve Requirements'? 1. To enable the Central Bank to control the amount of advances the banks can create 2. To make the people's deposits with banks safe and liquid 3. To prevent the commercial banks from making excessive profits 4. To force the banks to have sufficient vault cash to meet their day-to-day requirements Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Statutory Reserve Requirements, such as the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) in India, are powerful tools of monetary policy primarily used by the Central Bank (Reserve Bank of India) to manage liquidity and control credit in the economy. **Statement 1: To enable the Central Bank to control the amount of advances the banks can create.** This is the most accurate and primary purpose. By altering CRR or SLR, the RBI directly influences the amount of funds commercial banks have available for lending (creating advances/credit). A higher CRR/SLR reduces lending capacity, thus controlling inflation, and vice versa. **Statement 2: To make the people's deposits with banks safe and liquid.** While maintaining reserves contributes indirectly to banking stability, the primary mechanism for deposit safety is deposit insurance (e.g., DICGC in India) and robust banking regulations, not primarily reserve requirements. **Statement 3: To prevent the commercial banks from making excessive profits.** This is not a direct or stated objective. While reserve requirements might impact profitability, their main goal is monetary control, not profit limitation. **Statement 4: To force the banks to have sufficient vault cash to meet their day-to-day requirements.** CRR mandates banks to keep a portion of their deposits with the RBI, not necessarily as vault cash. SLR mandates investment in specific liquid assets. Banks manage day-to-day liquidity through various other tools like inter-bank borrowing, not solely through statutory reserves. The core purpose is monetary control, not just meeting daily cash needs. Therefore, only statement 1 correctly describes the primary purpose of statutory reserve requirements.

Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as 'Arab Spring' originally started from

The series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions across the Arab world, collectively known as the 'Arab Spring', famously began in **Tunisia** in December 2010. The catalyst for the movement was the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, in protest against harassment and confiscation of his wares by municipal officials. This act sparked widespread demonstrations against corruption, poverty, and authoritarian rule, leading to the swift overthrow of Tunisia's long-serving President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The success of the Tunisian revolution inspired similar movements and protests across other countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Consider the following countries : 1. Denmark 2. Japan 3. Russian Federation 4. United Kingdom 5. United States of America Which of the above are the members of the 'Arctic Council'?

The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and indigenous people of the Arctic. Its membership is restricted to the states with territory within the Arctic Circle. The eight Arctic States (and thus members of the Arctic Council) are: Canada **Denmark** (through Greenland) Finland Iceland Norway **Russian Federation** Sweden **United States of America** (through Alaska) From the given options, Japan and the United Kingdom do not have territory within the Arctic Circle and are therefore not full members of the Arctic Council, although they may hold observer status.

Consider the following pairs : Region often in news Country 1. Chechnya : Russian Federation 2. Darfur : Mali 3. Swat Valley : Iraq Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Let's evaluate each pair of region and country: **Chechnya : Russian Federation**: This pair is **correctly matched**. Chechnya is a republic within the North Caucasus region of Russia. It has been a significant flashpoint known for separatist movements and conflicts with the Russian federal government. **Darfur : Mali**: This pair is **incorrectly matched**. Darfur is a large region in western **Sudan**, which has been embroiled in a major conflict and humanitarian crisis since the early 2000s. Mali is a different country in West Africa. **Swat Valley : Iraq**: This pair is **incorrectly matched**. The Swat Valley is a picturesque valley and administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of **Pakistan**. It gained international attention due to the presence of militant groups and military operations. Iraq is a country in the Middle East. Therefore, only pair 1 is correctly matched.

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a surface-to-surface missile. 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Let's analyze the statements regarding the Agni-IV Missile: **It is a surface-to-surface missile.** This statement is **correct**. The Agni series of missiles are indeed strategic ballistic missiles designed for surface-to-surface delivery. **It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.** This statement is **incorrect**. Agni-IV is a two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid propellants for both stages. Solid propellants offer advantages like easier storage, quicker launch times, and higher reliability compared to liquid propellants, which are common in many modern ballistic missiles. **It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.** This statement is **incorrect**. The range of the Agni-IV missile is approximately 4,000 kilometers. The range of around 7,500 km (or higher) is associated with the Agni-V missile, which is a longer-range Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in the Agni series. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas', consider the following statements: 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's evaluate the statements regarding coalbed methane and shale gas: **Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks.** This statement is **incorrect**. While coalbed methane (CBM) is indeed primarily pure methane (CH4) extracted from coal seams, shale gas is also predominantly methane. Although shale gas can contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane (often referred to as natural gas liquids), it is not a mixture of *only* propane and butane. Methane remains its primary component. **In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found.** This statement is **incorrect**. India has significant proven reserves and ongoing production of Coalbed Methane (CBM), primarily in states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, India has also identified significant shale gas resources in various sedimentary basins, including Cambay (Gujarat), Krishna-Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), and Cauvery (Tamil Nadu). While commercial exploitation is still in early stages compared to CBM, the presence of shale gas sources has been confirmed through exploration. Therefore, neither statement given is correct.

