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UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - UPSC MCQ


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30 Questions MCQ Test UPSC Previous Year Question Papers and Video Analysis - UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS)

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC Previous Year Question Papers and Video Analysis preparation. The UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) questions and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus.The UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) MCQs are made for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) below.
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UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 1

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has been launched for:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 1

PMJDY main objective is financial inclusion

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 2

With Reference to the Fourteenth Finance Commission, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It has increased the share of States in the central divisible pool from 32 percent to 42 percent
2. It has made recommendations concerning sector-specific grants

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 2

The FFC has radically enhanced the share of the states in the central divisible pool from the current 32 percent to 42 per cent which is the biggest ever increase in vertical tax devolution. The FFC has not made any recommendation concerning sector specific-grants unlike the Thirteenth Finance Commission.

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UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 3

The ‘Fortaleza Declaration’ recently in the news, is related to the affairs of:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 3

Fortaleza Declaration issued at the 6th BRICS Summit

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 4

A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following?
1. Slowing economic growth rates
2. Less equitable distribution of national income
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 4

Key Points

  • A tax-to-GDP ratio is a gauge of a nation's tax revenue relative to the size of its economy as measured by gross domestic product (GDP).
  • The tax-to-GDP ratio is a measure of a nation's tax revenue relative to the size of its economy.
  • It determines how well a nation's government use its economic resources via taxation.
  • Developed nations typically have higher tax-to-GDP ratios than developing nations.
  • If the tax to GDP ratio is low it shows a slow economic growth rate.
  • The ratio represents that the government can finance its expenditure.
  • A higher tax to GDP ratio means that an economy's tax buoyancy is strong.
  • A lower tax-to-GDP ratio puts pressure on the government to meet its fiscal deficit targets.

​​​​​​

Important Points

Reasons behind low India's tax-GDP ratio:

  • The excise rate was 16 per cent in 2007-08, whereas it dropped to 12 per cent in consequent years. An expanding economy needs to maintain a 16% rate recovery.
  • The drop in customs revenue, from 2.02 per cent of GDP to 1.50 per cent.
  • The drop in corporate tax revenue, with GDP.
  • Excessive subsidies and revenue expenditure. 

Additional Information

  • It only shows growth in the economy not the distribution of national income. Hence statement 2 is incorrect
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 5

In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 5

The most proximate reasons for the lack of cyclone formation in the South Atlantic are sea surface temperatures that tend to run a shade cooler than ideal for tropical cyclone formation even in the southern summer, climatologically high values of vertical wind shear across that basin throughout the year, and a lack of pre-existing centers of rotation (vorticity) in that area.

This last point is due both to the absence of tropical waves similar to those generated over west Africa in the northern hemisphere and to the fact the the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which shifts toward the north in our summer and toward the south in the southern summer, usually stays at or north of the equator.

Though many people might speculate that the sea surface temperatures are too cold, the primary reasons that the South Atlantic Ocean gets few tropical cyclones are that the tropospheric vertical wind shear is much too strong and there is typically no inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) over the ocean. Without an ITCZ to provide synoptic vorticity and convergence (i.e. large scale spin and thunderstorm activity) as well as having strong wind shear, it becomes very difficult to nearly impossible to have genesis of tropical cyclones.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 6

Which of the following pairs of States of India indicates the eastern most and Western most State?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 6

The mainland of India, extends from Kashmir in the north to Kanniyakumari in the south and Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 7

Consider the following Statements regarding the DPSP/ Directive Principles of State Policy:
1. The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country.
2. The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.
Which of the statements given below are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 7

The directive principles are meant for promoting the ideal of social and economic democracy. However, unlike the Fundamental Rights, the directives are non-justiciable in nature, that is, they are not enforceable by the courts for their violation. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 8

In the Index of Eight Core Industries, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 8

The weights of the eight core industries are - 
Electricity (10.32%); Steel (6.68%); Petroleum refinery (5.94%); Crude oil (5.22%); Coal (4.38%); Cement (2.41%); Natural Gas (1.71%) and Fertilizer (1.25%). 
These 8 industries account for 37.90% weight in the Index of Industrial production (IIP).

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 9

Which of the following National Parks is unique in being a swamp with floating vegetation that supports a rich biodiversity?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 9

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is in Bishnupur district of Manipur. The Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world, is home to the last of the brow-antlered deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), one of the most endangered deer in the world.a

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 10

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)?
1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.
2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 10

National Innovation Foundation-India is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, based on the Honey Bee Network philosophy,  which provides institutional support to grassroots innovators and outstanding traditional knowledge holders from the unorganized sector of the society.
So statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 11

What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
1. Proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in soil can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place.
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 11

Nitrogen fixing bacteria converts N2 to Ammonium ion NH4+. with fertilizers already containing NH4 ions, there is no demand or need from plants for the symbiotic association. further, we can certainly assume that there is no positive correlation between fertilizers and bacterium

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 12

With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct using the code given below

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 12

IUCN has an observer status at the United Nations. Elimination 1 we get option (b) as answer.

