INSIGHTS ON INDIA MOCK PRELIMINARY EXAM - 2016

INSIGHTS ON INDIA MOCK TEST 09

GENERAL STUDIES

PAPER-I
Time Allowed: 2 Hours

Maximum Marks: 200

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INSIGHTS ON INDIA MOCK TEST SERIES FOR CIVIL SERVICES PRELIMINARY EXAM 2016

Prelims 2016 Test 9

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Page 1

1. What do you understand by the

term Environmental
determinism?
a) It is a belief that a physical
environment affects social and
cultural development.
b) It is a process which shows
how an individual organism
adjusts to a gradual change in
its environment.
c) It is the belief that human
behaviour is controlled solely
by an individual's physiology.
d) It shows that cross-cultural
and historical diversity results
are not caused due to
differences in environment.

2. Which of the following is/are the

salient features of Chalukyan
administration when compared
to the Pallavas and Cholas?
1. The Chalukya administration
was highly decentralized
unlike that of the Pallavas and
the Cholas.
2. The Chalukyas did not
maintain maritime power
unlike Pallavas and Cholas.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

3. The President has recently

assented to the Sugar Cess
(Amendment) Bill, 2015 to raise
the ceiling of a cess as an excise
duty on the production of sugar.
The additional cess burden will
accrue to the Sugar Development
Fund (SDF) and used for
1. Setting up of ethanol plants
2. Setting up of cogeneration
power projects
3. Rehabilitation of potentially
sick viable sugar undertaking
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3

4. The Kepler spacecraft launched

by NASA in 2009 was tasked
with
a) Determining how commonly
Earth-like planets occur
throughout the Milky Way
galaxy
b) Probing the surface of exoplanets like Pluto
c) Establishing inter-galaxial
communication using radio
waves
d) Understanding the pattern of
solar spots from orbiting
nearest possible to the Sun

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Page 2

5. Histamine is related to
1. Secretion of acid in stomach
2. Allergy from pollen grains
3. Nasal congestion associated
with common cold
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

6. If the total population of a

country is increasing, it
necessarily means that
1. Population growth rate is
increasing.
2. Total fertility rate is
increasing.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

7. An age-sex pyramid of a nation

must become broader at the base
if
a) The sex ratio declines.
b) There are more females adults
than males.
c) Men and women have equal
population.

d) Fertility rate is high.

8. Which of the following

argument(s) support biological
control of pests and plant
diseases?
1. Increased biodiversity
furthers plant health.
2. Chemical methods of pest
control kill both useful and
harmful agents
indiscriminately.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

9. Which of the following

statements is INCORRECT about
fermentation?
1. It can occur only in yeast and
bacteria.
2. It must be carried out in an
anaerobic environment.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

Page 3

10.
If the proportion of people
engaged in primary activities in a
nation is high, which of the
following conclusions may be
appropriately drawn from it?
a) The nation is a closed
economy.
b) Extraction of natural
resources is a major activity in
the economy.
c) Levels of urbanizations are
very low in the country.
d) Large parts of population are
illiterate.

11. The Basic Needs Approach to

human development was initially
proposed by the International
Labour Organisation (ILO). The
approach advocates
a) Higher the level of income, the
higher is the level of human
development
b) People should be made
participants in development
not only its passive recipients.
c) Building human capabilities in
terms of knowledge and basic
capabilities
d) Ignoring human choices and
fulfilling basic needs of
defined sections

12.In anaerobic sludge digesters

waste decomposing bacteria
produce which of these gases?
1. Methane
2. Hydrogen sulphide
3. Carbon dioxide
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

13. Which of the following is/are the

benefit(s) of tissue culture?
1. Possibility of recovery of
healthy plants from diseased
plants
2. Production of multiples of
plants in the absence of seeds
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

