UPSC CDS (II) 2017 — General Knowledge (Full Question Paper)

Which one of the following tribal groups is dominantly found in the 'Blue Mountains'?

• (a)Lambadas
• (b)Gonds
• (c)Jarawas
• (d)Todas

Who among the following geographers is related to 'primate city' concept?

• (a)August Losch
• (b)Mark Jefferson
• (c)Griffith Taylor
• (d)W. Christaller

Which one of the following islands is the largest?

• (a)Borneo
• (b)Madagascar
• (c)New Guinea
• (d)Sumatra

Arrange the following Tiger Reserves of India from North to South: 1. Dudhwa 2. Panna 3. Pench 4. Indravati Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)4, 3, 2, 1
• (b)2, 1, 4, 3
• (c)1, 2, 3, 4
• (d)1, 3, 2, 4

Which one of the following proteins gives lustrous shiny appearance to silk fibre?

• (a)Fibrin
• (b)Sericin
• (c)Collagen
• (d)Nectin

Blue Baby Syndrome is caused by the contamination of

• (a)nitrite (NO2-)
• (b)sulphite (SO3 2-)
• (c)nitrate (NO3-)
• (d)sulphate (SO4 2-)

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: List-I (Cell Organelle): A. Mitochondria B. Chloroplast C. Ribosomes D. Lysosomes List-II (Function): 1. Photosynthesis 2. Protein synthesis 3. Intracellular digestion 4. ATP formation Code:

• (a)A-3 B-1 C-2 D-4
• (b)A-3 B-2 C-1 D-4
• (c)A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3
• (d)A-4 B-2 C-1 D-3

Human insulin molecule is composed of one α-chain having 21 amino acids and one β-chain having 30 amino acids. How many functional insulin genes occur in adult humans?

• (a)One
• (b)Two
• (c)Three
• (d)Four

Pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissues of a mollusk. Which one of the following is the main constituent of pearl?

• (a)Calcium carbonate
• (b)Calcium oxide
• (c)Calcium nitrate
• (d)Calcium sulphate

A biological community in its environment such as a pond, an ocean, a forest, even an aquarium is known as

• (a)biome
• (b)community
• (c)abiotic environment
• (d)ecosystem

An electron and a proton starting from rest are accelerated through a potential difference of 1000 V. Which one of the following statements in this regard is correct?

• (a)The kinetic energy of both the particles will be different
• (b)The speed of the electron will be higher than that of the proton
• (c)The speed of the proton will be higher than that of the electron
• (d)The speed of the electron and the proton will be equal

Two wires are made having same length l and area of cross-section A. Wire 1 is made of copper and wire 2 is made of aluminium. It is given that the electrical conductivity of copper is more than that of aluminium. In this context, which one of the following statements is correct?

• (a)The resistance of wire 1 will be higher than that of wire 2
• (b)The resistance of wire 2 will be higher than that of wire 1
• (c)The resistance of both the wires will be the same
• (d)If same current is flown through both the wires, the power dissipated in both the wires will be the same

A ray of light is incident on a plane mirror at an angle of 40° with respect to surface normal. When it gets reflected from the mirror, it undergoes a deviation of

• (a)40°
• (b)100°
• (c)90°
• (d)80°

Infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiations/light have different properties. Which one of the following statements related to these radiations/light is not correct?

• (a)The wavelength of infrared is more than that of ultraviolet radiation
• (b)The wavelength of ultraviolet is smaller than that of visible light
• (c)The photon energy of visible light is more than that of infrared light
• (d)The photon energy of ultraviolet is lesser than that of visible light

After using for some time, big transformers get heated up. This is due to the fact that: 1. current produces heat in the transformers 2. hysteresis loss occurs in the transformers 3. liquid used for cooling gets heated Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1 and 2 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

A person is standing on a frictionless horizontal ground. How can he move by a certain distance on this ground?

• (a)By sneezing
• (b)By jumping
• (c)By running
• (d)By rolling

In the reaction between hydrogen sulphate ion and water: HSO4- + H2O → H3O+ + SO4 2-, the water acts as

• (a)an acid
• (b)a base
• (c)a salt
• (d)an inert medium

How many hydrogen atoms are contained in 1.50 g of glucose (C6H12O6)?

