UPSC Prelims 1980 Solved Question Paper

Explanation:This is a pattern of division. Starting from 240, divide by 2 to get 120 (if the ? were 240, but following the sequence logic: 240 ÷ 1 = 240, 240 ÷ 2 = 120, 120 ÷ 3 = 40, 40 ÷ 4 = 10, 10 ÷ 5 = 2). The missing number must be 240 to maintain this sequence of progressive division.

Explanation:The pattern alternates between multiplying by 2 and adding 1.5: 0.5 × 2 = 1; 1 + 1.5 = 2.5; 2.5 × 2 = 5; 5 + 3.5 = 8.5. Hence, the next number is 8.5, following the alternating pattern of multiplication and addition.

Explanation:The sequence alternates between adding 3 and subtracting 4: 4 + 3 = 7; 7 − 4 = 3; 3 + 3 = 6; 6 − 4 = 2; 2 + 3 = 5; 5 − 4 = 1. Hence, the missing number is 1, following the alternating pattern.

Explanation:The alphabetical positions are: B (2), D (4), G (7), I (9), L (12). The gaps are: +2, +3, +2, +3. Continuing the pattern: L (12) + 2 = N (14). So, the next letter is N, maintaining the alternating increment.

Explanation:This is a sequence of vowels in alphabetical order: A, E, I, O, U. Hence, the next vowel is U, completing the standard vowel set.

Explanation:The sequence includes repetition and incremental jumps: 1 → +4 → 5; 5 → +3 → 8; 8 → +2 → 10; 10 → +1 → 11. Then 11 repeats, so the next number is again 11, showing a decreasing increment pattern followed by repetition.

Explanation:Alphabetical positions: A (1), C (3), F (6) → gap of +2, +3. Next gap: +4 → F (6) + 4 = J (10). Then +5 → J (10) + 5 = O (15). So, the missing letter is J, following the increasing gap pattern.

Explanation:Each group is a reverse sequence of three consecutive letters: CBA → WVU → IHG → TSR. Next group: O, N, M → reversed = ONM. Hence, the correct answer is ONM, continuing the reverse alphabetical trios.

Explanation:The second letter in each pair remains constant for two steps: HI → JI (I repeats); KL → ML (L repeats); NO → PO (O repeats). The first letter progresses alphabetically: H → J → K → M → N → P. So, the next pair is PO, following the alternating fixed-letter pattern.

Explanation:The sequence alternates between forward and backward alphabetical pairs: DC (backward), DE (forward), FE (forward), FG (forward), HG (backward), HI (forward). So, the missing pair is FG, continuing the forward sequence.

Explanation:This is a sequence of factorials: 1! = 1, 2! = 2, 3! = 6, 4! = 24, 5! = 120, 6! = 720. The missing number is 1, which fits the factorial progression starting from 1!.

Explanation:The pattern alternates between 1 and powers of 3: 1, 3¹ = 3, 1, 3² = 9, 1, 3⁴ = 81, 1, 3⁸ = 6561. So, the next number is 6561, continuing the alternating exponential pattern.

Explanation:Each group follows the pattern: First number +2 → second; second −1 → third. So: 10 + 2 = 12, 12 − 1 = 11; 14 + 2 = 16, 16 − 1 = 15; 18 + 2 = 20, 20 − 1 = 19. Hence, the correct trio is 18, 20, 19, maintaining the +2, −1 structure.

Explanation:The pattern is multiplication by increasing powers of 2: 2 × 2 = 4; 4 × 2 = 8; 8 × 4 = 32; 32 × 8 = 256; 256 × 32 = 8192. So, the missing number is 256, following the exponential multiplication pattern.

Explanation:Alphabetical positions: A (1), E (5), I (9), M (13), Q (17), U (21). Each letter is 4 positions ahead of the previous. Next: U (21) + 4 = Y (25). So, the next letter is Y, continuing the +4 alphabetical jump.

Explanation:A doctor serves a patient, similarly a politician serves a voter. This is a profession-to-recipient analogy, where the correct match is voter.

Explanation:Education cures ignorance, just as medicine cures disease. This is a problem-to-solution analogy, making medicine the correct answer.

