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UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - UPSC MCQ


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30 Questions MCQ Test - UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS)

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UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 1

The endeavour of ‘Janani Suraksha Yojana’ Programme is
1. To promote institutional deliveries
2. To provide monetary assistance to the mother to meet the cost of delivery
3. To provide for wage loss due to pregnancy and confinement
Q. Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 2

The Prime Minister of India, at the time of his/her appointment:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 2

The person who is not a member of either house of Parliament can be appointed as Prime Minister. But within six months he should become the member of either house of Parliament otherwise he ceases to be the Prime Minister. This was held in Supreme Court in 1997.

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UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 3

​With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements:
1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law.
2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders.
Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 3
  • The Delimitation commissionor Boundary commission of India is a commission established by the Government of India under the provisions of the Delimitation Commission Act.
  • The main task of the commission is redrawing the boundariesof the various assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies based on a recent census.
  • The representation from each Stateis not changed during this exercise. However, the number of SCand ST seats in a state are changed in accordance with the census.
  • The present delimitation of constituencies has been done on the basis of 2001 censusunder the provisions of Delimitation Act, 2002.
  • The Commission is a powerful and independent body whose orders cannot be challenged in a court of law. The orders are laid before the Lok Sabhaand the respective State Legislative Assemblies. However, modifications are not permitted.
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 4

Consider the following:
1. Hotels and restaurants
2. Motor transport undertakings
3. Newspaper establishments
4. Private medical institutions
​Q. The employees of which of the above can have the ‘Social Security’ coverage under “Employees’ State Insurance Scheme’?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 4

In March 1943, B. P. Adarkar was appointed by Government of India to create a report on health insurance scheme for industrial workers. The report became the basis for the Employment State Insurance (ESI) Act of 1948
The act was initially intended for factory workers but later became applicable to all establishments having 10 or more workers. As on 31 March 2016, the total beneficiaries are 82.8 million.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 5

According to the Constitution of India, it is the duty of the President of India to cause to be laid before the Parliament which of the following?
1. The Recommendations of the Union Finance Commission
2. The Report of the Public Accounts Committee
3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General
4. The Report of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes

Select the correct answer the using the codes given below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 5

The reports and statements get by president to be laid before parliament is / are as follows:

  1. Annual Financial Statement
  2. Reports of Auditor General
  3. Annual report of UPSC
  4. Reports of Finance Commission
  5. Reports of Special officers of SC & ST
  6. Report of the Special officers of Linguistic Minorities and Backward Classes.
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 6

A deadlock between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha calls for a joint sitting of the Parliament during the passage of
1. Ordinary Legislation
2. Money Bill
3. Constitution Amendment Bill
​Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 6
  • Joint sitting is an extraordinary machinery provided by the Constitution to resolve a deadlock between the two Houses over the passage of a bill.
  • A deadlock is deemed to have taken place under any one of the following three situations after a bill has been passed by one House and transmitted to the other House:
  • if the bill is rejected by the other House;
  • if the Houses have finally disagreed as to the amendments to be made in the bill;
  • or if more than six months have elapsed from the date of the receipt of the bill by the other House without the bill being passed by it.
  • In the above three situations, the president can summon both the Houses to meet in a joint sitting for the purpose of deliberating and voting on the bill.
  • In the case of a money bill, the Lok Sabha has overriding powers, while a Constitutional amendment bill must be passed by each House separately.üIt must be noted here that the provision of joint sitting is applicable to ordinary bills or financial bills only and not to money bills or Constitutional amendment bills.
  • If the bill (under dispute) has already lapsed due to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, no joint sitting can be summoned.üIn reckoning the period of six months, no account can be taken of any period during which the other House (to which the bill has been sent) is prorogued or adjourned for more than four consecutive days.

