UPSC Prelims CSAT Question paper-2020
UPSC Prelims 2020 CSAT Paper 2
Directions for the following 6 (six) items:
Read the following five passages and answer the items that follow.
Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.
Passage—1
In India, over the last decade or so, labour has been departing
agriculture, but is only going to construction and unregistered manufacturing
which are not markedly better jobs. Services, where labour tends to be most
productive, are not generating the additional jobs the country needs. India
will need 24 million or so jobs over the next decade. The new sector,
e-commerce, can at best close only half the jobs gap. Only those sectors that
drive domestic demand such as health and education can comfortably fill the
other half.
1. Which
one of the following is best Implied in the passage?
(a) Strong measures need to be taken to reduce the rural to urban
migration of labour.
(b) The working condition in construction and unregistered
manufacturing needs to be improved.
(c) service sector has been reducing the problem of unemployment.
(d) Increased social sector spending is imperative for large-scale
job creation.
Answer: (d)
Passage-2
In India, the current focus on the right to privacy is based on
some new realities of the digital age. A right is a substantive right only if
it works in all situations, and for everyone. A right to free expression for an
individual about her exploitation, for instance, is meaningless without actual
availability of security that guarantees that private force cannot be used to
thwart this right. The role of the State, therefore, is not just to abstain
from preventing rightful free expression, but also to actively ensure that
private parties are not able to block it.
1. On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions
have been made:
2. State should have some institutions to ensure its appropriate
role in a digital society.
3. State should ensure that private parties do not violate the
citizens' right to privacy.
4. Digital economy is not compatible with the idea of not
violating the citizens’ privacy.
2. Which of
the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 Only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 only
Answer: (a)
Passage—3
One of the biggest ironies around water is that it comes from
rivers and other wetlands. Yet it is seen as divorced from them. While water is
used as a resource, public policy does not always grasp that it is a part of
the natural ecosystem. Efforts at engineering water systems are thus efforts at
augmenting water supply rather than strengthening the capacities of ecological
systems.
3. Which
one of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be
made from the above passage?
(a) Rivers and other wetlands should be protected under Ramsar
Convention.
(b) Engineering water systems should be modernized and further
augmented.
(e) wetlands need to be reinforced as more than just open sources
or water.
(d) Water supply should not be free of cost so as to prevent its
misuse or overuse.
Answer: (c)
Passage-4
Asset allocation is the most important investment decision we will
ever make, and sadly, most of us do not give that decision the importance it
deserves. We are adamant about seeking predictability with our future. We tend
to think of investing in risky assets as extremely volatile and value eroding.
We also dislike fluctuating returns and the loss of control of investment. We
think our money is best left idle unproductive but safe. There is no asset that
is risk-free. We could lose our jobs, our homes can lose value, our banks can
go bankrupt, our bonds can default, the government can collapse and companies
we chose fondly may cease to exist. But we cannot live life assuming that all
these extreme events are waiting to happen, and all at the same time. All these
extreme forms or risks we know will not manifest at the same time.
4. Which
one of the following statements best implies the suggestion given by the author
of the passage?
(a) Distribute your wealth across different kinds of assets so
that your risks would be minimized.
(b) Risk-taking behavior should be a necessary component of your
Personality if you want to generate wealth.
(c) while making investments, find a trustworthy asset management
organization which would manage your wealth for you.
(d) You should know that investing your money is a risky business.
Answer: (b)
Passage-5
Although most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated
now are genetically engineered for a single trait, in future, crops genetically
engineered for more than one trait will be the norm. Thus, biotechnology's role
in agriculture and the regulation or the same cannot be understood solely in
the context of the current generation of GM crops. Instead, there is a need to
take a comprehensive look, taking into account various aspects, including
socio-economic impacts, so that the potential or the technology can be
harnessed while minimizing negative impacts. Given the importance of
biotechnology in developing varieties that can help in climate change
mitigation and adaptation, not using biotechnology as a part of the climate
change action plan cannot be an option. Domestic regulation of biotechnology
cannot be viewed in isolation of trade policy and obligations under various
international treaties and conventions.
5. with
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Biotechnology
regulation is an evolving process.
2. Participation
of people is needed in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation.
3. Biotechnology
regulation should take into account socio-economic aspects in decision-making.
4. Wider
involvement of political executive in biotechnology regulation improves its
effectiveness in dealing with the country’s trade Policies and international
obligations.
Which of the above assumptions are valid?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
6. Which
one of the following statements best implies the crux of the passage?
(a) Precautionary principle is not given importance in current
debate on developing GM crops.
