Solution of the UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012 – GS Paper 1

11. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs
[A]the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
[B] the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
[C]all the solar radiations
[D]Infrared part of solar radiation

Infrared part of solar radiation
D is the correct answer. You may read more about it here


12. Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth?
[A]Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
[B]Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
[C]Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus
[D]Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
The correct answer of this question, as most of you know, is Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen. In fact, the early biochemistry was not simply the reactions of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen was bit far from it, was CO2, N and water resulting in the organic acids such as oxalic acid.


13. What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?
1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
[A]1, 2 & 3 Only
[B]2 & 3 only
[C]3 & 4 only
[D]1,2,3 & 4

3 & 4 Only
The first statement is incorrect. The second statement is also NOT correct. Bt Brinjal is NOT a terminator seed, as of now. link The third statement is obviously correct. The 4th statement is dubious but is a correct statement as it says –some concern that–


14. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created?
1. To enable them to withstand drought
2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
4. To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A]1 & 2 Only
[B]3 & 4 Only
[C]1, 2 & 4 Only
[D]1, 2, 3 & 4

1, 2 & 4 Only


15. Consider the following statements:
The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was that he
1. Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British
2. Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians
3. Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else
Which among the above statements is/ are correct?
[A]1 Only
[B]2 & 3 Only
[C]1 & 3 Only
[D]1, 2 & 3

1 Only
The second statement is incorrect. Regarding third statement, we should note that Dadabhai Naoroji was a great social reformer of Bombay, who founded the Parsi Law Association. But when we say he stressed the eradication of “all the social evils before anything else” we are not justifying the role of Dadabhai naoroji. This is an incorrect statement. Correct answer of this question is Only 1


16. With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput Kingdom period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily a devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
[A]1 & 2 Only
[B]2 & 3 Only
[C]1,2 & 3 Only
[D]None of the above is correct

2 & 3 Only
The first statement is incorrect. We are told that Dhrupad has its origin in back to Vedas period. The modern dhrupad probably descends from a form (dhurva) mentioned in the Na¯tyasha¯stra that developed in the Gwalior region (central Indo-Gangetic Plain) and probably reached a peak of popularity in the sixteenth century. Most dhrupads are religious in nature, praising Hindu gods (particularly Krishna) although some texts praise kings. The performance of dhrupad almost always begins with an introductory, free-time a¯la¯p, which can range from a brief affirmation of the melodic underpinnings of the performance (in religious contexts) to elaborate noteby- note explorations of the possibilities inherent in the underlying pitch resources of ra¯ga (melody). The concert dhrupad a¯la¯p generally has two sections: the first (the a¯la¯p of the a¯la¯p) has the usual pattern of a growing pitch ambitus in free tempo, and the second (the nomtom or jor), an unmeasured, but pulsed, presentation of the ra¯ga.


17. How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
1. Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
2. Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?
[A]Only 1
[B]Only 2
[C]Both 1 & 2
[D]Neither 1 nor 2

Only 1
The first statement is correct as Kuchipudi presents more realistic acting occasionally including dialogue spoken by the dancers. Another unique feature of Kuchipudi is the Tarangam, in which the performer dances on the edges of a brass plate, executing complicated rhythmic patterns with dexterity, while sometimes also balancing a pot of water on the head. So, second statement is incorrect. Correct answer is Only 1


18. With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices?
1. Meditation and control of breath
2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place
3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A]1 & 2 Only
[B]2 & 3 Only
[C]3 Only
[D]1,2 & 3

3 Only
As far as meditation is concerned, Sufi practice Muraqaba which is a form of meditation only. This is not related to medieval history of India. First statement is incorrect. Second statement is also incorrect. Third is correct. Correct Answer Only 3.
The question would invite a lot of research though. My answer has raised some counter questions also but we maintain our answer as correct. A few snippets / sources would suffice the reason, one of them is as follows:

source of above snippet is page This Book, Page 232


19. The Rowlatt Act aimed at
[A]compulsory economic support to war efforts
[B]imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial
[C]suppression of the Khilafat Movement
[D]imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press

imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial


20. The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because:
1. The Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence
2. The rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session
3. A resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A]1 Only
[B]2 & 3
[C]1 & 3
[D]None of the above

1 Only
Jinnah’s Two Nations Theory came up in March 1940, so how could they reject in 1929. Statement 2 is also incorrect. The correct answer of this question
is Only 1 .


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52 Comments

  1. jace

    May 21, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    sir, cut off- is it is combined or for Paper I only?

    • GKToday

      May 21, 2012 at 9:46 pm

      @ jace,

      Cut off is combined, there is no individual cut off.

  2. prash

    May 21, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    sir, i am a great fan of gktoday.. thank u very much for ur efforts to make information transparent, free and authentic..
    i had a doubt regarding cut off.. 168-170 is a combined cut-off of paper I and II or GS alone..
    it cant b so less for combined or so much for GS alone.. ppl , including me, think that it might go somewhere between 200-210..
    plz clarify the same..
    thank u sir..