With reference to 'Changpa' community of India, consider the following statements: 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool. 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Let's examine the statements concerning the 'Changpa' community of India: **They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.** This statement is **incorrect**. The Changpa are a semi-nomadic community primarily residing in the high-altitude Changthang region of Ladakh (now a Union Territory). Some also live in parts of Himachal Pradesh. They are not primarily found in Uttarakhand. **They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.** This statement is **correct**. The Changpa are famous for their nomadic pastoralism, particularly for rearing the Changra goats (a special breed of Pashmina goat) in the harsh climatic conditions of the Changthang plateau. The exceptionally fine undercoat of these goats is the source of the highly prized Pashmina wool. **They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.** This statement is **correct**. The Changpa community is officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in India, which provides them with certain constitutional protections and benefits. Based on the analysis, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

Cluster bean, commonly known as Guar, has indeed gained significant global importance beyond its traditional uses as a vegetable or animal feed. The key reason for this enhanced significance lies in the industrial application of **guar gum**, which is extracted from its seeds. Guar gum is a natural polysaccharide with excellent thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties. Its most notable industrial application in recent times, which has driven its demand and cultivation, is in the oil and gas industry. Guar gum and its derivatives (like hydroxypropyl guar) are critical components of the fracturing fluid used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations for the extraction of shale gas and oil. It helps to increase the viscosity of the fluid, enabling it to carry proppants (like sand) into the fractures created in shale rock, thus keeping the fractures open and facilitating the flow of gas or oil.

The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics

The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas

The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines

It is a source of high quality biodiesel

Which of the following have coral reefs? 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2. Gulf of Kachchh 3. Gulf of Mannar 4. Sunderbans Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Coral reefs are vibrant marine ecosystems that thrive in warm, clear, shallow, and saline waters. India is home to several important coral reef regions: **Andaman and Nicobar Islands**: These islands are well-known for their extensive, diverse, and pristine coral reefs, which are part of the Indo-Pacific coral triangle. They host fringing, barrier, and atoll reefs. **Gulf of Kachchh (Kutch)**: Located on the west coast of India, the Gulf of Kachchh is notable for having India's northernmost coral reefs, primarily fringing reefs. It's an important marine national park and sanctuary. **Gulf of Mannar**: Situated off the southeastern coast of India, between India and Sri Lanka, the Gulf of Mannar is a significant coral reef area and is designated as a Marine Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich marine biodiversity. **Sunderbans**: The Sunderbans, a large mangrove forest shared by India and Bangladesh, is known for its unique mangrove ecosystem. However, it does not typically host coral reefs. The conditions in the Sunderbans (high sediment load from riverine discharges, brackish water, and high turbidity) are generally unsuitable for the growth of most coral species, which require clear, saline water. Therefore, coral reefs are found in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Kachchh, and Gulf of Mannar.

In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? 1. Terrace cultivation 2. Deforestation 3. Tropical climate Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Let's analyze each factor in relation to the problem of soil erosion in India: **Terrace cultivation**: This is a method of farming on slopes by cutting steps into the hillside. Far from causing soil erosion, terrace cultivation is a traditional and effective **soil conservation measure**. It helps to reduce the speed of runoff water, allowing it to percolate into the soil and preventing topsoil from being washed away. Thus, it mitigates, rather than causes, soil erosion. **Deforestation**: This is a major and direct cause of soil erosion. Trees and vegetation cover the soil, protecting it from the direct impact of rainfall, and their root systems bind the soil particles together. When forests are cut down, the soil is exposed to wind and water, leading to rapid and severe erosion. **Tropical climate**: A tropical climate, characterized by high intensity and seasonal rainfall, can create conditions where soil erosion is more *likely* or *severe* if other contributing factors (like deforestation or improper land use) are present. However, the climate itself is a natural characteristic, not a 'problem' in the sense of being a human-induced factor contributing to erosion. The 'problem' arises when human activities (like deforestation) make the soil vulnerable to the natural forces intensified by the tropical climate. In the context of identifying problems *associated with* soil erosion, deforestation is a direct and impactful human-induced problem, whereas tropical climate is an exacerbating natural condition. Therefore, among the given options, deforestation is the most direct and clear 'problem' associated with soil erosion.