(b) Biotechnology is not currently used in climate change mitigation
and adaptation mechanisms.
(c) Biotechnology’s role is not confined to the current priorities
of developing GM crops.
(d) The negative Impacts of not biotechnology are properly
understood.
Answer:(c)
7. How many
zeroes are there at the end of the following product?
1 x 5 x 10 x 15 x 20 x 25 x 30 x 35 x 40 x 45 x 50 x 55 x 60
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 14
(d) 15
Answer:(a)
8. Let XYZ
be a three-digit number, where (x + y + Z) is not a multiple of 3. Then (XYZ + YZX
+ ZXY) is not divisible by
(a) 3
(b) 9
(c) 37
(d) (X + Y + Z)
Answer:(b)
9. Let p,
q, r and s be natural numbers such that p - 2016 = q + 2017 = r – 2018 = s +
2019 which one of the following is the largest natural number?
(a) p
(b) q
(c) r
(d) s
Answer:(c)
10. How many
five-digit prime numbers can be obtained by using all the digits 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5 without repetition of digits?
(a) Zero
(b) One
(c) Nine
(d) Ten
Answer:(a)
11. In the
sum ®+1®+ 5®+®®. ® 1®® for which digit does the symbol ® stand?
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 4
(d) 5
Answer:(b)
12. If you
have two straight sticks of length 7.5 feet and 3.25 feet, what is the minimum
length can you measure?
(a) 0.05 foot
(b) 0.25 foot
(c) 1 foot
(d) 3.25 feet
Answer:(c)
13. A simple
mathematical operation in each number of the sequence 14, 18, 20, 24, 30, 32, ....
results in a sequence with respect to prime numbers. Which one of the following
is the next number in the sequence?
(a) 34
(b) 36
(c) 38
(d) 40
Answer:(c)
14. One page
is torn from a booklet whose pages are numbered in the usual manner starting
from the first page as 1. The sum of the numbers on the remaining pages Is 195.
The torn page contains which of the following numbers?
(a) 5, 6
(b) 7, 8
(c) 9, 10
(d) 11, 12
Answer:(b)
15. Consider
the following arrangement that has some missing letters:
abab_b_bcb_dcdcded_d
The missing letters which complete the arrangement are
(a) a, b, c, d
(b) a, b, d, e
(c) a, c, c, e
(d) b, c, d, e
Answer:(c)
16. Let A3BC
and DE2F be four-digit numbers where each letter represents a different digit
greater than 3. If the sum of the numbers is 15902, then what is the difference
between the values of A and D?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4
Answer:(c)
17. Two
statements S1 and S2 are given below followed by a Question:
S1: There are not more than two figures on any page of a 51-page
book.
S2: There is at least one figure on every page.
Question:
Are there more than 1oo figures in that book?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above
Statements and the Question?
(a) Both S1 and S2 are sufficient to answer the Question, but
neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(b) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(c) S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.
(d) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
Answer:(c)
18. Consider
the following data:
|
Average marks in English |
Average marks in Hindi |
|
|
Girls |
9 |
8 |
|
Boys |
8 |
7 |
|
Overall average marks |
8.8 |
X |
What is the value of x in the above table?
(a) 7.8
(b) 7.6
(c) 7.4
(d) 7.2
Answer:(a)
19. A family
of two generations consisting of six members P, Q, R, S, T and U has three
males and three females. There are two married couples and two unmarried
siblings. U is P’s daughter and Q is R’s mother-in-law. T is an unmarried male
and S is a male. Which one of the following is correct?
(a) R is U's husband.
(b) R is S's wife.
(c) S is unmarried.
(d) None of the above
Answer:(d)
20. If in a
particular year 12th January is a Sunday, then which one of the following is
correct?
(a) 15th July is a Sunday if the year is a leap year.
(b) 15th July is a Sunday if the year is not a leap year.
(c) 12th July is a Sunday if the year is a leap year.
(d) 12th July is not a Sunday if the year is a leap year.
Answer:(c)
Directions for the following 7 (Seven) items:
Read the following five passages and answer the items that follow.
Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.
Passage-1
Private investment in general is volatile. Foreign private
investment is more volatile because the available investment avenues are
significantly greater (i.e., the entire world). Therefore, the responsibility
of providing employment cannot be left to Foreign Direct investment (FDl). The
current FDI inflows are volatile over time and across sectors and regions,
which is a necessary consequence of their search for the highest returns. The
adverse consequences are unstable employment and an accentuation of income and
regional inequalities. A probable positive consequence of foreign investment is
the inflow of new technology and its subsequent diffusion. However, the
technology diffusion is not at all certain because the existing state of
physical and human capital in India may prove inadequate for the diffusion.
21. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1.
Relying on foreign investment in the long run is not an
economically sound policy.
2.
Policies must be undertaken to reduce volatility in foreign
private investment.
3.
Policies must be undertaken to strengthen domestic private
investment.
4.
Public investment should be given priority over private
investment.
5.
Substantial public investment in education and health should be
undertaken.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 3 only
Answer:(d)
Passage-2
Many opportunities to harness the highly skewed, seasonal and
spatial distribution of monsoon flows, which occur in a four-month period from
June to September annually, have been lost. Since these few months account for
most or the rainfall and consequent freshwater availability, the need for
holding rainwater in reservoirs, for subsequently releasing it for use over the
year, is a necessity nobody can afford to overlook. Climate change will
continue to affect weather conditions and create water shortages and excesses.
While millions suffer from droughts and floods, waters in the country's many
rivers flow unutilized, and are discharged into the sea every year.
22. With
reference to the above passage, which of the following could be the most
rational and practical implications for India?
1. Inter-linking
of rivers should be undertaken.
2. A network
of dams and canals should be built across the country for proper distribution
of water.
3. Farmers
should be provided easy loans for digging borewells.
4. Usage or
water for agriculture should be regulated by law.
5. Distribution
of river water among regions should be regulated by the Union Government.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5
Answer:(a)
Passage-3
People will invest in education whenever they are granted the
economic freedom to fully enjoy
benefits Again, this is for the obvious reason that the return on education
increases as the level
of economic freedom rises. When people, thanks to lower tax rates, are allowed
to retain
of the higher income that they gain from incremental level of education, it
makes sense to invest in education. On the other hand, when the government
decides to tax the higher income of educated individuals at even higher rates,
it makes very little sense to invest in educating oneself further. The same
incentives apply to parents who decide on whether to invest in their children's
education.
23. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Lower tax
rates in a country invariably translate into greater investments in higher
education.
2. Investment
in the education of children ensures their economic freedom.
3. Economic
freedom has a positive impact on building up human capital.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(a)
Passage-4
Our urban bodies cannot possibly ensure sustainable delivery of
water in our cities unless financing mechanisms are put in place. Water
delivery requires heavy investment in collecting it from a natural source,
treating it to make it potable, and laying a distribution network of pipes for
delivery to the users. It also requires investments in sewerage infrastructure
and sewage treatment plants so that the sewers can carry the wastewater to
these plants to ensure that no untreated sewage is discharged back into natural
water bodies. If our cities were rich enough to meet the entire cost, water
could be delivered free. They are not.
24. What is
the most logical and crucial message conveyed by the passage?
(a) Urban local bodies must recover costs through user charges.
(b) Urban local bodies are not efficient enough to meet the water
requirements of our cities.
(c) Water shortage in our cities is a perennial problem that
cannot be solved.
(d) In view of the water crisis in our cities, there is an urgent
need to limit the population of cities by adopting an upper limit of population
size.
Answer:(b)
25. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Rich
cities only can ensure sustainable delivery of water.
2. Sustainable
delivery of water in cities means much more than supplying water to households.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(b)
Passage-5
In India, agriculture still engages about half of workforce, and
about 85 per cent of its farms mall and marginal. Compared to China Vietnam,
which have experienced fast structural and rural transformation, India's story
is of slow transformation. As a result, poverty reduction in India was at a
much slower pace during 1988—2014, compared to China and Vietnam. India's
poverty reduction was slow during 1988-2005, but during 2005-2012, it
accelerated dramatically—almost three times faster than during the earlier
period. What did India do during this period? Research reveals that the
relative price scenario changed significantly (by more than 50%) in favour of agriculture
in the wake of rising global prices. This boosted private investments in
agriculture by more than 5o%. As a result, agri-GDP growth touched 4/1% during
2007-2012 as against 2.4% during 2002—2007. The net surplus or agri-trade
touched $25 billion in 2013-2014: real farm wages rose by 7% per annum. All
this led to unprecedented fall in poverty.
26. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1.
Structural and rural transformation is impossible when farms are
mainly small arid marginal.
2.
A good price incentive can trigger investments in agriculture.
3.
India needs to build value chains for high-value agri-products
like livestock and horticulture.
4.
Higher global prices of agricultural commodities are essential for
India's poverty reduction.
Which of the above assumptions are valid?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 and 4
Answer:(b)
27. Which
one of the following statements best reflects the critical message of
the passage?