• (a)3.01 × 10^22
• (b)1.20 × 10^23
• (c)2.40 × 10^23
• (d)6.02 × 10^22

The paste of a white material in water is used to maintain a fractured bone fixed in place. The white material used is called

• (a)bleaching powder
• (b)plaster of Paris
• (c)powder of zinc oxide
• (d)lime powder

Which one of the following types of glasses is used for making optical instruments?

• (a)Pyrex glass
• (b)Soft glass
• (c)Hard glass
• (d)Flint glass

Most ozone gas (about 90%) is located in the atmospheric layer of

• (a)ionosphere
• (b)troposphere
• (c)stratosphere
• (d)mesosphere

What are the main constituents of biogas?

• (a)Methane and sulphur dioxide
• (b)Methane and carbon dioxide
• (c)Methane, hydrogen and nitric oxide
• (d)Methane and nitric oxide

In which two Indian States of the four mentioned below, it is necessary to hold certain minimum educational qualifications to be eligible to contest Panchayat Elections? 1. Punjab 2. Haryana 3. Karnataka 4. Rajasthan Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2
• (b)2 and 4
• (c)2 and 3
• (d)1 and 4

Which of the following statements about 'delegation' is/are correct? 1. It is the abdication of responsibility. 2. It means conferring of specified authority by a lower authority to a higher one. 3. It is subject to supervision and review. 4. It is a method of dividing authority in the organization. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)3 only
• (b)2 and 4 only
• (c)3 and 4
• (d)1, 2 and 4

Which of the following features were borrowed by the Constitution of India from the British Constitution? 1. Rule of Law 2. Law-making Procedure 3. Independence of Judiciary 4. Parliamentary System Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2, 3 and 4
• (c)1 and 4 only
• (d)1, 2 and 4

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India has fixed the number of Members of the Rajya Sabha to be elected from each State?

• (a)Fifth Schedule
• (b)Third Schedule
• (c)Sixth Schedule
• (d)Fourth Schedule

Which one of the following statements about various horticulture crops of India for the year 2016-17 is not correct?

• (a)The area under horticulture crops has increased over previous year
• (b)Fruit production during the current year is higher than the previous year
• (c)Rate of increase in onion production is more than potato production in the current year in comparison to the previous year
• (d)The major tomato-growing States are Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Gujarat

The phenomenon of 'demographic dividend' of a country relates to

• (a)a sharp decline in total population
• (b)an increase in working age population
• (c)a decline in infant mortality rate
• (d)an increase in sex ratio

Arrange the following events in sequential order as they happened in India: 1. Mahalanobis Model 2. Plan Holiday 3. Rolling Plan Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1, 2, 3
• (b)3, 2, 1
• (c)2, 3, 1
• (d)1, 3, 2

The monetary policy in India uses which of the following tools? 1. Bank rate 2. Open market operations 3. Public debt 4. Public revenue Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1 and 4 only
• (d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Devaluation of currency will be more beneficial if prices of

• (a)domestic goods remain constant
• (b)exports become cheaper to importers
• (c)imports remain constant
• (d)exports rise proportionately

Directions (Q32-36): Each item consists of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine carefully and select using the code:

Statement I: Skin cancer is generally caused by the ultraviolet radiation. Statement II: Stratosphere allows ultraviolet radiation to enter the earth from the sun.

• (a)Both statements individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
• (b)Both statements individually true but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I
• (c)Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• (d)Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Directions (Q32-36): Each item consists of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine carefully and select using the code:

Statement I: The interior part of Maharashtra does not receive adequate rain in the summer season. Statement II: The interior part of Maharashtra lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats.

• (a)Both statements individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
• (b)Both statements individually true but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I
• (c)Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• (d)Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Directions (Q32-36): Each item consists of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine carefully and select using the code:

Statement I: Global warming signifies the rise in global surface temperature. Statement II: The increase of concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere causes the rise in global surface temperature.