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

The seasonal reversal of winds is the most defining and characteristic feature of the **Monsoon climate**. This phenomenon is driven by the differential heating and cooling rates of land and large water bodies. During the summer, land heats up rapidly, creating a low-pressure area, which draws moisture-laden winds from the high-pressure areas over the cooler oceans (onshore winds). In winter, the land cools faster and develops a high-pressure system, causing dry winds to blow from land to sea (offshore winds). This distinct, large-scale shift in wind direction defines the monsoon system, leading to distinct wet and dry seasons. **Equatorial climate**: Characterized by consistently high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year, with no significant seasonal wind reversal. **Mediterranean climate**: Characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, but does not involve a large-scale seasonal wind reversal.

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

In the context of the cultural history of India, particularly related to ancient and medieval architecture, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to a specific **style of temple construction**. In this architectural layout, the main deity's shrine is located in the center of the temple complex, and four subsidiary shrines are placed at the four corners around the central shrine. This arrangement results in a total of five shrines, giving it the name 'Panchayatan' (Pancha meaning five). A classic example of a Panchayatan style temple is the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh.

Consider the following rivers: 1. Barak 2. Lohit 3. Subansiri Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

Let's examine which of the given rivers flow through Arunachal Pradesh: **Barak**: The Barak River is a major river in Northeast India. It originates in the Manipur Hills, flows through Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam, and then enters Bangladesh where it merges with the Surma and Kushiyara rivers. It **does not flow through Arunachal Pradesh**. **Lohit**: The Lohit River is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It originates in the Eastern Himalayas in Tibet and flows through **Arunachal Pradesh** before joining the Brahmaputra in Assam. It is also known as the 'river of blood' due to its turbulent nature and reddish soil. **Subansiri**: The Subansiri River is another major tributary of the Brahmaputra. It originates in the Himalayas in Tibet, flows south-eastwards through **Arunachal Pradesh**, and then enters Assam to join the Brahmaputra River. It is known for its gold dust. Therefore, only Lohit and Subansiri flow through Arunachal Pradesh.

Consider the following pairs : Wetlands Confluence of rivers 1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej 2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal 3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Let's evaluate each pair of wetlands and their associated river confluences: **Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej**: This pair is **correctly matched**. Harike Wetland, located in Punjab, India, is a significant wetland ecosystem formed at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers. It is also a designated Ramsar site. **Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal**: This pair is **incorrectly matched**. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) is a famous wetland in Rajasthan. While the Chambal River is a major river in the region, Keoladeo receives its water primarily from the Gambhir and Banganga rivers, not the direct confluence of Banas and Chambal. The Banas itself is a tributary of the Chambal, but their confluence is elsewhere. **Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna**: This pair is **incorrectly matched**. Kolleru Lake is a large freshwater lake in Andhra Pradesh, situated between the deltas of the Godavari and Krishna rivers. It acts as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for these two major rivers. The Musi River is a tributary of the Krishna, but Kolleru Lake is not at their confluence. Therefore, only pair 1 is correctly matched.

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

The traditional "six systems" (Shad-darshana) of Indian Philosophy are considered the orthodox (Astika) schools that accept the authority of the Vedas. These six schools are: **Mimamsa (Purva Mimamsa)** **Vedanta (Uttara Mimamsa)** **Nyaya** **Vaisheshika** **Sankhya** **Yoga** Let's look at the given options: **Mimamsa and Vedanta**: These are two of the six orthodox systems. **Nyaya and Vaisheshika**: These are also two of the six orthodox systems. **Sankhya and Yoga**: These are two of the six orthodox systems. **Lokayata and Kapalika**: **Lokayata (also known as Charvaka)** is a heterodox (Nastika) school of Indian philosophy, meaning it does not accept the authority of the Vedas. It is known for its materialistic and atheistic views. **Kapalika** was a tantric Shaivite sect, primarily a religious and ascetic order rather than one of the six formal philosophical systems. Therefore, Lokayata and Kapalika do not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy.

Consider the following pairs : Hills Region 1. Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast 2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast 3. Mahadeo Hills : Central India 4. Mikir Hills : North-East India Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Let's evaluate each pair of hills and their associated region: **Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast**: This pair is **incorrectly matched**. The Cardamom Hills are located in the Southern Western Ghats, primarily in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Coromandel Coast is the southeastern coast of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, geographically distinct from the Cardamom Hills. **Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast**: This pair is **incorrectly matched**. The Kaimur Hills are part of the Vindhya Range, located in central India across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The Konkan Coast is the western coastal strip of India, stretching across Maharashtra and Goa. **Mahadeo Hills : Central India**: This pair is **correctly matched**. The Mahadeo Hills are a range of hills in Madhya Pradesh, forming part of the Satpura Range, and are indeed located in Central India. **Mikir Hills : North-East India**: This pair is **correctly matched**. The Mikir Hills (now officially known as Karbi Anglong hills) are located in the state of Assam, which is part of North-East India. Therefore, pairs 3 and 4 are correctly matched.