(a) India should create large- scale off-farm rural employment to
reduce poverty in the near future.
(b) India should create a large number of farmer producer
companies
(c) Private investment in agriculture should be given priority
over public investment.
(d) Inclusive agricultural growth is key to reduce poverty in the
near future.
Answer:(C)
28. Two
Statements S 1 and S2 are given below with regard to four numbers P, Q, R and S
followed by a Question:
S1: R is greater-than P as well as Q.
S2: S is not the largest one.
Among four numbers P, Q, R and S which one is the largest?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above
Statements and the Question?
(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(b) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but
neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(d) S1 and s2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.
Answer:(c)
29. Two
Statements Si and S2 are given below followed by a Question:
S1: n is a prime number.
S2: n leaves a remainder of 1 when divided by 4.
If n is a unique natural number between 10 and 20, then what is n?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above
Statements and the
Question?
(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(b) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but
neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(d) S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.
Answer:(d)
30. Two
Statements S1 and S2 are given below with regard to two numbers followed by a
Question:
S1: Their product is 21.
S2: Their sum is 10.
Question:
What are the two numbers?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above
Statements and the Question?
(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(b) S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(c) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question, but
neither S1 alone nor S2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(d) S1 and S2 together are not sufficient to answer the Question.
Answer:(c)
31. A man
walks down the backside of his house straight 25 meters, then turns to the
right and walks 50 meters again; then he turns towards left and again walks 25
meters. If his house faces to the East, what is his direction from the starting
point?
(a) South-East
(b) South-west
(c) North-East
(d) North-west
Answer:(d)
32. Two
Statements are given followed by two Conclusions:
Statements:
All numbers are divisible by 2.
All numbers are divisible by 3.
Conclusion-I
All numbers are divisible by 6.
Conclusion-Il
All numbers are divisible by 4.
Which of the above Conclusions logically follows/follow from the
two given Statements?
(a) Only Conclusion-I
(b) Only Conclusion-II
(c) Neither Conclusion-I nor conclusion-II
(d) Both Conclusions-I and Conclusion-II
Answer:(a)
33. Two
Statements are given followed by two Conclusions:
Statements:
All cats are dogs.
All cats are black.
Conclusion-I:
All dogs are black.
Conclusion-II:
Some dogs are not black.
Which of the above Conclusions logically follows/follow from the
two given Statements disregarding commonly known facts?
(a) Only Conclusion-I
(b) Only Conclusion-II
(c) Neither Conclusion-I nor Conclusion-II
(d) Both Conclusions-I and Conclusion-Il
Answer:(c)
34.
Consider the following sequence of numbers:
5 1 4 7 3 9 8 5 7 2 6 3 1 5
8 6 3 8 5 2 2 4 3 4 9 6
How many odd numbers are followed by the odd number in the above
sequence?
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 7
(d) 8
Answer:(b)
35. A is
16th from the left end in a row or boys and V is 18th from the right end. Q is
11th from A towards the right and 3rd from V towards the right end. How many
boys are there in the row?
(a) 40
(b) 41
(c) 42
(d) Cannot be determined due to insufficient data
Answer:(b)
36. Three
Statements S1, S2 and S3 are given below followed by a Question:
S1: C is younger than D, but older than A and B.
S2: D is the oldest.
S3: A is older than B.
Question:
Who among A, B, C and D is the youngest?
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above
Statements and the Question?
(a) S1 alone is sufficient to answer the Question.
(b) S1 and S2 together are sufficient to answer the Question.
(c) S2 and S3 together are sufficient to answer the Question.
(d) S1 and S3 together are sufficient to answer the Question.
Answer:(d)
37. How many
integers are there between 1 and 100 which have 4 as a digit but are not
divisible by 4?
(a) 5
(b) 11
(c) 12
(d) 13
Answer:(c)
38. Let x, y
be the volumes; m, n be the masses of two metallic cubes P and Q respectively.
Each side of Q is two times that of P and mass of Q is two times that of P. Let
u = m / x and V = n / y. which one or the following is correct?
(a) u = 4v
(b) u = 2v
(c) v = u
(d) v = 4u
Answer:(a)
39. The
average age of a teacher and three students is 20 years. If all the three
students are of same age and the difference between the age of the teacher and
each student is 20 years, then what is the age of the teacher?
(a) 25 years
(b) 30 years
(c) 35 years
(d) 45 years
Answer:(d)
40. A person
bought a car and sold it for Rs. 3, 00,000. If he incurred a loss of 20%, then
how much did he spend to
buy the car?