• (a)Both statements individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
• (b)Both statements individually true but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I
• (c)Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• (d)Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Directions (Q32-36): Each item consists of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine carefully and select using the code:

Statement I: The Communists left the All India Trade Union Congress in 1931. Statement II: By 1928, the Communists were no longer working with the mainstream national movement.

• (a)Both statements individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
• (b)Both statements individually true but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I
• (c)Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• (d)Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Directions (Q32-36): Each item consists of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine carefully and select using the code:

Statement I: The early Aryans, who were essentially pastoral, did not develop any political structure which could measure up to a State in either ancient or modern sense. Statement II: Kingship was the same as tribal chiefship; the term Rajan being used for tribal chief who was primarily a military leader and who ruled over his people and not over any specified area.

• (a)Both statements individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
• (b)Both statements individually true but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement I
• (c)Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• (d)Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Which one of the following peasant struggles was an outcome of British opium policy?

• (a)Phulaguri Dhawa (1861)
• (b)Birsaite Ulgulan (1899-1900)
• (c)Pabna Revolt (1873)
• (d)Maratha Peasant Uprising (1875)

Which one of the following statements about the Sayyid brothers during the period of Later Mughals is not true?

• (a)They brought Jahandar Shah to power
• (b)They wielded administrative power
• (c)They followed a tolerant religious policy
• (d)They reached an agreement with King Shahu

Which of the following statements with regard to the heterodox sect between sixth and fourth century BC are correct? 1. The Jain ideas were already being circulated in the seventh century BC by Parshva. 2. Although Buddhism, and to a lesser extent Jainism, took account of the changes in material life and reacted against orthodoxy, neither of these sought to abolish the caste system. 3. The first female disciple of Mahavira is said to have been a captured slave woman. 4. Buddha held that nuns could attain spiritual liberation just like a monk and granted them an equal status in the mendicant order. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1, 2, 3 and 4
• (b)1, 2 and 3 only
• (c)1, 2 and 4 only
• (d)3 and 4 only

Which one of the following combinations of year and event concerning the French Revolution is correctly matched?

• (a)1789: Napoleonic Code
• (b)1791: Tennis Court Oath
• (c)1792: National Convention
• (d)1804: New Constitution of France

Who among the following is the author of the book, The Social Contract?

• (a)Voltaire
• (b)Hobbes
• (c)Locke
• (d)Rousseau

Who among the following is the recipient of the Jnanpith Award, 2016?

• (a)Shankha Ghosh
• (b)Raghuveer Chaudhari
• (c)Pratibha Ray
• (d)Rehman Rahi

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by the UNO in place of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), 2015, aim to achieve the 17 goals by the year

• (a)2020
• (b)2030
• (c)2040
• (d)2050

Teejan Bai, a recipient of the M.S. Subbulakshmi Centenary Award, 2016, is an exponent in

• (a)Kannada classical vocal
• (b)Kajari dance
• (c)Bihu dance
• (d)Pandavani, a traditional performing art

Who among the following is the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, 2016?

• (a)Nana Patekar
• (b)Manoj Kumar
• (c)Javed Akhtar
• (d)K. Viswanath

The Nobel Prize in Physics for the year 2016 was given to

• (a)David J. Thouless
• (b)F. Duncan M. Haldane
• (c)J. Michael Kosterlitz
• (d)All of them

Which one of the following political parties was launched by Irom Sharmila in Manipur?

• (a)People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance
• (b)Manipur Resistance Alliance
• (c)Tribal Resistance Party
• (d)Revolutionary People's Party

Which one of the following planets was explored by Cassini Mission launched by NASA, which ended in September 2017?