Page 4

14.The practices of Milpa in

America and Ladang in
Indonesia and Malaysia are
related to
a) Shifting cultivation
b) Intensive Mixed farming
c) Traditional commercial
Livestock Rearing
d) Nomadic Herding based on
indigenous traditions

15. Zabti or Bandobast system

during the reign of Akbar is
related to
a) Land revenue system
b) Annexation of enemy
territories
c) Mansabdari system
d) Welfare of travellers

16.Viticulture or grape cultivation is

a speciality of the Mediterranean
region. What is in the
Mediterranean climate that
supports growing grapes?
1. Long growing seasons of
moderate to warm
temperatures
2. Very low precipitation in
grape growing seasons that
support grape vegetation
Which of the above is correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2
d) None

17. Which of the following is/are the

difference(s) between a free trade
area and Customs Union?
1. All restrictions on trade and
investment are removed in a
free trade area, but not in a
customs union.
2. Customs Union has a common
external tariff for members,
but a free trade area does not.
3. Free trade area does not allow
free movement of people, but
Customs union does.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
None of the above

18.
AIDS caused by the Human
Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV)
can spread by
1. Transfusion of contaminated
blood and blood products
2. Infected mother to her child
through placenta
3. Touching infected patients
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.

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Page 5

a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

19.In which of the following regions

extensive commercial grain
cultivation is practised?
1. Interior parts of Southeast
Asia
2. Pampas of Argentina
3. European Steppes
4. Amazon Basin
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only

20.
Which of the following
industries is/are footloose
industries?
1. Sugar
2. Cotton textiles
3. Vegetable oils
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 only
3 only
None of the above

21.The culture of wearing masks can

be found in
1. Indus Valley civilization
2. Natya Shashtra
3. Pre-historic civilizations
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3

22.
Highways in Russia are not
as important as railways. Why?
a) Criss-crossing of rivers across
the major transportation
zones
b) Subsidence zones and weak
soil that collapse at high loads
c) Magnetic activity is unusual
that prevents laying down of
metallic roads
d) Vast geographical expanse

23.
Consider the following
statements.
1. The military invasion of Sri
Lanka entrusted to his son
2. He was a devout follower of
Saivism.
3. He completed the
construction of the famous
Brihadeeswara temple at
Tanjore.

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4. His last military achievement

was a naval expedition against
the Maldive Islands which
were conquered.
The above refer to?
a)
b)
c)
d)

Amoghavarsha I
Kulottunga I
Rajaraja I
Pulakesin II

24.
Consider the following
comparing Coastal shipping with
rail or road transport.
1. Coastal cargo vessels emit
more carbon dioxide per
tonne of cargo moved.
2. Fuel consumption per tonne
of cargo moved is more for
coastal shipping.
3. Cost of coast-to-coast
transportation is lesser in
coastal shipping.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3 only

25.
Which of the following is
most likely to survive in deep
ocean waters?
a) Brown Algae
b) Red Algae
c) Green Algae
d) Yellow Algae

26.
Consider the following
about Acquired immunity in
human beings?
1. It is pathogen specific.
2. It is based on memory of
disease attack and response.
3. It is present at the time of
birth.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

27.
Use of aspartame is limited
to cold foods and soft drinks and
not cooked meals because
a) It becomes toxic when mixed
with greasy substances.
b) It is unstable at cooking
temperature.
c) It is too sweet to be used in
normal food items.
d) It is a volatile sweetener and
needs to be stored at cold
temperatures.

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Page 7

d) None of the above

28.
The Union Government has
launched Ganga Gram Yojana.
Consider the following about it.
1. Villages situated along the
banks of river Ganga will be
developed under this scheme.
2. It would be mandatory for
every household in the
selected villages to have
functional toilets.
3. The scheme proposes banning
any polluting industry in these
villages.

