Civil Services- UPSC Scholarship Sample Test

A recession is defined as a decline in the growth rate of a country's gross domestic product (GDP) for two or more consecutive quarters of a year. This means that the overall economic output of the country is shrinking over a sustained period of time. It is a significant indicator of economic downturn, as it reflects a contraction in various sectors of the economy. During a recession, businesses may struggle, unemployment rates may rise, and consumer spending may decrease. Therefore, the correct answer accurately describes the definition of a recession.

Lord Cornwallis introduced Permanent settlement in 1793 under which zamindars were made owners of the land and permanent hereditary rights were given to them.

The criteria for declaring a language as classical mandates high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years, a body of ancient literature/texts which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers and a literary tradition that is original and not borrowed from another speech community.

Classical languages- Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia (granted classical status last year)

The Damodar Valley project provides several benefits, including flood control, a check on soil erosion, promotion of tourism, and hydroelectricity. Flood control is important in the region as it helps protect the surrounding areas from the devastating effects of floods. The project also helps in preventing soil erosion, which can lead to loss of fertile land and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the project promotes tourism by creating recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing. Lastly, the project generates hydroelectricity, which is a clean and renewable source of energy. Therefore, all the options listed in the answer are correct.

The correct answer is Hamitic Negroids. The characteristics of the human skeletons of the people of the Mesolithic age can be identified through the study of their physical traits. Hamitic Negroids refers to a group of people who have specific physical features such as dark skin, curly hair, and broad facial features. These characteristics are often associated with individuals of African descent. Therefore, the presence of Hamitic Negroids indicates that the skeletons belong to people from the Mesolithic age who had these physical traits.

The Punchhi Commission report was related to Centre-State relations. This report focused on examining and suggesting measures to strengthen the relationship between the central government and the state governments in India. It aimed to address issues such as autonomy, financial relations, and administrative coordination between the two levels of government. The report provided recommendations to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the Centre and the states, ensuring a harmonious and effective functioning of the federal structure of India.

The motion of the moon around the earth is due to the centripetal force. The centripetal force is provided by the force of attraction of the earth. If there were no such force, the moon would pursue a uniform straight line motion.

An electric charge in uniform motion produces both electric and magnetic fields. This is known as electromagnetic radiation. The electric field is produced by the charge itself, while the magnetic field is produced by the motion of the charge. These fields are perpendicular to each other and propagate outward from the charge. This phenomenon is fundamental to understanding the behavior of electricity and magnetism.

The CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention) treaty established a program for monitoring the illegal killing and hunting of elephants (MIKE) worldwide to systematically gather information on the illegal killing as well as trends in the population of elephants in Africa and Asia

The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, is an international treaty that focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It aims to protect wetland ecosystems and promote their wise use, recognizing their ecological importance and the benefits they provide to humans and the environment. The convention provides a framework for national action and international cooperation to safeguard wetlands, including the designation of Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance.

Khasi and Garo languages are mostly spoken in Meghalaya. Meghalaya is a state in northeastern India, known for its diverse ethnic groups and cultures. Khasi and Garo are two of the major indigenous languages spoken by the Khasi and Garo tribes respectively, who are the dominant ethnic groups in Meghalaya. Therefore, Meghalaya is the correct answer as it is the state where these languages are predominantly spoken.

The correct answer is A. 3,4. France and Romania are not basin countries of the Baltic Sea. The basin countries of the Baltic Sea are Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, and Belarus.

The Aitchison Commission recommended the creation of Provincial Civil Service. This suggests that the commission proposed the establishment of a civil service system at the provincial level, which would help in the administration and governance of the provinces in British India. The other options mentioned in the question, such as holding examinations in India, continuation of the term 'covenanted', and the portfolio system in administration, are not mentioned as recommendations of the Aitchison Commission.

Grants in aid provided for states for implementing various development programs and rehabilitation.

Using SpeedPay, the customers can transfer money to a bank account, pay for services and withdraw cash at bank branches, ATMs and BSNL outlets. The card can be used at any sale terminal that accepts the card.

Ranthambore is located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is famous for its population of tigers.

The CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention) treaty established a program for monitoring the illegal killing and hunting of elephants (MIKE) worldwide to systematically gather information on the illegal killing as well as trends in the population of elephants in Africa and Asia

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is authorized to audit the following according to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Act, 1971:
1. All receipts and expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring transparency and accountability in the financial operations of the government.
2. All stocks and stores of government offices, ensuring proper inventory management and prevention of misappropriation or misuse of government resources.
3. Accounts of all bodies funded by the Consolidated Fund, ensuring that the funds allocated to these bodies are utilized efficiently and effectively.
Therefore, the correct answer is (a) 1, 2, 3 are correct.