Explanation:A biography records a man's life, while history records a nation's life. This is a subject-to-record analogy, where history fits the pattern.

Explanation:Guilt is tied to the past, while hope is tied to the future. This is a feeling-to-timeframe analogy, making future the correct match.

Explanation:A telephone transmits via cable, while a radio transmits wirelessly. This is a device-to-medium analogy, where wireless completes the pair.

Explanation:Manu is traditionally considered the greatest lawgiver in ancient India, known for the Manusmriti, which laid down social, legal, and moral codes for society.

Explanation:Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana, marking the beginning of his teaching journey.

Explanation:Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society in 1905 to promote education, social reform, and national service.

Explanation:The Saka Era began in 78 AD, introduced by King Kanishka, and is used in the Indian national calendar.

Explanation:In 1919, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar, where British troops fired on a peaceful gathering, leading to nationwide outrage.

Explanation:Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital city, showcasing Mughal architecture and planning.

Explanation:Lord Cornwallis is credited with introducing the modern civil services in India, emphasizing merit-based recruitment and administrative reforms.

Explanation:Rajendra Chola, son of Rajaraja I, led naval expeditions across the Bay of Bengal, expanding influence to Southeast Asia.

Explanation:The British colonial policies led to the decline of traditional industries, causing slow industrial growth in India.

Explanation:During Kanishka’s reign, the Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Srinagar, which played a key role in the spread of Mahayana Buddhism.

Explanation:Gandhiji believed in social harmony and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of Harijans. He urged the people of India to treat untouchables with equality, promoting dignity and inclusion.

Explanation:Gandhian Socialism emphasized decentralization, trusteeship, and moral responsibility, not state control. Hence, nationalisation contradicts the core Gandhian principles.

Explanation:The Neolithic period is known for stone tools, agriculture, and animal domestication, but not for the use of copper, which began in the Chalcolithic age.

Explanation:The Mughal Empire declined due to internal conflicts, external invasions, and regional uprisings, making multiple factors responsible for its disintegration.

Explanation:Idol worship began during the Epic period, especially in the Ramayana and Mahabharata era, marking a shift from abstract rituals to personal deities.

Explanation:Under Dual Government, the British controlled revenue and military, while Indian officials handled civil administration, creating a split authority structure.

Explanation:Gandhiji’s Wardha Scheme emphasized craft-based learning, linking education with productive work, and making it socially relevant and self-sustaining.

Explanation:The Rowlatt Act of 1919 allowed arrest without trial, sparking nationwide protests. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred during one such peaceful protest.

Explanation:The Chauri Chaura incident involved violent clashes, prompting Gandhiji to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement, as it violated his principle of non-violence.

Explanation:The Delhi Sultanate adopted arched openings from ancient Indian architecture, blending Islamic styles with local design elements in their monuments.

Explanation:The Bhoodan Movement was initiated by Vinoba Bhave in 1951, aiming to persuade landowners to voluntarily donate land to the landless, promoting non-violent land redistribution.

Explanation:Indra, once a prominent Vedic deity, gradually lost significance during the post-Vedic period, especially by the beginning of the Christian era, as Vaishnavism and Shaivism gained prominence.

Explanation:During Akbar’s reign, Jagirdars were large estate holders granted land (jagir) in lieu of salary, responsible for revenue collection and maintaining troops.

Explanation:The Colombo Plan is an ongoing regional initiative for economic development, and the statement about its expiry in 1981 is incorrect, making it the right choice.

Explanation:The Western Industrial Revolution led to the decline of Indian handicrafts, as machine-made goods flooded the market, causing economic hardship for artisans.

Explanation:At the time of the 1980 exam, Switzerland was not a member of the U.N.O., maintaining a policy of neutrality, and joined only in 2002.

Explanation:The Rigveda is the primary source for understanding the early Vedic period, containing hymns, rituals, and social insights of that era.

Explanation:Gandhiji believed in ethical reform, advocating that traditions conflicting with moral values should be abandoned, while preserving constructive customs.

Explanation:The Upanishads are philosophical texts forming the core of Hindu spiritual thought, exploring concepts like Brahman, Atman, and Moksha.

Explanation:For Gandhiji, non-violence (Ahimsa) was the means to attain truth (Satya), forming the foundation of his philosophy and political action.

