Prelims 2015 GS P

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/prelims-2015-gs-p 1/17

1GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

CHRONICLEIAS ACADEMYA CIVIL SERVICES CHRONICLE INITIATIVE

CS PRELIMS) EXAM. 2015

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER WITH SOLUTIONS

SET B)

1. With reference to an organization known as'Birdlife International' which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a Global Partnership of ConservationOrganizations.

2. The concept of 'biodiversity hotspots'originated from this organization.

3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as'Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas'.

Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow:

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. : (c)

2. Which one of the following countries of South- West Asia does not open out to theMediterranean Sea?

(a) Syria (b) Jordan

(c) Lebanon (d) Israel

Ans. : (b)

3. In India, in which one of the following typesof forests is teak a dominant tree species?

(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

(b) Tropical rain forest

(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest

(d) Temperate forest with grasslands

Ans. : (a)

4. 'Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action'often seen in the news, is

(a) A strategy to tackle the regional terrorism,an outcome of a meeting of the ShanghaiCooperation Organization.

(b) A plan of action for sustainable economicgrowth in the Asia-Pacific Region, anoutcome of deliberations of the Asia-PacificEconomic Forum.

(c) An agenda for women's empowerment, anoutcome of a World Conference convenedby the United Nations.

(d) A strategy to combat wildlife trafficking, adeclaration of the East Asia Summit.

Ans. : (c)

5. "Each day is more or less the same, themorning is clear and bright with a sea breeze;as the sun climbs high in the sky, heat mountsup, dark clouds form, than rain comes withthunder and lightning. But rain is soon over."

Which of the following regions is describedin the above passage?

(a) Savannah

(b) Equatorial

(c) Monsoon

(d) Mediterranean

Ans. : (b)

6. With reference to India economy, consider thefollowing statements:

1. The rate of growth of real Gross DomesticProduct has steadily increased in the lastdecade.

2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices(in rupees) has steadily increased in the lastdecade.

Which of the statement given above is/arecorrect?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. : (b)

7. Consider the following statements:

1. The Legislative Council of a state in Indiacan be larger in size than half of theLegislative Assembly of that particular state.

2. The Governor of a state nominates theChairman of Legislative Council of thatparticular state.

Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?(a) 1 only (b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


©Chronicle IAS Academy

C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

2

Ans. : (d)

8. "To uphold and protect the Sovereignty Unityand Integrity of India" is a provision made inthe

(a) Preamble of the Constitute

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) Fundamental Rights(d) Fundamental Duties

Ans. : (d)

9. Which one of the following is the bestdescription of the term "ecosystem"?

(a) A community of organisms interacting withone another

(b) That part of the Earth which is inhabitedby living organisms

(c) A community of organisms together withthe environment in which they live.

(d) The flora and fauna of a geographical area.

Ans. : (c)

10. The fundamental object of Panchayati Rajsystem is to ensure which among thefollowing?

1. People's participation in development

2. Political accountability

3. Democratic decentralization4. Financial mobilization


(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans. : (c)

11. With reference to India economy, consider thefollowing :

1. Bank rate

2. Open market operations

3. Public debt

4. Public revenue

Which of the above is/are co mponent/ components of Monetary Policy?

(a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1 and 2 (d) 1, 3 and 4

Ans. : (c)

Exp.: Monetary policy is the process by which themonetary authority (RBI in case of India) of acountry controls the supply of money, oftentargeting an inflation rate or interest rate toensure price stability and general trust in thecurrency. Bank rate and Open market operationsare two of the tools using which RBI managesthe demand-supply equilibrium of rupee in themarket.

Monetary policy differs from fiscal policy, whichrefers to taxation, government spending, andassociated borrowing.

12. Which reference to inflation in India, whichof the following statements is correct?

(a) Controlling the inflation in India is theresponsibility of the Government of Indiaonly

(b) The Reserve Bank of India has no role incontrolling the inflation

(c) Decreased money circulation helps incontrolling the inflation

(d) Increased money circulation helps incontrolling the inflation

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: Controlling the inflation in India is theresponsibility of both the Government of Indiaand Reserve Bank of India, who make use offiscal and monetary tools respectively.

Inflation is defined as a sustained increase inthe general level of prices for goods and services.It is measured as an annual percentage increase.As inflation rises, every rupee you own buys asmaller percentage of a good or service. Ithappens when there is surplus liquidity in themarket. Hence, decreased money circulationhelps in controlling the inflation.

13. Consider the following countries1. China 2. France

3. India 4. Israel

5. Pakistan

Which among the above are Nuclear WeaponsStates as recognized by the Treaty on theNonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons,commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only(c) 2, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


3GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

Ans.: (a)

Exp.: The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of NuclearWeapons, commonly known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty or NPT, is an internationaltreaty whose objective is to prevent the spreadof nuclear weapons and weapons technology,to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of

nuclear energy, and to further the goal ofachieving nuclear disarmament and general andcomplete disarmament.

