UPSC Prelims 2014 Question Paper with Answers & Explanations – Page 2

What are the significance 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.

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If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?

Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the 'Ten Degree Channel'?

Consider the following pairs:

Programme/Project : Ministry

1. Drought-Prone Area Programme : Ministry of Agriculture

2. Desert Development Programme : Ministry of Environment and Forests

3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas : Ministry of Rural Development

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

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 action-based 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?

With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?

With reference to technology 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 generates 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?

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?

Consider the following pairs:

1. Dampa Tiger Reserve : Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary : Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak : Nagaland

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

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.

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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?

Consider the following diseases:

1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox

Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?

1. Continental drift
2. Glacial cycles

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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

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The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

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.

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Consider the following:

1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents

The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?

Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

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

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If you walk through the countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which one of the following is/are such bird/birds?

1. Painted Stork
2. Common Myna
3. Black-necked Crane

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Which of the following have coral reefs?

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sundarbans

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In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following?

1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate

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The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

With reference to the cultural history of India, the term 'Panchayatan' refers to

Consider the following rivers:

1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri

Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

Consider the following pairs:

Wetlands : Confluence of rivers

1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy?

Consider the following pairs:

Hills : Region

1. Cardamom Hills : Coromandel Coast
2. Kaimur Hills : Konkan Coast
3. Maadeo Hills : Central India
4. Mikir Hills : North-East India

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of

Turkey is located between

What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north?

1. Bangkok
2. Hanoi
3. Jakarta
4. Singapore

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The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.

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The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from

In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the

What are the benefits of implementing the 'Integrated Watershed Development Programme'?

1. Prevention of soil runoff
2. Linking the country's perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table
4. Regeneration of natural vegetation

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Which of the following are associated with 'Planning' in India?

1. The Finance Commission
2. The National Development Council
3. The Union Ministry of Rural Development
4. The Union Ministry of Urban Development
5. Parliament

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Which of the following is/are the function/functions of the Cabinet Secretariat?

1. Preparation of agenda for Cabinet Meetings

2. Secretariat assistance to Cabinet Committees

3. Allocation of financial resources to the Ministries

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Consider the following statements:

A Constitutional Government is one which

1. Places effective restrictions on individual liberty in the interest of State Authority.
2. Places effective restrictions on the Authority of the State in the interest of individual liberty.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State?

1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President's rule

2. Appointing the Ministers

3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India

4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government

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