Cyclical unemployment refers to unemployment that occurs as a result of fluctuations in the overall economic activity. During periods of economic downturn or recession, businesses may experience a decrease in demand for their products or services, leading to a decrease in production and subsequently, job losses. This is the main cause of cyclical unemployment. The other options mentioned, such as discrimination in hiring practices, lack of marketable job skills, and workers voluntarily quitting jobs, may contribute to unemployment but are not the primary cause of cyclical unemployment.

The correct answer is "It refers to the long and sustained rise in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP)." Economic growth is measured by the increase in the real GDP of a country over a specific period of time. It indicates the overall expansion of an economy and is typically measured in terms of percentage change. A sustained rise in real GDP signifies a continuous and long-term improvement in the economic performance of a country, reflecting increased production and income levels.

Parliament has exclusive power to make any law with respect to any matter not enumerated in the Concurrent List or State List. Such power shall include the power of making any law imposing a tax not mentioned in either of those Lists.

The correct answer is (a) 2, 1, 3, 6, 4 and 5. This is because silicon has the highest percentage found in Earth's crust, followed by aluminum, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium in descending order.

The correct answer is (a) 2, 4 are correct. This is because statement 2 is correct as the salary and other conditions of the CAG are indeed prescribed by Parliament. Statement 4 is also correct as the administrative expenses of the CAG are charged on the Consolidated Fund.

Ligaments are the correct answer because they are the elastic tissues that hold bones together. Ligaments are strong and flexible, allowing for movement while providing stability to the joints. They connect bones to other bones and help to prevent excessive or abnormal movements that could lead to injury. Fibrous tissues, fibrin, and muscular tissues do not specifically hold bones together in the same way that ligaments do.

India regularly went for printing currency since the early 1970s and usually had to bear double digit inflations

Between 1990 and 1992, there was only Annual Plan, at that time Dr.Manmohan Singh (former Prime Minister of India) launched India's free market reforms that brought the nearly bankrupt nation back from the edge. It was the beginning of privatization and liberalization in India.

The major copper deposits of India are located in Hazaribag and Singbhum of Bihar. These regions have significant reserves of copper ore, making them important locations for copper mining in the country.

The curve suggests that lower the inflation, higher the unemployment and higher the inflation, lower the unemployment

The Central Administrative Tribunal adjudicates disputes with respect to the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union. This means that it deals with disputes related to the recruitment and conditions of service of government employees. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 only.

The correct answer is "I and III". This means that statements (I) and (III) are true about the Troposphere. Statement (I) states that the lowermost layer of the atmosphere is called the Troposphere, which is correct. Statement (III) states that the height of the Troposphere is more at the equator and lesser near the pole, which is also true.

By cutting down repo rate by RBI Commercial banks will be able to borrow more money from RBI and lend loans and by purchasing government securities from open market RBI flood money in economy so that people will have more money to invest .and RBI has no role to play in government budget. So(a) and (b) are correct

“Nutri-cereals” is the name given to millets like jowar and bajra since they are high in nutritive value compared to the crops like rice and wheat.

Under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the power to declare an area as a 'disturbed area' lies with the Governor of the state and the Central Government. The Chief Minister does not have the authority to declare an area as a 'disturbed area'. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

The correct answer is Banaras because Banaras, also known as Varanasi, was the capital of the kingdom of Kashi. Kashi was an ancient kingdom in India and Banaras was its political and cultural center. It was a prominent city known for its religious significance and was considered a holy place by Hindus.

Fish can survive inside a frozen lake because they move to the bottom of the lake where the water is at 4°C and hence cannot freeze. This is because fish are cold-blooded animals and their body temperature adjusts to the temperature of their surroundings. By moving to the bottom where the water is slightly warmer, they can avoid being frozen in the ice.

All of the given statements about Reserve Bank of India are correct. The Reserve Bank of India is the central bank of India, responsible for regulating the country's monetary and financial system. It was established in 1935 and is not a nationalized bank, but rather a statutory body. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

The Seshachalam Hills are hilly ranges part of the Eastern Ghats in southern Andhra Pradesh state, in southeastern India. In 2010 it was designated as a Biosphere Reserve.

P-waves, also known as primary waves, are the first earthquake waves to be recorded on a seismograph. These waves are the fastest and can travel through both solids and liquids. They cause particles in the ground to move back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling, creating a push-pull motion. Due to their speed, P-waves are the first to arrive at a seismograph station, followed by the slower S-waves and surface waves such as Rayleigh and Love waves. Therefore, P-waves are the initial seismic waves detected on a seismograph.