• (a)Sun
• (b)Neptune
• (c)Saturn
• (d)Jupiter

Match List-I (Strait) with List-II (Countries): A. Bass Strait B. Davis Strait C. Dover Strait D. Florida Strait 1. UK and France 2. Australia and Tasmania 3. USA and Cuba 4. Canada and Greenland Code:

• (a)A-2 B-4 C-1 D-3
• (b)A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3
• (c)A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
• (d)A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2

Match List-I (Pass) with List-II (Place): A. Zoji La B. Shipki La C. Lipulekh D. Nathu La 1. Himachal Pradesh 2. Uttarakhand 3. Jammu and Kashmir 4. Sikkim Code:

• (a)A-4 B-2 C-1 D-3
• (b)A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3
• (c)A-3 B-1 C-2 D-4
• (d)A-3 B-2 C-1 D-4

Match List-I (Concern) with List-II (Product): A. TISCO B. BALCO C. BPCL D. BEL 1. Chemicals 2. Iron & Steel 3. Electronics 4. Aluminium Code:

• (a)A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3
• (b)A-2 B-4 C-1 D-3
• (c)A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
• (d)A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2

Match List-I (National Highway) with List-II (Route): A. NH-2 B. NH-4 C. NH-7 D. NH-8 1. Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Mumbai 2. Thane-Pune-Bengaluru-Chennai 3. Delhi-Agra-Allahabad-Kolkata 4. Varanasi-Jabalpur-Nagpur-Hyderabad-Bengaluru-Madurai-Kanyakumari Code:

• (a)A-3 B-4 C-2 D-1
• (b)A-1 B-2 C-4 D-3
• (c)A-1 B-4 C-2 D-3
• (d)A-3 B-2 C-4 D-1

One carbon credit is accepted as equivalent to

• (a)100 kg of carbon
• (b)100 kg of carbon dioxide
• (c)1000 kg of carbon
• (d)1000 kg of carbon dioxide

An emulsion consists of

• (a)one liquid and one solid
• (b)one liquid and one gas
• (c)two liquids
• (d)two solids

Which of the following radioactive substances enters/enter the human body through food chain and causes/cause many physiological disorders?

• (a)Strontium-90
• (b)Iodine-131
• (c)Cesium-137
• (d)All of the above

'Xeriscaping' is a concept related to

• (a)landscaping related to save water
• (b)landscaping related to save soil erosion
• (c)weathering of rock surface
• (d)All of the above

Joule-Thomson process is extremely useful and economical for attaining low temperature. The process can be categorized as

• (a)isobaric process
• (b)isoenthalpic process
• (c)adiabatic process
• (d)isochoric process

Ultrasonic waves are produced by making use of

• (a)ferromagnetic material
• (b)ferrimagnetic material
• (c)piezoelectric material
• (d)pyroelectric material

A person throws an object on a horizontal frictionless plane surface. It is noticed that there are two forces acting on this object—(i) gravitational pull and (ii) normal reaction of the surface. According to the third law of motion, the net resultant force is zero. Which one of the following can be said for the motion of the object?

• (a)The object will move with acceleration
• (b)The object will move with deceleration
• (c)The object will move with constant speed, but varying direction
• (d)The object will move with constant velocity

Consider the following statements: 1. The chain reaction process is used in nuclear bombs to release a vast amount of energy, but in nuclear reactors, there is no chain reaction. 2. In a nuclear reactor, the reaction is controlled, while in nuclear bombs, the reaction is uncontrolled. 3. In a nuclear reactor, all operating reactors are 'critical', while there is no question of 'criticality' in case of a nuclear bomb. 4. Nuclear reactors do not use moderators, while nuclear bombs use them. Which of the above statements about operational principles of a nuclear reactor and a nuclear bomb is/are correct?

• (a)1 and 3
• (b)2 and 3
• (c)4 only
• (d)1 and 4

The foul smell of urine of a healthy man having healthy food, when spilled on floor, is mainly due to the bacterial decomposition of

• (a)urea into sulphur dioxide
• (b)sugar into carbon dioxide
• (c)lipids into methane
• (d)urea into ammonia

Desalination of seawater is done by using reverse osmosis. The pressure applied to the solution is

• (a)larger than osmotic pressure
• (b)smaller than osmotic pressure
• (c)equal to osmotic pressure
• (d)equal to atmospheric pressure

Which one of the following polymers does not contain glucose units?

