MCQOPTIONS
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MCQOPTIONS
This section includes 86 Mcqs, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your UPSC IAS Exam knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.
| 51. |
In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance. Which one of the following statements is correct in this context? |
| A. | The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics |
| B. | The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas |
| C. | . The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines |
| D. | It is a source of high quality biodiesel |
| Answer» C. . The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of anti-histamines | |
| 52. |
With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement (1). They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. (2). They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool. (3). They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
| A. | . 1 only |
| B. | . 2 and 3 only |
| C. | 3 only |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer» C. 3 only | |
| 53. |
With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called ‘coalbed methane’ and ‘shale gas’, consider the following ‘statements: (1). Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. (2). In India abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found. 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 |
| Answer» E. | |
| 54. |
Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1). It is a surface-to-surface missile. (2). It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. (3). It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | . 1 only |
| B. | 2 and 3 only |
| C. | 1 and 3 only |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer» B. 2 and 3 only | |
| 55. |
Consider the following countries : (1). Denmark (2). Japan (3). Russian Federation (4). United Kingdom (5). United States of America Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council ‘? |
| A. | . 1, 2 and 3 |
| B. | 2, 3 and 4 |
| C. | 1, 4 and 5 |
| D. | 1, 3 and 5 |
| Answer» E. | |
| 56. |
Recently, a series of uprisings of people referred to as ‘Arab Spring’ originally started from |
| A. | . Egypt |
| B. | Lebanono |
| C. | . Syria |
| D. | Tunisia |
| Answer» E. | |
| 57. |
In the context of Indian economy; which of the following is/are the purpose/purposes of ‘Statutory Reserve Requirements’? (1). To enable the Central Bank to control the amount of advances the banks can create (2). To make the people’s deposits with banks safe and liquid (3). To prevent the commercial banks from making excessive profits (4). To force the banks to have sufficient vault cash to meet their day-to-day requirements Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 1 and 2 only |
| C. | 2 and 3 only |
| D. | . 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Answer» C. 2 and 3 only | |
| 58. |
What is/are the facility/facilities the beneficiaries can get from the services of Business Correspondent (Bank Saathi) in branchless areas? (1). It enables the beneficiaries to draw their subsidies and social security benefits in their villages. (2). It enables the beneficiaries in the rural areas to make deposits and withdrawals. Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 2 only |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 |
| Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2 | |
| 59. |
The terms ‘Marginal Standing Facility Rate’ and ‘Net Demand and Time Liabilities’, sometimes appearing in news, are used in relation to |
| A. | banking operations |
| B. | communication networking |
| C. | . military strategies |
| D. | supply and demand of agricultural products |
| Answer» B. communication networking | |
| 60. |
. With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/constitute the Current Account? (1). Balance of trade (2). Foreign assets (3). Balance of invisibles (4). Special Drawing Rights Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 2 and 3 |
| C. | 1 and 3 |
| D. | 1, 2 and 4 |
| Answer» D. 1, 2 and 4 | |
| 61. |
The main objective of the 12th Five-Year Plan is |
| A. | inclusive growth and poverty reductions |
| B. | inclusive and sustainable growth |
| C. | . sustainable and inclusive growth to reduce unemployment |
| D. | faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth. |
| Answer» E. | |
| 62. |
What does venture capital mean? |
| A. | A short-term capital provided to industries |
| B. | . A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs |
| C. | . Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses |
| D. | Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries |
| Answer» C. . Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses | |
| 63. |
The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a |
| A. | tax imposed by the Central Government |
| B. | tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government |
| C. | . tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government |
| D. | . tax imposed and collected by the State Government |
| Answer» E. | |
| 64. |
Which of the following Kingdoms were associated with the life of the 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 4 |
| C. | 3 and 4 only |
| D. | . 1, 3 and 4 |
| Answer» D. . 1, 3 and 4 | |
| 65. |
Which of the following are some important pollutants released by steel industry in India? (1). Oxides of sulphur (2). Oxides of nitrogen (3). Carbon monoxide (4). Carbon dioxide Select the correct answer using the code given below |
| A. | 1, 3 and 4 only |
| B. | 2 and 3 only |
| C. | 1 and 4 only |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Answer» E. | |
| 66. |
If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? (1). Oak (2). Rhododendron (3). Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code given below |
| A. | 1 and 2 only |
| B. | 3 only |
| C. | 1 and 3 only |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer» B. 3 only | |
| 67. |
Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of |
| A. | algae and bacteria |
| B. | algae and fungi |
| C. | bacteria and fungi |
| D. | fungi and mosses |
| Answer» C. bacteria and fungi | |
| 68. |
In medieval India, the designations ‘Mahattara’ and ‘Pattakila’ were used for |
| A. | . military officers |
| B. | village headmen |
| C. | specialists in Vedic rituals |
| D. | chiefs of craft guilds |
| Answer» C. specialists in Vedic rituals | |
| 69. |