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

The **Tenth Schedule** of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding the disqualification of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of State Legislatures (MLAs) on the ground of defection. This Schedule was added to the Constitution by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985, popularly known as the Anti-Defection Law. Its primary objective is to prevent political defections induced by allurements or coercion, thereby strengthening parliamentary democracy. **Second Schedule**: Deals with emoluments, allowances, and privileges of various constitutional functionaries like the President, Governors, Speakers, Judges, etc. **Fifth Schedule**: Deals with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes. **Eighth Schedule**: Lists the official languages of India. Thus, the Tenth Schedule is the correct answer.

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

Among the given options, **biosphere reserves** are specifically established for the conservation of biodiversity along with the maintenance of traditional human life and the promotion of sustainable development. Biosphere reserves are designed with a unique zoning system: **Core Zone**: Strictly protected area for conservation. **Buffer Zone**: Surrounds the core, used for research, education, tourism, and limited human activities compatible with conservation. **Transition Zone**: The outermost part, where a greater range of human activities and sustainable resource use is permitted, involving local communities in conservation efforts and promoting their socio-economic development. This multi-zoned approach explicitly integrates human populations, their cultural practices, and traditional livelihoods into the conservation framework, distinguishing them from national parks (which primarily focus on wildlife protection with very limited human intervention) and wildlife sanctuaries (also focused on species protection, with more flexible management but generally restricting human activities detrimental to wildlife). Botanical gardens are primarily ex-situ conservation sites for plants.

Turkey is located between

Turkey is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Geographically, its northern border lies along the Black Sea, and its southern border is along the Mediterranean Sea. The country also controls the crucial Turkish Straits (Bosphorus and Dardanelles), which connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea via the Sea of Marmara. This geographical position makes it a significant land bridge and a key maritime route between these two major water bodies.

Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea

English Hindi

UPSC Prelims 2014 Question Paper & Solutions

UPSC Prelims 2014 solved question paper — GS Paper 1 and CSAT with full explanations, subject-wise breakdown, and the official cutoff.

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UPSC Prelims 2014 solved paper