Explanation:The Chola dynasty is renowned for its efficient village administration, with local self-governance through sabhas and ur councils, ensuring grassroots participation in decision-making.

Explanation:The Ajanta Caves, known for their Buddhist murals and sculptures, were primarily constructed during the Gupta period, reflecting the golden age of Indian art and culture.

Explanation:Archaeological evidence like seals and trade goods shows that the Indus Valley Civilization had commercial and cultural contacts with the Sumerians of Mesopotamia.

Explanation:Sarnath is the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana, marking the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha.

Explanation:Lothal, located in Gujarat, was a prominent port city of the Indus Valley Civilization, featuring a dockyard and advanced urban planning.

Explanation:The Dyarchy system divided provincial subjects into transferred and reserved categories, with Indian ministers handling transferred subjects and British officials retaining control over reserved ones.

Explanation:The Gandhara School of Art is known for Greco-Buddhist sculptures, while Khajuraho is famous for erotic temple carvings, belonging to a different artistic tradition.

Explanation:After Ashoka, royal patronage for Buddhism declined, leading to reduced support, loss of monastic discipline, and eventual decline of the religion in India.

Explanation:Under Akbar’s revenue system, revenue was collected at the local level, not directly at the central treasury, making this option inaccurate.

Explanation:During World War II, the Indian National Congress offered conditional support to the British, demanding the formation of a national government at the centre as a precondition.

Explanation:In 1980, Abolhasan Bani Sadr became the first President of Iran after the Islamic Revolution, marking a shift to theocratic governance.

Explanation:The Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day in 1980 was Valery Giscard d'Estaing, then President of France, reflecting strong diplomatic ties.

Explanation:The 1980 Summer Olympics were held in Moscow, USSR, notable for the boycott by several Western nations due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Explanation:In 1980, Mother Teresa was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, for her humanitarian work and service to the poor.

Explanation:The player referred to was associated with hockey, India’s national sport, and had represented the country in multiple Olympic Games, contributing to its golden era.

Explanation:Abdus Salam, a Pakistani physicist, won the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on electroweak unification, a major breakthrough in particle physics.

Explanation:The ONGC discovered oil reserves in the Krishna Godavari basin, a significant step in India’s energy exploration and self-reliance.

Explanation:Gundappa Vishwanath captained India in the February 1980 Test match against Pakistan in Calcutta, known for his elegant batting style and leadership.

Explanation:Indira Gandhi visited Assam on 12th April 1983 to address the Assam agitation, which was focused on illegal immigration and electoral reforms.

Explanation:King Birendra of Nepal, the monarch of the world’s only Hindu kingdom at the time, visited India in March 1980, strengthening bilateral relations.

Explanation:The Jnanpith Award for 1979 was conferred on S. H. Vatsyayan 'Agyeya', a prominent figure in modern Hindi literature, known for his experimental writing and poetry.

Explanation:The Iran hostage crisis began when protesters demanded the extradition of the former Shah, who was receiving medical treatment in the U.S., viewing him as a symbol of tyranny.

Explanation:The U.S.S.R. opposed the proposal to enlarge the U.N. Security Council, reflecting its strategic interests in maintaining the existing power structure.

Explanation:The Chief Election Commissioner heads the Election Commission of India, which is responsible for conducting free and fair elections across the country.

Explanation:In the 1980 elections, Congress (I) secured the highest number of seats, followed by Lok Dal and CPI(M), marking a political shift in the Indian Parliament.

Explanation:A joint session is called when a legislative deadlock occurs between the two Houses, especially when a bill is rejected or stalled, enabling resolution through combined voting.

Explanation:The 44th Amendment (1978) removed the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights, making it a legal right under Article 300A.

Explanation:The 45th Amendment extended political reservation for SCs and STs in legislative bodies until 1990, ensuring continued representation.

Explanation:The Finance Commission is constituted every 5 years to recommend the distribution of financial resources between the Centre and States.

Explanation:The Rolling Plan concept allowed for annual revisions within a five-year framework, ensuring flexibility and continuous planning based on performance and priorities.

Explanation:The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha, which is part of the Parliament, ensuring accountability in a parliamentary democracy.