Select the correct answer using the

codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
2 only

29.
OPEC (Organisation of
Petroleum Exporting Countries)
consists of
1. Indonesia
2. Venezuela
3. Nigeria
4. Ecuador

30.
A nation with negative
Balance of payments (BoP) is out
of foreign exchange reserves.
Which of the following agencies
can it approach to avert the BoP
crisis?
a) United Nations Trusteeship
Council (UNTC)
b) Alliance for Financial
Inclusion (AFI)
c) World Trade Organization
(WTO)
d) None of the above

31. The term Sub Urbanisation

refers to
a) A pattern of urbanization
where commercial and
residential places are
completely separated
b) Movement of people from
congested urban areas to
nearby satellite communities
c) Reduction of population in
lower tier cities
d) Movement of population from
urban areas to rural areas

Select the correct answer using the

codes below.
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 and 4 only
c) 1, 2, 3 and 4

32.
Hybrid breed crops in India
can be found in
1. Maize
2. Wheat

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3. Garden Peas

Select the correct answer using the

codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

33.
Consider the following
about Madhubani paintings.
1. Traditionally women are not
allowed to paint Madhubani
paintings.
2. Nature themes are not
included.
3. The art has not been officially
recognized.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
None of the above

34.
Single Cell Protein (SCP)
can be made available for human
consumption by
1. Growing microbes on an
industrial scale
2. Genetically modifying plant
cells to trigger nutrient
production

Which of the above is/are correct?

a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

35.
The Defence Acquisition
Council (DAC) has approved
major changes in the new
Defence Procurement Procedure
(DDP) 2016. Some of these
changes were based on the
recommendations of
a) Dhirendra Singh Committee
b) Rangarajan Committee
c) Kelkar Panel
d) Deepak Parekh Committee
36.
Consider the following
about the tribal community
Gonds.
1. They are found only in
Southern India.
2. These tribes live only in
plains.
3. The Gonds paint their walls
with depictions of local flora,
fauna and gods.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

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1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
None of the above
Page 9

37.
India has decided to
become member country of the
International Energy Agency
Ocean Energy Systems (IEAOES). How will it help India?
1. By becoming member of IEAOES, a power deficit country
like India can leverage study
of ocean renewable energies.
2. Provide technology to a
tropical country like India to
harness Ocean Thermal
Energy Conversion (OTEC)
due to high sea surface
temperatures

4. There were various kinds of

professional taxes.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

39.
a)
b)
c)
d)

2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3 only
1 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

Chhau dance is a genre of

Indian tribal martial dance
Yakshagana of Karnataka
Devotional puppet dance
Spiritual invocations to
achieve rich harvest

Which of the above is/are correct?

a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

38.
Consider the following
about Chola administration.
1. All lands were carefully
surveyed and classified for
assessment of revenue.
2. Chola kings undertook royal
tours to increase the efficiency
of the administration.
3. There were tolls and customs
on goods taken from one place
to another.

40.
Agglomeration Economies
between industries are formed
due to
a) Proximity
b) Common raw material
c) Common customers
d) Common technology

41.It is made of the leather bag

used by villagers to transport
water. It is like a basic bagpipe,
the national musical instrument
of Scotland. The description
refers to which musical
instrument of India?
a) Mashak played by the Dholis
of Rajasthan

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Page 10

b) Kirla played by the tribes of

the North-west
c) Khadtaal usually played by the
Gurjars
d) Manjeeras beaten by the
indigenous Santhali
communities

42.
Organisms of which of the
following species may undergo
aestivation?
1. Snails
2. Fishes
3. Crocodiles
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

43.
The Battle of Tarain is
related to
a) The Hindu princes of north
India fighting against
Muhammad Ghori
b) The battle between the
Marathas and Rajputs
c) Revolt in Gujarati kingdom
against Mahmud of Ghazni
d) Land battles in Sind between
Muslim princes

44.
The Union Cabinet has
approved the Stand Up India
Scheme to
a) Promote entrepreneurship
among Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribes
(SC/ST) and Women
entrepreneurs
b) Provide unemployment
allowances to ensure a regular
flow of income for the
unemployed
c) Grant scholarships to women
to pursue education of their
choice
d) Fund the ideas of on-campus
university students in India

