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Latest UPSC PYQ with Answers

301–320 of 320
  1. Q301 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements regarding the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam:
    1. Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha.
    2. This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act.
    3. There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only✓
    4. 1 and 3 only
    Answer explanation

    2 and 3 only Statement 1 is incorrect because the reservation provisions are to take effect after a census is conducted following the Act's commencement and the subsequent delimitation exercise; they did not automatically apply from the…

    Constitutional amendmentsNari shakti vandan adhiniyamPolity
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  2. Q302 2024 Prelims GS

    Which of the following statements about Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 are correct?
    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    1. 1, 2 and 3✓
    2. 1, 2 and 4
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. 2, 3 and 4
    Answer explanation

    1, 2 and 3 Statement 1 is correct in the original question's intended wording: Mitra Shakti is a joint India–Sri Lanka military exercise. Statement 2 is correct: the 2023 edition commenced at Aundh, Pune.…

    Defence and securityExercise mitra shaktiIndia–sri lanka defence cooperation
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  3. Q303 2024 Prelims GS

    A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:

    1. A government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
    2. The Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
    3. The lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.✓
    4. The Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.
    Answer explanation

    The lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case. A writ of Prohibition is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent it from continuing proceedings beyond its jurisdiction.…

    Constitutional remediesPolityWrit of prohibition
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  4. Q304 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements:
    1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.
    2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only✓
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer explanation

    2 only Statement 1 is incorrect: under Article 342, the President specifies Scheduled Tribes for a State or Union Territory, after consultation with the Governor where the State is concerned; the Governor does not independently declare…

    Article 342 and st recognitionConstitutional provisionsPolity
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  5. Q305 2024 Prelims GS

    With reference to the Union Budget, consider the following statements:
    1. The Union Finance Minister, on behalf of the Prime Minister, lays the Annual Financial Statement before both Houses of Parliament.
    2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only✓
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer explanation

    2 only Statement 1 is incorrect because Article 112 provides that the President causes the Annual Financial Statement to be laid before both Houses of Parliament; it is not laid on behalf of the Prime Minister.…

    Annual financial statement and grantsParliamentary financial procedurePolity
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  7. Q307 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following pairs:
    1. Argentina — Worst economic crisis
    2. Sudan — War between the country's regular army and paramilitary forces
    3. Turkey — Rescinded its membership of NATO
    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    1. Only one pair
    2. Only two pairs✓
    3. All three pairs
    4. None of the pairs
    Answer explanation

    Only two pairs Pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched. Argentina was in the news for a severe economic crisis, including very high inflation and currency pressures.…

    ArgentinaCountries in the newsGlobal political and economic developments
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  8. Q308 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.✓
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
    Answer explanation

    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Both statements are correct. The SUMED (Suez–Mediterranean) pipeline in Egypt transports oil from the Red Sea region to the Mediterranean, providing an…

    GeographyStrategic pipelinesSumed pipeline
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  9. Q309 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements:
    1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
    2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2✓
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer explanation

    Both 1 and 2 Both statements are correct. The Red Sea lies in an arid region and receives very little precipitation. No perennial river discharges into the Red Sea; its water balance is influenced mainly by exchange with the Gulf of Aden…

    Climate and drainageGeographyPhysical geography
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  10. Q310 2024 Prelims GS

    According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which one of the following is the largest source of sulphur dioxide emissions?