• (a)Glycogen
• (b)Starch
• (c)Cellulose
• (d)Rubber

Tincture of iodine is an antiseptic for fresh wounds. It is a dilute solution of elemental iodine, which does not contain

• (a)water
• (b)acetone
• (c)alcohol
• (d)potassium iodide

The Fundamental Rights guaranteed in the Constitution of India can be suspended only by

• (a)a proclamation of National Emergency
• (b)an Act passed by the Parliament
• (c)an amendment to the Constitution of India
• (d)the judicial decisions of the Supreme Court

Which of the following statements about the 73rd and 74th Constitution Amendment Act is/are correct? 1. It makes it mandatory for all States to establish a three-tier system of Government. 2. Representatives should be directly elected for five years. 3. There should be mandatory reservation of one-third of all seats in all Panchayats at all levels for women. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1, 2 and 3
• (d)3 only

A Joint Sitting of the Parliament is resorted to, for resolving the deadlock between two Houses of the Parliament for passing which of the following Bills? 1. Money Bill 2. Constitutional Amendment Bill 3. Ordinary Bill Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Directive Principles of State Policy are meant for promoting social and economic democracy in India. 2. The Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution of India are ordinarily subject to reasonable restrictions. 3. Secularism is one of the basic features of Constitution of any country. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 only
• (c)1 and 2 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

The President of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising of elected members of which of the following? 1. Both the Houses of the Parliament 2. The Legislative Assemblies of States 3. The Legislative Councils of States 4. The Legislative Assemblies of NCT of Delhi and Puducherry Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)1, 2 and 3
• (c)1, 2 and 4
• (d)3 and 4

Consider the following statements about the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes under the provisions of the Constitution of India: 1. State can make any special provision relating to their admission to the Government educational institutions. 2. State can make any special provision relating to their admission to the private educational institutions aided by the State. 3. State can make any special provision relating to their admission to the private educational institutions not aided by the State. 4. State can make any special provision relating to their admission to the minority educational institutions as described in Article 30. Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)3 and 4 only
• (c)1, 2 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Article 21 of the Constitution of India includes 1. Rights of transgenders 2. Rights of craniopagus twins 3. Rights of mentally retarded women to bear a child Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)1 and 2 only
• (c)2 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Who among the following was not a member of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly?

• (a)N. G. Ayyangar
• (b)K. M. Munshi
• (c)B. N. Rau
• (d)Muhammad Saadulah

Due to which of the following factors, the Industrial Revolution took place in England in the eighteenth century? 1. The discovery of coal and iron deposits 2. The discovery of steam power 3. The introduction of railways 4. The regular supply of raw materials Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2, 3 and 4 only
• (c)1 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2, 3 and 4

Which of the following indicators have been used by the World Economic Forum to calculate Global Competitiveness Index for 2016-17? 1. Efficiency enhancer subindex 2. Innovation and sophistication factors subindex 3. Life expectancy enhancer subindex Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)2 and 3 only
• (c)1 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

In India, the base year of the new GDP series has been shifted from 2004-05 to

• (a)2007-08
• (b)2008-09
• (c)2010-11
• (d)2011-12

📖 Related: Economy0001 — National and Per Capita Income

Match List-I (Type of Deficit) with List-II (Explanation): A. Fiscal Deficit B. Revenue Deficit C. Effective Revenue Deficit D. Primary Deficit 1. Total Expenditure – Revenue Receipts & Non-debt Capital Receipts 2. Revenue Expenditure – Revenue Receipts 3. Revenue Deficit – Grants for Creation of Capital Assets 4. Fiscal Deficit – Interest Payments Code:

• (a)A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4
• (b)A-1 B-3 C-2 D-4
• (c)A-4 B-2 C-3 D-1
• (d)A-4 B-3 C-2 D-1

Consider the following: 1. Tughlaqabad Fort 2. Bada Gumbad in Lodhi Garden 3. Qutub Minar 4. Fatehpur Sikri Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of building the above monuments?

