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General & Miscellaneous — UPSC Prelims Science & Environment previous year questions — page 2

59 solved previous year questions on General & Miscellaneous, papers from 1992 to 2022, drawn from UPSC CSE Prelims, UPPCS, UKPSC. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #41UPPCS 2016
   Which of the following shows a density gradient of the water system?
   • AEcocline
   • BHalocline
   • CPycnocline
   • DThermocline
   Answer: (C) Pycnocline
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct answer. A pycnodine is a layer of water where the density changes rapidly with depth. This is usually due to changes in temperature and/or salinity. Pycnoclines are found in both oceans and lakes. In the ocean, the pycnocline is typically found at a depth of about 100 meters. It separates the warm, less dense surface water from the colder, more dense deep water. In lakes, the pycnocline is typically found at a depth of about 10 meters. It separates the warm, less dense surface water from the colder, more dense deep water. Important Tips An ecocline is a gradient of change in the composition of an ecological community across a spatial or temporal scale. Ecoclines can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in climate, topography, soil conditions, and human activity. A halocline is a layer of water where the salinity changes rapidly with depth. Haloclin

2. #42UKPSC 2016
   The 'Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation and Development Initiative, (KSLCDI) is a collaboration among which three nations?
   • AIndia, Afghanistan, China
   • BIndia, Nepal, Afghanistan
   • CIndia, Nepal, Pakistan
   • DIndia, China, Nepal
   Answer: (D) India, China, Nepal
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct 'Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation Initiative' (KSLCDI) involves the three nations of India, China, and Nepal. aims to promote transboundary cooperation development for the conservation of and the preservation of cultural heritage in Sacred Landscape

3. #43UPSC CAPF 2016
   Which of the following are examples carnivorous plants?
   • ASundew, Venus flytrap, Pitcher plant
   • BCuscuta, Rafflesia, Mistletoe
   • CSandalwood tree, Broom rape, Pitcher plant
   • DCuscuta, Bladderwort, Mistletoe
   Answer: (A) Sundew, Venus flytrap, Pitcher plant
   Explanation

   are insects, jellyfish are invertebrates, and cuttlefish Option a is the correct answer. plants are plants that can trap and digest small 182. Solution: such as insects, spiders, or worms, to supplement Exp) Option d is the correct nutrient intake in poor soil conditions. They have Pair a is correctly matched: Sandalwood plants are known adaptations to lure, capture, and digest their prey, be partial root parasites, as they establish connections as sticky hairs, snapping traps, or pitcher-like structures. the roots of other host plants to obtain water and Sundews (Drosera) are plants that have leaves covered while still having the ability to perform photosynthesis. with sticky hairs that trap and digest insects. Pair b is correctly matched: Cuscuta, commonly Venus flytraps are plants that have leaves that snap shut as dodder, is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll and when triggered

4. #44UPPCS 2006
   Which one of the following areas of India does not come under the zone of high seismic intensity?
   • AUttarakhand
   • BKarnataka Plateau
   • CKutch
   • DHimachal Pradesh
   Answer: (B) Karnataka Plateau
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct forests nurture staggering diversity of life across longitudinal and altitudinal gradients, therefore classified as one of the 36 global Nearly 50 per cent of India's total flowering in the Himalayas, of which 30 per cent are endemic Himalayas is a confluence point for different bio geographical zones. In addition, it is at confluence of the the world's main bio-geographical regions, the oriental realms Important Tips Biogeographic classification of India is the division of India according to biogeographic characteristics. Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species (biology), organisms, and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time. There are ten biogeographic zones in India. Trans-Himalayan zone. Himalayan zone Desert zone. Semiarid zone. Western ghat zone. Deccan plateau zone. Gangetic plain zone. North east zone. Coastal zone Isla

5. #45Practice set
   With reference to Radio Access Network (RAN), Consider the following statements: 1. RAN is used for connecting end user devices to core network. 53. 2. The demand for RAN will decline due to the emergence of SG technology.Which of the following statements is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (A) 1 only
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct Access Networks (RAN) are essential telecommunications networks that connect to the core network. They are crucial for as they represent significant overall perform intensive and complex 1 is correct: RAN (Radio Access Network) is in a telecommunications system that user devices (such as mobile phones) to the core radio access 2 is incorrect: The demand for RAN is the emergence of SG technology as it requires infrastructure to provide the promised high-speed latency connectivity