Explanation:As per the Constitution of India, the minimum age to contest Lok Sabha elections is 25 years, ensuring maturity and civic understanding.

Explanation:In the Indian context, secularism means the state does not favor any religion, and guarantees freedom of faith and worship to all citizens.

Explanation:The Constitution mandates that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions of Parliament, ensuring regular legislative activity.

Explanation:The Indian Parliament is composed of the President, the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), and the Lok Sabha (Lower House), forming the legislative framework.

Explanation:As per Article 110, the Rajya Sabha can delay a Money Bill for a maximum of 14 days, after which it is deemed passed, preserving financial supremacy of Lok Sabha.

Explanation:In 1980, Punjab had the highest per capita income, attributed to its agricultural prosperity, especially due to the Green Revolution.

Explanation:Hong Kong was known for its free exchange market, with minimal trade restrictions, making it a global financial hub.

Explanation:The Antyodaya scheme targets the poorest of the poor, aiming to uplift the economically weakest sections through employment and welfare programs.

Explanation:The Assam agitation in 1980 was triggered by the inclusion of illegal immigrants in the electoral rolls, raising concerns over identity, security, and representation.

Explanation:Korea is traditionally referred to as the 'Land of the Morning Calm' due to its serene natural beauty and peaceful landscapes, especially during sunrise.

Explanation:Cuba earned the title 'Sugar Bowl of the World' because of its large-scale sugarcane cultivation and dominance in global sugar exports during the 20th century.

Explanation:The Great Indian Bustard, often called the Bustard King, is primarily found in Rajasthan, especially in the Thar Desert, and is a critically endangered species.

Explanation:Thyagaraja was a legendary Carnatic composer of the 18th century, known for his devotional compositions in Telugu, dedicated to Lord Rama.

Explanation:The International Court of Justice (ICJ) consists of 15 judges, elected for nine-year terms, representing the principal legal systems of the world.

Explanation:A mixed economy blends government-owned enterprises with private businesses, allowing both state and market forces to drive economic development.

Explanation:Kerala has consistently shown a higher female-to-male ratio, attributed to better healthcare, education, and social awareness, setting it apart from other states.

Explanation:The 'Fourth Estate' refers to the press or media, highlighting its role as a watchdog of democracy, alongside the three formal branches of government.

Explanation:Qantas Airways is the flag carrier of Australia, known for being one of the world’s oldest airlines, with a reputation for safety and service.

Explanation:Every Indian currency note, including the ₹100 note, bears the signature of the RBI Governor, signifying its authenticity and legal tender status.

Explanation:The Damodar Valley Project is managed by a statutory corporation, unlike other major projects which are overseen by Control Boards, making it an exception in administrative structure.

Explanation:The Durgapur Steel Plant was built with British collaboration, forming part of India’s early industrial development under the Second Five-Year Plan.

Explanation:The Silent Valley Project was abandoned due to concerns raised by ecologists about its impact on the unique rainforest ecosystem, highlighting environmental conservation priorities.

Explanation:Bismillah Khan, the legendary shehnai maestro, received the Padma Vibhushan in 1980 for his contribution to Indian classical music, especially in popularizing the shehnai.

Explanation:Skylab, America’s first space station, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and crashed in the Indian Ocean near western Australia, marking the end of its orbital mission.

Explanation:The Farakka agreement was signed to resolve disputes over the distribution of Ganges water, ensuring equitable sharing between India and Bangladesh.

Explanation:Dr. S. Radhakrishnan served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967, known for his philosophical scholarship and statesmanship.

Explanation:The modern city of Chandigarh was designed by Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect, blending urban planning with modernist architecture.

Explanation:The STEP project was a collaboration between the Post and Telegraph Department and ISRO, aimed at testing satellite-based communication systems.

Explanation:During Haj, Muslims perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times in the holy city of Mecca, which is the spiritual center of Islam.

Explanation:The State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest nationalised bank in India, known for its extensive branch network, customer base, and role in public sector banking.

Explanation:Andrei Sakharov, a prominent Soviet physicist and dissident, was exiled to Gorky in 1980 due to his criticism of Soviet policies, drawing global attention.

Explanation:Television signals use line-of-sight transmission, and due to the curvature of the Earth, the range is limited, making the spherical shape the key factor.