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General Studies — Paper 1

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Q	Question	Subject	Answer	Solution
1	What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as 'Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative'? 1. Seed cost is very…	geography	B	View
2	If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?	geography	A	View
3	Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the "Ten Degree Channel?"	geography	A	View
4	Consider the following pairs: Programme/Project Ministry 1. Drought-Prone Area Programme : Ministry of Agriculture 2. Desert Development Pro…	geography	D	View
5	With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: 1. It is an autonomous organization under the Mi…	geography	C	View
6	With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?	geography	A	View
7	With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. 'Photovoltaics' is a technology that genera…	science-and-technology	A	View
8	Consider the following languages: 1. Gujarati 2. Kannada 3. Telugu Which of the above has/have been declared as 'Classical Language/Language…	art-and-culture	C	View
9	Consider the following pairs: 1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram 2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim 3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland Which of the…	geography	C	View
10	With reference to a conservation organization called 'Wetlands International', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is an…	geography	B	View
11	With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: 1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de…	polity-and-governance	B	View
12	Consider the following diseases: 1. Diphtheria 2. Chickenpox 3. Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?	science-and-technology	B	View
13	Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms? 1. Continental drift 2. Glacial cycles Select the correct…	geography	C	View
14	Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? 1. Construction of dams and b…	geography	C	View
15	The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to	history	C	View
16	Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? 1…	geography	C	View
17	Consider the following: 1. Bats 2. Bears 3. Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?	geography	C	View
18	Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?	polity-and-governance	B	View
19	Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? 1. Volcanic action 2. Respiration 3. Photosynthesis …	geography	C	View
20	If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their move…	geography	B	View
21	In medieval India, the designations 'Mahattara' and 'Pattakila' were used for	history	B	View
22	Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of	geography	B	View
23	If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 1. Oak 2. Rhododendron 3. …	geography	A	View
24	Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? 1. Oxides of sulphur 2. Oxides of nitrogen 3. Carb…	geography	D	View
25	Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the Buddha? 1. Avanti 2. Gandhara 3. Kosala 4. Magadha Select the correct a…	history	C	View
26	Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/tribes plant saplings of fruit-bea…	geography	B	View
27	The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a	—	D	View
28	What does venture capital mean?	economy	B	View
29	The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is	economy	D	View
30	With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/constitute the Current Account? 1. Balance of trade 2. Foreign ass…	economy	C	View
31	The terms 'Marginal Standing Facility Rate' and 'Net Demand and Time Liabilities', sometimes appearing in news, are used in relation to	economy	A	View
32	What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas?…	economy	C	View
33	In the context of Indian economy, which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of 'Statutory Reserve Requirements'? 1. To enable the C…	economy	A	View
34	Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as 'Arab Spring' originally started from	polity-and-governance	D	View
35	Consider the following countries : 1. Denmark 2. Japan 3. Russian Federation 4. United Kingdom 5. United States of America Which of the abov…	geography	D	View
36	Consider the following pairs : Region often in news Country 1. Chechnya : Russian Federation 2. Darfur : Mali 3. Swat Valley : Iraq Which of…	geography	A	View
37	With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a surface-to-surface missile. 2. It is fuelled…	science-and-technology	A	View
38	With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas', consider the following statements: 1. Coalbe…	geography	D	View
39	With reference to 'Changpa' community of India, consider the following statements: 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. 2. They …	geography	B	View
40	In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed signific…	economy	B	View
41	Which of the following have coral reefs? 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2. Gulf of Kachchh 3. Gulf of Mannar 4. Sunderbans Select the correc…	geography	A	View
42	In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? 1. Terrace cultivation 2. Deforestation 3. Tropical climate…	geography	B	View
43	The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of	geography	C	View
44	With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to	art-and-culture	C	View
45	Consider the following rivers: 1. Barak 2. Lohit 3. Subansiri Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?	geography	B	View
46	Consider the following pairs : Wetlands Confluence of rivers 1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej 2. Keoladeo Ghana Nat…	geography	A	View
47	Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?	art-and-culture	C	View
48	Consider the following pairs : Hills Region 1. Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast 2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast 3. Mahadeo Hills : Central I…	geography	C	View
49	Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?	polity-and-governance	D	View
50	The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of	geography	A	View
51	Turkey is located between	geography	B	View
52	What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north? 1. Bangkok 2. Han…	geography	C	View
53	The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature i…	geography	B	View
54	The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from	art-and-culture	D	View
55	In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the	polity-and-governance	B	View
56	What are the benefits of implementing the Integrated Watershed Development Programme? 1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country's …	geography	C	View
57	Which of the following are associated with 'Planning' in India? 1. The Finance Commission 2. The National Development Council 3. The Union M…	economy	C	View
58	Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat? 1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings 2. Secretaria…	polity-and-governance	C	View
59	Consider the following statements : A Constitutional Government is one which 1. places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the i…	polity-and-governance	B	View
60	Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? 1. Sending a report to the President of India for impo…	polity-and-governance	B	View
61	If the interest rate is decreased in an economy, it will	economy	C	View
62	Consider the following statements : 1. The President shall make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the Government …	polity-and-governance	A	View
63	Consider the following statements regarding a No-Confidence Motion in India: 1. There is no mention of a No-Confidence Motion in the Constit…	polity-and-governance	C	View
64	With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements: 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some …	science-and-technology	C	View
65	Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?	science-and-technology	B	View
66	In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person? 1. Iris scanning 2. Ret…	science-and-technology	D	View
67	Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants? 1. Vegetative propagation produces clonal popul…	science-and-technology	C	View
68	Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Spacecraft Purpose 1. Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to t…	science-and-technology	B	View
69	Consider the following pairs: Region Well-known for the production of 1. Kinnaur : Areca nut 2. Mewat : Mango 3. Coromandel : Soya bean Whic…	geography	D	View
70	Which of the following is/are the example/examples of chemical change? 1. Crystallization of sodium chloride 2. Melting of ice 3. Souring of…	science-and-technology	B	View
71	The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its	polity-and-governance	C	View
72	Consider the following techniques/phenomena : 1. Budding and grafting in fruit plants 2. Cytoplasmic male sterility 3. Gene silencing Which …	science-and-technology	B	View
73	Consider the following statements: 1. Maize can be used for the production of starch. 2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for bio…	economy	D	View
74	Among the following organisms, which one does not belong to the class of other three?	science-and-technology	A	View
75	The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in	polity-and-governance	B	View
76	Consider the following towns of India: 1. Bhadrachalam 2. Chanderi 3. Kancheepuram 4. Karnal Which of the above are famous for the productio…	art-and-culture	B	View
77	Consider the following pairs : National Highway Cities connected 1. NH 4 : Chennai and Hyderabad 2. NH 6 : Mumbai and Kolkata 3. NH 15 : Ahm…	geography	D	View
78	Consider the following international agreements : 1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 2. The Uni…	geography	D	View
79	Consider the following statements regarding 'Earth Hour': 1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO. 2. It is a movement in which the partic…	geography	C	View
80	Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?	geography	A	View
81	The Partition of Bengal made by Lord Curzon in 1905 lasted until	history	B	View
82	The 1929 Session of Indian National Congress is of significance in the history of the Freedom Movement because the	history	B	View
83	With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: 1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama. 2. I…	art-and-culture	B	View
84	Chaitra 1 of the national calendar based on the Saka Era corresponds to which one of the following dates of the Gregorian calendar in a norm…	art-and-culture	A	View
85	With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs : Famous work of sculpture Site 1. A grand image of Bu…	art-and-culture	C	View
86	The Ghadr (Ghadar) was a	history	A	View
87	With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'?	art-and-culture	D	View
88	Consider the following pairs: 1. Garba : Gujarat 2. Mohiniattam : Odisha 3. Yakshagana : Karnataka Which of the pairs given above is/are cor…	art-and-culture	C	View
89	With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Famous shrine Location 1. Tabo monastery a…	art-and-culture	C	View
90	Consider the following statements : 1. 'Bijak' is a composition of the teachings of Saint Dadu Dayal. 2. The Philosophy of Pushti Marg was p…	art-and-culture	D	View
91	A community of people called Manganiyars is well-known for their	art-and-culture	B	View
92	What was/were the object/objects of Queen Victoria's Proclamation (1858)? 1. To disclaim any intention to annex Indian States 2. To place th…	history	A	View
93	Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was	history	C	View
94	In the context of food and nutritional security of India, enhancing the 'Seed Replacement Rates' of various crops helps in achieving the foo…	economy	B	View
95	With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are dec…	geography	D	View
96	Consider the following statements : 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. Nationa…	polity-and-governance	B	View
97	Consider the following pairs : Vitamin Deficiency disease 1. Vitamin C : Scurvy 2. Vitamin D : Rickets 3. Vitamin E : Night blindness Which …	science-and-technology	A	View
98	There is some concern regarding the nanoparticles of some chemical elements that are used by the industry in the manufacture of various prod…	science-and-technology	D	View
99	Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as 'World Economic Outlook'?	economy	A	View
100	With reference to Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure? 1. Defence expenditure 2. Interest payment…	economy	C	View