  3. ravi

    May 21, 2012 at 10:22 pm

    for qn 6.in case of cnstinal amendmt bill both houses have equal authority

  4. Sai Akhilesh

    May 21, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    Q.No. 64

    Single window policy is introduced prior to this policy. It is not anew initiative.

    http://india.gov.in/allimpfrms/alldocs/16395.pdf

  5. Avishek

    May 21, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    For Q13 – BT Brinjal one ..statement 1 is incorrect as the gene used is not that of soil fungus but of soil bacteria :) ….as there is no option containing 2 3 4 ….so ans has to be 3 and 4 only.

  6. ravikvarma

    May 21, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    score ranging from 215 to 230…according to gktoday key..it is 217…is it in a comfortable margin?

  7. Avishek

    May 21, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    For Q71 – Seabuckthorn — its also used as biodiesel..though its use as of now is limited, but then it has great potential. Searching in google for Seabuckthorn as biodiesel……reveals many websites that says about it …so correct option should be D – all 1,2,3,4 . Seabuckthorn timber also has great value . Source : google :)

  8. thiyam surjakumar singh

    May 21, 2012 at 11:51 pm

    im greatly delighted with your work sir
    thank you for your great work
    thanks………..

  9. Vikas

    May 21, 2012 at 11:57 pm

    Thank you Sir..most accurate

  10. Kamal

    May 21, 2012 at 11:57 pm

    Hi,
    Thanks a ton for the keys.!!

    The cutoff 168-170 you are expecting is the combined marks of paper 1 & 2 right?

  11. sukumaran

    May 22, 2012 at 12:00 am

    in q 13 bt brinjal gene from bacterium

  12. Tigin kalistus

    May 22, 2012 at 12:08 am

    Is the ‘cutoff marks’as predicted here is for ‘Paper-1’ or combined? I presume it is for combined but then cannot fathom out the criteria adopted in arriving at such a low cuttoff, if it is so.

  13. anwer

    May 22, 2012 at 12:58 am

    the cutoff is for 1st paper only and for both paper combined.please clarify

  14. Gayathri

    May 22, 2012 at 1:20 am

    Sir,

    I would like to know if the cut off mentioned above(165-170) is the sum of both the papers. And also is there any separate cut off marks for each paper?

    Please do reply.
    Thanks.

  15. Johnny Prince

    May 22, 2012 at 1:24 am

    Having doubt in the 86th Qn.. The Snow Leopard does exist naturally in the mountain ranges of Kashmir, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.. Kindly correct me if I’m wrong.

  16. mynk.ngm

    May 22, 2012 at 1:42 am

    sirji this cut off is for GS1 and 2 combined right.. else im afraid only the paper setters and few others will make it..

  17. saurabh

    May 22, 2012 at 9:11 am

    In question 13, gene from soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis is used and not soil fungus. Option A seems to be incorrect.

  18. viswanadhas

    May 22, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Hi , is 170 an individual cutoff or combined ? If combined is there are min cut off on each paper. Plz advice. Thx

  19. killer

    May 22, 2012 at 10:08 am

    in gram sabha question they substituted ‘minor minerals ‘ with ‘any minerals’….itna specific …

  20. amit13226

    May 22, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Sir,
    As per ministry report,
    Coastal wetland area is smaller than inland.please confirm which data is to be followed.

  21. saurabh

    May 22, 2012 at 11:24 am

    In Q.57, NBFCs provide microfinance which promotes inclusive growth. Statement 1 seems to be correct too.

  22. saurabh

    May 22, 2012 at 11:54 am

    Q. 28, 1 & 3 both are correct. Since air is more dense close to the earh it can hold more heat than upper altitudes where air is thinner.

  23. Amit kumar

    May 22, 2012 at 11:57 am

    qn:-95….I think DPSP also contain

    art 44:-uniform civil code for the citizens
    then what should be the answer of qn. 95.

  24. Avishek

    May 22, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    There r many articles which have written about possible effects on biodiversity of Bt brinjal…and the langauge of statement 4 – there is SOME concern that bt brinjal MAY have adverse—– ….so statement 4 cannot be rules out . About the report of expert committee, yes they have said it, but there r numerous other reports, most recently buy greenpeace which says about adverse effects on biodiversity. Statement 2 ..about TERMINATOR SEEDS ..is not fully correct ..check this link please – http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article317940.ece

  25. hemant

    May 22, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    can u plz tell me, wht would be the cutt of list for ias pre and csat

  26. Jitendra Gupta

    May 22, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    Hi Sir,

    Thanks for your excellent support to the aspirants.

    One favor I would like to ask. In the view of this year’s pattern of GS Paper-I, It needs a very good understanding of the topics for the best guess. If you could provide section-wise quiz like dividing Modern History in periods, or dividing Geography of India in Physical Geo, Human Geo, Climatology & atmospheric variations etc., it will help us in concentrating on the very topic and a better assessment of the preparation.

