OPSC OAS Question Paper (Solved)

Download OPSC OAS Question Paper Prelims Exam (Solved)

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OPSC 2015 SET A

1. Who has been appointed as the First Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog?

(A) Dr. V. K. Saraswat

(B) Kaushik Basu

(D) K. V. Kamath

Ans:(C)

Solution: Arvind Panagariya was the first Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, serving from January 2015 to August 2017. He resigned from his post in August 2017 to return to academia.

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is a policy think tank and a government body of India, established on January 1, 2015, to replace the Planning Commission of India. The primary objective of NITI Aayog is to provide strategic and technical advice to the central and state governments of India regarding various economic and social issues, as well as to facilitate cooperative federalism by fostering the involvement of the state governments in the policy-making process.

The NITI Aayog’s functions include formulating a long-term development vision and strategy for the country, promoting reforms in various sectors such as agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, and energy, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of various schemes and programs, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. The organization has several specialized wings to support its work, such as the Atal Innovation Mission, the National Nutrition Mission, and the National Health Stack.

The governing council of NITI Aayog includes the Prime Minister of India as its chairperson, and chief ministers of all states and union territories as its members. Additionally, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog are appointed by the central government.

2. Where was India’s indigenously built anti-tank missile ‘Nag’ test fired in July 2015?

(A) Pokhran

(B) Chandipur

(D) Wheeler Island.

Ans: (A)

Solution: The indigenously built anti-tank missile ‘Nag’ was test-fired in July 2015 at the Pokhran test range in Rajasthan, India. The missile was developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is capable of destroying a variety of armored targets at a range of 4-7 km. The Nag missile system has been in development for several years and is intended to replace the older anti-tank missiles used by the Indian Armed Forces.

3. Which NGO is Nobel Laureate: Kailash Satyarthi associated with?

(A) Bachpan Bachao Andolan

(B) Beti Bachao Abhiyan

(D) Gana Siksha Abhiyan

Ans: (A)

Solution: Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi is associated with the NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement), which he founded in 1980. The organization works towards the eradication of child labor and the protection of the rights of children in India. Satyarthi’s work with Bachpan Bachao Andolan has been recognized internationally and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, along with Malala Yousafzai, for their efforts to promote child rights and education.

4. Which are the fields of the two MOUS signed between India and Egypt for bilateral cooperation on August 24, 2015.?

(A) Education and Culture

(B) Air Connectivity and Tourism

(D) Tourism and Scientific & Technical Co-operation

Ans: (D)

5. Who is the recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for 2015?

(A) Saina Nehwal

(B) Sania Mirza

(D) Abhishek Verma

Ans: (B)

6. Why was the 50th anniversary of the Indo-Pak War of 1965 observed on August 28, 2015?

(A) The day marks the beginning of the war

(B) The day marks the victory of India

(D) The day marks the first tank battle by Indian soldiers

Ans: (B)

7. What has Om Prakash Rawat been appointed as?

(A) Information Commissioner of India

(B) Election Commissioner of India

(D) Knowledge Commissioner of India

Ans: (B)

8. What is the name of the Indian Coast Guard Ship that has been gifted to Sri Lanka?

(A) Virat

(B) Vikrant

(D) Vijay

Ans: (C)

9. What is the “Start-up India, Stand-up India” campaign associated with?

(A) Sports

(B) Scientific Research

(D) Entrepreneurship

Ans: (D)

Solution: The “Start-up India, Stand-up India” campaign is associated with entrepreneurship. It is an initiative launched by the Government of India in January 2016 to promote and support entrepreneurship and innovation in the country.

The campaign aims to create a conducive environment for start-ups to thrive by providing them with access to funding, mentorship, and other resources. The initiative also seeks to create employment opportunities and promote economic growth by encouraging the development of innovative new products and services.

The “Start-up India, Stand-up India” campaign has been instrumental in boosting the start-up ecosystem in India and has helped to position the country as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

10. Who is the Japanese Scientist to have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015?

(A) Kosmas Prassides

(B) Taakaki Kajita

(D) Tu Youyou

Ans: (C)

11. Where was the first facial recognition ATM unveiled on May 30, 2015?

(A) USA

(B) China

(D) India

Ans: (B)

12. What has the UN declared the year 2015 as?

(A) International Year of Forests

(B) International Year of Soils

(D) International Year of Food

Ans: (B)

13. Which country did top the medals tally at the 15th World Championship in Athletics held in August 2015?

(A) Russia

(B) China

(D) Kenya

Ans: (C)

Solution: The 15th World Championship in Athletics was held in Beijing, China, in August 2015. The United States topped the medals tally with a total of 18 medals, including 6 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze.