Opened for signature in 1968, the Treaty enteredinto force in 1970. A total of 191 states have joined the Treaty, though North Korea, whichacceded to the NPT in 1985 but never cameinto compliance, announced its withdrawal in2003. Four UN member states have never joinedthe NPT: India, Israel, Pakistan and South

Sudan.

The treaty recognizes five states as nuclear-weapon states: the United States, Russia, theUnited Kingdom, France, and China (also thefive permanent members of the United NationsSecurity Council). Four other states are knownor believed to possess nuclear weapons: India,Pakistan and North Korea have openly testedand declared that they possess nuclearweapons, while Israel has had a policy of opacityregarding its nuclear weapons program.

14. The ideal of "Welfare State" in the IndianConstitution is enshrined in its

(a) Preamble

(b) Directive Principles of State Policy

(c) Fundamental Rights

(d) Seventh Schedule

Ans.:(b)

15. The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs

in agricultural production is an example of

(a) labour-augmenting technological progress

(b) capital-augmenting technological progress

(c) capital-reducing technological progress

(d) None of the above

Ans.: (b)

Exp.: Progress in technology may be cither labouraugmenting or capital augmenting. Whentechnology is labour augmenting, it enables

labour improve and upgrade its quality or skillsas for example the use of video conferencingand other satellite teaching programmes.

Similarly, capital augmenting technologicalprogress results in the more productive use ofexisting capital goods-for example, thesubstitution of steel from wooden plough inagricultural production.

16. There is a Parliamentary System of Governmentin India because the

(a) Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people

(b) Parliament can amend the constitution

(c) Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved

(d) Council of Ministers is responsible to theLok Sabha

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: A parliamentary system is a system ofdemocratic governance of a state in which theexecutive branch (i.e. Council of Ministers)derives its democratic legitimacy from, and isheld accountable to, the legislature (parliament);the executive and legislative branches are thusinterconnected.

17. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in thenews with reference to which one of thefollowing diseases?

(a) AIDS

(b) Bird flu

(c) Dengue(d) swine flu

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: The 2009 swine flu outbreak (pandemic) wasdue to infection with theH1N1 virus and wasfirst observed in Mexico. Symptoms of swineflu in humans are similar to most influenzainfections: fever (100 F or greater), cough, nasalsecretions, fatigue, and headache.

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1, also knownas A(H5N1) or simply H5N1, is a subtype ofthe influenza A virus which can cause illnessin humans and many other animal species.

18. With reference to bio-toilets used by theIndian Railways, consider the following statements:

1. The decomposition of human waste in thebio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

2. Ammonia and water vapour are the onlyend products in this decomposition whichare released into the atmosphere.

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P



C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

4

Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: In its endeavour to take all the necessary stepsto keep station premises clean, Indian Railwaysis now manufacturing all new conventionalpassenger coaches fitted with bio-toilets. Thebio-toilets are fitted below the coach floorunderneath the lavatories and the human wastedischarged into them is acted upon by a colonyof anaerobic bacteria that convert human wasteinto water and small amount of gases (methaneand CO2).

This environment friendly, low cost and robusttechnology has been developed jointly by theIndian Railways and Defence Research &Development Organisation (DRDO) for railwaypassenger coaches and is the first of its kind tobe introduced in railway systems in the world.The particular type of bacteria, which is usedin this bio-toilet, has been carefully collectedand analysed by DRDO from Antarctica andthe efficiency of this system has been tested by

DRDO in extreme climates and conditions likethose at Siachen Glacier. The anaerobic bacteriaused in these bio-toilets can not only surviveextreme cold and heat conditions but can alsosurvive when subjected to commonly availabledisinfectants.

19. The problem of international liquidity isrelated to the non-availability of

(a) goods and services

(b) gold and silver

(c) dollars and other hard currencies(d) exportable surplus

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: Broadly speaking, the problem of internationalliquidity has two aspects: quantitative andqualitative. The quantitative aspect of theproblem relates to the adequacy of internationalliquidity. The qualitative aspect of the problempertains to the nature and composition of

international reserves for liquidity.In its qualitative aspect, the problem is relatedto the use of the dollar and sterling as reserve

components. The U.S. dollar and the poundsterling are the principal reserve currencies or'key currencies' because of their role as the majortrading currencies for carrying out a largenumber of international trade and investmenttransactions. However, since World War II, theworld's international payments system hasreceived its main support from the willingnessof the world to hold dollars, and use them asinternational currency. Thus, today, dollarsupply plays a pivotal role in determining thetotal reserves for international liquidity.

In the composition of international liquidity wenow find that gold and dollar plus sterling -key currencies - are the major components. Butsince gold cannot be increased very much, therequirements of growing international reservesmay be sought to be met by increasing the supply

of key currencies. Now, if key currencies forman increasing part of international reserves, thisimplies increase in relation to their gold stockof the liquid liabilities of the countries whosecurrencies are held as reserves by othercountries. But should these liquid liabilities growbeyond the reserve-currency countries' own goldreserves, confidence may be seriously weakenedin their continued ability to maintain the parvalues of their currencies and the stability ofthe international payments system may be

undermined.