But, the joint sitting can be held if the Lok Sabha is dissolved after the President has notified his intention to summon such a sitting (as the bill does not lapse in this case). After the President notifies his intention to summon a joint sitting of the two Houses, none of the Houses can proceed further with the bill

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 7

How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?
1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.
2. DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.
3. DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and interdepartmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes.
​4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for antipoverty programmes.
Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 8

Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties, laid down in the Indian Constitution?
1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity
​Q. Select the correct answer, using the codes below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 8
  • to abide by the constitution and respect its ideal and institutions;
  • to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
  • to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
  • to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
  • to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional diversities, to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
  • to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
  • to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wild-life and to have compassion for living creatures;
  • to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
  • to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
  • to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement. Further, one more Fundamental duty has been added to the Indian Constitution by 86thAmendment of the constitution in 2002.
  • who is a parent or guardian , to provide opportunities for education to his child, or as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 9

What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the Supreme Court of India?
1. While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India .
2. The Supreme Court Judges can be removed by the Chief Justice of India only.
3. The salaries of the Judges are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
4. All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.
Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 9

C is the correct option. Only statement 4 is true.

  • The Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President under clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution. CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA : 2. Appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office.

  • A member of the higher judiciary, which means the Judges and Chief Justices of the Supreme Court of India and the state High Courts, can be removed from service only through the process of impeachment under Article 124 (4) of the Constitution.

  • There are two types of expenditure made from the Consolidated Fund of India- voted and charged. Voted expenditures are those which are discussed upon in the parliament or legislature and later becomes the budget of the country. (salaries are to be voted)

  • While appointing the Supreme Court Judges, the President of India has to consult the Chief Justice of India. ... All appointments of officers and staffs of the Supreme Court of India are made by the Government only after consulting the Chief Justice of India.

(the correct statement)

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 10

To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on Thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In thiscontext, what advantage does Thorium hold over uranium?
1. Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium.
2. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium.
3. Thorium produces less harmful waste in comparison to uranium.
​Q. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 10

The advantages of thorium

  • According to the UN nuclear agency IAEA there are many benefits with thorium compared to uranium, which is currently used in nuclear reactors.
  • To begin with, there is limited radioactive debris when thorium is used. And in terms of chemical stability and resistance to radioactivity thorium is a safer alternative compared to uranium.
  • Depending on the core process utilized, thorium leads to more energy that can be recovered from this cheap, available and relatively safe energy.
  • thorium is regarded as a less dangerous, less expensive, more accessible and more environmentally friendly alternative to uranium,
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 11

The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 11

Carbon dioxide molecules trap heat as they are transparent to sunlight but not to the heat radiation. If the amount of carbon dioxide crosses the delicate proportion of 0.03 per cent, the natural greenhouse balance may get disturbed. Carbon dioxide is the major contributor to global warming. 

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 12

Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 12

The correct option is B.
Carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen were primarily responsible for the origin of life on earth.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 13

What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of BT brinjal in India?
1. BT brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
2. The seeds of BT brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of BT brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
4. There is some concern that the introduction of BT brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.
Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 14

Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? 1. To enable them to withstand drought
2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
​4. To increase their shelf life
Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 15

Consider the following statements:
The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he
1. Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British
2. Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians
​3. Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else

Which among the above statements is/ are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 15

The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he was first Indian t get british parliament membership. He lived in London and got to know how Indian economy was being exploited by britishers, he wrote books like “unbritish rule” and hailed the concept of wealth drain from india to England. With his continuous efforts Indians  came to know about their wealth exploitation,this sensed nationalism among the people.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 16

With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput Kingdom period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
​3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras
Q. Select the correct answer using the codes below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 16
  • Dhrupad is the oldest surviving form of Indian Classical music and traces its origin to the chanting of vedic hymns and mantras. Though a highly developed classical art with a complex and elaborate grammar and aesthetics, it is also primarily a form of worship, in which offerings are made to the divine through sound or nada.
  • Dhrupad is a vocal tradition based on the practice of nada yoga, and is also performed on instruments like the Rudra Veena and the Sursringar. For the past five centuries Dhrupad has thrived primarily under the patronage of Mughal and Rajput kings.
  • A Dhrupad performance starts with the alap which is a slow and elaborate development of a Raga (mode) using free flowing melodic patterns. The elaboration of Dhrupad alap is done using the syllables of a mantric phrase 'om antaran twam, taran taaran twam, ananta hari narayan om'.
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 17