China came second in the tally with 9 medals (1 gold, 6 silver, and 2 bronze), while Kenya came third with a total of 16 medals (7 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze).

14. Which country’s First Woman President was sworn into office in February 2015?

(A) Greece

(B) Croatia

(D) Thailand

Ans: (B)

15. Where have the remains of a highly advanced water management system of Indus Valley Civilisation been discovered?

(A) Kalibangan

(B) Lothal

(D) Dholavira

Ans: (D)

Solution: The remains of a highly advanced water management system of the Indus Valley Civilization have been discovered at Dholavira, which is an archaeological site located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. Dholavira is one of the five largest Harappan sites in the Indian subcontinent and is known for its well-planned urban infrastructure and sophisticated water management system. The water management system at Dholavira includes a network of interconnected reservoirs, channels, and dams that were used for storing and distributing water for various purposes. The discovery of this system provides valuable insights into the water management practices of the Indus Valley Civilization, which is believed to have flourished in the region between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE.

16. Consider the following statements regarding the Hatigumpha inscription :

(i) It is found in Khandagiri

(ii) It was discovered in 1820

(iii) It is written in the Pali language

(iv) The inscription was deciphered by James Prinsep

Which statement is / statements are correct?

(A) (i), (ii), (iv)

(B) (i), (iii)

(D) All are correct

Ans: None of the statements is entirely correct. The Hatigumpha inscription is actually found in Udayagiri, not Khandagiri. It was discovered in 1837, not 1820. The inscription is written in the ancient Brahmi script, not the Pali language. The inscription was actually deciphered by Christian Lassen, not James Prinsep.

17. Who was the Court Physician of Kaniska?

(A) Charaka

(B) Susruta

(D) Bhagabatta

Ans: (A)

Solution: Charaka was an ancient Indian physician who is believed to have lived during the 3rd century BCE. He is considered one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. Charaka is best known for his work, the Charaka Samhita, which is a comprehensive treatise on medicine, health, and disease, and covers various aspects of Ayurveda including diagnosis, treatment, and pharmacology. It is still considered an authoritative text on Ayurveda and has been translated into several languages.

18. Which great Indian astronomer did give the theory that all things fell on the earth by the law of nature as it was earth’s nature to attract and keep things?

(A) Aryabhatta

(B) Varahamihira

(D) Chandrasekhara

Ans: (C)

Solution: The great Indian astronomer who gave the theory that all things fell on the earth by the law of nature as it was Earth’s nature to attract and keep things was Brahmagupta.

Brahmagupta was an ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 7th century AD. He is known for many contributions to mathematics and astronomy, including his work on the properties of numbers, algebra, and trigonometry, as well as his observations of the motion of the planets. He is also known for his development of the concept of zero, and his work on the laws of gravity, which included the theory that all things fall to the earth by the law of nature, as it is the earth’s nature to attract and keep things.

19. Which of the following books was not written by Harshavardhana?

(A) Ratnavali

(B) Nagananda

(D) Priyadarsika

Ans: (C)

Solution: Out of the given options, the book “Kadambari” was not written by Harshavardhana. “Kadambari” is a classic Sanskrit novel authored by Banabhatta.

Harshavardhana was a famous Indian emperor and a patron of literature. He himself was a writer and composed three plays: “Ratnavali”, “Nagananda”, and “Priyadarsika”.

20. Who did introduce the system of land measurement in India?

(A) Alauddin Khilji

(B) Sikandar Lodi

(D) Akbar

Ans: (C)

Solution: Sher Shah Suri introduced the system of land measurement in India known as the “Zabti System” or “Bandobast System” during his rule from 1540 to 1545. This system aimed to establish a uniform land revenue assessment based on an accurate measurement of the land. The measurement was done using a standard unit of length called the “gaz,” which was about 33 inches long. The system was later improved by Akbar during his reign.

21. With reference to the monuments built by the Mughals, which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

(A) Buland Darwaza – Akbar

(B) Itimud-ud-Daula’s tomb – Jahangir

(D) Agra Fort – Shahjahan

Ans: (D)

Solution: Agra Fort was actually built by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and it was later renovated and expanded by his grandson Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan is better known for building the Taj Mahal, which is located nearby in Agra.

