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UPSC Prelims 2010

150 questions, in the order they were asked.

2010 · Q126Science & TechnologyHealth & Diseaseseasy

Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition ?

  1. (a)When inhaled into the human body, CO is converted into CO₂
  2. (b)The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen
  3. (c)The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin
  4. (d)The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain
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Official answer(b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen

2010 · Q127Science & TechnologyHealth & Diseasesmoderate

Consider the following statements: 1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu. 2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu. 3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 and 2 only

2010 · Q128Science & TechnologyHealth & Diseasesmoderate

With regard to the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct ?

  1. (a)The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female
  2. (b)The chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections
  3. (c)An infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding
  4. (d)The risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle
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Official answer(a) The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female

2010 · Q129Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

What are the possible limitations of India in mitigating the global warming at present and in the immediate future ? 1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available. 2. India cannot invest huge funds in research and development. 3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 and 2 only

2010 · Q132Current AffairsInternational Organisations & Groupingsmoderate

In the context of bilateral trade negotiations between India and European Union, what is the difference between European Commission and European Council ? 1. European Commission represents the EU in trade negotiations whereas European Council participates in the legislation of matters pertaining to economic policies of the European Union. 2. European Commission comprises the Heads of State or government of member countries whereas the European Council comprises of the persons nominated by European Parliament. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)Both 1 and 2
  4. (d)Neither 1 nor 2
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2010 · Q134Indian EconomyFiscal Policy & Budgetmoderate

With reference to the National Investment Fund to which the disinvestment proceeds are routed, consider the following statements : 1. The assets in the National Investment Fund are managed by the Union Ministry of Finance. 2. The National Investment Fund is to be maintained within the Consolidated Fund of India. 3. Certain Asset Management Companies are appointed as the fund managers. 4. A certain proportion of annual income is used for financing select social sectors. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 2
  2. (b)2 only
  3. (c)3 and 4
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(c) 3 and 4

2010 · Q137Indian EconomyBanking & Financial Sectormoderate

With reference to the institution of Banking Ombudsman in India, which one of the statements is not correct ?

  1. (a)The Banking Ombudsman is appointed by the Reserve Bank of India
  2. (b)The Banking Ombudsman can consider complaints from Non-Resident Indians having accounts in India
  3. (c)The orders passed by the Banking Ombudsman are final and binding on the parties concerned
  4. (d)The service provided by the Banking Ombudsman is free of any fee
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Official answer(c) The orders passed by the Banking Ombudsman are final and binding on the parties concerned

2010 · Q139Modern HistoryAdvent Of Europeans & British Expansionmoderate

What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat ?

  1. (a)He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore
  2. (b)The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab
  3. (c)He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot and Pasrur)
  4. (d)He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom
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Official answer(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore

2010 · Q141Ancient HistoryBuddhism & Jainismmoderate

Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times ? 1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism. 2. The invading tribes from Central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists. 3. The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 3 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(a) 1 only