CSAT — Paper 2 (qualifying)

70 / 70

Q	Question	Subject	Answer	Solution
1	Passage - 1 The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by in…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
2	Passage-1 The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by incr…	Reading Comprehension	D	View
3	Passage-1 The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by incr…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
4	Passage-1 The Himalayan ecosystem is highly vulnerable to damage, both due to geological reasons and on account of the stress caused by incr…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
5	Passage-2 It is often forgotten that globalization, is not only about policies on international economic relationships and transactions, but…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
6	Passage-2 It is often forgotten that globalization, is not only about policies on international economic relationships and transactions, but…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
7	Passage-2 It is often forgotten that globalization, is not only about policies on international economic relationships and transactions, but…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
8	Passage-2 It is often forgotten that globalization, is not only about policies on international economic relationships and transactions, but…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
9	The following table shows the marks obtained by two students in different subjects: \| Subjects \| Student A \| Max Marks A \| Student B \| Max M…	Quantitative Aptitude	D	View
10	The following table gives population and total income of a city for four years: Year \| 1992 \| 1993 \| 1994 \| 1995 \| Population in lakhs \| 20 …	Quantitative Aptitude	C	View
11	A bell rings every 18 minutes. A second bell rings every 24 minutes. A third bell rings every 32 minutes. If all the three bells ring at the…	Quantitative Aptitude	B	View
12	"Price is not the same thing as value. Suppose that on a day the price of everything viz., coal, bread, postage stamps, a day's labour, the …	Reading Comprehension	D	View
13	A and B decide to travel from place X to place Y by bus. A has Rs. 10 with him and he finds that it is 80% of the bus fare for two persons. …	Quantitative Aptitude	C	View
14	As per agreement with a bank, a businessman had to refund a loan in some equal installments without interest. After paying 18 installments h…	Quantitative Aptitude	C	View
15	A worker reaches his factory 3 minutes late if his speed from his house to the factory is 5 km/hr. If he walks at a speed of 6 km/hr then he…	Quantitative Aptitude	C	View
16	"Liberty, therefore, is never real unless the Government can be called to account when it invades rights." Which one of the following is the…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
17	Passage - 1 In recent times, India has grown fast not only compared to its own past but also in comparison with other nations. But there can…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
18	Passage - 1 In recent times, India has grown fast not only compared to its own past but also in comparison with other nations. But there can…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
19	Passage - 1 In recent times, India has grown fast not only compared to its own past but also in comparison with other nations. But there can…	Reading Comprehension	D	View
20	Passage It is easy for the government to control State- owned companies through nods and winks. So what really needs to be done as first ste…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
21	Passage It is easy for the government to control State- owned companies through nods and winks. So what really needs to be done as first ste…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
22	Five persons fire bullets at a target at an interval of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 seconds respectively. The number of times they would fire the bull…	Quantitative Aptitude	B	View
23	A group of 630 children is seated in rows for a group photo session. Each row contains three less children than the row in front of it. Whic…	Quantitative Aptitude	D	View
24	There are seven persons up on a ladder, A, B, C, D, E, F and G (not in that order). A is further up than E but is lower than C. B is in the …	Logical Reasoning	C	View
25	Consider that: 1. A is taller than B. 2. C is taller than A. 3. D is taller than C. 4. E is the tallest of all. If they are made to sit in t…	Logical Reasoning	C	View
26	Consider the following statements: There are six villages A, B, C, D, E and F. F is 1 km to the west of D. B is 1 km to the east of E. A is …	Logical Reasoning	B	View
27	Four children are sitting in a row. A is occupying the seat next to B but not next to C. If C is not sitting next to D, who is/are occupying…	Logical Reasoning	B	View
28	Assume that 1. the hour and minute hands of a clock move without jerking. 2. the clock shows a time between 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock. 3. the …	Logical Reasoning	C	View
29	Passage In front of us was walking a bare- headed old man in tattered clothes. He was driving his beasts. They were all laden with heavy loa…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
30	Passage In front of us was walking a bare- headed old man in tattered clothes. He was driving his beasts. They were all laden with heavy loa…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
31	Passage Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for …	Reading Comprehension	C	View
32	Passage Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for …	Reading Comprehension	B	View
33	Passage Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for …	Reading Comprehension	D	View
34	Passage Cynthia was a shy girl. She believed that she was plain and untalented. One day her teacher ordered the entire class to show up for …	Reading Comprehension	D	View
35	If the 3rd day of a month is Monday, which one of the following will be the fifth day from 21st of this month?	Logical Reasoning	B	View