So, the correct pairings are:

(A) Buland Darwaza – Akbar

(B) Itimud-ud-Daula’s tomb – Jahangir

22. Who was the first native ruler of India to accept Subsidiary Alliance?

(A) Nawab of Oudh

(B) Gaikward of Baroda

(D) Nizam of Hyderabad

Ans: (D)

23. Which Act did change the designation of Governor General of Bengal to Governor General of India?

(A) Regulating Act of 1773

(B) Charter Act of 1833

(D) Government of India Act of 1935

Ans: (B)

Solution: The Regulating Act of 1773 created the office of the Governor-General of Bengal, which was the highest position in the British East India Company’s administration in India. The Charter Act of 1833 changed the name of the Governor-General of Bengal to Governor-General of India, but the Governor-General continued to have authority only over the British possessions in India.

24. When did Ranjit Singh sign a treaty of perpetual friendship with the British at Amritsar?

(A) 1799

(B) 1805

(D) 1809

Ans: (D)

25. Who is associated with the introduction of Local Self Government in India?

(A) Lord Dalhousie

(B) Lord Lytton

(D) Lord Curzon

Ans: (C)

Solution: Lord Ripon, who served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884, is associated with the introduction of Local Self Government in India. In 1882, he passed the Local Self-Government Resolution, which was a landmark decision in the history of Indian administration.

The Local Self-Government Resolution established a system of local self-government in India and paved the way for the establishment of municipal bodies in urban areas. The resolution granted the municipal bodies the power to levy taxes, make regulations for public health and sanitation, and undertake public works. The resolution also provided for the election of municipal representatives by the people.

The introduction of local self-government in India was a significant step towards democratization and decentralization of power in India. It provided an opportunity for the Indian people to participate in the governance of their local communities, and it helped to create a sense of responsibility and accountability among the Indian people towards their local communities

26. Which place did Kunwar Singh, a leader during the Revolt of 1857 belong to?

(A) Uttar Pradesh

(B) Madhya Pradesh

(D) Bihar

Ans: (D)

Solution: Veer Kunwar Singh, also known as Kunwar Singh, was a prominent leader of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as India’s First War of Independence. He was a zamindar (landlord) and a soldier in the service of the British East India Company, but rose to prominence as a leader of the rebellion in the Bihar.

27. Consider the following events that occurred during India’s Freedom Struggle:

(i) Chauri Chaura Violence

(ii) Morley-Minto Reforms

(iii) Dandi March

(iv) Mont-Ford Reforms

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of their occurrence?

(A) (i), (iii), (ii), (iv)

(B) (ii), (iv), (i), (iii)

(D) (ii), (iii), (i), (iv)

Ans: (B)

Soilution:

Morley-Minto Reforms (1909)
Chauri Chaura Violence (1922)
Mont-Ford Reforms (1919)
Dandi March (1930)

The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 introduced separate electorates for Muslims and the beginning of communal representation in India’s legislative bodies.

The Mont-Ford Reforms of 1919 introduced the system of dyarchy, which divided the powers of government between the British-appointed governor and elected Indian ministers. However, the reforms fell short of Indian aspirations for greater autonomy.

The Chauri Chaura Violence occurred in 1922 when a group of Indian protesters attacked a police station in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the death of several policemen. Mahatma Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement in response to the incident, as he believed that violence was inconsistent with the principles of nonviolence.

The Dandi March in 1930 was a significant event in India’s freedom struggle, led by Mahatma Gandhi. The march was a peaceful protest against the British Salt Laws and involved the violation of the laws by making salt from seawater. The march was a significant turning point in India’s struggle for independence and marked the beginning of a new phase in the struggle.

28. Where did Netaji Subhash Bose hoist the Indian Flag?

(A) Imphal

(B) Port Blair

(D) Delhi

Ans: (B)

Solution: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag for the first time on Indian soil on December 30, 1943, at Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

29. Khajjiar Lake is located in:

(A) Tamil Nadu

(B) Himachal Pradesh

(D) J&K

Ans: (B)

Solution: Khajjiar Lake is located in Himachal Pradesh, India. Khajjiar is a hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its natural beauty and is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India” due to its picturesque landscapes. Khajjiar Lake is one of the major tourist attractions in the town, and it is surrounded by cedar trees and lush green meadows.

30. Minicoy and Suheli Islands are separated by:

(A) Six-degree channel

(B) Seven-degree channel

(D) Nine-degree channel

Ans: (D)

Solution: Minicoy and Suheli Islands are separated by the Nine Degree Channel.