This is the precise situation which confrontsthe U.S. dollar today. As a matter of fact, theUnited States' balance of payments deficits oncapital account have added to the world'sreserves, but its recent deficits have created asense of insecurity about the future. Since 1959the U.S. balance of payments has turnedadverse, and she has been losing gold.

20. With reference to 'fuel cells' in whichhydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used togenerate electricity. consider the following statements :

1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuelcell emits heat and water as by-products.

2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildingsand not for small devices like laptopcomputers.

3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of

Alternating Current (AC). Which of the statements given above is / arecorrect?

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


5GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans.: (a)

Exp.: A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical

energy from a fuel into electricity through achemical reaction of positively chargedhydrogen ions with oxygen or another oxidizingagent.

Fuel cells are used for primary and backuppower for commercial, industrial and residentialbuildings and in remote or inaccessible areas.They are also used to power fuel-cell vehicles,including forklifts, automobiles, buses, boats,motorcycles and submarines.

There are many types of fuel cells, but they allconsist of an anode, a cathode, and anelectrolyte that allow positively chargedhydrogen ions (or protons) to move betweenthe two sides of the fuel cell. The anode andcathode contain catalysts that cause the fuel toundergo oxidation reactions that generatepositive hydrogen ions and electrons. Thehydrogen ions are drawn through the electrolyteafter the reaction. At the same time, electronsare drawn from the anode to the cathode

through an external circuit, producing directcurrent electricity. At the cathode, hydrogenions, electrons, and oxygen react to form water.In addition to electricity, fuel cells producewater and heat as by products.

21. Kalamkari painting refers to

(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India

(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicraftsin North-East India

(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in Western

Himalayan region of India(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in

North-Western India

Ans.: (a)

Exp.: Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile. The art of painting usingorganic dyes on cloth was popular in severalparts of India, but this style of Kalamkariflourished at Kalahasti (Chennai) and atMasulipatnam (Hyderabad). The artists use a

bamboo or date palm stick pointed at one endwith a bundle of fine hair attached to thispointed end to serve as the brush or pen.

22. Which one of the following best describesthe main objective of 'Seed Village Concept?

(a) Encouraging the farmers to use their ownfarm seeds and discouraging them to buythe seeds from others

(b) Involving the farmers for training in qualityseed production and thereby to make

available quality seeds to others atappropriate time and affordable cost

(c) Earmarking some villages exclusively for theproduction of certified seeds

(d) Identifying the entrepreneurs in village andproviding them technology and finance toset up seed companies

Ans.: (b)

23. There has been a persistent deficit budgetyear after year. Which of the following actionscan be taken by the government to reduce thedeficit?

1. Reducing revenue expenditure

2. Introducing new welfare schemes

3. Rationalizing subsidies

4. Expanding industries

Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 1,2,3 and 4

Ans.: (a)

24. Which of the following has/have beenaccorded 'Geographical Indication' status?

1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees

2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma

3. Tirupathi Laddu


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 only 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans.: (c)

25. With reference to the Indian Renewable

Energy Development Agency Limited(IREDA), which of the following statementsis/are correct?

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P



C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

6

1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.

2. It is a Non - Banking Financial Company.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 or 2

Ans.: (c)

26. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has beenlaunched for

(a) Providing housing loan to poor people atcheaper interest rates

(b) Promoting women's Self Help Groups inbackward areas

(c) Promoting financial inclusion in the country(d) Providing financial help to marginalised

communities

Ans.: (c)

27. With Reference to the Fourteenth FinanceCommission, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It has increased the share of States in thecentral divisible pool from 32 percent to 42

percent.2. It has made recommendations concerningsector-specific grants.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(c) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (a)

28. The 'Fortaleza Declaration' recently in thenews, is related to the affairs of:

(a) ASEAN

(b) BRICS

(c) OECD

(d) WTO

Ans.: (b)

Exp.: On July 15 -16, 2014 sixth BRICS Summit washeld in Fortaleza, Brazil. The theme of theSummit was 'Inclusive Growth: SustainableSolutions'. During the plenary session, theparticipating countries Brazil, Russia, India,China and South Africa jointly issued the'Fortaleza Declaration'.

29. A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a countryindicates which of the following?

1. Slowing economic growth rates

2. Less equitable distribution of nationalincome

Select the correct answer using the code givenbelow

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (d)

30. In the South Atlantic and South EasternPacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclonedoes not originate. What is the reason?

(a) Sea Surface temperature are low(b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom

occurs

(c) Coriolis force is too weak

(d) Absence of land in those regions

Ans.: (a)

Exp.: In South Atlantic Benguela current and in southeastern Pacific Humboldt current are present.Both currents are cold current which helps toreduce down the sea surface temperature, that's

why tropical cyclone does not originate here.