36	For a charity show, the total tickets sold were 420. Half of these tickets were sold at the rate of Rs. 5 each, one-third at the rate of Rs.…	Quantitative Aptitude	C	View
37	Read the passage given below and answer the items that follow. A, B, C, D, E, F are members of a family. They are engineer, stenographer, do…	Logical Reasoning	A	View
38	Read the passage given below and answer the items that follow. A, B, C, D, E, F are members of a family. They are engineer, stenographer, do…	Logical Reasoning	C	View
39	Read the passage given below and answer the items that follow. A, B, C, D, E, F are members of a family. They are engineer, stenographer, do…	Logical Reasoning	B	View
40	Many nations now place their faith in capitalism and governments choose it as the strategy to create wealth for their people. The spectacula…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
41	Many nations now place their faith in capitalism and governments choose it as the strategy to create wealth for their people. The spectacula…	Reading Comprehension	D	View
42	Many nations now place their faith in capitalism and governments choose it as the strategy to create wealth for their people. The spectacula…	Reading Comprehension	D	View
43	Net profits are only 2.2% of their total assets for central public sector undertakings, lower than for the private corporate sector. While t…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
44	Net profits are only 2.2% of their total assets for central public sector undertakings, lower than for the private corporate sector. While t…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
45	Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages o…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
46	Net profits are only 2.2% of their total assets for central public sector undertakings, lower than for the private corporate sector. While t…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
47	A question paper must have a question on one of the eight poets: A, B, C, D, E, F, G or H The first four belong to the medieval period while…	Logical Reasoning	B	View
48	In a group of six women there are four dancers, four vocal musicians, one actress and three violinists. Girija and Vanaja are among the viol…	Logical Reasoning	D	View
49	The letters L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S and T in their order are substituted by nine ( ) integers 1 to 9 but not in that order. 4 is assigned to …	Logical Reasoning	D	View
50	The number of deaths among the army personnel is 8 in 1000, but among the civilian population it is 20 per 1000. Which one of the following …	Reading Comprehension	D	View
51	Given the statement: "Buses are the cause of more accidents than cars, and trucks causes fewer accidents than buses", which of the following…	Logical Reasoning	D	View
52	"If political leadership fails to emerge, there is likelihood of military taking over power in developing countries. Radical student groups …	Reading Comprehension	B	View
53	Four persons, Alok, Bhupesh, Chander and Dinesh have a total of Rs. 100 among themselves. Alok and Bhupesh between them have as much money a…	Logical Reasoning	A	View
54	Examine the following statements: 1. George attends Music classes on Monday. 2. He attends Mathematics classes on Wednesday. 3. His Literatu…	Logical Reasoning	D	View
55	In a row 'A' is in the 11th position from the left and 'B' is in the 10th position from the right. If 'A' and 'B' interchange, then 'A' beco…	Logical Reasoning	C	View
56	Location of B is north of A and location of C is east of A. The distances AB and AC are 5 km and 12 km respectively. The shortest distance (…	Quantitative Aptitude	B	View
57	Two cars start towards each other, from two places A and B which are at a distance of 160 km. They start at the same time 08:10 AM. If the s…	Quantitative Aptitude	A	View
58	Climate change poses potentially devastating effects on India's agriculture. While the overall parameters of climate change are increasingly…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
59	Climate change poses potentially devastating effects on India's agriculture. While the overall parameters of climate change are increasingly…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
60	It is essential that we mitigate the emissions of greenhouse gases. and thus avoid some of the worst impacts of climate change that would ta…	Reading Comprehension	C	View
61	It is essential that we mitigate the emissions of greenhouse gases. and thus avoid some of the worst impacts of climate change that would ta…	Reading Comprehension	A	View
62	Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages o…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
63	It is essential that we mitigate the emissions of greenhouse gases. and thus avoid some of the worst impacts of climate change that would ta…	Reading Comprehension	B	View
64	There are 50 students admitted to a nursery class. Some students can speak only English and some can speak only Hindi. 10 student can speak …	Quantitative Aptitude	D	View
65	A gardener increased the area of his rectangular garden by increasing its length by 40% and decreasing its width by 20%. The area of the new…	Quantitative Aptitude	B	View
66	Six books are labelled A, B, C, D, E and F and are placed side by side. Books B, C, E and F have green covers while others have yellow cover…	Logical Reasoning	B	View
67	A straight line segment is 36 cm long. Points are to be marked on the line from both the end points. From each end, the first point is at a …	Quantitative Aptitude	B	View
68	If Sohan, while selling two goats at the same price, makes a profit of 10% on one goat and suffers a loss of 10% on the other	Quantitative Aptitude	C	View
69	Out of a total of 120 musicians in a club, 5% can play all the three instruments, guitar, violin and flute. It so happens that the number of…	Quantitative Aptitude	B	View
70	Six identical cards are placed on a table. Each card has number '1' marked on one side and number '2' marked on its other side. All the six …	Quantitative Aptitude	A	View