(a) Rs. 3, 60,000
(b) Rs. 3, 65,000
(c) Rs. 3, 70,000
(d) Rs. 3, 75,000
Answer:(d)
Directions for the following 6 (six) items:
Read the following five passages and answer the items that follow.
Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.
Passage-1
Spanish ships in the late 16th century first brought the potato
tuber from South America to Europe whereby in the early 19th century, it bad
become a reliable backup to cereal crops, particularly in the cold, rain-soaked
soils of Ireland. The Irish were soon almost wholly dependent on the potato as their
staple food. And they were planting primarily one prodigious variety, the
‘Lumper' potato, whose genetic frailty would be cruelly exposed by the fungus
'Phytophthora infestans’. In 1845, spores of the deadly fungus began spreading
across the country, destroying nearly all the Lumpers in its path. The
resulting famine killed or displaced millions.
41. Which one or the following statements best reflects the
critical message or the passage?
(a) For introducing any foreign plant into a country, the soil and
climate conditions of that country should be suitable.
(b) As a staple food of a country, tuber crops like potato cannot
replace cereal crops.
(c) Some or the fungal infections or plants cannot be prevented or
stopped from spreading across large areas.
(d) Relying on a homogeneous food source is not desirable.
Answer:(d)
Passage-2
India is at once among the fastest growing global economies and
home to the largest number of malnourished children in the world. There are
regions where malnutrition is not the exception but the norm. And across the
country, malnutrition is the cause of death for roughly half the 1-3 million
children who die before their fifth birthday each year. Even those children who
survive suffer permanently from the damage that has already been done to their
bodies and minds from not getting enough of the right foods and nutrients.
Around 44 million children under 5 are stunted. That makes it harder for them
to learn in school and subsequently earn a living as adults. Their lifetime earnings
potential is almost a quarter less than that or their healthy peers.
42. With
reference to the above passage, which of the following is/are the most rational
and practical implication/ Implications?
1. India’s
Public Distribution System should be monitored by the Union Government.
2. Girls
should be encouraged to delay marriage and first pregnancy.
3. Mothers
should be encouraged to breastfeed their children immediately after birth.
4. The
supply of safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities to all should be
ensured.
5. Authorities
should ensure the vaccination as prescribed
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1 only
(d) 3 and 5 only
Answer:(c)
Passage—3
The pulse variety ‘Pusa Arhar 16’ has the potential to be grown in
the paddy-growing of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and eventually in all of
India. Its yield (about 2000 kg/hectare) will be significantly greater than
those of the existing varieties and because its size will be uniform, it will
be amenable to mechanical harvesting, an attractive feature for farmers in
northern India who currently use this technology for paddy. Most important,
Arhar straw, unlike paddy straw, is green arid can be ploughed back into the
soil. In Paddy straw, the problem is the high silica content, which does not
allow for easy decomposition. In the case of Arhar, the farmer, even after
combine harvesting, just needs to run a rotovator to cut the leftover straw
into pieces, which can be ploughed back and will decompose very fast. AU this
is difficult with leftover paddy stalks that cannot be easily salvaged or
ploughed back. Farmers, therefore, choose the easiest option of simply burning
it.
43. Which of
the following are the most rational inferences that can be made from the
passage?
1.
Farmers' income will be higher with pulse cultivation than with
paddy cultivation.
2.
Pulse cultivation causes less pollution as compared to paddy
cultivation.
3.
Pulse straw can be used to improve soil quality.
4.
In the context of northern Indian agriculture, paddy straw has no
usefulness.
5.
Mechanized agriculture is the main cause for stubble burning.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 2, 3 and 5
(b) 1, 4 and 5
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 4 only
Answer:(d)
Passage-4
In India, authorities always look to store the maximum amount of
water in reservoirs during the monsoon season, which is then used for
irrigation and generation of electricity during the summer months. It is an
internationally accepted practice that the water level or a reservoir should be
kept below a certain level before the onset of monsoon season. This is so that
when monsoon rains come, there is space to store the excess rainwater and also
so that water can be released in a regulated manner. But the authorities store
the maximum amount of water in reservoirs even before the close of the monsoon,
only to ensure greater electricity generation and irrigation.
44. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1.
High risks involved in holding maximum water in reservoirs are due
to our over-dependence on hydro power projects.
2.
Storage capacity of dams should not be fully used before or during
monsoon season.
3.
Role of dams in flood control is underestimated in India.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2-only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:(d)
Passage-5
Economic liberalization in India was shaped largely by the
economic problems of the government than by the economic priorities of the people
or by the long-term development objectives. Thus, there were limitations in
conception and design which have been subsequently validated by experience.