45.
Consider the following
about the reign of Firoz Tughlaq.
1. He strictly followed the advice
of the ulemas in running the
administration.
2. The iqta system was made
hereditary.
3. He was the first Sultan to
impose irrigation tax.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

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1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Page 11

46.
Indiscriminate use of
antibiotics causes anti-biotic
resistance. This can happen due
to
1. Natural selection in bacteria
in reaction to anti-biotics
2. Colonization resistance
mechanism
3. Attack of clonal bacteria on
the host immune system
4. By genetic mutation in the
bacteria
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 4 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

47.
Same substances can act as
an antiseptic as well as
disinfectant by
1. Varying its concentration
2. Using it on inanimate surfaces
instead of animate biological
surfaces
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

48.
Chemicals are added to
food for their preservation,
enhancing their appeal, and to
add nutritive value in them.
Which of the following additives
have nutritive value?
1. Fat emulsifiers and stabilising
agents
2. Preservatives
3. Food colours
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
None of the above

49.
Under the Delhi sultanate
muqtis or walis
a) Maintained law and order and
collected the land revenue
b) Managed financial accounts of
central treasury
c) Lead mercenary military units
in special warfares
d) Administered village
assemblies

50.
Which of the following is
NOT a valid argument for
advocating free trade for a
developing economy?

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Page 12

a) It results in more efficient

allocation of resources
internationally.
b) It improves competition and
reduces domestic monopoly in
goods and services.
c) It allows exporters to reap
economies of scale.
d) It creates a level-playing field
between developing and
developed economies.

51. Desert plants have which of the

following adaptations for
survival?
1. Stomata arranged in deep pits
to minimise water loss
through transpiration
2. Special photosynthetic
pathway enabling their
stomata to remain closed
during day time
3. Roots performing
photosynthetic functions
instead of thorny or no leaves
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 only
1, 2 and 3

52.
Under the WTO
agreements, countries cannot
normally discriminate between
their trading partners a
treatment which is known as
Most favoured Nation (MFN)
status. However some
discrimination is allowed when
1. Countries can set up a free
trade agreement that applies
only to goods traded within
the group
2. They can give developing
countries special access to
their markets
3. A country can raise barriers
against products that are
considered to be traded
unfairly from specific
countries
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

53.
Which one of the following
types of cultivation was
developed by European colonists
in India?
1. Kolkoz
2. Mixed farming
3. Plantation

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Page 13

Select the correct answer using the

codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3

54.
Consider the following
statements.
Assertion (A): Consuming carcinogenic
substances consistently for long
durations may result in cell tumours.
Reason (R): In cancer, cell growth and
differentiation becomes uncontrolled
and difficult to regulate by the body.
In the context of the above, which of
these is correct?
a) A is correct, and R can be an
appropriate explanation of A.
b) A is correct, but R cannot be an
appropriate explanation of A.
c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
d) Both A and R are incorrect.

55.
Which of following criteria
is most useful to differentiate an
Indian urban area from a rural
area?
a) Literacy rates
b) Occupational structure
c) Sex ratio
d) Growth rate of population

56.
Biofortification refers to
a) Breeding crops with higher
levels of nutrition
b) Enabling the plants to bear
higher abiotic stresses
c) Reducing the water
requirement for the crops
d) Increasing the physical
strength of the plant

57.
Which of the following may
be a valid reason for artistic and
respectful representations of
many snakes in traditional
paintings like Gondi?
a) Snakes were considered a
spiritual symbol and showed
man in harmony with nature.
b) The paintings were used to
create awareness about
vituperous snakes.
c) Snakes were killed on a large
scale in several rituals and
festivals which were depicted
in the traditional paintings.
d) Snakes were painted to get
divine blessings before major
warfare.

