Q1. Write the correct order of occurrence of the following activities while completing the construction of a house
- Plastering
- White-washing
- Electrification
- Furnishing
(a) 1-3-2-4
(b) 3-1-2-4
(c) 3-2-1-4
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (b) 3-1-2-4
Explanation: The correct sequence is:
- Electrification (wiring before walls are sealed)
- Plastering (smoothens surfaces)
- White-washing (final wall finish)
- Furnishing (after all structural work is done)
This order ensures efficiency and protection of interior elements.
Q2. For pasteurization by the Flash Method, milk is heated to a temperature of
(a) 0℃
(b) 100℃
(c) -4℃
(d) 72℃
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (d) 72℃
Explanation: The Flash Method of pasteurization involves heating milk to 72℃ for 15 seconds and then rapidly cooling it. This process effectively kills harmful microorganisms while preserving the nutritional quality and flavor of the milk. The temperature of 72℃ is optimal for ensuring safety without over-processing.
Q3. Who among the following being a renowned poet was a good painter also ?
(a) Rabindra Nath Tagore
(b) Amrita Shergil
(c) A. N. Tagore
(d) S. N. Bannerjee
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (a) Rabindra Nath Tagore
Explanation:
Rabindranath Tagore, apart from being a Nobel laureate poet, was also a talented painter. His artworks reflect abstract themes and emotional depth, showcasing his multifaceted creativity.
Q4. “Curtain Raisers” is written by
(a) R. K. Narayan
(b) Kuldip Nayar
(c) Nirad C. Chaudhuri
(d) K. Natwar Singh
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (d) K. Natwar Singh
Explanation: K. Natwar Singh, a diplomat and politician, authored “Curtain Raisers”, which provides insights into Indian diplomacy and international affairs.
Q5. The founder of Asiatic Society was
(a) William Jones
(b) Annie Besant
(c) William Kerry
(d) Havell
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (a) William Jones
Explanation: Sir William Jones, a British orientalist, founded the Asiatic Society in 1784 in Calcutta, aiming to promote the study of Asian cultures, languages, and history.
Q6. Which of the following is not a member of OPEC ?
(a) Venezuela
(b) Algeria
(c) Britain
(d) U.A.E.
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (c) Britain
Explanation: OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) includes oil-rich nations like Venezuela, Algeria, and U.A.E.. Britain is not a member, as it is not part of the oil-exporting bloc.
Q7. The supremacy and sovereignty of ‘Khalifa’ of Baghdad was strictly observed by Muslim kings in India because
(a) ‘Khalifa’ was treated as religious head of the Muslim community
(b) ‘Khalifa’ was treated as the legal head of the Muslim community
(c) All the Muslim States in the world used to pay tributes to him
(d) He used to decide all the cases efficiently
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (a) ‘Khalifa’ was treated as religious head of the Muslim community
Explanation: The Khalifa of Baghdad was regarded as the spiritual leader of the global Muslim community. Indian Muslim rulers acknowledged his religious authority to legitimize their rule.
Q8. Which of the following pairs is incorrect ?
(a) Kiwi – Bird
(b) Alligator – Crocodile
(c) Bat – Mammal
(d) Fish – Pisces
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (b) Alligator – Crocodile
Explanation: Though alligators and crocodiles are similar, they are distinct species with different physical traits and habitats. Hence, pairing them as equivalents is incorrect.
Q9. Musical instrument used by Amir Khusro was
(a) Sitar
(b) Sarod
(c) Tabla
(d) Flute
Answer: (a) Sitar
Explanation: Amir Khusro, a legendary musician and poet, is credited with the invention of the sitar, blending Persian and Indian musical traditions. His contributions laid the foundation for classical Indian music.
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Q10. Which of the following was not a leap year?
(a) 1896
(b) 1900
(c) 1904
(d) 1908
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (b) 1900
Explanation: A year is a leap year if divisible by 4, but century years must also be divisible by 400. 1900 is divisible by 4 but not by 400, so it is not a leap year.
Q11. The largest producer of woodpulp is
(a) Canada
(b) U.S.S.R.
(c) U.S.A.
(d) Japan
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (c) U.S.A.
Explanation: The United States has vast forest resources and advanced pulp and paper industries, making it the largest producer of woodpulp globally. Woodpulp is a key raw material for paper manufacturing.
Q12. Where was the selection of suitable candidates for a particular job first started through competitive examinations ?
(a) China
(b) Great Britain
(c) U.S.A.
(d) Germany
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) China
Explanation:
China pioneered the use of competitive examinations for selecting civil servants during the Han dynasty, laying the foundation for merit-based recruitment systems.
Q13. The Institute of Ombudsman was first established in
(a) Norway
(b) Sweden
(c) Finland
(d) Denmark
Answer: (b) Sweden
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Explanation: The Ombudsman institution originated in Sweden in 1809, designed to investigate complaints against public authorities. It promotes transparency and accountability, and has since been adopted globally.
Q14. Which of the following pairs is correct ?
(a) Surdas – Sahitya Lahari
(b) Somesgara – Charu Chintamani
(c) Kalhana – Ashtadhyayi
(d) Satyanarayana – Mahabharata
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) Surdas – Sahitya Lahari
Explanation: Surdas, a renowned Bhakti poet, is credited with works like Sahitya Lahari, which reflect his devotion to Lord Krishna. The other pairings are incorrect:
- Kalhana wrote Rajatarangini, not Ashtadhyayi.
- Ashtadhyayi was authored by Panini.
- Mahabharata was composed by Vyasa, not Satyanarayana.
Q15. Dronacharya Award is given for
(a) Outstanding performance in sports
(b) Excellent performance in archery
(c) Coaching the sports persons in various sports and games, who achieve excellence and bring glory to the country
(d) Marathon winners in National games
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (c) Coaching the sports persons in various sports and games, who achieve excellence and bring glory to the country
Explanation: The Dronacharya Award honors coaches who have trained athletes to achieve national and international success. It is named after Guru Dronacharya, symbolizing mentorship and excellence in training.
Q16. Death penalty for drug smuggling is given in
(a) Thailand
(b) Singapore
(c) Malaysia
(d) Bangladesh
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (c) Malaysia
Explanation: Malaysia enforces strict anti-drug laws, including mandatory death penalty for trafficking certain quantities of narcotics. This reflects the country’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related crimes.