How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues are found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
​Q. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 17

Correct Answer :- a

Explanation : Dancing on brass plate is a feature of Kuchipudi and not Bharatnatyam.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 18

With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?
1. Meditation and control of breath
2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place
3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience
​Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 18

The early Sufis led an austere, simple life and conversed with people in their dialect, Hindawi or Hindi. These Sufi saints made themselves popular by adopting musical recitations called 'Sama', to create a mood of nearness to God. Many saints like Nizamuddin Auliya adopted Yogic breathing exercises, so much so that the Yogis called him a Sidh or "Perfect". So all the given statements are true.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 19

The Rowlatt Act aimed at

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 19

In the year 1919, the British Government passed a new rule called Rowlatt Act, under which the Government had the authority and power to arrest people and keep them in prisons without any trial if they are suspected with the charge of terrorism. The government also earned the power to refrain the newspapers from reporting and printing news. The Act was ill famed as 'Black Act' by the people and Indians revolt in protest against the Rowlatt Act.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 20

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because:
1. The Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence
2. The rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session
3. A resolution was passed rejecting the twonation theory in that Session
​Q. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 20

the lahore session was of great in the indian national movement for independence.it was in this session that purna swaraj was declared as india's goal.the leaders aimed for nothing but complete independence.this session also formed an important cause for the civil disobedience movement.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 21

With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker?
1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkup
2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization
4. Conducting the delivery of baby
​Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 22

Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?
1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces
2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims
​3. Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces
Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 22
  • The Act provided a dual form of government (dyarchy) for the major provinces.
  • In each such province, control of some areas of government, (transferred list), were given to a Government of ministers answerable to the Provincial Council. The transferred list included Agriculture, supervision of local government, Health and Education.
  • All other areas of government (reserved list) remained under the control of the Viceroy. The reserved list included Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Communications.
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 23

During Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 23

Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose.

  • Congress was founded in 1885 in Bombay, its organizers had a feeling that along with the political topic, a place should be given to the discussion of social topics also.
  • R. Raghunath Rao and MG Ranade addressed the congress on the subjects related to social reforms.
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 24

Which of the following parties ‘were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?
1. The Peasants and Workers Party of India
2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation
3. The Independent Labour Party
Q. Select the correct answer the codes given below:

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 24

Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF) was founded by Dr. Ambedkar in 1942 to fight for the rights of the Dalit community. SCF was the successor organization of the Independent Labour Party led by Ambedkar.

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 25

With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements
1. The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.
​2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 26

Consider the following crops of India:
1. Groundnut
2. Sesame
3. Pearl millet
​Q. Which of the above is / are predominantly rain fed crop/crops?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 26
  • Sesamum is mainly a rain fed crop and is grown on marginal, dry and sloppy lands. Nearly 80% of the area sown to groundnuts in India is rain fed and relies entirely on summer monsoon rainfall.
  • Among cereals, the main rain fed cereals grown in India are sorghum, pearl millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi).
  • Nearly 80% of the area sown to groundnuts in India is rain fed and relies entirely on summer monsoon rainfall.
  • Among cereals, the main rain fed cereals grown in India are sorghum, pearl millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi).
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 27

When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:
1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. Steep gradients causing land sliding
Q. Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

Detailed Solution for UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 27
  • Himalayas young mountain, youthful river flowing through that so deep gorges and U turn river courses 
  • Young and fold, so originated in series so parallel ranges
  • Steep gradient
UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 28

Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth’s surface, because:
1. The atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface
2. There is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3. The air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
​Q. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 29

The acidification of Oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. Survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected
​Q. Which among the statements given above is / are correct?

UPSC Prelims Past Year Paper 2012: Paper 1 (GS) - Question 30

In India other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Q. ​Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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