Jobless growth, persistent poverty and rising inequality have mounted as
problems since economic liberalization began. And all these years later, four
quiet crises confront the economy: agriculture infrastructure,
industrialization and education as constraints on the country’s future
prospects. These problems must be resolved if economic growth has to be
sustained and transformed into meaningful development.
45. Which of
the following is/are the most rational and logical Inference/ Inferences that
can be made from the passage?
1.
It is essential to rethink and redefine the economic role of the
state in the quest for development.
2.
India has not made effective implementation of its policies in
social sectors nor made sufficient investments in them.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(a)
46. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1.
India's economy needs to be greatly integrated with global economy
so as to create large number of jobs and to sustain its growth momentum.
2.
Economic liberalization would cause large economic growth which
would reduce poverty and create sufficient employment in the long run.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(d)
47. A shop
owner offers the following discount options on an article to a customer:
1.
Successive discounts or 10% and 20%, and then pay a service tax of
10%
2.
Successive discounts of 20% and 10%, and then pay a service tax of
10%
3.
Pay a service tax or 10% first, then successive discounts of 20%
and 10%
Which one of the following is correct?
(a) 1 only is the best option for the customer.
(b) 2 only is the best option for the customer.
(c) 3 only is the best option for the customer.
(d) All the options are equally good for the customer.
Answer:(d)
48. The
letters from A to Z are numbered from 1 to 26 respectively. If GHI = 1578 and
DEF = 912, then what is ABC equal to?
(a) 492
(b) 468
(c) 262
(d) 246
Answer:(d)
49. What is
the missing term in the following?
ACPQ: BESU: MNGI: @
(a) NPJL
(b) NOJM
(c) NPIL
(d) NPJM
Answer:(d)
50. what is
the largest number among the following?
(a) (1/2)-6
(b) (1/4)-3
(c) (1/3)-4
(d) (1/6)-2
Answer:(c)
51. What is
the greatest length x such that 3 ½ m and 8 ¾ m are integral multiples of x?
(a) 1 ½ m
(b) 1 1/3 m
(c) 1 ¼ m
(d) 1 ¾ m
Answer:(d)
52. Consider
the following data:
|
Year |
Birth rate |
Death rate |
|
1911 - 1921 |
48.1 |
35.5 |
|
1921 - 1931 |
46.4 |
36.3 |
|
1931 - 1941 |
45.2 |
31.2 |
|
1941 - 1951 |
39.9 |
27.4 |
|
1951 - 1961 |
41.7 |
22.8 |
|
1961 - 1971 |
41.1 |
18.9 |
|
1971 - 1998 |
37.1 |
14.8 |
For which period was the natural growth rate maximum?
(a) 1911 - 1921
(b) 1941 - 1951
(c) 1961 - 1971
(d) 1971 - 1981
Answer:(d)
53. The
recurring decimal representation 1.272727... is equivalent to
(a) 13/11
(b) 14/11
(c) 127/99
(d) 137/99
Answer:(b)
54. What is
the least four-digit number when divided by 3, 4, 5 and 6 leaves a remainder 2
in each case?
(a) 1012
(b) 1022
(c) 1122
(d) 1222
Answer:(b)
55. In adult
Population or a city, 40% men and 30% women are married. What is the percentage
of married adult population if no man marries more than one woman and no woman
marries more than one man; and there are no widows and widowers?
(a) 33 1/7%
(b) 34%
(c) 34 2/7%
(d) 35%
Answer:(c)
56. What is
the remainder when 51 x 27 x 35 x 62 x 75 is divided by 100?
(a) 50
(b) 25
(c) 5
(d) 1
Answer:(a)
57. A sum of
Rs. 2,500 is distributed among X, Y and Z in the ratio 1/2 : 3/4 : 5/6 . What
is the difference between the maximum share and the minimum share?
(a) Rs. 300
(b) Rs. 350
(c) Rs. 400
(d) Rs. 450
Answer:(c)
58. For what
value of it, the sum of digits in the number (10n + 1) is 2?
(a) For n= 0 only
(b) For any whole number n
(c) For any positive integer n only
(d) For any read number n
Answer:(b)
59. In a
class, there are three groups A, B and C. If one student from group A and two
students from group B are shifted to group C, then what happens to the average
weight of the students of the class?
(a) It increases.
(b) It decreases.
(c) It remains the same.
(d) No conclusion can be drawn due to insufficient data.
Answer:(c)
60. How many
different sums can be formed with the denominations Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 200,
Rs. 500 and Rs. 2,000 taking at least three denominations at a time?
