Current Affairs — UPSC Prelims practice questions

Question 1

Consider the following statements about Manmohan Singh, who passed away in December 2024:
1. He served as Finance Minister during the 1991 economic liberalization.
2. He served two consecutive terms as Prime Minister.
3. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha when he became Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 1 and 3 only (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(D) 1, 2 and 3 — Correct. Manmohan Singh was Finance Minister during 1991 liberalization, served as PM for two consecutive terms (2004-2014), and was a Rajya Sabha member throughout his tenure as PM.

Question 2

Which of the following correctly describes the 'PRASAD Scheme' (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive)? (A) A scheme to provide financial assistance to pilgrims below the poverty line (B) A scheme for holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations (C) A scheme to construct new temples at pilgrimage sites (D) A scheme exclusively for the conservation of Buddhist pilgrimage sites

Accepted Answer

(B) A scheme for holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations — Correct. The PRASAD scheme (now part of PRASHAD — Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) aims at holistic development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding 'Geographical Indications (GI) Tags' in India:
1. GI tags are granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
2. Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to receive a GI tag.
3. A GI tag is valid for a period of 20 years and can be renewed.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(A) 1 and 2 only — Correct. The GI Act was enacted in 1999 and Darjeeling Tea was the first registered GI. However, a GI tag is valid for 10 years (not 20), though it is renewable.

Question 4

Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC):
1. It was given constitutional status by the 102nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
2. It has the power to hear complaints regarding the over-inclusion or under-inclusion of communities in the backward classes list.
3. Its advice is binding on the Union Government regarding inclusion of communities in the central OBC list.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 only (B) 1 and 2 only (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(B) 1 and 2 only — Correct. The 102nd Amendment gave the NCBC constitutional status and empowered it to hear inclusion/exclusion complaints. However, after the 105th Amendment, Parliament can specify backward classes at the state level, and the NCBC's advice is not absolutely binding.

Question 5

Consider the following statements about the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Network':
1. Jaipur is designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.
2. Varanasi is designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
3. Chennai is designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 1 and 3 only (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Accepted Answer

(D) 1, 2 and 3 — Correct. Jaipur is a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art (2015), Varanasi of Music (2015), and Chennai of Music (2017).

Current Affairs — UPSC Prelims MCQs

Chapters in Current Affairs

Sample Current Affairs questions

Practise all of Current Affairs

Current Affairs — UPSC Prelims MCQs

Chapters in Current Affairs

Sample Current Affairs questions

Practise all of Current Affairs