    Regards,
    Jitendra

  27. Adnan

    May 22, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    thank you very much sir. please make pdf available within a single link instead of 10

  28. Nanda

    May 22, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    Kudoos gktoday for answering all then questions with explanations . & waiting for the pdf to d/w ..

  29. dharmesh

    May 23, 2012 at 7:31 am

    how can someone read so many standard UPSC csat exam questions at one go directly from internet, it can only be worth yo read if there be a pdf version provided of question with answer to read them later nor from internet directly and can be print if required. providing so many questions to read from net is not yet worthy when exams are still offline and internet not have that much reach you must provide pdf version of questions with answers

  30. sundaravathanan

    May 23, 2012 at 10:54 am

    checking your key was like discussing question paper with a friend :) thanks a lot!!

  31. Sidharth

    May 23, 2012 at 11:28 am

    Will there be individual cur-off for each paper? If yes, what will be the cut-off for paper 1 and also for Paper 2

  32. neeraj

    May 24, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    sir i think i will get 149 marks in aptitude but in gk i think it is not more than 35
    what should i do
    pls help me

  33. Anurag

    May 24, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    Will GKtoday upload the solutions for CSAT too…… Please do it as your answers are the most authentic ones…..Anxiously waiting fr the CSAT solutions, do post soon ….and many many thanks for the informative solutions of GS Section. Thank You..

  34. nishant

    May 26, 2012 at 2:24 am

    Dear Admin
    I am very much thankful for giving such a beautiful insights to clear our confusion..As for me now I see that I get 60 marks in paper-1 and I think I will get 150 in 2nd paper.which makes it 210..Do I have chance and should I start preparing? Is it true that UPSC has separate cut-off for both papers..PLZ let me know if any …

  35. Mukesh kumar ray

    May 26, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    Sir, my series is (c) prelims 2012 plz send me solved question..

  36. viptip

    May 27, 2012 at 9:38 am

    BT seads are terminator

    http://www.mainstreamweekly.net/article3427.html

  37. samm

    May 27, 2012 at 10:41 am

    hey bro
    i think u will be selected
    as ur total is approx 184
    and i knew a person who got same marks in previous year and got selected
    and this would be happen same in this year
    so start prepare for mains
    wish u all the best

  38. shobhit777

    May 29, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Thanks for the great job…..are sure of the answers you provided for Sufi, Lead Poisoning and RBI question. Most of the other keys are showing different answers. Pls Reply….

  39. Hgiue_980

    May 30, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Question 57: Could you please clarify why permitting NBFC to do banking is not an Inclusive Governance? Thanks

  40. Hgiue_980

    May 30, 2012 at 10:01 am

    Question 65: The option 2 states, withdrawal of money ONLY after the Appropriation Bill is passed. What about the VOTE ON ACCOUNT, which allows to withdraw even before the Appropriation Bill is passed? Please clarify. Thanks

  41. Hgiue_980

    May 30, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Question 95: Why Article 44 is not included in the answer? Thanks

  42. dileep

    May 31, 2012 at 1:05 am

    Sir,

    (Reg: Question No: 28)

    Could you please elaborate why you rejected 3rd statement? Many articles on internet have given that 3rd statement is also correct. Would be grateful if you could provide further support to your answer.

  43. sandy123

    June 7, 2012 at 10:43 pm

    A piece of info….. this year more than 5.50 lacs candidates registered for CSP….dunno how many actually appeared….talked to UPSC today…..last year this was 4.7 lacs….so wats the take on cutoff ?

  44. vats

    June 16, 2012 at 10:51 pm

    Sir,
    why is banking by nbfc not included in inclusive governance?isnt the recent recommendations by the Y.H Malegam committee, a reference in this regard, as the NBFC -MFI is thought to provide financial inclusion?

  45. kesari.meena00

    July 12, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    SIR

    I AM A ST GUY AND I AM GETTING 171 MARKS IN IAS PRE.
    PAPER-1 46
    PAPER-2 125
    WHAT ARE MY CHANCE FOR MAINS AND WHAT WAS THE CUTOFF OF LAST YEAR.

    THANKS

  46. samm

    August 18, 2012 at 9:13 am

    how can we find our marks in this paper
    can we send rti for it…..

  47. DEBOJYOTI ROY

    January 6, 2013 at 12:36 am

    Sir,i would like to get prelis 2nd paper questions.Is there any seat conservation for s/c?

  48. aman

    January 26, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    why pdf download is not available?
    pls provide

  49. sushma Pandey

    March 20, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    sir, i am preparing for panchayat secretary ,which will
    be held within next week.Kindly send some very
    important & detailed article under our constitution for
    panchayat & Rural development.Kindly send and guide me
    soon .

    with regards,

  50. rashi

    April 26, 2013 at 8:50 am

    sir did u provide notes for entire gs pre and mains both if yes how can i get it i am preparing for upsc 2014 give me ur num so tht if any query i can talk to u

  51. sk

    August 13, 2014 at 11:10 am

    Its very helpful to go through specially for me where I can continue even in my work free time. Thanks a lot.

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