The given answer, 1 and 2, is correct because both statements are true. Statement 1 states that the new rules allow for eligibility of individuals excelling in fields other than art, literature, science, and public service. Statement 2 states that the number of annual awards is limited to a maximum of three in a particular year. Therefore, both statements are correct, making the answer 1 and 2.

Lingayatism is a distinct Shaivite denomination practiced in Karnataka India. They are mainly found in the central & north Karnataka districts . It makes several departures from mainstream Hinduism and propounds monotheism through worship centered on Lord Shiva in the form of linga universal God or Ishtalinga. It also rejects the authority of the Vedas, the caste system. However they do have Hindu beliefs such as reincarnation and karma.

Migration refers to the regular, recurrent and cyclical seasonal movement of birds from one place to other.

Margi represents the traditional and formal dance forms. The classical dances of India are margi.

Inclusive growth is a concept that advances equitable opportunities for economic participants during economic growth with benefits incurred by every section of society. Inclusive development consists of ensuring that all marginalized and excluded groups are stakeholders in development processes.

An integrated solid waste management system includes the minimization of wastes at the source. This means that efforts are made to reduce the amount of waste generated in the first place. By implementing strategies such as recycling, composting, and encouraging the use of reusable products, the overall volume of waste can be minimized. This approach is considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to simply collecting and disposing of waste.

Financial Inclusion Fund worth Rs. 2000 crore has been established by RBI

Markets and fairs’ is in the state list.

Statement 1 is correct because a lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the Earth's shadow. Statement 3 is correct because a blue moon is defined as the occurrence of a second full moon within one month. Statement 2 is incorrect because the tidal forces of the moon are actually stronger than those of the Sun. Therefore, the correct statements are 1 and 3.

Cilia,flagella, centrioles, ribosomes, microtubules, microfilaments, centrosomes, intermediate filaments are non-membrane bound organelles.

President of India can nominate 12 members to Rajya Sabha and 2 to Lok Sabha

When an object moves in a circle its speed remains constant but as the direction is constantly changing so is its velocity. This is because velocity has size and direction whereas speed only has size.

The Chitrakote Falls  is a natural waterfall located to the west of Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh on the Indravati River.

All are part of the Eastern Ghats.

The Himalayas are considered the youngest mountain range in the world because they are still actively growing due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision has caused the Himalayas to rise at a rate of approximately 5 millimeters per year. The ongoing geological processes in the region, such as the compression and folding of rock layers, indicate that the Himalayas are still in the process of formation. Therefore, the Himalayas are widely recognized as the youngest mountain range in the world.

X-chromosome-linked diseases are genetic disorders that are caused by mutations in genes located on the X chromosome. Since males have one X and one Y chromosome, they inherit the X chromosome from their mother and the Y chromosome from their father. As a result, if a father has an X-chromosome-linked disease, he cannot pass it on to his sons because they inherit the Y chromosome from him. However, daughters have two X chromosomes, one from each parent, so they can inherit the X-chromosome-linked disease from their carrier father. Therefore, an X-chromosome-linked disease is never passed on from father to son.

The President can be removed from his office before the expiration of his normal term only on the recommendation of the two Houses of Parliament. This means that both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha must agree to the removal of the President. This ensures that there is a democratic process in place and that the decision to remove the President is not taken lightly. It also provides a system of checks and balances, as both houses of Parliament have to agree on the recommendation, preventing any one body from having excessive power in the removal process.

The ongoing accumulation of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, leads to global warming. This increase in global temperatures has several consequences. Firstly, it causes extensive destruction of ozone in the polar regions, leading to the formation of the ozone hole. Secondly, it increases the levels of UV-radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can have harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. Lastly, global warming also affects the oceanic phytoplankton biomass, reducing its capacity to trap carbon dioxide, which contributes to further greenhouse gas accumulation. Therefore, all three statements are correct.

Saline water is denser than pure water, which is why a fresh egg sinks in pure water but floats in salt water. The density of a substance determines whether it will sink or float in another substance. Since saline water has a higher concentration of salt, it is denser than pure water. This increased density causes the egg to float in salt water as it is less dense than the surrounding liquid.

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms (LMOs)

The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the preparation of the agenda for Cabinet Meetings, as well as providing secretarial assistance to Cabinet Committees. It does not have the function of allocating financial resources to the Ministries, so option 1 and 2 only is the correct answer.