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58.
The practice of
transhumance refers to
a) Seasonal migration in between
plains and mountains in
search for pasture
b) Adjusting livestock in the field
according to the carrying
capacity of the pastureland
c) Rearing of animals on
mountain ranges based on
scientific practices
d) Import and export of cattle by
local community for
improving pastureland

59.
Proportion of literate
population of a country known as
literacy in an indicator of its
socio-economic development.
Literacy in India will necessarily
increase if
a) Total years of schooling for the
entire population increase
b) Sanitation and health facilities
are improved
c) Economic growth rate is high
d) More children pass the
primary school in the country

60.
The sewage water is treated
untill the
a) Biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD) of the sewage water
increases significantly

b) Chemical oxygen demand

(COD) of the sewage water
increases significantly
c) Chemical oxygen demand
(COD) of the sewage water is
reduced significantly
d) Biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD) of the sewage water is
reduced significantly

61.Gross National Happiness (GNH)

is Bhutans measure of national
progress. Which of the following
indicators is/are common to both
GNH and Human Development
Index (HDI)?
1. Sustainable development
2. Establishment of good
governance
3. Preservation and promotion of
cultural values
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 only
None of the above

62.
Ganga Action Plan (GAP)
and Yamuna Action Plan (YAP)
were initiated before the Namami
Ganga programme. GAP and YAP
were initiated by the

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Page 15

a) Ministry of Environment and

Forests
b) Ministry of Drinking Water
and Sanitation
c) Ministry of Planning
d) Ministry of Culture

63.
Which of the following
terms connote the opposite
meaning of the term Population
aging?
a) Sub-replacement fertility
b) Pensions crisis
c) Demographic trap
d) Demographic Dividend

64.
Which of these can be used
as a bio-pesticide?
1. Bacteria
2. Viruses
3. Fungi
4. Insects
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1, 2 and 4 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

65.
China started being
influenced by Indian culture
from 1st A.D due to which of the
following?
1. Land route passing through
Central Asia
2. Sea route through Burma
(Myanmar)
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

66.
Genetic modification
techniques offer which of the
following advantage(s) as
compared to the traditional
hybridisation technique?
1. Genetic modification
technique may not lead to
inclusion and multiplication
of undesirable genes along
with the desired genes.
2. Genetic modification
technique gives precise and
quicker results unlike the
traditional technique.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

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67.
The jharnapatachitra of
West Bengal is a(an)
a) Long vertical paper scroll used
to tell stories from religious
epics
b) Devotional stanzas by ancient
poets inscribed on rocks
c) Inner wall decoration of elite
tribal homes
d) Expression of prevention of
child mortality by showing
how elephants and other
animals protect their young
ones

68.
Which of the following
regions is likely to have the
highest mean annual
temperature as well as the
highest mean annual
precipitation?
a) Coniferous forest
b) Grassland
c) Tropical forest
d) Temperate forest

69.
X is one of the
neurotransmitters that play a
role in mood changes. If the level
of X is low for some reason, then
the signal-sending activity
becomes low, and the person
suffers from depression. X here
may refer to
a) Seldane

b) Rantidine
c) Noradrenaline
d) Acetylcholine

70.
Many freshwater animals
live for long in sea water and
many sea water animals also
cannot live for long in freshwater.
Which of these can be a possible
factor?
a) Osmosis across body
membrane of the fish may kill
it.
b) Sea water is heavier and
crushes the skin of the
freshwater fish, whereas
freshwater makes sea water
fish skin succulent
c) Level of dissolved oxygen
varies causing respiration
problems.
d) The dissolved nutrients in
water are a major factor in
determining the longevity of
the fish.