IUCN is the only international observer organization in the UN General Assembly with expertise in issues concerning the environment, specifically biodiversity, nature conservation and sustainable natural resource use.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 13

The Fair and Remunerative Price of Sugarcane is approved by the

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 13

FRP is approved by CCEA and recommended by CACP 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 14

What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 14

The easterly Equatorial Counter-Current between about 40 and 100 N may be explained as follows, The overall effect of the Trade Winds is to drive water towards the west, hut the flow is blocked by the land masses along the western boundaries. As a result, in equatorial regions the sea-surface slopes up towards the west, causing an eastward horizontal pressure gradient force. Because winds are light in the Doldrums, water is able to flow down the horizontal pressure gradient in a current that is contrary (i.e. ‘counter’) to the prevailing wind direction. The zone of calm is the necessary and dominant factor here, though other factors play their role as well. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 15

Consider the following pairs:
Place of Pilgrimage: Location
1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills
2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills
3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 15

Srisailam is reputed for the shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna on the flat top of Nallamala Hills (Andhra Pradesh). Omkareshwar is situated on the Mandhata hills in Vindhya Mountains of Madhya pradesh. The Pushkar valley is formed between the Aravalli hills. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 16

With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the ‘Sedition Committee’
2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha Gandhiji tried to use the Home Rule League
3. Demonstrations against the Simon Commission coincided with the Rowlatt Satyagraha
Select the correct option from the codes given below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 16

Statement 1 and 2 are correct. The events between May 1916 to January 1919 give us the background of the establishment of the Satyagraha Sabha in Bombay under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The newly started Home League was the leading force in all these events, which prepared the ground for the April Satyagraha. The Satyagraha Sabha was organised with Mr. Gandhi as President, Mr. Horniman as Vice-President, and the leading Home Rulers on the Committee.  
Simon Commission was dispatched to India in 1928 way after Rowlett Satyagraha. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 17

Among the following which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 17

Other three options a, c and d contain countries of middle east, SE Asia/Indian ocean region and Latin America respectively. Hence, could be eliminated easily. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 18

With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using the coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.
Select the correct answer using the code given below

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 18

Fly ash is used in the manufacture of building materials and in construction activity, like replacement of cement in concrete. It contains trace levels of toxic elements (like e.g. arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, thallium, selenium, molybdenum and mercury) 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 19

With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 19

Feeding on sea grass, dugongs are found in sea grass beds, sheltered waters, lagoons and bays. Fourteen sea grass species are found in the marine waters in the country of which 13 are found in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay areas. Dugongs had been brought under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, the punishment for its poaching is imprisonment. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 20

Who of the following was/were economic critic/critics of colonialism in India?
1. Dadabhai Naoroji
2. G. Subramania Iyer
3. R. C. Dutt
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 20

Dadabhai Naoroji, R. C. Dutt, Ranade, Gokhale, G. Subramania Iyer, were among those who grounded Indian nationalism firmly on the foundation of antiimperialism by highlighting economic critique of colonialism. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 21

Which one of the following issues the “Global Economic Prospects” report periodically?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 21

World Bank publish the 'Global Economic Prospect's Report periodically 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 22

When the Reserve Bank of India reduces the Statutory Liquidity by 50 basis points, which of the following is likely to happen?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 22

The SLR cut by the RBI is likely to give more elbow room for banks to cut rates. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 23

With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 23

Both are correct. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 24

In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 24

In India, markets in agricultural products are regulated under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act enacted by States.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 25

Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 26

With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements:
1. It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
2. It wanted to establish the dictatorship of proletariat.
3. It advocated separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 26

Important features were consistent and militant antiimperialism, anti-landlordism, the organization of workers and peasants in trade unions and kisan sabhas, the acceptance of a socialist vision of independent India and of the socialist programme of the economic and social transformation of society. They were to give the Congress and the national movement a socialist direction; and that to achieve this objective they must organize the workers and peasants in their class organizations, wage struggles for their economic demands and make them the social base of the national struggle. They preferred methods adopted by Congress.
1st and 2nd statements can be related to radical communism in India during 1920 to 40. 3rd statement is also not related to CSP.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 27

Consider the following statements :
1. The Rajya Sabha has no power either to reject or to amend a Money Bill.
2. The Rajya Sabha cannot vote on the Demands for Grants.
3. The Rajya Sabha cannot discuss the Annual Financial Statement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 27

Statement 1 and 2 are right. 3rd statement is incorrect as Budget can be discussed by Rajyasabha.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 28

The Government of India Act of 1919 clearly defined

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 28

GOI Act,1919, relaxed the central control over the provinces by demarcating and separating the central and provincial subjects. The central and provincial legislatures were authorised to make laws on their respective list of subjects. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 29

Which of the following brings out the ‘Consumer Price Index Number for the Industrial Workers’?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 29

CPI(IW) is released by Labour Bureau.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 30

In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news :
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2015: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 30

IceCube is a particle detector at the South Pole that records the interactions of a nearly massless subatomic particle called the neutrino. IceCube searches for neutrinos from the most violent astrophysical sources: events like exploding stars, gamma-ray bursts, and cataclysmic phenomena involving black holes and neutron stars. The IceCube telescope is a powerful tool to search for dark matter and could reveal the physical processes associated with the enigmatic origin of the highest energy particles in nature. In addition, exploring the background of neutrinos produced in the atmosphere, IceCube studies the neutrinos themselves; their energies far exceed those produced by accelerator beams. IceCube is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometer of ice. It is burried upto 2.5 Km of depth. 

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