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UPSC Prelims 2018

100 questions, in the order they were asked.

2018 · Q53Indian PolityEmergency Provisionsmoderate

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

  1. (a)the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
  2. (b)the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.
  3. (c)Article 19 is suspended in that State.
  4. (d)the President can make laws relating to that State.
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Official answer(b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.

2018 · Q56Indian EconomyFinancial Markets & Capital Marketsmoderate

Consider the following statements : 1. The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities. 2. Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments. 3. Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

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

2018 · Q57GeographyAstronomy & Earth–Sun Systemmoderate

Consider the following statements : 1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years. 2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth. 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 · Q59Environment & EcologySustainable Agriculture & Forestrymoderate

With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation Agriculture ? 1. Avoiding the monoculture practices 2. Adopting minimum tillage 3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops 4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface 5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1, 3 and 4
  2. (b)2, 3, 4 and 5
  3. (c)2, 4 and 5
  4. (d)1, 2, 3 and 5
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Official answer(c) 2, 4 and 5

2018 · Q60Environment & EcologyBiodiversity & Conservationmoderate

The term "sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction" is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

  1. (a)Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
  2. (b)Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.
  3. (c)Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
  4. (d)Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
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Official answer(d) Mankind's over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

2018 · Q61Science & TechnologySpace Technology & Astronomymoderate

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements : 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2 only
  3. (c)2 and 3 only
  4. (d)None
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2018 · Q63Science & TechnologyBiotechnology & Geneticsmoderate

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements : 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. 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 · Q65Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gaseseasy

Which of the following statements best describes "carbon fertilization" ?

  1. (a)Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  2. (b)Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  3. (c)Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  4. (d)Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
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Official answer(a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

2018 · Q66Science & TechnologyComputer & Information Technologyeasy

When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day's weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario ?

  1. (a)Border Gateway Protocol
  2. (b)Internet of Things
  3. (c)Internet Protocol
  4. (d)Virtual Private Network
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Official answer(b) Internet of Things

2018 · Q69Modern HistoryGandhian Mass Movements (1915-1942)easy

Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha ?

  1. (a)Active all-India participation of lawyers, students and women in the National Movement
  2. (b)Active involvement of Dalit and Tribal communities of India in the National Movement
  3. (c)Joining of peasant unrest to India's National Movement
  4. (d)Drastic decrease in the cultivation of plantation crops and commercial crops
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Official answer(c) Joining of peasant unrest to India's National Movement