31. Which of the following pairs of States of Indiaindicates the eastern most and Western mostState?

(a) Assam and Rajasthan

(b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan

(c) Assam and Gujarat

(d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat

Ans.: (d)

32. Consider the following Statements regarding the DPSP/ Directive Principles of State Policy:

1. The Principles spell out the socio-economicdemocracy in the country

2. The provisions contained in these Principlesare not enforceable by any court.

Which of the statements given below arecorrect?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 & 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


7GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

Ans.: (c)

33. In the Index of Eight Core Industries, whichone of the following is given the highestweight?

(a) Coal Production

(b) Electricity generation

(c) Fertilizer Production(d) Steel Production

Ans.: (b)

Exp.: The Eight Core Industries are Coal, Cement,Electricity, Crude Oil, Refinery products, Steel,Fertilizers and Natural Gas, which have thefollowing weights in IIP.

34. Which of the following National Parks isunique in being a swamp with floating

vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?(a) Bhitarkanika National Park

(b) Keibul Lamjao National Park

(c) Keoladeo Ghana National park

(d) Sultanpur National park

Ans.: (b)

35. Which of the following statements is/arecorrect regarding National InnovationFoundation-India (NIF)?

1. NIF is an autonomous body of theDepartment of Science and Technologyunder the Central Government

2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highlyadvanced scientific research in India'spremier scientific institutions in collaborationwith highly advanced foreign scientificinstitutions.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (a)

36. What can be the impact of excessive/ inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizersin agriculture?

1. Proliferation of nitrogen -fixing microorganismsin soil can occur.

2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can

occur.


(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: High application rates of nitrogen-containingfertilizers combined with the high water-solubility of nitrate leads to increased runoffinto surface water as well as leaching intogroundwater, thereby causing groundwaterpollution. The excessive use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers (be they synthetic ornatural) is particularly damaging, as much ofthe nitrogen that is not taken up by plants istransformed into nitrate which is easily leached.

Nitrogen-containing fertilizers can cause soilacidification when added. This may lead todecreases in nutrient availability which may beoffset by liming.

37. With reference to the International Union forConservation of Nature and NaturalResources (IUCN) and the Convention onInternational Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the

following statements is/are correct?1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations

and CITES is an international agreementbetween governments

2. IUCN runs thousands of field projectsaround the world to better manage naturalenvironments.

3. CITES is legally binding on the States thathave joined it, but this Convention does nottake the place of national laws.

Select the correct using the code given below.(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans.: (b)

Exp.: IUCN maintains a formally accreditedpermanent observer mission to the UN in New

York. IUCN has also designated representativesfor the United Nations Offices in Nairobi,Geneva, and Vienna, and has participated

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P



C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

8

regularly in mission-relevant discussions underthe auspices of the UNGA and ECOSOC (UNEconomic & Social Council).

38. The Fair and Remunerative Price of Sugarcaneis approved by the

(a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs

(b) Commission for Agricultural Costs andPrices

(c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection,Ministry of Agriculture

(d) Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee

Ans.: (a)

39. What explains the eastward flow of theequatorial counter-current?*

(a) The Earth's rotation on its axis

(b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents(c) Difference in salinity of water

(d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near equator

Ans.: (b)

40. Consider the following pairs:

Place of Pilgrimage : Location

1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills

2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills

3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills Which of the above pairs is/are correctlymatched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans.: (a)

41. With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, whichof the following statements is/are correct?

1. The Rowlatt Act was based on therecommendations of the 'Sedition Committee'

2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha Gandhiji tried to usethe Home Rule League

3. Demonstrations against the SimonCommission coincided with the RowlattSatyagraha

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans.: (b)

42. Among the following which were frequentlymentioned in the news for the outbreak ofEbola virus recently?

(a) Syria and Jordan

(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia

(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

Ans.: (b)

43. With reference to 'fly ash' produced by thepower plants using the coal as fuel, which ofthe following statements is/are correct?

1. Fly ash can be used in the production ofbricks for building construction

2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement forsome of the Portland cement contents ofconcrete

3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide andcalcium oxide only, and does not containany toxic elements.


(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 onlyAns.: (a)

44. With reference to 'dugong', a mammal foundin India, which of the following statementsis/are correct?

1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.

2. It is found along the entire coast of India

3. It is given legal protection under Schedule 1of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.


(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only

Ans.: (c)

45. Who of the following was/were economiccritic/critics of colonialism in India?

1. Dadabhai Naoroji2. G. Subramania Iyer

3. R. C. Dutt

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


9GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y


(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans.: (d)

46. Which one of the following issues the "GlobalEconomic Prospects" report periodically?

(a) The Asian Development Bank

(b) The European Bank for Reconstruction andDevelopment

(c) The US Federal Reserve Bank

(d) The World Bank

Ans.: (d)

47. When the Reserve Bank of India reduces theStatutory Liquidity by 50 basis points, whichof the following is likely to happen?

