UPSC CSE Prelims Questions

Consider the following:

1. Pyroclastic debris
2. Ash and dust
3. Nitrogen compounds
4. Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (d) All four
Explanation:
Pyroclastic debris, ash and dust, and sulphur compounds are products of volcanic eruptions. Nitrogen compounds are not typically products of volcanic eruptions however Nitrogen compounds, like nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, can be indirectly affected by volcanic emissions through  chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

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?

(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The entry age group for enrolment in the PM-SYM scheme is 18 to 40 years.
• Statement 2 is correct. Age-specific contributions are made by the beneficiary.
• Statement 3 is correct. Each subscriber receives a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.

Statement 4 is incorrect. Family pension is applicable to the spouse only, not to unmarried daughters.
Possible Sources: Official PM-SYM scheme guidelines and government announcements.

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 specialties can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities.

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

Correct Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect. The scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy, but it does not explicitly include six months post-delivery health care services.

Statement 2 is correct. Private sector health care providers of certain specialties can volunteer to provide services at nearby government health facilities under this scheme.
Possible Sources: Official scheme documents and government health ministry announcements.

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 languages to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.

 Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:

• Statement 1 incorrect. The earlier National Land Records Modernization Programme (NILRMP), approved in 2008 as a centrally Sponsored Scheme, has been revamped as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) a Central Sector Scheme with 100% Central Government funding with effect from 1st April 2016.
• Statement 2 is correct. The scheme includes the digitisation of Cadastral Maps.
• Statement 3 is correct. There is an initiative to transliterate the Records of Rights from local languages to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India

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?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

Answer: (d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

Explanation:

• Statement I is incorrect. Venezuela has not achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis, and many of its people continue to flee to other countries due to the ongoing economic hardships and political instability.
• Statement II is correct. Venezuela indeed has the world’s largest oil reserves.

Possible Sources: News reports on Venezuela’s economic situation, data on global oil reserves.

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?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect
(d) Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

Correct Answer: (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect

Explanation:

• Statement I is correct. The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently.
• Statement II is incorrect. The European Union aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, not 2040.
  Possible Sources: Official EU announcements and climate policy documents.