2020
Ancient History
Year Collection
UPSC Prelims 2020
Public prelims PYQs for 2020.
2020
Art & Culture
With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term paramitas?
2020
Economy
Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes? 1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets 2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and...
2020
Environment & Ecology
Which one of the following statements best describes the term ‘Social Cost of Carbon’?
2020
Geography
With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements: 1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabicrop. 2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production. 3. In the...
2020
Indian Polity
One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is
2020
International Relations
Consider the following pairs | International Agreement | Set-up Subject | |--------------------------|----------------------------| | 1. Alma-Ata Declaration | Healthcare of the people | | 2. Hague ...
2020
Medieval History
Consider the following events in the history of India: 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I 3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I 4. Pala dynasty fo...
2020
Modern History
Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of Select the correct answer using the code given below:
2020
Science & Technology
In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for:
2020
Social Issues & Schemes
With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct? 1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infras...
2020
Ancient History
With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote
2020
Art & Culture
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism. 2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism 3. The deifi...
2020
Economy
The term 'West Texas Intermediate', sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of
2020
Environment & Ecology
Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? 1. Nagarhole National Park 2. Papikonda National Park 3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer usin...
2020
Geography
Consider the following minerals: 1. Bentonite 2. Chromite 3. Kyanite 4. Sillimanite In India, which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
2020
Indian Polity
The Preamble to the Constitution of India is
2020
International Relations
In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?
2020
Medieval History
Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the ‘Hundi’ generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period?
2020
Modern History
Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
2020
Science & Technology
Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells? 1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not. 2. Plant cells do not have plasma mem...
2020
Social Issues & Schemes
In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs 1,00,000 2. Transgender with an annual income of less than R...
2020
Ancient History
With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: Famous Place - Present State 1. Bhilsa - Madhya Pradesh 2. Dwarasamudra - Maharashtra 3. Girinagar - Gujarat 4. Sthanesvara - Uttar Pradesh Whic...
2020
Art & Culture
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs: (a) Parivrajaka - Renunciantand Wanderer (b) Shramana - Priest with a high status (c) Upasaka - Lay follower of Buddhism Which of the pa...
2020
Economy
In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the funds and other benefits? 1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case o...
2020
Environment & Ecology
Consider the following statements: 1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). 2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act. 3...
2020
Geography
Siachen Glacier is situated to the
2020
Indian Polity
A Parliamentary System of Government is one in which
2020
International Relations
Consider the following statements: 1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade. 2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Banglad...
2020
Modern History
With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: 1. Aurang — In-charge of treasury of the State 2. Banian — Indian agent of the East India Company 3. Mirasidar — Designated revenue payer to the S...
2020
Science & Technology
With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct? 1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm. 2. VLC is known as long-range optical wire...
2020
Art & Culture
Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? “Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own ...
2020
Economy
Consider the following statements: 1. The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). 2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI d...
2020
Environment & Ecology
Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
2020
Geography
“The crop is subtropical in nature, A hard frost in injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moistu...
2020
Indian Polity
Which one of the following categories of Fundamental Rights/incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination?
2020
Modern History
The Vital-Vidhvansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by
2020
Science & Technology
With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements: 1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. 2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part...
2020
Art & Culture
With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. 2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana. 3. Kalidasa is associ...
2020
Economy
Consider the following statements: 1. In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India. 2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the ...
2020
Environment & Ecology
If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication?
2020
Geography
Consider the following statements: 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the sur...
2020
Indian Polity
Which part of the Constitution of India declares the ideal of Welfare State?
2020
Modern History
With reference to the book “Desher Katha” written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during freedom struggle, consider the following statements 1. It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind. 2. It i...
2020
Science & Technology
With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: 1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls. 2. The structure and design of blockchain is such th...
2020
Economy
With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements: 1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government. 2. Ammonia, which i...
2020
Environment & Ecology
What is/are the advantage/advantages of zero tillage in agriculture? 1. Sowing of wheat is possible without burning the residue of previous crop. 2. Without the need for nursery of rice saplings, direct planting of p...
2020
Geography
With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January...
2020
Indian Polity
In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy?
2020
Modern History
In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of (1884) revolved around? 1. women’s right to gain education 2. age of consent 3. restitution of conjugal rights Select the correct answer using the code given b...
2020
Science & Technology
In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?
2020
Economy
In the context of the Indian economy, non-financial debt includes which of the following? 1. Housing loans owed by households 2. Amounts outstanding on credit cards 3. Treasury bills Select the correct answer using ...
2020
Environment & Ecology
With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements: 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and ...
2020
Geography
With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements: 1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in a nursery and...
