UPSC Prelims 2021 question paper: sample questions

Question 1

With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous

Accepted Answer

playwrights

Answer

Jain monks

Answer

temple architects

Answer

philosophers

Question 2

With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 4

Answer

1 and 2

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Question 3

The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increase in the banking habit of the people

Answer

Increase in the Cash Reser ve Ratio in the banks

Answer

Increase in the Statutory Liquidity Ratio in the banks

Answer

Increase in the population of the country

Question 4

Consider the following statements.
1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in public interest.
3. The Gover nor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.
Which of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 5

Which one of the following is likely to be the most inflationary in its effect?

Accepted Answer

Creation of new money to finance a budget deficit

Answer

Repayment of public debt

Answer

Borrowing from the public to finance a budget deficit

Answer

Borrowing from the banks to finance a budget deficit

Question 6

The ‘ Common Carbon Metric’, supported by UNEP, has been developed for

Accepted Answer

assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.

Answer

enabling commercial fanning entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading.

Answer

enabling gover nments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries.

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assessing the overall carbon foot-print caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time.

Question 7

Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000:
1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.
2. The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.
3. Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.
Which of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 8

Which one of the following best defines the term ‘State’?

Accepted Answer

A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government

Answer

A politically organized people of a definite territory and possessing an authority to govern them, maintain law and order, protect their natural rights and safeguard their means of sustenance

Answer

A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government

Answer

A society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary

Question 9

In the conte xt of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.
2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Question 10

Consider the following rivers:
1. Brahmani
2. Nagavali
3. Subarnarekha
4. Vamsadhara
Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?

Accepted Answer

2 and 4 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

3 and 4 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

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