(A veto is qualified when it can be overridden by an extraordinary majority of the legislature and the bill can be enacted as law with such majority vote, overriding the executive veto. American President has the power of qualified veto.)

1.      Kinetic energy - energy of motion 2. Potential energy - energy of ``location'' with respect to some reference point. 3. Chemical energy - energy stored in chemical bonds, which can be released in reactions. 4. Electrical energy - energy created by separating charges; energy stored in a battery, for example.5. Thermal energy - energy given off as heat, such as friction.

Inflation redistributes wealth from creditors to debtors, i.e. lenders suffer and borrowers benefit out of
inflation. The opposite effect takes place when inflation falls (i.e. deflation).
Due to inflation, direct tax (income tax, interest tax, etc.) burden of the tax payers increases as
tax-payers also increases as tax payer’s gross income moves to the upward slabs of official tax buckets
(But the real value of money does not increase due to inflation; in fact, it falls).

Clean India Mission) is a national campaign by the Government of India, covering 4041 statutory towns, to clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country.It is India's biggest ever cleanliness drive and 3 million government employees and school and college students of India participated in this event.

The deep reds to bright orange-red soils of the tropics are a product of laterization. Laterization occurs
in the hot, rainy tropics where chemical weathering proceeds at a rapid rate. Soils subject to
laterization tend toward the acidic and lack much organic matter as decomposition and leaching is
extreme. Exposure of the soil to the hot tropic sun by deforestation bakes the soil dry, reducing
infiltration, increasing runoff, and reducing fertility.

On 2nd December, 1939, Jinnah celebrated the "Day of Deliverance". This day was significant because it marked the resignation of the Congress ministries in the provinces of British India. Jinnah saw this as a victory for the Muslim League, as it weakened the Congress and gave the Muslim League an opportunity to gain political power. The "Day of Deliverance" was seen as a step towards the creation of a separate Muslim state, which eventually led to the formation of Pakistan.

The correct answer is "Non-Kshatriyas". This means that the Nandas were the first rulers who did not belong to the Kshatriya caste, which is traditionally associated with rulers and warriors. This implies that they were from a different social or caste background, possibly from the Brahmana or Non-Brahmana castes.

When hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) react, they undergo a neutralization reaction where the H+ ions from the acid combine with the OH- ions from the base to form water (H2O). Since water is a neutral substance, the resulting solution will have a pH value of 7, which is considered exactly neutral on the pH scale. Therefore, the correct answer is "Exactly 7."

The Constitution provides that a House of Parliament may declare a seat vacant if a member is guilty of a breach of privilege of the Houses, if a member has been absent for 60 days without the permission of the House, or if a member resigns. This means that all three options (1, 2, and 3) are correct and can result in a seat being declared vacant.

Near the equator, the troposphere is thicker than at the poles, since the spinning of the Earth tends to shift air towards the equator. The thickness of the troposphere also varies with season. The troposphere is thicker in the summer and thinner in the winter all around the planet. The gravitational pull of the moon and the sun creates tides on the earth. While tides are most commonly associated with oceans and large bodies of water, gravity creates tides in the atmosphere and even the lithosphere (the surface of the earth). The atmospheric tidal bulge extends far into space.

Provincial autonomy replaced diarchy. The Governor could refuse assent to bills, promulgate ordinances and enact governor’s acts. Communal electorates were retained.

The percentage of gold in Indian coins under the reign of Gupta rulers showed a steady financial decline over the centuries as it decreases from 90% pure gold under Chandragupta I (319-335 CE) to a mere 75-80% under Skandagupta (467 CE). The coins of various Rajput princess ruling in Hindustan and Central India were usually of gold, copper or billon, very rarely silver.

Lake Victoria is the correct answer as it is the largest freshwater lake in Africa in terms of area. It is also the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, covering approximately 68,800 square kilometers. Located in East Africa, Lake Victoria is shared by three countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. It plays a significant role in the region's economy, supporting various industries such as fishing, transportation, and tourism. The lake is also a vital water source for millions of people living in the surrounding areas.

The tools used by Microlithic Age include blades, cores, points, and lunates. These tools were commonly used during this period for various purposes such as hunting, cutting, and scraping. Blades were sharp and elongated tools used for cutting and slicing, while cores were used as a source for producing flakes and blades. Points were used as hunting or piercing tools, and lunates were crescent-shaped tools used for cutting and scraping. These tools were essential for survival and played a significant role in the daily lives of people during the Microlithic Age.