2020
Indian Polity
Consider the following statements: 1. The President of India can summon a session of the Parliament at such place as he/she thinks fit. 2. The Constitution of India provides for three sessions of the Parliament in a ...
2020
Modern History
Wellesley established the Fort William College at Calcutta because
2020
Science & Technology
In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of
2020
Economy
If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? 1. Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio 2. Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate 3. Cut the Bank R...
2020
Environment & Ecology
With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: 1. The leader of an elephant group is a female. 2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months. 3. An elephant can normally go on calving till ...
2020
Geography
Consider the following pairs: | River | Flows into | |---------|-----------------| | 1. Mekong | Andaman Sea | | 2. Thames | Irish Sea | | 3. Volga | Caspian Sea | | 4. Zambezi | India...
2020
Indian Polity
A constitutional government by definition is a
2020
Modern History
With reference to the history of India, Ulgulan or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
2020
Science & Technology
“The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft”. The experiment in questi...
2020
Economy
If another global financial crisis happens in the near future, which of the following actions/policies are most likely to give some immunity to India? 1. Not depending on short-term foreign borrowings 2. Opening up t...
2020
Environment & Ecology
Which of the following are the most likely places to find the musk deer in its natural habitat? 1. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary 2. Gangotri National Park 3. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary 4. Manas National Park Select the...
2020
Indian Polity
Consider the following statements: 1. Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months. 2. State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data. 3. Aadhaar is mandato...
2020
Modern History
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following? 1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference 2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement...
2020
Science & Technology
Consider the following statements: 1. Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent. 2. A person’s genome can be edited before birth at the early embryonic stage. 3...
2020
Economy
Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include “The Macro Economic Framework Statement”. The aforesaid document is presented because this is mandated by
2020
Environment & Ecology
According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? 1. Cassava 2. Damaged wheat grains 3. Groundnut seeds 4. Horse gram 5. Rotten pota...
2020
Indian Polity
Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? 1. Preamble 2. Directive...
2020
Science & Technology
Consider the following activities: 1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field 2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes 3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis At the present level of techn...
2020
Economy
If you withdraw Rs. 1,00,000 in cash from your Demand Deposit Account at your bank, the immediate effect on aggregate money supply in the economy will be
2020
Environment & Ecology
Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? 1. Automobile exhaust 2. Tobacco smoke 3. Wood burning 4. Using varnished wooden furniture 5. Using products made of polyurethane Sel...
2020
Indian Polity
Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in:
2020
Science & Technology
What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India? 1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis. 2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against...
2020
Economy
“Gold Tranche” (Reserve Tranche) refers to
2020
Environment & Ecology
In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint? 1. Copper slag 2. Cold mix asphalt technology 3. Geotextiles 4. Hot ...
2020
Indian Polity
In India, separation of judiciary from the executive is enjoined by
2020
Science & Technology
Steel slag can be the material for which of the following? 1. Construction of base road 2. Improvement of agricultural soil 3. Production of cement Select the correct answer using the code given below:
2020
Economy
What is the importance of the term “Interest Coverage Ratio” of a firm in India? 1. It help in understanding the present risk of a firm that a bank is going to give loan to. 2. It helps in evaluating the emerging ris...
2020
Environment & Ecology
What is the use of biochar in farming? 1. Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming. 2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen-fixing microorgan...
2020
Indian Polity
Which reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. They shall be enforceable by courts. 2. They shall not be enforceable by any c...
2020
Science & Technology
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence an effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units. 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs. 3. Dise...
2020
Economy
In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? 1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops 2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societie...
2020
Environment & Ecology
In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensification 3. Tensiometer use 4. Vertical farming Select the co...
2020
Indian Polity
Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Constitution of India a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that...
2020
Economy
With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?
2020
Environment & Ecology
What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? 1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible. 2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible. 3. In...
2020
Indian Polity
Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial ...
2020
Economy
With reference to the Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited. 2. They apply to investm...
2020
Environment & Ecology
With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are
2020
Economy
With reference of the Indian economy, consider the following statements: 1. ‘Commercial Paper’ is a short-term unsecured promissory note. 2. ‘Certificate of Deposit’ is a long-term instrument issued by the Reserve Ba...
2020
Environment & Ecology
With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats...
2020
Economy
Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? 1. Minimum Support Price 2. Government’s trading 3. Government’s stockpiling 4. Consumer subsidies Select the cor...
2020
Environment & Ecology
Consider the following statements: 1. Coal ash contains arsenic, lead and mercury. 2. Coal-fired power plants release Sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen into the environment. 3. High ash content is observed in In...
2020
Economy
With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports. 2. India’s imports of iron and st...
2020
Environment & Ecology
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
2020
Economy
Consider the following statements: 1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison of Scheduled Commercial Banks are R...
2020
Economy