6. #46Practice set
   'PUSA bio-decomposer' is sometimes seen in the news in context of stubble burning, consider the following statements regarding it. 1. It improves the fertility and productivity of the soil. 2. Food grains produced using the Pusa Decomposer qualify as organic farming.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct bio-decomposer is a decomposer capsule which converted into a liquid solution and sprayed on crop stubble. The solution when sprayed in the decompose crop residue and turn it into manure. It developed by the Indian Agricultural Research 1 is correct. The decomposer improves and productivity of the soil as the stubble manure and compost for the crops and lesser. is required in the future. The soil loses due to stubble burning and it also destroys the and fungi in the soil, apart from causing harm to It is an efficient and effective, cheaper, practical technique to stop stubble 2 is correct. Also, food grains produced Pusa Decomposer qualify as organic farming, since no growth hormones, antibiotics, no organisms, and no leaching of surface water water. Important Tips 'Pusa Decomposer' is essentially a fungi-based liquid solution that can soften hard stubble to the e

7. #47Practice set
   Consider the following statements regarding Winter diesel: 1. It contains additives to maintain lower viscosity. 2. It meets the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications for BS VI grade. 3. It has lower Sulphur content, which may lead to better performance of enginesHow many of the above statements are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (C) All three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 1 is correct. Winter diesel is a specialised was introduced by IOCL last year specifically altitude regions and low-temperature regions such where ordinary diesel can become unusable. contains additives to maintain lower viscosity. It used in temperatures as low as 2 is correct. The winter diesel meets the Bureau Standards (BIS) specifications for BS VI grade 3 is correct. It has lower sulphur would lead to lower deposits in engines and

8. #48Practice set
   Consider the following pairs regarding the proposed/under construction nuclear power plants in India and their location: 1. Chutka Madhya Pradesh 2. Gorakhpur Haryana 3. Kovvada KarnatakaHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct l is correctly matched. Chutka nuclear power a proposed power plant to be built in Madhya is designated for two indigenous 700 PHWR has initiated pre-project 2 is correctly matched. Gorakhpur nuclear is an under-construction power plant located district of 3 is incorrectly matched. Kovvada nuclear power a new site approved in Andhra Pradesh's northern It is designated for six 1208 MW capacity units

9. #49Practice set
   The term 'India Stack' is often seen in news, which of the statement given below best describes the term?
   • AA set of that allows different organization to utilize the unique digital infrastructure to solve India's hard problems
   • BIt is a group of IT professionals dedicated to face the challenges posed by different malware and spywares to India's critical Infrastructure
   • CIt is a cloud-based platform where any individual can download open-source software for their personal use
   • DIt is an initiative by Union Government to make youth aware with new IT technologies and threats
   Answer: (A) A set of that allows different organization to utilize the unique digital infrastructure to solve India's hard problems
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct a is correct. India Stack is a set of that businesses, startups and developers to utilize digital Infrastructure to solve India's hard presence-less, paperless, and cashless The Open API team at has been a in the development, evolution, and evangelization and

10. #50Practice set
    On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion
    • Ais found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
    • Bis found in freshwater lakes and rivers
    • Cexists as groundwater
    • Dexists as soil moisture ies
    Answer: (C) exists as groundwater
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct distribution of water on the Earth's surface is Only of water on the surface is fresh; resides in the ocean. Of freshwater, in glaciers, exists as groundwater, and less is located in lakes, rivers, and swamps

11. #51Practice set
    In India, Tropical Semi-evergreen forests are found in which of the following regions? -1 Western Ghats 2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 3. Eastern HimalayasSelect the correct answer using the codes given below
    • A1 only
    • B1 and 2 only
    • C2 and 3 only
    • D1, 2 and 3
    Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
    Explanation

    Option dis the correct Semi-evergreen forests have a mixture of evergreen trees and the moist deciduous trees. It by the dense forests and is filled with variety of trees of both types. Semi-evergreen found in the Western Ghats, Andaman and and the Eastern Himalayas. Therefore, options 3 are correct

12. #52Practice set
    With reference to 'Algal Blooms', consider the following statements: 1. Harmful Algal Blooms increases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water. 2. Presence of unusually warm water is conducive for algal blooms. umllllWhich of the above is/are correct?
    • A1.only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct I is incorrect: Due to Harmful Algal is depleted in water and leads to low dissolved This happens due to decaying and decomposition algae, which consumes 2 is correct: Two common causes of algal nutrient enrichment and warm waters. of waters in form of phosphate and nitrate algal blooms. Unusually warm waters have been for blooms. !