• (a)3, 1, 4, 2
• (b)3, 1, 2, 4
• (c)1, 3, 2, 4
• (d)1, 3, 4, 2

With regard to nature of Mughal State, who among the following scholars argued that "the peculiar feature of the State in Mughal India was that it served not merely as the protective arm of the exploiting classes, but was itself the principal instrument of exploitation"?

• (a)Irfan Habib
• (b)Satish Chandra
• (c)Athar Ali
• (d)J. F. Richards

Match List-I (Type of Land) with List-II (Meaning): A. Urvara B. Maru C. Nadimatrika D. Devamatrika 1. Land watered by a river 2. Fertile land 3. Land watered by rain 4. Desert land Code:

• (a)A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3
• (b)A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2
• (c)A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
• (d)A-2 B-4 C-1 D-3

Who was the editor of the journal Indian Social Reformer that was started in 1890?

• (a)K. T. Telang
• (b)Veeresalingam
• (c)N. G. Chandavarkar
• (d)K. N. Natarajan

Match List-I (Industrial Region) with List-II (Country): A. Leipzig B. Detroit C. Lorraine D. Cumberland 1. USA 2. UK 3. France 4. Germany Code:

• (a)A-2 B-1 C-3 D-4
• (b)A-4 B-3 C-1 D-2
• (c)A-4 B-1 C-3 D-2
• (d)A-2 B-3 C-1 D-4

[NOTE: This question includes a map of India with 4 numbered locations (①②③④) marking mountain range positions on the western/northwestern part of the country, needed as an image for full accuracy — flagging per README guidance.] Match List-I (Mountain Range) with List-II (Location in Map): A. Satpura B. Vindhya C. Aravalli D. Mahadeo Code:

• (a)A-4 B-2 C-1 D-3
• (b)A-3 B-1 C-2 D-4
• (c)A-3 B-2 C-1 D-4
• (d)A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3

Which of the following statements in respect to the Indian Peninsular Plateau are correct? 1. The Deccan Plateau gradually rises from North to South. 2. The Malwa Plateau dominates the Vindhyan scarps, forming the Eastern flank of the plateau. 3. The Western Satpuras separate the Narmada and Tapi rivers. 4. The Chota Nagpur Plateau is composed of Archaean granite and gneiss rocks. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1, 2, 3 and 4
• (b)1, 3 and 4 only
• (c)2 and 4 only
• (d)1 and 3 only

Which one of the following criteria got the highest weight for determination of shares of States in the formula given by the 14th Finance Commission?

• (a)Population
• (b)Income distance
• (c)Area
• (d)Tax effort

A Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha can be held up by the Rajya Sabha for how many weeks?

• (a)Two
• (b)Three
• (c)Four
• (d)Five

Constitutional safeguards available to Civil Servants are ensured by

• (a)Article 310
• (b)Article 311
• (c)Article 312
• (d)Article 317

A writ issued to secure the release of a person found to be detained illegally is

• (a)Mandamus
• (b)Habeas corpus
• (c)Certiorari
• (d)Prohibition

Which one of the following cannot be introduced first in the Rajya Sabha?

• (a)Constitutional Amendment
• (b)CAG Report
• (c)Annual Financial Statement
• (d)Bill to alter the boundaries of any State

The National Commission for Women was created by

• (a)an amendment in the Constitution of India
• (b)a decision of the Union Cabinet
• (c)an Act passed by the Parliament
• (d)an order of the President of India

Who among the following was the Chief Justice of India when Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was introduced in the Indian Judicial System?

• (a)M. Hidayatullah
• (b)A. S. Anand
• (c)A. M. Ahmadi
• (d)P. N. Bhagwati

Which twelfth century Sanskrit scholar was first responsible for the compilation of 'Nibandhas' or digests of epic and Puranic texts?

• (a)Harsha
• (b)Govindachandra
• (c)Lakshmidhara
• (d)Kalidasa

Who among the following scholars argued that "capital created underdevelopment not because it exploited the underdeveloped world, but because it did not exploit it enough"?

• (a)Bill Warren
• (b)Paul Baran
• (c)Geoffrey Kay
• (d)Lenin

Which river is praised in the fifth century Tamil epic, Silappadikaram?