The Nine Degree Channel is a narrow strip of water that separates Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep from the Suheli Par Island of the Amindivi subgroup of the Lakshadweep Islands. It is named after the latitude line that passes through it, which is located approximately 9 degrees north of the equator. The Nine Degree Channel is an important shipping lane, and it is used for the passage of vessels between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

31. KBR National Park is located at:

(A) Hyderabad

(B) Nainital

(D) Sunderban

Ans: (A)

Solution: KBR National Park is located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

KBR National Park, also known as Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, is located in the heart of Hyderabad city. It was named after the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, and was established in 1998. The park covers an area of 156 hectares and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including peacocks, wild boars, porcupines, and various species of birds. The park is a popular destination for nature lovers and bird watchers, and it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

32. Where from the Narmada River originates?

(A) North Eastern part of Satpura Range

(B) Eastern Central part of Satpura Range

(D) None of the above

Ans: (A)

Solution: The Narmada River originates from the North Eastern part of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh.

The Narmada River is one of the major rivers in India, and it is considered to be one of the seven sacred rivers in Hinduism. It flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra before emptying into the Arabian Sea. The river originates at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and flows for a distance of 1,312 km before it reaches the sea. The Narmada River is known for its scenic beauty and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

33. The Sutlej River is a tributary of:

(A) The Indus River

(B) The Beas

(D) The Chenab

Ans: (A)

Solution: The Sutlej River is a tributary of the Indus River.

The Sutlej River is one of the five rivers that flow through the historic region of Punjab, and it is the easternmost tributary of the Indus River. The river originates from the Himalayas in Tibet and flows through the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab before entering Pakistan and eventually emptying into the Arabian Sea. The Sutlej River is approximately 1,450 km long, and it has been an important source of water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in the region.

34. The length of Gangotri Glacier is :

(A) 90 km

(B) 60 km

(D) 10 km

Ans: (C)

Solution: The length of Gangotri Glacier is approximately 30 km.

The Gangotri Glacier is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, and it is one of the primary sources of the Ganges River. The glacier is located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level and covers an area of approximately 40 square kilometers. The Gangotri Glacier is fed by snowfall and is the source of many streams and rivers in the region. The melting of the glacier contributes significantly to the flow of the Ganges River, which is considered to be one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism.

35. Which one of the following regions is famous as Sahyadris?

(A) Himalayan region

(B) Plain region

(D) Western Ghat region

Ans: (D)

36. Eastern most point of the East-West corridor is:

(A) Imphal

(B) Agartala

(D) Kohima

Ans: (C)

37. Indira Point is near:

(A) Car Nicobar

(B) Little Nicobar

(D) Kamorta

Ans: (C)

Solution: Indira Point is near Great Nicobar Island.

Indira Point is the southernmost point of the Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. It is named after former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The point was earlier known as Pygmalion Point, but it was renamed after the 1984 assassination of Indira Gandhi. The point is located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean and is approximately 150 km from Sumatra, Indonesia. The area around Indira Point is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, due to its location in a highly seismic zone.

38. In our country second largest area is occupied by:

(A) Alluvial soil

(B) Red soil

(D) Laterite soil

Ans: (B)

Solution: Red soil occupies the second largest area in our country.

Red soil is a type of soil that is found in many parts of India. It is characterized by its reddish color, which is due to the presence of iron oxide. Red soil is formed due to the weathering of ancient crystalline rocks, such as granite, gneiss, and schist. It is well-drained soil and is suitable for dry farming.

Red soil is found in regions that receive low to moderate rainfall, such as the Deccan Plateau, parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and eastern Maharashtra. In terms of area, it is the second-largest soil type in India after alluvial soil.

39. Which one of the following states possesses the largest forest area?

(A) Arunachal Pradesh

(B) Chhattisgarh

(D) M. P.

Ans: (D)

Solution: Madhya Pradesh possesses the largest forest area in India.

Madhya Pradesh is located in central India and is known for its rich biodiversity and abundant forest cover. According to the India State of Forest Report 2019, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover among all states and union territories in India.

The state is home to several important wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, such as Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Pench National Park. Other states that have a significant forest cover include Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.

40. The largest producer of Manganese in India is:

(A) Odisha

(B) Jharkhand

(D) Karnataka

Ans: (A)

Solution: The largest producer of Manganese in India is Odisha.

Odisha is one of the leading mineral-producing states in India and is home to several large-scale mineral reserves. The state is the largest producer of manganese ore in India, accounting for around 35% of the country’s total production. The major manganese ore mines in Odisha are located in the districts of Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Jajpur. Other states that produce significant amounts of manganese ore include Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

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