13. #53Practice set
    Consider the following pairs: 1. Tidal Forests Sundari Tree 19. 2. Tropical Deciduous Juniper Forest 3. Montane Forests khejri 4. Tropical Thorn Babool ForestHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • COnly three
    • DAll four
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct is not only famous for its diverse wildlife, and culture, but also for its dense and vast Indian climate befits the variety of flora and is the second largest land use in India next The forest cover of India is assessed as hectares which constitute 20.64 per cent of geographical area, ranging from the to Dry Zone 1 is correct: Tidal Forests are the forests found on along estuaries and bays and gulfs. They are as Mangroves. These forests are populated by trees adapted to tolerate high salinity. They have air roots, salt secreting leaves and viviparous seeds the saline and anoxic conditions. Some these. trees are Sundari (Heritiera Minor), Bhendi, Keora, Nipa, etc. India's largest mangrove Sunderbans - have a huge population of Sundari - Sunderban Delta (West Bengal), Godavari Delta, Kaveri Delta, Gulf of Nicobar Islands. GI f 2 is incorrect: Tropical Deciduous Fore

14. #54Practice set
    Consider the following statements with reference to Forest areas in World: 1. India has the tenth largest forest area in the world. 2. Russia has the largest forest area in the world.Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct area refers to the area recorded as forest in and is also called recorded forest 1 is correct. India has the tenth largest in the world. correct, Russia is. to, the largest. 815 the United States, Canada, China, Australia, and Republic of Congo also have alargest more than 100 million hectares eachi top 10 countries account for 66 per of the area. of these countries, Brazil (59 per cent), Peru cent), the Democratic Republic of Congo (56 Russia (50 per cent) have half or more of their area under forests. Important Tips having largest forest area: Russia, Brazil, the US, and China were tile top five largest countries by forest area in 2020, while India was the tenth largest. Forests covered 24 per cent of India's t_otal. geographical area [Economic Survey says and India's State of Forest Report (!FOR 2021) says_ accounting for two per cent of the world's total fores

15. #55Practice set
    Which of the following statements is/are correct about Marsupials? 1. Placenta is absent in Marsupial mammals. 50. 2. Unlike placental mammals their gestation period is very small.Select the correct answer using the code given below
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect. Marsupials are also known mammals. They do have placenta but it is and does not make as much of a contribution 2 is correct. Marsupial does not have period because of yolk-type placenta. They very early and embryo climbs from the mother's to the nipples

16. #56Practice set
    Consider the following pairs: 1. Amur Falcon Assam festival 2. Nuakhai Juhar Manipur 3. Hornbill Nagaland festivalHow many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (A) Only one
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct 1 is incorrectly matched. Nagaland Amur Falcon festival to spread awareness need to provide safe passage to Amur 2 is incorrectly matched. Nuakhai Juhar, also Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat, is the of Western Odisha, southern Chhattisgarh areas of Simdega (Jharkhand). It is welcome the new crop of the season. Nuakhai is of two words signifies eating of new rice as new and 'khai' means 3 is correctly matched. Hornbill Festival is one largest indigenous festival organised by Nagaland protect and revive the uniqueness and richness Naga heritage. The festival is considered the "Festival in Nagaland. The festival is tribute to for its qualities of grandeur and alertness

17. #57Practice set
    Which of the following statements regarding Operation Thunder, seen in news recently, is/ are incorrect? 1. It was organised by the and WWF. 2. Its objective is to stop smuggling of wildlife and forest products. 3. India had recently withdrawn from the operation.Select the correct option using the code given below
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B2 and 3 only
    • C1 and 3 only
    • D1, 2 and 3
    Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct 1 is incorrect: It is coordinated by the Organisation (WCO) and 2 is correct: The objective of this exercise is networks of transnational smugglers wildlife (live/ products) and forest products is banned under environmental laws ( domestic like CITES) to ensure their 3 is incorrect: India has not withdrawn Thunder. In India, the India Customs and WCO seized red sandalwood that for UAE recently

18. #58Practice set
    Which of the following sub - indices are part of the Food and Agriculture Organization Food Price Index (FFPI)? 1. The FAO Cereal Price Index 2. The FAO Pulses Price Index 3. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index 4. The FAO Dairy Price Index 5. The FAO Meat Price IndexSelect the correct answer using the codes given below
    • A1, 2, 3 and 4 only
    • B1, 3, 4 and 5 only
    • C2, 3, 4 and 5 only
    • D1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
    Answer: (B) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) is a measure of change in international prices of a basket of It consists of the average of five price indices weighted by the average export shares of the groups over five commodity groups are: The FAO Cereal Price The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index The FAO Dairy Price Index The FAO Meat Price Index The FAO Sugar price

19. #59Practice set
    Consider the following statements about the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): 1. UNDRR oversees the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. 2. The Gender Dimensions of Disaster Risk and Resilience (2021) report is an annual publication of UNDRR. 3. The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is a global partnership managed by UNDRR.How many of the above statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (A) Only one
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct 1 is correct. United Nations Office for Reduction (UNDRR) oversees the the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk supporting countries in its and sharing what works in reducing existing preventing the creation of new 2 is incorrect. The Gender Dimensions of and Resilience (2021) report is an annual publication 3 is incorrect. The Global Facility for and Recovery (GFDRR) is a global by the World Bank. Important Tips United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) brings governments, partners and communities together to reduce disaster risk and losses and to ensure a safer, sustainable future. UNISDR's Strategic Framework 2016-2021 guides the organization to achieve substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses for a sustainable future

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