(a) India's GDP growth rate increases drastically

(b) Foreign Institutional Investors may bringmore capital into our country

(c) Scheduled Commercial Banks may cut theirlending rates

(d) It may drastically reduce the liquidity tothe banking system.

Ans.: (c)

48. With reference to the use of nanotechnologyin health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible bynanotechnology

2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute togene therapy


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (c)

49. In India, markets in agricultural products areregulated under the

(a) Essential Commodities Act, 1955(b) Agricultural Produce Market Committee

Act enacted by States

(c) Agricultural Produce (Grading andMarking) Act, 1937

(d) Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat andFood Products Order, 1973

Ans.: (b)

50. Which one of the following is the national

aquatic animal of India?(a) Saltwater crocodile

(b) Olive ridley turtle

(c) Gangetic dolphin

(d) Gharial

Ans.: (c)

51. With reference to Congress Socialist Party,consider the following statements:

1. It advocated the boycott of British goods

and evasion of taxes.2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of

proletariat.

3. It advocated separate electorate forminorities and oppressed classes.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None

Ans.: (d)


1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either toreject or to amend a Money Bill

2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on theDemands for Grants.

3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the AnnualFinancial Statement.


(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans.: (b)

53. The Government of India Act of 1919 clearlydefined

(a) the separation of power between the judiciary and the legislature

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P



C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

10

(b) the jurisdiction of the central and provincial

governments

(c) the powers of the Secretary of State for India

and the Viceroy

(d) None of the above

Ans.: (b)

54. Which of the following brings out the

'Consumer Price Index Number for the

Industrial Workers'?

(a) The Reserve Bank of India

(b) The Department of Economic Affairs

(c) The Labour Bureau

(d) The department of Personnel and Training

Ans.: (c)

55. In the context of modern scientific research,consider the following statements about

'IceCube', a particle detector located at South

Pole, which was recently in the news:

1. It is the world's largest neutrino detector,

encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.

2. It is a powerful telescope to search for darkmatter

3. It is buried deep in the ice.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3 only

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: IceCube is a particle detector at the South Pole

that records the interactions of a nearly massless

subatomic particle called the neutrino. IceCubesearches for neutrinos from the most violent

astrophysical sources: events like exploding

stars, gamma-ray bursts, and cataclysmic

phenomena involving black holes and neutronstars. The IceCube telescope is a powerful tool

to search for dark matter and could reveal the

physical processes associated with the enigmatic

origin of the highest energy particles in nature.In addition, exploring the background of

neutrinos produced in the atmosphere, IceCubestudies the neutrinos themselves; their energies

far exceed those produced by accelerator beams.

IceCube is the world’s largest neutrino detector,

encompassing a cubic kilometer of ice.

56. The terms 'Agreement on Agriculture','Agreement on the Application of Sanitary andPhytosanitary Measures' and Peace Clause'appear in the news frequently in the contextof the affairs of the:

(a) Food and Agriculture Organization

(b) United Nations Framework Conference onClimate Change

(c) World Trade Organization

(d) United Nations Environment Programme

Ans.: (c)

57. With reference to 'Near Field Communication(NFC) Technology', which of the following

statements is/are correct?1. It is a contactless communication technology

that uses electromagnetic radio fields

2. NFC is designed for use by devices whichcan be at a distance of even a metre fromeach other

3. NFC can use encryption when sendingsensitive information.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: Although the communication range of NFC islimited to a few centimeters, NFC alone doesnot ensure secure communications.

58. The area known as 'Golan Heights' sometimesappears in the news in the context of theevents related to:

(a) Central Asia

(b) Middle East

(c) South-East Asia

(d) Central Africa

Ans.: (b)

59. Convertibility of rupee implies:

(a) being able to convert rupee notes into gold

(b) allowing the value of rupee to be fixed bymarket forces

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


11GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

(c) freely permitting the conversion of rupee toother currencies and vice versa

(d) developing an international market forcurrencies in India

Ans.: (c)

60. Consider the following pairs :

Medieval Indian State : Present Region

1. Champaka : Central India

2. Durgara : Jammu

3. Kuluta : Malabar

Which of the above pairs is/are correctlymatched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only

Ans.: (b)

61. Consider the following rivers:

1. Vamsadhara

2. Indravati

3. Pranahita

4. Pennar

Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?

(a) 1,2 and 3

(b) 2,3 and 4

(c) 1,2 and 4

(d) 2 and 3 only

Ans.: (d)

62. When a bill is referred to a joint sitting boththe Houses of the Parliament, has to be passedby

(a) a simple majority of member present and

voting(b) three-fourths majority of member present

and voting

(c) two-thirds majority of the House

(d) absolute majority of the House

Ans.: (a)

63. Which one of the following regions of Indiahas a combination of mangrove forest,evergreen forest and deciduous forest?

(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh(b) South-West Bengal

(c) Southern Saurashtra

(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: The Middle Andamans harbours mostly moistdeciduous forests. North Andamans ischaracterised by the wet evergreen type, withplenty of woody climbers.

