OPSC OAS Prelims Exam Solved Question Paper

OPSC OAS 2020 Prelims Paper I

36. In which of the following demographic transition stages, the intensive subsistence farming is prevalent?

(A) Stage- I

(B) Stage-II

(C) Stage-III

(D) Stage-IV

Ans: (A)

Solution: Stage-I of the demographic transition is characterized by high birth rates and high death rates. The economy primarily relies on agriculture, and most of the population is engaged in subsistence farming.

Intensive subsistence farming refers to a form of farming where a high level of labor and inputs is required to obtain a sufficient yield from a small area of land. This type of farming is often practiced in regions with limited arable land and technological advancements.

37. It is 12 noon at Greenwich. What will be the time at a place situated at 60 East Longitude ?

(A) 2 am

(B) 2 pm

(C) 4 am

(D) 4 pm

Ans: (D)

Solution: To determine the time at a place situated at a specific longitude, we need to consider the time difference for each degree of longitude. Generally, the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, which means that each hour corresponds to 15 degrees of longitude.

In this case, the place is situated at 60 degrees East longitude, which is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) at 0 degrees longitude.

Since it is 12 noon at Greenwich, we need to add four hours to calculate the time at the place situated at 60 degrees East longitude.

Therefore, the correct answer is 4 pm.

38. What is the significance of Dakshin Gangotri?

(A) It is a research station near South Gangotri glacier over Himalayas

(B) It is a research station south of river Ganga near Rishikesh

(C) It is a scientific base station in Antarctica

(D) It is a scientific base station at South Pole

Ans: (C)

Solution: Dakshin Gangotri was indeed a scientific base station established by India in Antarctica. It was the first research station set up by India in Antarctica and was operational from 1983 to 1990. Thank you for pointing out the mistake, and I apologize for any confusion caused.

39. In India, El Nino is very often associated with

(A) A good monsoon weather with heavy rain and good yield of crops

(B) A bad monsoon weather with low rain and crop failure

(C) A bad monsoon weather with no rain and crop failure

(D) A normal monsoon weather with no adverse effect on crops

Ans: (B)

Solution: In India, El Nino is often linked with bad monsoon weather and low rainfall, which can lead to crop failure. It is a weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that affects global climate. During El Nino, the normal monsoon rainfall patterns in India get disrupted, resulting in less rain during the monsoon season.

This can cause drought-like conditions and have a negative impact on agriculture, leading to lower crop yields and possible crop failure. So, when El Nino occurs, it often brings unfavorable monsoon weather and can harm crop production in India.

40. In the atmosphere which of the following carries the ozone layer?

(A) Exosphere

(B) Ionosphere

(C) Stratosphere

(D) Troposphere

Ans: (C)

Solution: The ozone layer is a region within the Earth’s atmosphere, specifically in the stratosphere. It is situated approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

The ozone layer contains a higher concentration of ozone (O3) compared to other parts of the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in absorbing a significant portion of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which helps protect life on Earth from harmful UV rays. So, the correct answer is (C) Stratosphere.

The stratosphere up to a height of 50 km from the earth’s surface is the second layer of the atmosphere found above the troposphere.

41. Which of the following is a predominant species of the deciduous forests of Odisha?

(A) Mahogany

(B) Red wood

(C) Sal

(D) Teak

Ans: (C)

Solution: Sal is a predominant species of deciduous forests in Odisha and various other regions in India. It is a large, evergreen tree that is highly valued for its timber and has significant ecological importance. Sal forests are known for their rich biodiversity and provide habitat for various flora and fauna. So, the correct answer is (C) Sal.

42. Slash and burn cultivation relates to which of the following?

(A) Intensive cultivation

(B) Extensive cultivation

(C) Subsistence agriculture

(D) Commercial agriculture

Ans:(C)

Solution: Slash and burn cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, is a traditional agricultural practice primarily associated with subsistence farming. It involves cutting down and burning vegetation in a plot of land, followed by the cultivation of crops in the nutrient-rich ashes.

After a few years, when the soil fertility decreases, the farmers move on to a new plot of land and repeat the process. This cycle allows the previously cultivated land to regenerate and regain its fertility.

Slash and burn cultivation is typically practiced by indigenous or rural communities for their own sustenance rather than for commercial purposes, making it a form of subsistence agriculture. So, the correct answer is (C) Subsistence agriculture.

43. The ideal of Welfare State in Indian Constitution is enshrined in its:

(A) Preamble

(B) Directive Principle’s of State Policy

(C) Fundamental Rights

(D) Seventh Schedule

Ans: (B)

Solution: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are a set of guidelines or principles included in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. They provide a framework for the government to work towards social, economic, and political justice and establish a welfare state in India. The DPSPs outline the objectives that the state should strive to achieve, including promoting the welfare of the people, ensuring social justice, providing equal opportunities, protecting the interests of marginalized sections of society, and more.