• (a)Cauvery
• (b)Godavari
• (c)Saraswati
• (d)Ganges

Which one of the following statements about the Harappan Culture is not correct?

• (a)It witnessed the first cities in the subcontinent
• (b)It marks the first use of script, written from right to left
• (c)It marks the earliest known use of iron as a medium for the art of sculpting
• (d)It marks the earliest known use of stone as a medium for the art of sculpting

Harshacharita has references to various presents sent by a ruler named Bhaskara to Harshavardhana. Bhaskara belonged to

• (a)Haryanka Dynasty of Magadha
• (b)Varman Dynasty of Assam
• (c)Nanda Dynasty of North India
• (d)None of the above

Which of the following lakes is/are situated in Ladakh? 1. Tso Kar 2. Pangong Tso 3. Tsomgo 4. Tso Moriri Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 only
• (b)2 and 3
• (c)1, 2 and 4
• (d)2 and 4 only

'Tuvalu' has become a point of discussion recently. Why?

• (a)Potato plant that could grow in high altitude
• (b)Place in equatorial Africa, where snow is found
• (c)New innovative technology to meet global warming
• (d)A country under threat of submergence due to ice melting and sea level rise

Which of the following statements related to latitude are true? 1. Rainfall, temperature and vegetation vary with latitude. 2. The difference between the longest day and the shortest day increases with latitude. 3. Indira Point is located approximately at 6°45' N latitude. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1 and 2 only
• (b)1 and 3 only
• (c)2 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

Match List-I (Lake) with List-II (Type of Lake): A. Bhimtal B. Ashtamudi C. Gohna D. Lonar 1. Lagoon 2. Landslide 3. Tectonic 4. Crater Code:

• (a)A-3 B-1 C-2 D-4
• (b)A-3 B-2 C-1 D-4
• (c)A-4 B-2 C-1 D-3
• (d)A-4 B-1 C-2 D-3

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Himalayan rivers have their origin in the snow-covered areas, hence are dry in winter season. 2. Rivers of the Peninsular Plateau have reached maturity. 3. Himalayan rivers depict all the three stages of normal cycle of erosion. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)2 only
• (b)1 and 3 only
• (c)2 and 3 only
• (d)1, 2 and 3

[NOTE: This question includes a map of Northeast India with 4 numbered locations (①②③④) — position ① top-right/north, ② middle-right, ③ left/west, ④ bottom-middle — needed as an image for full accuracy, flagging per README guidance.] Match List-I (States of NE India) with List-II (Location in Map): A. Tripura B. Mizoram C. Nagaland D. Manipur Code:

• (a)A-2 B-1 C-4 D-3
• (b)A-2 B-4 C-1 D-3
• (c)A-3 B-1 C-4 D-2
• (d)A-3 B-4 C-1 D-2

Which one of the following statements regarding Uniform Civil Code as provided under Article 44 of the Constitution of India is not correct?

• (a)It is a Fundamental Right of every Indian citizen
• (b)The State shall endeavour to secure it for citizens throughout the territory of India
• (c)It is not enforceable by any Court
• (d)It is not enforceable by a Court yet the Constitution requires that as a principle it should be fundamental in the governance of our country

Which of the following was/were founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy? 1. Atmiya Sabha 2. Brahmo Samaj 3. Prarthana Samaj 4. Arya Samaj Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• (a)1, 2 and 3
• (b)2 only
• (c)1 and 2 only
• (d)1, 3 and 4

Match List-I (Harappan Site) with List-II (Modern Name): A. Dholavira B. Rakhigarhi C. Bhirrana D. Bhogavo 1. Saurashtra 2. Hisar 3. Kadir Island 4. Haryana Code:

• (a)A-1 B-4 C-2 D-3
• (b)A-1 B-2 C-4 D-3
• (c)A-3 B-2 C-4 D-1
• (d)A-3 B-4 C-2 D-1

Which one of the following statements about the Gupta period in Indian History is not correct?