Explanation:Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic acid, essential for immune function, collagen synthesis, and preventing scurvy.

Explanation:A nautical mile is the standard unit in marine and air navigation, equivalent to 1.852 kilometers, based on the Earth’s circumference.

Explanation:Convex mirrors provide a wider field of view, allowing motorists to see more area behind them, making them ideal for rear-view mirrors.

Explanation:Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull, which is approximately 11.2 km/sec.

Explanation:Gobar gas, produced from cow dung and organic waste, primarily contains methane, used as a renewable fuel source.

Explanation:The sun’s energy comes from nuclear fusion, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing vast amounts of energy.

Explanation:A microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals, enabling amplification, recording, or transmission of audio.

Explanation:Uranium is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors, where its fission reactions release energy for electricity generation.

Explanation:Nichrome, an alloy of nickel and chromium, is used in heater elements due to its high resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures without oxidizing.

Explanation:Dialysis is a medical process that removes waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys fail to function properly.

Explanation:Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that plays a key role in photosynthesis, absorbing sunlight to convert into chemical energy.

Explanation:Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide, used for cooling and preservation, and it sublimates directly into gas without leaving liquid residue.

Explanation:Mass remains constant, but weight depends on gravity. Since the moon’s gravity is weaker, Neil Armstrong’s weight decreased, though his mass stayed the same.

Explanation:Astronomers measure stellar distances in light years, which represent the distance light travels in one year, approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers.

Explanation:Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, a condition where bones become soft and weak, especially in children, due to poor calcium absorption.

Explanation:Isotopes have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses but similar chemical properties.

Explanation:Stainless steel is an alloy primarily made of iron, chromium, and carbon, where chromium provides corrosion resistance and carbon adds strength.

Explanation:Vitamins are sensitive to heat, light, and air, and are often destroyed during cooking, especially water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and B-complex.

Explanation:Rusting is a chemical reaction where iron combines with oxygen, forming iron oxide, which adds mass, causing the weight to increase.

Explanation:Bauxite is the primary ore of aluminium, and is processed to extract alumina, which is then refined into aluminium metal.

Explanation:Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Explanation:Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) used as a refrigerant in cooling systems due to its stability and efficiency, though now being phased out for environmental reasons.

Explanation:Radar uses radio waves to detect the distance, speed, and direction of objects, commonly used in aviation, weather forecasting, and defense.

Explanation:Chlorine is widely used to disinfect municipal water, killing pathogens and ensuring safe drinking water.

Explanation:A continental shelf is the submerged extension of a continent, found in shallow seas, and is rich in marine resources.

Explanation:The International Date Line lies near the 180° longitude, and crossing it eastward subtracts a day, while crossing westward adds a day, maintaining global time consistency.

Explanation:Sedimentary rocks form from layers of deposited material, often preserving organic remains, making them the primary source of fossils.

Explanation:The doldrums are a low-pressure zone near the equator where winds are weak and variable, often causing calm conditions that affect maritime navigation.

Explanation:An isthmus is a narrow land bridge connecting two larger land masses, bordered by water on both sides, such as the Isthmus of Panama.

Explanation:Tokyo is approximately 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), so when it is 8 A.M. in Greenwich, it is 5 P.M. in Tokyo, reflecting global time zone differences.

Explanation:The giraffe is the tallest four-legged animal, with its long neck and legs, reaching heights of up to 18 feet, adapted for feeding on tall trees.

Explanation:Chameleons are famous for their ability to change skin colour, which helps in camouflage, temperature regulation, and communication.

Explanation:The woodpecker has a chisel-shaped bill designed for drilling into wood, allowing it to search for insects and build nests.

Explanation:Heavy rainfall can cause soil erosion, washing away nutrients, and leading to reduced fertility, especially in unprotected or sloped areas.

Explanation:The Pampas are extensive fertile grasslands in Argentina and Uruguay, known for agriculture and cattle ranching, forming part of South America’s landscape.

Explanation:India has historically been the largest producer of tea, especially in regions like Assam and Darjeeling, contributing significantly to the global tea market.

Explanation:Venus, known as the evening star, appears in the western sky after sunset, helping in directional orientation and celestial navigation.