If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which of the following is/are such bird/birds? (1). Painted Stork (2). Common Myna (3). Black-necked Crane Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 and 2 |
| B. | 2 only |
| C. | . 2 and 3 |
| D. | 3 only |
| Answer» C. . 2 and 3 | |
| 70. |
Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Earth? (1). Volcanic action (2). Respiration (3). Photosynthesis (4). Decay of organic matter Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 and 3 only |
| B. | . 2 only |
| C. | 1, 2 and 4 only |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Answer» D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 | |
| 71. |
Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament? |
| A. | The Committee on Public Accounts |
| B. | The Committee on Estimates |
| C. | The Committee on Public Undertakings |
| D. | The Committee on Petitions. |
| Answer» C. The Committee on Public Undertakings | |
| 72. |
Consider the following : (1). Bats (2). Bears (3). Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals? |
| A. | 1 and 2 only |
| B. | 2 only |
| C. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| D. | Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above |
| Answer» D. Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above | |
| 73. |
Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? (1). They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment. (2). They are able to accumulate in humans and animals. Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 2 only |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 |
| Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2 | |
| 74. |
The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to |
| A. | solve the problem of minorities in India |
| B. | give effect to the Independence Bill |
| C. | delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan |
| D. | enquire into the riots in East Bengal |
| Answer» D. enquire into the riots in East Bengal | |
| 75. |
Other than poaching, what are the possible reasons for the decline in the population of Ganges River Dolphins? (1). Construction of dams and barrages on rivers (2). Increase in the population of crocodiles in rivers (3). Getting trapped in fishing nets accidentally (4). Use of synthetic fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals in crop-fields in the vicinity of rivers Select the correct answer using the code given below |
| A. | 1 and 2 only |
| B. | 2 and 3 only |
| C. | 1, 3 and 4 only |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Answer» D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 | |
| 76. |
Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms? (1). Continental drift (2). Glacial cycles Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | . 2 only |
| C. | Both 1 and 2 |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 |
| Answer» D. Neither 1 nor 2 | |
| 77. |
Consider the following diseases (1). Diphtheria (2). Chickenpox (3). Smallpox Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India? |
| A. | 1 and 2 only3 only |
| B. | 3 only |
| C. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| D. | None |
| Answer» C. 1, 2 and 3 | |
| 78. |
With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: (1). The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009. (2). South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping. 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 |
| Answer» C. Both 1 and 2 | |
| 79. |
With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (1). It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention. (2). It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 2 only |
| C. | . Both 1 and 2 |
| D. | Neither 1 nor 2 |
| Answer» C. . Both 1 and 2 | |
| 80. |
Consider the following languages : (1). Gujarati (2). Kannada (3). Telugu Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government? |
| A. | 1 and 2 only |
| B. | 3 only |
| C. | 2 and 3 only |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer» D. 1, 2 and 3 | |
| 81. |
With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: (1).’Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process. (2). Photovoltaics generate Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). (3). India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics. Which of the statements given above is / are correct? |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 2 and 3 only |
| C. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| D. | None |
| Answer» B. 2 and 3 only | |
| 82. |
With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? |
| A. | It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’ |
| B. | . It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level |
| C. | It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with specific aim to protect their environment. |
| D. | Both A and B |
| Answer» B. . It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at global level | |
| 83. |
With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements : (1). It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment and Forests. (2). It strives to conserve nature through actionbased research, education and public awareness. (3). It organizes and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
| A. | 1 and 3 only |
| B. | 2 only |
| C. | 2 and 3 only |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer» D. 1, 2 and 3 | |
| 84. |
Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? |
| A. | Andaman and Nicobar |
| B. | Nicobar and Sumatra |
| C. | Maldives and Lakshadweep |
| D. | Sumatra and Java |
| Answer» B. Nicobar and Sumatra | |
| 85. |
What are the significances of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’? (1). Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. (2). Drip irrigation can be practiced very effectively in this. (3). There is no application of chemical/ inorganic fertilizers at all in this. (4). The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation. Select the correct answer using the code given below. |
| A. | . 1 and 3 only |
| B. | 1, 2 and 4 only |
| C. | 2, 3 and 4 only |
| D. | 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Answer» C. 2, 3 and 4 only | |
| 86. |
Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy. 2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium. 3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. |
| A. | 1 only |
| B. | 2 and 3 only |
| C. | 1 and 3 only |
| D. | 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer» B. 2 and 3 only | |