Grasslands occur only in the Nicobars, and whiledeciduous forests are common in theAndamans, they are almost absent in theNicobars". This atypical forest coverage is made-up of twelve types namely (1) Giant evergreenforest (2) Andamans tropical evergreen forest(3) Southern hilltop tropical evergreen forest (4)Cane brakes (5) Wet bamboo brakes (6)Andamans semi-evergreen forest (7) Andamansmoist deciduous forest (8) Andamans secondarymoist deciduous forest (9) Littoral forest (10)

Mangrove forest (11) Brackish water mixedforest (12) Submontane hill valley swamp forest.

64. Which of the following kingdoms wereassociated with the life of Buddha?

1. Avanti

2. Gandhara

3. Kosala

4. Magadha

Select the correct answer using the code given

below(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4

(d) 3 and 4 only

Ans.: (d)

65. Which one of the following is associated withthe issue of control and phasing out of theuse of ozone-depleting substances?

(a) Bretton Woods Conference(b) Montreal Protocol

(c) Kyoto Protocol

(d) Nagoya Protocol

Ans.: (b)

66. Consider the following:

The arrival of Babur into India led to the

1. Introduction of gunpowder

2. Introduction of the arch and dome in theregions's architecture

3. Establishment of Timurid dynasty

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P



C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

12


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: The Timurid dynasty was a Sunni Muslimdynasty or clan of Turco-Mongol lineagedescended from the warlord Timur.

Members of the Timurid dynasty were stronglyinfluenced by the Persian culture and hadestablished two well-known empires in history,namely the Timurid Empire (1370-1507) inPersia and Central Asia and the Mughal Empire(1526-1857) in the Indian subcontinent.

67. The Government of India has establishedNITI Aayog to replace the

(a) Human Rights Commission

(b) Finance Commission

(c) Law Commission

(d) Planning Commission

Ans.: (d)

68. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned

in the news?

(a) It is the United Nations Conference onSustainable Development

(b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of the WorldTrade Organization

(c) It is a Conference of the Inter-governmentalPanel on Climate Change

(d) It is a Conference of the Member Countriesof the Convention on Biological Diversity

Ans.: (a)

69. Consider the following statements :

1. The Executive Power of the union of Indiais vested in the Prime Minister.

2. The Prime Minister is the ex officioChairmain of the Civil Services Board.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (d)

70. The term 'Goldilocks Zone' is often seen inthe news in the context of

(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surfaceof the Earth

(b) regions inside the Earth-like planets in outer

space(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer

space

(d) search for meteorites containing preciousmetals

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: A habitable zone, sometimes called a Goldilockszone, is the region around a star where orbitingplanets similar to the Earth can support liquid

water. It is neither too hot, nor too cold.Scientists hunting for life in the Solar Systemand around other stars believe liquid water isan important ingredient necessary for life.

In September 2010 astronomers using the Kecktelescope announced they had found anexoplanet, Gliese 581g, about three times thesize of Earth in the habitable zone of its star.

71. Who of the following organized a march on

the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law inApril 1930?

(a) V.O Chidambaram Pillai

(b) C. Rajagopalachari

(c) K. Kamaraj

(d) Annie Besant

Ans.: (b)

72. Who of the following founded a new city onthe south bank of a tributary to river Krishna

and undertook to rule his new kingdom asthe agent of a deity to whom all the landsouth of the river Krishna was supposed tobelong?

(a) Amoghavarsha I

(b) Ballala II

(c) Harihara I

(d) Prataparudra II

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: Amoghavarsha I Rashtrakuta ruler whofounded a new capital at Malkhed orManyakheta is therefore ruled out.

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


13GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

The founder of the kingdom with capital onthe south bank of a tributary to river Krishnawere Sangama brothers Harihara I and BukkaI who declared themselves free and foundedthe Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar in the year1336 with the help of Vidyaranya.

Vijaynagar was situated on the southern bank

of the river Tungabhadra. The place appears tohave had been specially chosen by Vidyaranyabecause of many legends associated with it.

Vijayanagara literally means "city of victory". Itwas the name of both a city and an empire.


1. The first woman President of the IndianNational Congress was Sarojini Naidu.

2. The first Muslim President of the Indian

National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (b)

74. Which of the following statements regarding 'Green Climate Fund' is/are correct?

1. It is intended to assist the developingcountries in adaptation and mitigationpractices to counter climate change.

2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP,OECD, Asian Development Bank and WorldBank.


(a) 1 only(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (a)

Exp.: The Green Climate Fund is a fund within theframework of the UNFCCC founded as amechanism to redistribute money from thedeveloped to the developing world, in order toassist the developing countries in adaptationand mitigation practices to counter climatechange. The GCF is based in thenew Songdo district of Incheon, South Korea. It

is governed by a Board of 24 members andinitially supported by an Interim Secretariat.