While the DPSPs are not legally enforceable, they serve as guiding principles for the government to formulate policies and make laws that promote the welfare of the people.

44. Who, as per the provisions of the Constitution, who declares an area as a Scheduled Area ?

(A) Prime Minister

(B) President of India

(C) Governor

(D) Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Ans: (B)

Solution: The President of India has the power to declare an area as a Scheduled Area. This provision is mentioned in Article 244(1) of the Indian Constitution. The declaration of an area as a Scheduled Area is based on the recommendation of the Governor of the concerned state, who in turn seeks advice from the Tribal Advisory Council established for that state. The Scheduled Areas are designated to protect the rights and promote the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) residing in those areas.

45. The Concurrent List in the Constitution of India was adopted from:

(A) Switzerland

(B) Australia

(C) Canada

(D) France

Ans: (B)

Solution: The concept of the Concurrent List, where both the central and state governments have the power to legislate on certain subjects, was borrowed from the Constitution of Australia. In Australia, they have a similar division of powers between the federal government and the state governments, with certain subjects falling within the concurrent jurisdiction.

In India, the Concurrent List is provided in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution and includes subjects on which both the Union (central) and state governments can make laws.

46. Which Schedule of the Constitution of India distributes power between the Union and the States?

(A) First Schedule

(B) Second Schedule

(C) Sixth Schedule

(D) Seventh Schedule

Ans: (D)

Solution: The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India contains three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. These lists enumerate subjects on which the Union (central) government, the State governments, and both governments can legislate, respectively. The distribution of powers between the Union and the States is specified in this schedule, ensuring a division of legislative authority.

OPSC OAS 2019 Prelims Paper I

#1. Acid rain is caused by an increase in the atmospheric concentration of:
(A) Ozone and dust
(B) SO and NO
(C) CO
(D) CFC

Correct Answer: (B) SO and NO

Explanation: Acid rain is primarily caused by the presence of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere. These gases are released from industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and the burning of fossil fuels. When they combine with moisture in the atmosphere, they form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which eventually fall to the ground as acid rain.

#2. The Headquarters of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is located at:
(A) Beijing
(B) Kuala Lumpur
(C) Singapore
(D) Manila

Correct Answer: (A) Beijing

Explanation: The Headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is located in Beijing, China. AIIB is a multilateral development bank that aims to support infrastructure development in the Asia-Pacific region.

#3. 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill took the form of ______ Constitutional Amendment Act.
(A) 101
(B) 102
(C) 103
(D) 106

Correct Answer: (C) 103

Explanation: The 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill took the form of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act. The 103rd Amendment Act introduced the provision of 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for economically weaker sections of the general category.

#4. India’s First National Film Museum was set up in:
(A) Chennai
(B) Mumbai
(C) Kolkata
(D) Pune

Correct Answer: (D) Pune

Explanation: India’s First National Film Museum, also known as the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), was set up in Pune, Maharashtra. It serves as a repository of Indian cinema and preserves a vast collection of films, documentaries, and related materials.

#5. The World Consumer Rights Day, 2019 was observed on:
(A) 10th June
(B) 15th September
(C) 15th March
(D) 10th November

Correct Answer: (C) 15th March

Explanation: The World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on 15th March. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about consumer rights and highlighting the need for consumer protection worldwide.

#6. Which one of the following persons is the First Lokpal of India?
(A) Ranjan Gogoi
(B) T.S. Thakur
(C) Pinaki Chandra Ghose
(D) Madan Lokur

Correct Answer: (C) Pinaki Chandra Ghose

Explanation: Pinaki Chandra Ghose is the first Lokpal of India. He was a former judge of the Supreme Court of India and was appointed as the Chairman of the Lokpal, which is an anti-corruption ombudsman institution in India.

OPSC OAS 2015 Paper I

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

(A) Dr. V. K. Saraswat

(B) Kaushik Basu

(C) Arvind Panagariya

(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

(C) Jaisalmer

(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

(C) Jungle Suraksha Andolan

(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

(C) Technology and Training & Research

(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

(C) Sachin Tendulkar

(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

(C) The day marks the Tashkent Declaration

(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

(C) Vigilance 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

(C) Varaha

(D) Vijay

Ans: (C)

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

(A) Sports

(B) Scientific Research

(C) Empowerment of Women

(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

(C) Satoshi Omura

(D) Tu Youyou

Ans: (C)

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

(A) USA

(B) China

(C) Japan

(D) India

Ans: (B)

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

(A) International Year of Forests

(B) International Year of Soils

(C) International Year of Relieving the Hunger

(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

(C) USA

(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).