• (a)Sanskrit language and literature, after centuries of evolution, reached what has been described as a level of classical excellence through royal patronage
• (b)The status of women was redefined. They were entitled to formal education and hence there were women teachers, philosophers and doctors. Early marriage was prohibited by law and they were given the right to property
• (c)Decentralization of administrative authority was impacted by increased grants of land and villages with fiscal and administrative immunities to priests and temples
• (d)Land grants paved the way for feudal developments and emergence of serfdom in India, resulting in the depression of the peasantry

Which one of the following statements about the All India Services is correct?

• (a)The All India Services may be created by an Act of the Parliament
• (b)The endorsement of the Rajya Sabha is not essential for the creation of the All India Services
• (c)The rules of recruitment to the All India Services are determined by the UPSC
• (d)The conditions of service to the All India Services may be altered by the UPSC

Which one of the following statements about emergency provisions under the Constitution of India is not correct?

• (a)The powers of the Union Executive extend to giving directions to the States concerning the exercise of their powers
• (b)The Union Executive can issue a provision relating to reduction of salaries of employees of the State Governments
• (c)Governors have no emergency powers like the President of India
• (d)If the Governor of a State is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of the State is threatened, he may declare financial emergency in the State

The National Handloom Day is observed on

• (a)7th June
• (b)17th July
• (c)7th August
• (d)17th September

Venus, the first environmental research satellite, was launched in August 2017 by which one of the following countries?

• (a)India
• (b)Russia
• (c)China
• (d)Israel

Which one of the following was the theme of the World Environment Day, 2017?

• (a)Green Economy: Does it include you?
• (b)Connecting People to Nature
• (c)Think, Eat, Save
• (d)Many Species, One Planet, One Future

The all-women expedition of Indian Navy to circumnavigate the globe on the sailing vessel, INSV Tarini, is scheduled to have four stopovers. Which one of the following is not one of them?

• (a)Fremantle
• (b)Lyttelton
• (c)Port Stanley
• (d)Durban

Why was constitutional amendment needed for introducing GST?

• (a)States were not willing to agree with the Union for introduction of GST without amendment in the Constitution
• (b)GST was to be implemented on concurrent base and Article 246 was inadequate for such a case
• (c)The Empowered Committee of Finance Ministers had recommended for constitutional amendment
• (d)The GST Council had recommended for constitutional amendment so that its power enhances

Where is world's first Partition Museum inaugurated recently?

• (a)New Delhi
• (b)Lahore
• (c)Amritsar
• (d)Islamabad

The Setu Bharatam Programme of the Government of India is a programme for

• (a)building bridges across major rivers for transport of goods
• (b)building bridges for safe and seamless travel on national highways
• (c)building roads to connect coastal areas
• (d)training of highway engineers at the entry level and service level

Which one of the following statements about the Global Environment Facility Grant Agreement, signed by India in August 2017 with the World Bank for 'Ecosystems Service Improvement Project', is not correct?

• (a)The size of the project is about USD 25 million
• (b)The duration of the project is 15 years
• (c)The project will entirely be financed by the World Bank out of its GEF Trust Fund
• (d)The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will implement the project

UBI, as an alternative for subsidies in poverty alleviation, stands for

• (a)Union Basic Income
• (b)Undefined Basic Income
• (c)Unconditional Basic Income
• (d)Universal Basic Income

Which one of the following authorities has recently launched the mobile apps 'MyFASTag' and 'FASTag Partner'?

• (a)Telecom Regulatory Authority
• (b)National Highways Authority
• (c)Airports Economic Regulatory Authority
• (d)National Disaster Management Authority

'Pragati' scholarship scheme of the Government of India is meant for

• (a)higher education of girls
• (b)technical education of girls
• (c)secondary education of girls
• (d)elementary education of girls

Which one of the following is not a feature of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)?

• (a)It focuses on community participation
• (b)It is to be guided by a Member of the Parliament
• (c)It aims at creating infrastructure for the village
• (d)A Village Development Plan would be prepared for every identified Gram Panchayat

Which one of the following is not included in the National Air Quality Index?

• (a)Sulphur
• (b)Nitrogen dioxide
• (c)Lead
• (d)Methane