The GCF will support projects, programmes,policies and other activities in developingcountry Parties. The Fund is governed by theGCF Board. The assets of the GCF will beadministered by a trustee only for the purpose

of, and in accordance with, the relevantdecisions of the GCF Board. The World Bankwas invited by the COP to serve as the interimtrustee of the GCF, subject to a review threeyears after operationalization of the Fund. TheCOP also decided that the GCF was to bedesigned by the Transitional Committee (TC).

75. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace,Disarmament and Development for 2014 wasgiven to which of the following?

a. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

b. Indian Institute of Science

c. Indian Space Research Organization

d. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

Ans.: (c)

76. With reference to cabinet mission, which ofthe following statements is/are correct?

1. It recommended a federal government.

2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 1 and 3

(d) None

Ans.: (a)

77. Which one of the following National Parkshas a climate that varies from tropical tosubtropical, temperate and arctic?

(a) Khangchendzonga National park

(b) Nandadevi National Park

(c) Neora Valley National Park

(d) Namdapha National park

Ans.: (b)

78. Amnesty International is(a) an agency of the United Nations to help

refugees of civil wars

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P



C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

14

(b) a global Human Rights Movement

(c) a non-governmental voluntary organizationto help very poor people

(d) an inter-governmental agency to cater tomedical emergencies in war-ravaged regions

Ans.: (b)

79. With reference to art and archaeologicalhistory of India, which one among thefollowing was made earliest?

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar

(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli

(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram

(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

Ans.: (b)

80. With reference to Indian history, which of

the following is/are the essential elementaryelements of the feudal system?

1. A very strong centralized political authorityand a very weak provincial or local politicalauthority.

2. Emergence of administrative structure basedon control and possession of land.

3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship betweenthe feudal lord and. his overlord.


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans.: (b)

81. 'BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustain-ableForest Landscapes' is managed by the

(a) Asian Development Bank(b) International Monetary Fund

(c) United Nations Environment Programme

(d) World Bank

Ans.: (d)

82. India is a member of which of the following?

1. Asia-Pacific economic corporation.

2. Association of South-East Asian Nations.

3. East Asia Summit


(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1, 2, and 3

(d) India is a member of none of them

Ans.: (b)

83. In India the steel production industry requires

the import of

(a) saltpetre

(b) rock phosphate

(c) coking coal

(d) All of the above

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: Saltpetre: In heat treatment of metals as amedium temperature molten salt bath, usuallyin combination with sodium nitrite. A similar

bath is used to produce a durable blue/blackfinish typically seen on firearms. Its oxidizingquality, water solubility, and low cost make itan ideal short-term rust inhibitor.

In addition to phosphate fertilisersfor agriculture, phosphorus from rockphosphate is also used in animal feedsupplements, food preservatives, anti-corrosionagents, cosmetics, fungicides, ceramics, watertreatment and metallurgy.

The US is the world's leading producer andexporter of phosphate fertilizers, accounting forabout 37% of world P 2O5exports. China,the United States and Morocco are the world'slargest miners of phosphate rock. Othercountries with significant productioninclude Brazil, Russia, Jordan and Tunisia.

Availability of these three substances are low inIndia and we import them from other countries.

84. The provisions in the Fifth Schedule and SixthSchedule in the Constitution of India are madein order to

1. protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes

2. determine the boundaries between states

3. determine the powers, authorities, andresponsibilities of Panchayats

4. protect the interests of all the border States

Ans.: (a)

85. With reference to the Union Governmentconsider the following statements.

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


15GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

1. The Department of Revenue is responsiblefor the preparation of Union Budget that ispresented to the parliament

2. No amount can be withdrawn from theConsolidated Fund of India without theauthorization of Parliament of India.

3. All the disbursements made from Public

Account also need the Authorization fromthe Parliament of India

Which of the following statements givenabove is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 2 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Ans.: (c)

86. Who/Which of the following is the Custodianof the Constitution of India?

(a) The President of India

(b) The Prime Minister of India

(c) The Lok Sabha Secretariat

(d) The Supreme Court of India

Ans.: (d)


1. The Accelerated Irrigation BenefitsProgramme was launched during 1996-97to provide loan assistance to poor fanners.

2. The Command Area DevelopmentProgramme was launched in 1974-75 forthe development of water-use efficiency.


(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (b)

Exp.: The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme(AIBP) was launched during 1996-97 to giveloan assistance to the States to help themcomplete some of the incomplete major/mediumirrigation projects, which were in advancedstages of completion.

88. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committeeis constituted under the

(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

(b) Geographical Indications of Goods(Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

(c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Ans.: (c)

89. In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an

initiative of six countries, which of thefollowing is/are not a participant/ participants?

1. Bangladesh

2. Cambodia

3. China

4. Myanmar

5. Thailand


(a) 1 only(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 1, 2 and 5

Ans.: (c)

90. 'Basel III Accord' or simply 'Basel III', oftenseen in the news, seeks to

(a) develop national strategies for theconservation and sustainable use of

biological diversity(b) improve banking sector's ability to deal with

financial and economic stress and improverisk management

(c) reduce the greenhouse gas emissions butplaces a heavier burden on developedcountries

(d) transfer technology from developedCountries to poor countries to enable themto replace the use of chlorofluorocarbons inrefrigeration with harmless chemicals.

