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UPSC Prelims 2018

100 questions, in the order they were asked.

2018 · Q1Indian PolityParliament & State Legislaturesmoderate

Consider the following statements : 1. In the first Lok Sabha, the single largest party in the opposition was the Swatantra Party. 2. In the Lok Sabha, a "Leader of the Opposition" was recognised for the first time in 1969. 3. In the Lok Sabha, if a party does not have a minimum of 75 members, its leader cannot be recognised as the Leader of the Opposition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

2018 · Q3Indian EconomyAgriculture & Rural Developmentdifficult

As per the NSSO 70th Round "Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households", consider the following statements : 1. Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households. 2. Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs. 3. In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

2018 · Q4Environment & EcologyEnvironmental Governance & Legislationmoderate

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government. 2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. 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(b) 2 only

2018 · Q6Indian EconomyDigital Payments & Financial Inclusioneasy

Which one of the following best describes the term "Merchant Discount Rate" sometimes seen in news ?

  1. (a)The incentive given by a bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that bank.
  2. (b)The amount paid back by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services.
  3. (c)The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank's debit cards.
  4. (d)The incentive given by the Government to merchants for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.
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Official answer(c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank's debit cards.

2018 · Q7Science & TechnologyEnergy & Environmentmoderate

What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming the member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group' ? 1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies. 2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)". 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

2018 · Q8Indian EconomyTaxationmoderate

With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. 2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the "Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements". Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  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(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2018 · Q9Indian EconomyFiscal Policy & Budgetdifficult

Consider the following statements : 1. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments. 2. The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments. 3. As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government's consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

2018 · Q20Indian PolityParliament & State Legislaturesmoderate

With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation ?

  1. (a)Committee on Government Assurances
  2. (b)Committee on Subordinate Legislation
  3. (c)Rules Committee
  4. (d)Business Advisory Committee
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Official answer(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation

2018 · Q21Indian PolitySocial Justice & Vulnerable Sectionsmoderate

Consider the following statements : 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

2018 · Q25Indian EconomyHuman Development, Poverty & Employment Schemesmoderate

With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements : 1. The families coming under the category of 'below poverty line (BPL)' only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains. 2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card. 3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a 'take-home ration' of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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