71. Which of the following canal

connects the Atlantic Ocean in
the east to the Pacific Ocean in
the west?
a) Suez Canal
b) Panama Canal
c) Hormuz Canal
d) Vistok Canal

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72.
Consider these matches of
popular musical instruments
with the region they belong to.
1. Pakhawaj : North-Eastern
India
2. Maddalam : Southern India
3. Thumbak nari : Northern
India
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

73.
Which of the following
problems may be caused due to
use of detergents?
1. Bacteria may not be able to
degrade them.
2. These persist in water even
after sewage treatment and
cause foaming in rivers
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

74.
Interspecific interactions
can have many outcomes. Which
of the following is an example of
mutualism interaction?

a) Bees sucking nectar from

flowers and helping them in
pollination
b) An orchid growing on top of a
mango branch
c) Mosquitoes sucking blood
from its prey and infecting it
with vector-borne diseases
d) Competition between tigers
and lions for prey in African
forests
75.
Aihole is known as the
Cradle of Indian architecture.
The Aihole inscription was issued
under the reign of
a) Chalukyas
b) Pallavas
c) Rashtrakutas
d) Marathas
76.
A small increase in
population is desirable in a
growing economy. This is
because
a) Lower population growth
shows higher levels of
economic development.
b) A growing economy requires
growing labour force.
c) Human capital builds natural
capital.
d) Higher increase in population
leads to loss of human capital.

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77.Under the reign of Rashtrakutas

1. The village administration was
carried on by the village
headmen.
2. Officers administering
districts or subdivisions were
directly appointed by the
central government.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

78.
Consider the following
statements.
Assertion (A): The Northern Atlantic
Sea Route is one of the busiest in the
world.
Reason (R): It is only route with
natural harbours amongst all trade
routes.
In the context of the above, which of
these is correct?
a) A is correct, and R can be an
appropriate explanation of A.
b) A is correct, but R cannot be
an appropriate explanation of
A.
c) A is correct, but R is incorrect.
d) Both A and R are incorrect.

79.
Consider the following
about bioreactors.
1. It can support both aerobic
and anaerobic processes.
2. It can be used to grow cells or
tissues.
3. Bioreactors must be left open
to allow biological reactions to
take place.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 only
1, 2 and 3

80.
Consider the following
statements about Cyanobacteria.
1. They are found only in aquatic
environments.
2. They can serve as a
biofertiliser in paddy fields.
3. They add organic matter to
the soil and increase its
fertility.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

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1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

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81.
One of your office
colleagues is suffering from
severe irritation and pain due to
acidity in the stomach. You
would recommend Antacids to
her because
a) It cures Ulcer which may be
the cause of irritation and pain
b) It reduces formation of
peptacides and bile juice in the
stomach
c) It reduces the pH of the
stomach which relieves the
pain
d) None of the above

82.
In his reign, the
introduction of paying salaries in
cash to the soldiers led to price
regulations popularly called as
Market Reforms. He was the first
Sultan of Delhi who ordered for
the measurement of land. His
land revenue reforms provided a
basis for the future reforms of
Sher Shah and Akbar. He is?
a) Alauddin Khalji
b) Ghazi Malik
c) Balban
d) Iltutmish

83.
Consider the following
statements about certain species
and their biome habitats.
1. Mango trees are grown in
temperate countries also
alongwith tropical countries.
2. Tune fish cannot be found in
tropical latitudes in the ocean.
3. Snow leopards can be found in
Kerala Western Ghats.
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
None of the above

84.
A department called
Diwan-i-Khairat was created
under the reign of Firoz Tughlaq
to
a) Consolidate decentralized
treasuries across the empire
b) Take care of orphans and
widows
c) Address public grievances and
complaints against officials
d) Take care of religious tourists
and travellers

85.
Which of the following
is/are artificial sweeteners?
1. Alitame
2. Sucrolose
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3. Saccharin
4. Lactamase
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

2 and 4 only
1, 2 and 3 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4

86.
Consider the following
about beliefs of Sufis.
1. Love and devotion is a means
of attaining salvation.
2. One must have the guidance
of a master without which
spiritual
development is
impossible.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

