Practice Rule:
Attempt each question first, use elimination wherever possible, and open the
answer only after selecting an option. Focus on the logic behind UPSC's traps,
not merely the final answer.
Q1
Science & TechUPSC 2018
With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),
consider the following statements:
1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: A — 1 only
IRNSS/NavIC was designed as a regional navigation system. Its primary
service area covers India and roughly 1,500 km beyond the Indian boundary,
and the original system was not intended to provide full global coverage.
Q2
Science & TechUPSC 2018
Consider the following phenomena:
1. Light is affected by gravity.
2. The Universe is constantly expanding.
3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.
Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein's
General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?
Correct Answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
General Relativity describes gravity as curvature of space-time and
explains gravitational effects on light. It also provides the theoretical
framework used to describe an expanding universe.
Q3
BiotechnologyUPSC 2018
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed
in India, consider the following statements:
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: B — 2 only
The barnase-barstar system facilitates hybridisation in GM mustard.
The Indian GM mustard project was developed at the University of Delhi,
not jointly by IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Q4
TechnologyUPSC 2018
Consider the following pairs:
1. Belle II experiment — Artificial Intelligence
2. Blockchain technology — Digital/Cryptocurrency
3. CRISPR-Cas9 — Particle Physics
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Correct Answer: B — 2 only
Belle II is a particle-physics experiment, while CRISPR-Cas9 is a
genome-editing technology. Blockchain is closely associated with
cryptocurrencies and distributed digital ledgers.
Q5
EnvironmentUPSC 2018
Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?
Correct Answer: A
Carbon fertilisation refers to increased photosynthesis and potential
plant growth resulting from higher atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.
Q6
Science & TechUPSC 2018
A smartphone alarm triggers a geyser, a refrigerator automatically orders
groceries, household devices switch off when you leave, and your car
communicates traffic information. Which term best applies to this scenario?
Correct Answer: B — Internet of Things
IoT connects physical objects through sensors, software and network
connectivity so that they can collect, exchange and act upon data.
Q7
EnergyUPSC 2018
With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
India did not hold the stated global position in silicon-wafer
manufacturing. SECI facilitates renewable-energy development and
procurement but does not independently determine all solar tariffs.
Q8
Modern HistoryUPSC 2018
The staple commodities of export by the English East India Company from
Bengal in the middle of the 18th century were:
Correct Answer: D
Bengal was a major source of cotton textiles, silk, saltpetre and opium
for the East India Company's commercial network.
Q9
Modern HistoryUPSC 2018
Which one of the following is a very significant aspect of the Champaran Satyagraha?
Correct Answer: C
Champaran linked local agrarian grievances with the wider national
movement and became an important early example of Gandhi's mobilisation
in India.
Q10
Modern HistoryUPSC 2018
Who among the following were the founders of the Hind Mazdoor Sabha established in 1948?
Correct Answer: D
Hind Mazdoor Sabha was established in 1948 and included prominent
socialist and independent trade-union leaders such as Ashok Mehta,
T.S. Ramanujam and G.G. Mehta.
Q11
Art & CultureUPSC 2018
With reference to the religious practices in India, the Sthanakvasi sect belongs to:
Correct Answer: B — Jainism
Sthanakvasi is a reform tradition within the Śvetāmbara branch of Jainism
and is particularly associated with rejection of image worship.
Q12
Art & CultureUPSC 2018
With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements:
1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri.
2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Buland Darwaza is predominantly red sandstone with marble decoration.
Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza are primarily associated with brick and
lime-plaster construction rather than the stated sandstone-marble combination.
Q13
Medieval HistoryUPSC 2018
Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed
diamonds and diamond mines of India?
Correct Answer: B — Jean-Baptiste Tavernier
Tavernier was a seventeenth-century French traveller and gem merchant
who wrote detailed accounts of India's diamond mines and gemstone trade.
Q14
BuddhismUPSC 2018
With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha,
yet to come to save the world?
Correct Answer: C — Maitreya
Buddhist tradition regards Maitreya as the future Buddha who will appear
after the teachings of Gautama Buddha have declined.
Q15
Modern HistoryUPSC 2018
Which one of the following statements does NOT apply to the system of
Subsidiary Alliance introduced by Lord Wellesley?
Correct Answer: C
The Subsidiary Alliance primarily expanded British strategic and political
control. Indian rulers accepted British troops and surrendered substantial
diplomatic autonomy; securing a fixed income was not its defining objective.