Ans.: (b)


1. The winds which blow between 30o N and60o S latitudes throughout the year areknown as westerlies.

2. The moist air masses that cause winter ramsin North-Western region of India are partof westerlies.


(a) 1 only

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P



C H R O

N I C L E

I A S

A C A

D E M

Y

16

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: Westerlies wind blow between 30o N to 60o Nand 30o S to 60o S latitudes throughout the

year are known as westerlies, but in the optiongiven above also shows the equatorial zone inbetween the 30o N and 60o S latitudes. So, thisis a wrong statement.

We describe here about the westerlies whichare surface wind but in India winter rainfall isdue to 'westerly jet' which is an upperatmospheric wind.

92. With reference to 'Indian Ocean RimAssociation for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)',

Consider the following statements:

1. It was established very recently in responseto incidents of piracy and accidents of oilspills

2. It is an alliance meant for maritime securityonly

Which of the following statements givenabove is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans.: (d)

93. Which one of the following movements hascontributed to a split in the Indian NationalCongress resulting in emergence of 'moderates'and 'extremists'?

(a) Swadeshi Movement

(b) Quit India Movement

(c) Non-Cooperation Movement

(d) Civil Disobedient Movement

Ans.: (a)

94. In a particular region in India, the localpeople train the roots of living tree into robustbridges across the streams. As the time passesthese bridges become stronger. These unique

'Living Root Bridges' are found in

1. Meghalaya

2. Himachal Pradesh

3. Jharkhand

4. Tamil Nadu

Ans.: (a)

95. Tides occur in oceans and seas due to whichof the following?

1. Gravitational Force of the Sun

2. Gravitational Force of the Moon

3. Centrifugal Force of the Earth


1. 1 only

2. 2 and 3 only

3. 1 and 3 only

4. 1, 2, and 3

Ans.: (d)

96. In which of the following activities are IndianRemote Sensing (IRS) satellites used?

1. Assessment of crop productivity

2. Locating ground water resources

3. Mineral exploration

4. Telecommunications

5. Traffic studies


1. 1, 2 and 3 only

2. 4 and 5 only

3. 1 and 2 only

4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans.: (a)

97. Consider the following States:

1. Arunachal Pradesh

2. Himachal Pradesh

3. Mizoram

In which of the following states do "Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests" occur?

1. 1 only

2. 2 and 3 only

3. 1 and 3 only

4. 1, 2 and 3

Ans.: (c)

Exp.: There is a huge variation in the climaticconditions of Himachal Pradesh due to variation

7/24/2019 Prelims 2015 GS P


17GS Paper (Set B)

C H R

O N I C

L E

I A

S A C

A D E M

Y

in altitude (450-6500 metres). The climate variesfrom hot and sub-humid tropical (450-900metres) in the southern low tracts, warm andtemperate (900-1800 metres), cool and temperate(1900-2400 metres) and cold glacial and alpine(2400-4800 metres) in the northern and easternhigh elevated mountain ranges.

98. The term 'IndARC' sometimes seen in thenews, is the name of?

1. an indigenously developed radar systeminducted into Indian Defence

2. India's satellite to provide services to thecountries of Indian Ocean Rim

3. a scientific establishment set up by India inAntarctic region

4. India's underwater observatory toscientifically study the Arctic region

Ans.: (d)

Exp.: Deep in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean,an Indian observatory is quietly churning outdata that is expected to help scientistsunderstand the Arctic climate process and itsinfluence on the Indian monsoon system.

The deployment of IndARC, the country's firstunderwater moored observatory in theKongsfjorden fjord, half way between Norway

and the North Pole, represents a major milestonein India's scientific endeavours in the Arcticregion.

99. With reference to 'Forest Carbon PartnershipFacility', which of the following statementsis/are correct?

1. it is global partnership of governments,businesses, civil society and indigenouspeoples

2. it provides financial aid to universities,individual scientists and institutions involvedin scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologiesfor sustainable forest management

3. It assists the countries in their 'REDD+(Reducing Emission from Deforestation andForest Degradation+)' efforts by providingthem with financial and technical assistance.


1. 1 only

2. 2 and 3 only

3. 1 and 3 only

4. 1, 2 and 3

Ans.: (d)

100. Which one of the following was givenclassical language status recently?

1. Odia

2. Konkani

3. Bhojpuri

4. Assamese

Ans.: (a)

Exp.: Odia became the sixth language of the countryto get "classical language'' status after the Union

Cabinet conceded a long-pending demand forputting it in the same league as Sanskrit, Tamil,Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

Odia is billed as the first language from theIndo-Aryan linguistic group and the case formaking it a classical language was also premisedon the fact that it has no resemblance to Hindi,Sanskrit, Bengali and Telugu.

Prelims 2015 GS P

Documents

Transcript of Prelims 2015 GS P