87.
The Union Cabinet has
recently approved Pradhan
Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. How
will it help the farmers?
1. Reduce the premium burden
on farmers
2. Ensure early settlement of
crop assurance claim
Which of the above is/are correct?

a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

88.
Wall paintings can be
found in
1. Buddhist viharas in Ajanta
2. Prehistoric paintings in rock
shelters
3. Virubhadra Temple in
Lepakshi
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
3 only
1, 2 and 3

89.
The first Indian state to
achieve 100 per cent primary
education is
a) Mizoram
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Kerala
d) Punjab

90.
As per the Democratic
transition theory
1. High levels of birth rates in a
society are achieved at the last
stage of the transition.

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Page 21

2. Low levels of death rates in a

society are achieved at the
earliest stage of the transition.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

91.Consider the following about the

Employee Provident Fund
Organisation (EPFO).
1. EPFO is a statutory body
coming under the aegis of
Ministry of Labour and
Employment.
2. It administers the Pension
Scheme and Insurance
Scheme.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

92.
The India Meteorological
Department (IMD) has recently
re-defined terms that are not
scientifically precise in weather
forecasting. As per the new
definitions, a Large Deficient
year for rainfall refers to

a) Metrological drought in at
least a majority of states of
India
b) Rainfall deficit of over 10 per
cent across more than 40 per
cent of Indias area
c) Rainfall less than half of the
average annual precipitation
over India as a whole
d) Hydrological drought in major
basins of India where rainfall
is less than the average annual
precipitation

93.
The "Gajendra Moksham"
painting in the Krishnapuram
Palace near Kayamkulam is an
example of
a) Mural painting
b) Rock cut painting
c) Fusion of Persian Miniature
and Western painting
d) Contextual Modernist painting

94.
Consider the following
statements about Indias
demographics.
1. Majority of Indias population
is below the age of 25.
2. The national Census of India
does not recognise racial
groups within India.
3. Population density is highest
in the state of Madhya
Pradesh.

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Page 22

Select the correct answer using the

codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
3 only
2 only
1 and 3 only

95.
The President has
promulgated the Enemy Property
(Amendment and Validation)
Ordinance, 2016 to make
amendments to the Enemy
Property Act, 1968. Which of the
following agreements is relevant
to these existing laws?
a) Tashkent Declaration (1966)
b) Panchsheel Declaration
India and China
c) Simla Agreement (1971)
d) Simla Accord (1914)

96.
The Rate of Natural
Increase (RNI) of population
includes
1. Immigration
2. Death rates
3. Emigration
Select the correct answer using the
codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
3 only
2 only
1 and 3 only

97.
Consider the following
about regional trading blocs.
1. A trading bloc can only be
formed when all tariff and
non-tariff restrictions are
removed between members.
2. A trading bloc adopts a
common economic policy.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None

98.
The Union Government has
abolished export duty on iron ore
pellets in order to make the
commodity more competitive
amid weakening prices. What
factor(s) can be said responsible
behind the weakening of prices?
1. Global economic slowdown
has caused slackening of
demand and thus prices
2. Subdued demand for steel and
related raw materials in USA
which is worlds largest metal
consumer
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
b)
c)
d)

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1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
None
Page 23

99.
Which of the following
is/are the major
recommendations of the Lodha
Committee?
1. Not Ministers but government
servants should be allowed to
becomeBCCI office-bearers.
2. Betting should be legalised
and match fixing should be
made criminal offence.
3. BCCI should come under the
purview of the Right to
Information Act, 2005.

100.
Which of the following
statements about the
administration under the
Vijayanagar Empire is
INCORRECT?
a) The king enjoyed absolute
authority in executive, judicial
and legislative matters.
b) The King was the highest
court of appeal.
c) The succession to the throne
was on the principle of merit.
d) The king was assisted by a
council of ministers in his day
to day administration.

Select the correct answer using the

codes below.
a)
b)
c)
d)

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

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