UPSC Prelims 2011 — solved PYQs

Question 1

Economic growth is often associated with moderate inflation because: (A) Expanding demand and investment can put upward pressure on prices (B) Growth always produces deflation (C) Growth eliminates all supply bottlenecks (D) Hyperinflation is a necessary feature of growth

Accepted Answer

(A) Expanding demand and investment can put upward pressure on prices — Correct. During growth phases, rising demand and capacity constraints can generate moderate inflation.

Question 2

What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices? (A) Bluetooth uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, whereas Wi-Fi can use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band (B) Bluetooth is used for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) only, whereas Wi-Fi is used for Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWAN) only (C) When information is transmitted between two devices using Bluetooth technology, the devices have to be in the line of sight of each other, but when Wi-Fi technology is used the devices need not be in the line of sight (D) Statements (a) and (b) given above are correct in this context

Accepted Answer

(A) Bluetooth uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, whereas Wi-Fi can use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band — Correct. Bluetooth operates only on 2.4 GHz, while Wi-Fi can use both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (and now also 6 GHz in Wi-Fi 6E).

Question 3

Microfinance typically includes which of the following services?
1. Small loans
2. Savings services
3. Insurance services
4. Fund transfers
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (A) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (B) 1 only (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1 and 4 only

Accepted Answer

(A) 1, 2, 3 and 4 — Correct. Modern microfinance may include credit, savings, micro-insurance and remittance or transfer services.

Question 4

Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, 'Unto this Last' and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi? (A) Uplifting the oppressed and poor is the moral responsibility of an educated man (B) The good of individual is contained in the good of all (C) The life of celibacy and spiritual pursuit are essential for a noble life (D) All the statements (a), (b) and (c) are correct in this context

Accepted Answer

(B) The good of individual is contained in the good of all — Correct. Gandhi drew from John Ruskin's 'Unto This Last' the moral insight that personal welfare is inseparable from collective welfare, an idea he later linked to sarvodaya (welfare of all).

Question 5

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consists of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a low-calorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use? (A) Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not readily oxidised in human body due to lack of requisite enzymes (B) When aspartame is used in food processing, the sweet taste remains, but it becomes resistant to oxidation (C) Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after ingestion into the body, it is converted into metabolites that yield no calories (D) Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation

Accepted Answer

(D) Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation — Correct. Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose, so only tiny amounts are needed to achieve the same sweetness, resulting in negligible caloric intake.

Question 6

The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon? (A) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth. (B) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones. (C) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region. (D) It has less human interference.

Accepted Answer

(B) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones. — Correct. The Himalayas lie at the junction of the Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan biogeographical zones, creating a convergence of species from different evolutionary lineages and altitudinal gradients that support exceptional diversity.

Question 7

Regarding 'carbon credits', which one of the following statements is NOT correct? (A) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol (B) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota (C) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission (D) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme

Accepted Answer

(D) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme — Correct (this is NOT correct). Carbon credits are traded on open markets at prices determined by supply and demand, not fixed by UNEP.

Question 8

What is a "Virtual Private Network"? (A) It is a private computer network of an organisation where remote users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the organisation (B) It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organisation's network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted (C) It is a computer network in which users can access a shared pool of computing resources through a service provider (D) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is a correct description of Virtual Private Network

Accepted Answer

(B) It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organisation's network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted — Correct. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel over the public internet, allowing users to access their organisation's private network from remote locations while maintaining data security.

Question 9

Which one of the following best distinguishes a vote-on-account from an interim budget? (A) Vote-on-account deals with both receipts and expenditure, while interim budget deals only with expenditure (B) Vote-on-account is passed by Rajya Sabha only, while interim budget is passed by Lok Sabha only (C) Vote-on-account provides for expenditure for a short period, while an interim budget can include a complete set of estimates (D) Vote-on-account can be used only by states, while interim budget is for the Union only

Accepted Answer

(C) Vote-on-account provides for expenditure for a short period, while an interim budget can include a complete set of estimates — Correct. Vote-on-account is a temporary expenditure authorization, whereas an interim budget may present the complete financial statement for a transition period.

Question 10

With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru Report?
1. Complete independence for India.
2. Joint electorates with reservation of seats for minorities.
3. Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the constitution.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (A) 1 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(B) 2 and 3 only — Correct. The Nehru Report proposed Dominion Status (not complete independence), supported joint electorates with minority safeguards, and included a catalogue of fundamental rights.

Question 11

Which one of the following is the best example of an invisible export for India? (A) Export of petroleum products (B) Export of engineering goods (C) Receipts from foreign tourists visiting India (D) Export of wheat by a public sector agency

Accepted Answer

(C) Receipts from foreign tourists visiting India — Correct. Spending by foreign tourists in India is treated as export of services and is therefore an invisible export.

Question 12

India is regarded as a country with 'Demographic Dividend'. This is due to: (A) Its high population in the age group below 15 years (B) Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years (C) Its high population in the age group above 65 years (D) Its high total population

Accepted Answer

(B) Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years — Correct. Demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential arising when the working-age population (15-64 years) is larger than the non-working-age (dependent) population. India's large share of people in this bracket creates a window of opportunity for accelerated economic growth.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the term 'fiscal stimulus'? (A) A massive government programme of investment in manufacturing only (B) Intense government affirmative action to boost economic activity through tax cuts and spending increases (C) A programme of stringent financial oversight over agriculture (D) Extreme affirmative action for financial inclusion of unbanked populations

Accepted Answer

(B) Intense government affirmative action to boost economic activity through tax cuts and spending increases — Correct. Fiscal stimulus involves deliberate government measures such as tax reductions and increased public spending to revive economic activity during slowdowns.