    1. Locomotives using fossil fuels
    2. Ships using fossil fuels
    3. Extraction of metals from ores
    4. Power plants using fossil fuels✓
    Answer explanation

    Power plants using fossil fuels According to the EPA's commonly cited emissions information, fossil-fuel-fired power plants—particularly those burning coal—are a major and the largest listed source of sulphur dioxide emissions.…

    Air pollutionEnvironment and ecologyMajor emission sources
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  11. Q311 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: There is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
    Statement-II: There have been military takeovers/coups d'état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.✓
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
    Answer explanation

    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I. Both statements are correct. The Sahel has faced deteriorating security, including militant violence and political instability.…

    International relationsPolitical instability and military coupsRegional security
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  12. Q312 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: India does not import apples from the United States of America.
    Statement-II: In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.✓
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
    Answer explanation

    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I. Statement-I is correct in the context of the question: India was not importing apples from the United States.…

    Agricultural importsGm food approval and apple importsIndian economy
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  13. Q313 2024 Prelims GS

    With reference to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, consider the following statements:
    While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration:
    1. He/She shall not preside.
    2. He/She shall not have the right to speak.
    3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only✓
    2. 1 and 2 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Answer explanation

    1 only Statement 1 is correct: under Article 96, the Speaker cannot preside while a resolution for their removal is under consideration. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Speaker may speak and otherwise take part in the proceedings.…

    ParliamentPolityRemoval procedure and article 96
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  14. Q314 2024 Prelims GS

    With reference to the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:
    1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its dissolution.
    2. A Bill passed by the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
    3. A Bill in regard to which the President of India notified his/her intention to summon the Houses to a joint sitting lapses on the dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2✓
    3. 2 and 3
    4. 3 only
    Answer explanation

    1 and 2 Statements 1 and 2 are correct. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses when the Lok Sabha is dissolved. A Bill passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha also lapses on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.…

    Dissolution of the lok sabhaLapsing of billsParliamentary procedure
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  15. Q315 2024 Prelims GS

    With reference to the Parliament of India, consider the following statements:
    1. Prorogation of a House by the President of India does not require the advice of the Council of Ministers.
    2. Prorogation of a House is generally done after the House is adjourned sine die, but there is no bar to the President of India proroguing the House which is in session.
    3. Dissolution of the Lok Sabha is done by the President of India who, save in exceptional circumstances, does so on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2
    3. 2 and 3✓
    4. 3 only
    Answer explanation

    2 and 3 Statement 1 is incorrect because the President exercises the power to prorogue a House on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.…

    Parliamentary procedurePolityPresident and council of ministers
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  16. Q316 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: The European Parliament approved the Net-Zero Industry Act recently.
    Statement-II: The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.✓
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
    Answer explanation

    Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect. Statement-I is correct: the European Parliament approved the Net-Zero Industry Act in 2024 as part of the EU's effort to expand clean-technology manufacturing capacity.…

    Climate and industrial policyEuropean unionInternational relations
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  17. Q317 2024 Prelims GS

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries.
    Statement-II: Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
    3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
    4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.✓
    Answer explanation

    Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. Statement-I is incorrect: Venezuela had not achieved a sustained, rapid recovery that stopped emigration; large-scale outward migration continued amid economic and political…

    International relationsLatin americaOil reserves
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  18. Q318 2024 Prelims GS

    With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:
    1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.
    2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.
    3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognised by the Constitution of India.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3✓
    Answer explanation

    1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. The Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme is fully funded by the Central Government. Its activities include digitising cadastral maps and computerising land records.…

    Digital india land records modernisation programmeDigitisation and transliteration of land recordsGovernance
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  19. Q319 2024 Prelims GS

    With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, consider the following statements:
    1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
    2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialities are invited to volunteer services at government health facilities.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only✓
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Answer explanation

    2 only Statement 1 is incorrect because the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan focuses on assured antenatal care for pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, with special services offered on the ninth day of every month…

    Antenatal care and private-sector participationGovernanceHealth and family welfare
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  20. Q320 2024 Prelims GS

    With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:
    1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years.
    2. Age-specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary.
    3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
    4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1, 3 and 4
    2. 2 and 3 only✓
    3. 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 4
    Answer explanation

    2 and 3 only Statement 1 is incorrect: PM-SYM enrolment is open to eligible unorganised workers aged 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40.…

    Contributions and pension benefitsEligibilityGovernance
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