Option 2 is wrong because its S.S.Tarapore Committee formed in 1997 which has given recommendation on full capital account convertibility

The Great Bath in the Citadel of Mohenjodaro most likely served as a place for ritual bathing which was essential for religious ceremonies in India. This is supported by archaeological evidence such as the presence of steps leading into the bath and the surrounding rooms which were possibly used for changing or for priests to perform rituals. Additionally, the Great Bath's location within the citadel suggests its significance and importance in religious practices.

Black soil is the best suited for cotton cultivation. This type of soil is rich in clay content and has good water retention capacity, which is essential for cotton plants. It also has high fertility and is well-drained, allowing for proper root development. Black soil is known for its ability to retain moisture during dry periods, which is beneficial for cotton crops. Additionally, it has good nutrient-holding capacity, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy cotton growth. Therefore, black soil is the most suitable for cotton cultivation.

Nehru-Liaqat Pact was a bilatersal treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1950 which recognised security as the right of the minorities.

Adrenaline is known as the Fight or flight hormone as it is released during the stress conditions

The correct answer is (a) 2, 3 are correct. This means that statement 2, which states that the election of the President cannot be challenged on the grounds of incompleteness of the electoral college, is correct. Additionally, statement 3, which states that the election of the Vice-President cannot be challenged on the grounds of incompleteness of the electoral college, is also correct. This implies that the election of the President can be challenged on the grounds of incompleteness of the electoral college, and the election of the Vice-President cannot be challenged on the same grounds.

The rotation of the earth on its axis does not directly affect the insolation at the surface of the earth. Insolation is primarily determined by the angle of inclination of the sun's rays and the transparency of the atmosphere. The rotation of the earth affects the duration of sunlight received at different locations, but not the intensity or amount of solar radiation reaching the surface.

The Bhumisparsha Mudra hand gesture, depicted in Lord Buddha's image, symbolizes both his calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and prevent disturbance during meditation, as well as his calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara. This gesture represents Buddha's connection with the Earth and his reminder to his followers that life is transitory, as all beings arise from the Earth and eventually dissolve back into it. Therefore, both statement (a) and (b) are correct in this context.

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only. This means that the pairs "Tabo monastery and temple complex: Spiti Valley" and "Alchi temple complex: Ladakh" are correctly matched. The pair "Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako: Zanskar Valley" is not correctly matched.

A Critically Endangered (CR) species is one which has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

The Great Lakes are a series of interconnected freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada–United States border, which connect to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron , Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, containing 21% of the world's surface fresh water by volume.

Ireland directly influenced the rising tide of nationalism. This is because Ireland experienced a long history of British rule and oppression, which led to the development of a strong nationalist movement seeking independence from British control. The Irish nationalist movement gained momentum throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, eventually leading to the establishment of the independent Republic of Ireland in 1922. The struggle for Irish independence and the strong sense of Irish nationalism had a significant impact on the broader global movement towards self-determination and the rise of nationalism in other countries.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 4 only. The explanation is that the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was negotiated at the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali. It aims to increase customs efficiency and reduce trade barriers that hinder the flow of goods and services across borders. The agreement recognizes that the cost of complying with border inefficiencies can be high and includes provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area.

Projects with a minimum amount of Rs. 1000 crores are tracked by the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council. This means that the council focuses on monitoring and evaluating projects that have a significant financial impact and are of substantial scale. It indicates that the council's resources and attention are directed towards larger projects that have the potential to significantly contribute to the manufacturing sector's competitiveness.

Eutrophication is the enrichment of water body by nutrients like Nitrogen and Phosphorus, often added by anthropogenic means like sewage runoff or agricultural runoff. Eutrophication leads to rapid increase in the algal population. The algae are decomposed by decomposers like bacteria which consume the oxygen in water. The oxygen becomes less for the fish in water. Hence, fish die.

4 and 5 are federal features which require special majority. Rest are outside the scope of article 368 and require simple majority.

Caretaker governments may be put in peace when a government in a parliamentary system is defeated in a motion of no confidence or in the case when the house to which the government is responsible is dissolved, to rule the country for an interim period until an election is held and a new government is formed. In India there is no provision in the constitution for caretaker government

The Punchhi Commission report was related to Centre-State relations. This report was a comprehensive study on the relationship between the central government and the state governments in India. It provided recommendations on various aspects such as distribution of powers, financial relations, administrative cooperation, and intergovernmental disputes. The report aimed to strengthen the federal structure of the country and ensure a harmonious relationship between the central and state governments.

Most of number of fungi found in Western Ghats

The act/process of financing/supporting a deficit budget by a government is deficit financing.