UPSC (Prelims) 2021 Previous Year Questions

What is blue carbon?

The money multiplier in an economy increases with which one of the following?

With reference to 'Urban Cooperative Banks' in India, consider the following statements:

1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?

1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to India, consider the following statements:

1. Retail investors through demat account can invest in 'Treasury Bills' and 'Government of India Debt Bonds' in primary market.
2. The 'Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching' is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The 'Central Depository Services Ltd.' is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which one of the following effects of creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India?

In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil?

1. Fern
2. Lichen
3. Moss
4. Mushroom
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:

1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage.
2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment.
3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.
   Which of the above statements are correct?

With reference to Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused/increased by which of the following?

1. Expansionary policies
2. Fiscal stimulus
3. Inflation-indexing wages
4. Higher purchasing power
5. Rising interest rates
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Indian Government Bond Yields are influenced by which of the following?

1. Actions of the United States Federal Reserve
2. Actions of the Reserve Bank of India
3. Inflation and short-term interest rates
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.

'R2 Code of Practices' constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

With reference to 'WaterCredit', consider the following statements:

1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on the subsidies.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements:
The effect of devaluation of a currency is that it necessarily

1. improves the competitiveness of the domestic exports in the foreign markets
2. increases the foreign value of domestic currency
3. improves the trade balance
   Which of the above statements is/are correct?

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:

1. It is a product of oil refineries.
2. Some industries use it to generate power.
3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements:
Other things remaining unchanged, market demand for a good might increase if

1. price of its substitute increases
2. price of its complement increases
3. the good is an inferior good and income of the consumers increases
4. its price falls
   Which of the above statements are correct?

Which one of the following is likely to be the most inflationary in its effects?

Consider the following statements:

1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in public interest.
3. The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.
   Which of the above statements are correct?

Which among the following steps is most likely to be taken at the time of an economic recession?

Consider the following:

1. Foreign currency convertible bonds
2. Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions
3. Global depository receipts
4. Non-resident external deposits
   Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments?

In India, the central bank's function as the 'lender of last resort' usually refers to which of the following?

1. Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow from other sources
2. Providing liquidity to the banks having a temporary crisis
3. Lending to governments to finance budgetary deficits
   Select the correct answer using the code given below.