Subject-wise weightage

How GS Paper 1 distributed marks across History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science & Tech, Environment and Current Affairs.

100

Questions

geography39 (39%)
science-and-technology13 (13%)
art-and-culture13 (13%)
polity-and-governance13 (13%)
economy13 (13%)
history8 (8%)
Others1 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

Where can I download the UPSC Prelims 2014 question paper?

Every question from the official UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper 1 and CSAT paper is reproduced above with the correct answer and a detailed explanation. UPSC also hosts scanned PDFs of all four sets on upsc.gov.in under the "Examinations" section.

How is the UPSC Prelims 2014 paper scored?

GS Paper 1 had 100 questions worth 2 marks each (200 total) with 0.66 negative marking. CSAT had 80 questions worth 2.5 marks each (200 total) with 0.83 negative marking. Only GS Paper 1 marks count towards the cutoff; CSAT had to be cleared at 33%.

Are Set A, B, C and D papers different?

No. UPSC distributes four shuffled versions with identical content but different question orders. Our archive shows the canonical order — the questions are the same regardless of which set you wrote.

Can I use the UPSC Prelims 2014 paper for current practice?

Yes. PYQ revision is one of the highest-yield activities for current aspirants. UPSC reuses themes and concepts every few years, so working through 2014 questions sharpens both content recall and the elimination strategy that UPSC's MCQ format rewards.

Were any answers in the UPSC official key for that year challenged?

UPSC accepts written objections to its provisional answer key during a fixed window each year. A small number of questions across most years are dropped or have answers changed in the final key — the version shown above reflects UPSC's final accepted answers.

Is CSAT counted in the Prelims cutoff?

No. CSAT (Paper 2) is qualifying only — you must score 33% (66 of 200 marks) to qualify, but the merit cutoff is decided entirely by GS Paper 1 marks.

How do I practice UPSC Prelims 2014 questions in test mode?

Click any row in the answer key to open the full-solution page. Each question carries subject and topic tags so you can build subject-wise revision sets, and the test generator (linked from the header) can compose a timed mock from any year or subject.

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UPSC Prelims 2014 solved paper

General Studies — Paper 1

CSAT — Paper 2 (qualifying)

Subject-wise weightage

Frequently asked questions

Other UPSC Prelims years