(a) 16
(b) 15
(c) 14
(d) 10
Answer:(d)
Directions for the following 6 (six) items:
Read the following five passages and answer items that follow.
Your answers to these items should be based on the Passages only.
Paaaage-1
Bank credit to the industrial sector has started shrinking. Its
decline has been a serious concern as credit growth is essential to revive
investment. The problem's Origins lie in the incomplete reforms of the last 25
years. An institutional change that should have followed the 1991 reforms
should have been setting up of a resolution corporation for banks. In a market
economy with booms and busts, banks should be allowed to be set up and to fail.
Today, we cannot shut down banks because there is no proper system to shut them
down. Weak loss-making banks continue to need more capital.
61. Which one of the following is the most logical and rational
inference that can be made from the above passage?
(a) Indian banking system is not able to help the country in its
economic growth.
(b) Economic reforms that started in 1991 have not helped in
improving the economy to expected levels.
(c) India lacks the institutional mechanism to deal with the
failure of banks.
(d) Encouraging the foreign investments in our industrial sector
is a good alternative to this sector's dependence on banks for credit.
Answer:(c)
Passage-2
India has tremendous potential for solar energy. We all realize
that we have to stop burning fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. But certain
renewable resources are still going through their cost Curves and learning
curves to get the required amount of output. The Indian Government has strongly
committed to its targets of reducing emissions by 33 percent by 2030, and
towards this it has initiated a strong push towards a gas-based economy and has
also invested heavily in renewable energy. However, business houses are wary of
investing too heavily in renewable energy at a time when the technology is not
yet ready.
62. Which
one of the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be
made from the above passage?
(a) India's commitment to reduce emissions by 33% is unlikely to
be achieved.
(b) India should import gas rather than invest in renewable
resources.
(c) Getting renewable resources to market too soon may be costly.
(d) India should put in more efforts in the exploration of natural
gas.
Answer:(c)
63. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1.
Governments often provide inefficient and costly subsidies for
technologies that may not be ready in the near future.
2.
India’s commitment of reducing emissions by 33% by 2030 shall be
on the basis of gas-based economy.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(d)
Passage-3
Genome editing is different from genome modification. Genome
editing typically involves finding the part of a plant genome that could be
changed to render it less vulnerable to disease, or resistant to certain
herbicides, or to increase yields. Researchers use ‘molecular scissors’ to
dissect the genome and repair it, which is a process that occurs naturally when
plants are under attack from diseases and can throw up new mutations that
enable the plant to survive future attacks. This evolutionary process can
effectively be speeded up now that it is possible to examine plant genomes in
detail in laboratories, and create mechanisms through which the relevant genes
can be altered very precisely.
64. With
reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1.
Genome editing does not require the transfer of genes from one
plant to another.
2.
Through genome editing, the chosen genes can be altered precisely
in a manner akin to the natural process that helps plants to adapt to the
environmental factors.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(b)
Passage-4
Many people understand the connection n solid waste management and
health in terms of the consequences of unattended heaps of garbage which become
home for flies and other Vermin. However, there is another aspect that is not
well-understood, that is, what happens when unscientific solid waste management
combines with poor drainage and dumping of untreated sewage into drains which
are meant to carry storm water during rains. The result is choked drains which
are full of stagnant water breeding mosquitoes, resulting in the spread of
water-borne diseases.
65. In the
context of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the
eritical message of the passage?
(a) In India, the drainage networks are not separate for sewerage
and storm water.
(b) Urban local bodies do not have enough resources and
legislative authority to deal with the problems or waste management.
(c) Solid waste management should be integrated with the
maintenance of drainage and sewerage networks.
(d) Bad management of solid waste and sewerage systems by our
municipalities is the reason for drinking water shortages in our cities.
Answer:(c)
Passage-5
In Part III of the constitution which assures people certain
fundamental rights, Article 25 proclaims that “all persons are equally entitled
to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and
propagate religion”. What people fail to notice is that this Proclamation is
prefixed with the words “subject to public order, morality, health and to the
other provisions of this Part”, Which set conditions precedent for the legal
protection of religious practices of any Community. The closing words of this
prefatory rider in Article 25 virtually constitute a subordination clause
placing other fundamental rights mentioned in Part Ill over and above the right
to religious freedom. Among those other fundamental rights is the rights to
equality before law and equal protection of laws-assured at the outset and
elaborated in later articles to mean, inter alia, that the State shall not deny
equal protection of laws to any person or group of persons on the basis of
religion alone.