Question 14

India has at times experienced persistent food inflation due to which of the following?
1. Changes in dietary patterns toward protein-rich food
2. Supply bottlenecks in agricultural marketing and storage
3. Rising input costs in agriculture
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 1, 2 and 3 (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1 only

Accepted Answer

(B) 1, 2 and 3 — Correct. Dietary shifts, supply bottlenecks and higher input costs can all sustain food inflation.

Question 15

Teaser loans attracted concern because they were associated with: (A) An initial low interest rate that could later reset upward and increase default risk (B) Mandatory crop insurance cover for borrowers (C) Zero documentation for all borrowers by law (D) Priority sector lending only to SHGs

Accepted Answer

(A) An initial low interest rate that could later reset upward and increase default risk — Correct. Teaser loans can mask the long-term repayment burden and may create sub-prime style credit stress.

Question 16

The 'base effect' in inflation measurement refers to: (A) Changes in the composition of exports only (B) The impact of the previous year's price level on current inflation calculations (C) The use of barter instead of currency (D) A mandatory reduction in policy rates

Accepted Answer

(B) The impact of the previous year's price level on current inflation calculations — Correct. Inflation rates can appear high or low depending on how current prices compare with the price level in the base period.

Question 17

Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora? (A) Biosphere reserve (B) Botanical garden (C) National park (D) Wildlife sanctuary

Accepted Answer

(B) Botanical garden — Correct. Botanical gardens are ex-situ conservation facilities where plants are maintained outside their natural habitats for research, education and preservation of genetic material.

Question 18

Regarding the Indus Valley civilization, consider the following statements:
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 only (B) 2 only (C) Both 1 and 2 (D) Neither 1 nor 2

Accepted Answer

(C) Both 1 and 2 — Correct. The Indus civilisation was largely secular in character without massive temple complexes or dominant priestly architecture, and cotton textile fragments have been found at Mohenjo-daro, making both statements correct.

Question 19

A genetically engineered form of brinjal, known as the Bt-brinjal, has been developed. The objective of this is: (A) To make it pest-resistant (B) To improve its taste and nutritive qualities (C) To make it drought-resistant (D) To make its shelf-life longer

Accepted Answer

(A) To make it pest-resistant — Correct. Bt-brinjal contains the cry1Ac gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, producing a protein toxic to the fruit and shoot borer pest.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes disinvestment in India? (A) A policy of closing down all public enterprises (B) Sale of government equity in public sector enterprises (C) Only the transfer of land from PSUs to states (D) Conversion of public debt into grants

Accepted Answer

(B) Sale of government equity in public sector enterprises — Correct. Disinvestment refers to the sale or dilution of government ownership in public sector enterprises.

Question 21

When the annual budget is not passed by Lok Sabha, the consequence is: (A) The budget is modified and resubmitted by the Finance Minister (B) The budget is referred to Rajya Sabha for reconsideration (C) The Finance Minister is asked to resign (D) The Prime Minister submits the resignation of the Council of Ministers

Accepted Answer

(D) The Prime Minister submits the resignation of the Council of Ministers — Correct. Failure to pass the budget amounts to a vote of no-confidence in the government, leading to the resignation of the Council of Ministers.

Question 22

The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to: (A) Slow down the speed of neutrons (B) Increase the speed of neutrons (C) Cool down the reactor (D) Stop the nuclear reaction

Accepted Answer

(A) Slow down the speed of neutrons — Correct. Heavy water (D₂O) serves as a moderator in nuclear reactors, slowing down fast neutrons to thermal energies so they can sustain the fission chain reaction.

Question 23

Consider the following statements:
In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee:
1. Is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
2. Prepares the draft development plans for the metropolitan area.
3. Has the sole responsibility for implementing government-sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(A) 1 and 2 only — Correct. Metropolitan Planning Committees are provided for under Article 243ZE of the Constitution and their primary function is to prepare draft development plans for the metropolitan area as a whole. Statement 3 is incorrect.

Question 24

Which of the following can help reduce a current account deficit?
1. Currency devaluation that improves export competitiveness
2. Stable non-debt-creating capital inflows such as FDI
3. Strong export earnings growth
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (A) 1 only (B) 1 and 3 only (C) 1, 2 and 3 (D) 2 only

Accepted Answer

(B) 1 and 3 only — Correct. Currency competitiveness and stronger export earnings can improve the current account. FDI helps financing but does not itself reduce the current account balance directly.

Question 25

Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942? (A) It was a non-violent movement (B) It was led by Mahatma Gandhi (C) It was a spontaneous movement (D) It did not attract the labour class in general

Accepted Answer

(D) It did not attract the labour class in general — Correct (this is the untrue observation). The Quit India Movement did attract significant participation from the working class and labour. Workers in factories, railways, and other industries participated through strikes and sabotage, making it a broadly inclusive mass movement.

UPSC Prelims 2011 — solved PYQs

2011 PYQs by subject

Solved questions

Other years

Keep preparing

Practise 2011 questions