66. What is
the most logical inference from the above passage?
(a) State shall not interfere with the religious affairs of the
Citizens.
(b) Religious freedom under the Constitution is open to State
intervention
(c) Religious freedom of the citizens is not covered under
fundamental rights.
(d) Religious practices of any Community are immune to State laws.
Answer:(d)
67. How many
different 5-letter words (with or without meaning) can be constructed using all
the letters of the word ‘DELHI’ so that each word has to start with D and end
with I?
(a) 24
(b) 18
(c) 12
(d) 6
Answer:(b)
68. A bottle
contains 20 litres of liquid A. 4 litres of liquid A is taken out of it d
replaced by same quantity of liquid B. Again 4 litre of the mixture is taken
out and replaced by same quantity of liquid B. What is the ratio of quantity of
liquid A to that of liquid B in the final mixture?
(a) 4: 1
(b) 5: 1
(c) 16: 9
(d) 17: 8
Answer:(c)
69. The
average score of a batsman after his 50th innings was 46.4. After 60th innings,
his average Score increases by 2.6. What was his average score in the last ten
innings?
(a) 122
(b) 91
(c) 62
(d) 49
Answer:(c)
70. As a
result of 25% hike in the price of rice per kg, a person is able to purchase 6
kg less rice for Rs. 1,200. What Was the Original price of rice per kg?
(a) Rs. 30
(b) Rs. 40
(c) Rs. 50
(d) Rs. 60
Answer:(b)
71. A person
can complete 20% of work in 8 days and another person y can complete 25% of the
same work in 6 days. If they work together, in how many days will 40% of the
work be completed?
(a) 6
(b) 8
(c) 10
(d) 12
Answer:(a)
72. A car
travels from a place X to place Y at an average speed of v km/hr from y to X at
an average speed of 2v km/hr, again from X to y at an average speed of 3v km/hr
and again from y to x at an average speed of 4v km/hr. Then the average speed
of the car for the entire journey
(a) is less than v km/hr.
(b) lies between v and 2v km/hr.
(c) lies between 2v and 3v km/hr.
(d) lies between 3v and 4v km/hr.
Answer:(b)
73. Consider
the following statements:
1.
The minimum number of points of intersection of a square and a
circle is 2.
2.
The maximum number of points of intersection of a square and a
circle is 8.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer:(b)
74. A man
takes half time in rowing a certain distance downstream than upstream. What is
the ratio or the speed in still water to the speed of current?
(a) 1: 2
(b) 2: 1
(c) 1: 3
(d) 3: 1
Answer:(d)
75. How many
pairs of natural numbers are there such that the difference of whose squares is
63?
(a) 3
(b) 4
(c) 5
(d) 2
Answer:(a)
76. Which
one of the following will have minimum change in its value if s is added to
both numerator and the denominator of the fractions 2/3, 3/4, 4/5 and 5/6?
(a) 2/3
(b) 3/4
(c) 4/5
(d) 5/6
Answer:(d)
77. A digit
n > 3 is divisible by 3 but not divisible by 6. Which one of the following
is divisible by 4?
(a) 2n
(b) 3n
(c) 2n + 4
(d) 3n + 1
Answer:(d)
78. If 1 liter
of water weighs 1 kg, then how many cubic millimeters of water will weigh 0.1
gm?
(a) 1
(b) 10
(c) 100
(d) 1000
Answer:(c)
79. A vessel
full of water weighs 4o kg. If it is one-third filled, its weight becomes 20
kg. What is the weight of the empty vessel?
(a) 10 kg
(b) 15 kg
(c) 20 kg
(d) 25 kg
Answer:(a)
80. A frog
tries to come out of a dried well 4.5 m deep with slippery walls. Every time
the frog jumps 30 cm, slides down 15 cm. what is the number of jumps required
for the frog to come out of the well?
(a) 28
(b) 29
(c) 30
(d) 31
Answer:(b)
|
Don’t Miss -Important resources for
your dream - IAS Exam preparation |
|
Click here to practice UPSC CSE Prelims exam
- Previous Year Question Papers |
|
Click here to practice UPSC CSE Mains exam
–Previous Year Question Papers |
|
Click here to practice Optional Paper -
Public administration- Question Papers
|
|
Stay updated by Studying Daily Current
Affairs |
|
Don’t
forget to access valuable notes on telegram-click here to Join telegram |
|
Having
doubts while preparing? – Simply ask on WhatsApp “9717724350” |


Professor Sunny Kapoor is one of my favourite teacher. He teaches boring and difficult subjects very nicely.