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

21. With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker?
1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkup
2 . Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization
4. Conducting the delivery of baby
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
[A]1, 2 and 3 only
[B]2 and 4 Only
[C]1 and 3 only
[D]1, 2, 3 & 4

1, 2 and 3 only
In this question, the 4th statement “Conducting the delivery of baby” is not ASHA’s job. The second option “Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy”, the examiner wants to know whether you are aware of “Nishchay” or not. Under the NRHM, Government of India has introduced rapid home pregnancy test kits (Nishchay). Government is not promoting this as a pregnancy test kit alone, but is promoting it as an entry point to RCH and family planning services for women seeking quality and assured RCH and FP services. Now, the government has made these Nishchay pregnancy test kits available free of cost to all women in rural areas through the ASHAs, thus reaching out to women, who would otherwise have to travel great distances to confirm a pregnancy. A women in villages, who doubts that she might be pregnant can reach out to local ASHA and get “Nischay” free of cost. That is why this option is correct. So the correct answer of this question is 1, 2 & 3


22. Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1919?
1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces
2. Introduction of separate communal electorates for Muslims
3. Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A]1 only
[B]2 and 3 only
[C]1 and 3 only
[D]1, 2 & 3

1 and 3 only
The first statement is correct in this question. Second statement is incorrect because first statutory recognition of separate electorates for Muslims was contained in the Act of 1909. In 1919, the British went ahead and gave separate electorates to Sikhs, Anglo-Indians, Christians and Europeans. So second statement is incorrect. Third statement which says “Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces” is correct. Government of India Act 1919 which gave the provinces more legislative powers provided for the framing of rules for the devolution of authority between the Centre and the Provinces. However, judicial review was prohibited. The correct answer of this question would be : 1 & 3 only . You may read about Government of India Act 1919 Here


23. During Indian freedom struggle, the National Social Conference was formed. What was the reason for its formation?
[A]Different social reform groups or organizations of Bengal region united to form a single body to discuss the issues of larger interest and to prepare appropriate petitions/representations to the government
[B]Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose
[C]Behramji Malabari and M. G. Ranade decided to bring together all the social reform groups of the country under one organization
[D]None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context

B is correct answer
The three options given in this question are so close, that one would need to analyze each of them very carefully. The first statement is incorrect, because “appropriate petitions/representations” were the political functions, far from the objectives of National Social Conference. The second statement ” Indian National Congress did not want to include social reforms in its deliberations and decided to form a separate body for such a purpose” is a CORRECT statement. Please note that when Congress was founded in 1885 in Bombay, its organizers had a feeling that along with the political topic, a place should be given to the discussion of social topics also. So, R. Raghunath Rao and M G Ranade addressed the congress on subjects related to social reforms. But on a second consideration, the organizers of Congress felt that the Congress Platform should be devoted to political topics only. As those interested in the social freforms, also felt in a need for it, so it was decided to inaugurate the National Social Conference as a separate movement. Here we should also note that hostility to social-reform issues expressed by a majority of nationalists in the congress had led to the formation of the Indian National Social Conference. The National Social Conference met annually from 1887 to 1895 as part of the INC Sessions.

Now lets, discuss the third statement. This statement is the very soul of the National Social Conference but has been presented by your examiner in an incorrect way. It is true that the objective of the National Social Conference was to strengthen the forces of reform by bringing together every year in the representatives of various associations and movements scattered all over India , that were struggling against the social evils. Yet, the two names given by UPSC in this question are incorrect, that leads me to eliminate this option. Please note that the conference was founded by MG Ranade an Raghunath Rao. Behram Ji Malabari in those days was working against Infant Marriage and Enforced Widowhood. So, the correct answer of this question is B.


24. Which of the following parties ‘were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar?
1. The Peasants and Workers Party of India
2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation
3. The Independent Labour Party
Select the correct answer the codes given below :
[A]1 & 2 Only
[B]2 & 3 Only
[C]1 & 3 Only
[D]1, 2 & 3

2 & 3 Only
Dr. Ambedkar had organized peasants and workers under his Independence Labour Party. Further, All India Scheduled Castes Federation was the first all India political party which comprised exclusively the Scheduled Castes. It was founded by Dr. Ambedkar in a national convention of the Scheduled Castes held at Nagpur. The Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) came up in 1948. It was not founded by Dr. Ambedkar.


25. With reference to the wetlands of India, consider the following statements
1. The country’s total geographical area under the category of wetlands is recorded more in Gujarat as compared to other States.
2. In India, the total geographical area of coastal wetlands is larger than that of inland wetlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A]Only 1 is correct
[B]Only 2 is correct
[C]Both 1 & 2
[D]Neither 1 nor 2

Only 1
Gujarat has 12,70,875 Hactare area under wetands. Gujarat is followed by West Bengal which as 5,53,090 hactare of wetlands. The statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect.


26. Consider the following crops of India:
1. Groundnut
2. Sesamum
3. Pearl millet
Which of the above is / are predominantly rainfed crop/crops?
[A]1 & 2 Only
[B]2 & 3 Only
[C]3 Only
[D]1,2 & 3

1,2 & 3
Sesamum is mainly a rainfed crop and is grown on marginal, dry and slopy lands. Nearly 80% of the area sown to groundnuts in India is rainfed and relies entirely on summer monsoon rainfall.Among cereals, the main rainfed cereals grown in India are sorghum , pearl millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi) Correct Answer of this question is 1, 2 & 3


27. When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following :
1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. Steep gradients causing land sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for Himalayas being young fold mountains?
[A]1 & 2 Only
[B]1, 2 & 4 Only
[C]3 & 4 Only
[D]1,2, 3 & 4

1,2, 3 & 4
Young fold mountains are rising under the influence of the earth’s tectonic forces. They have a variety of rock structures, deep gorges and high pyramidal peaks. In High Himlayas the rivers have steep gradients, which result from the differential uplift of the High Himalayas. It suggested a long and narrow arc of High Himalayas being uplifted during quartnerary. Then, The Himalayas are called young fold mountains because parallel ridges are found here. Finally , 2 is also correct. Correct answer of this question is 1, 2, 3 & 4


28. Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth’s surface, because:
1. The atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface
2. There is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3. The air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A]1 Only
[B]2 & 3 Only
[C]1 & 3 only
[D]1, 2 & 3

1 Only
The first statement given in this question is correct. Temperature falls off with height at a predictable rate because the air near the surface is heated and becomes light, and the air higher up cools to space and becomes heavy. The second statement is obviously incorrect. This is because the water vapour, which accounts for around 1% of air varies greatly in troposphere and decreases rapidly with the altitude. The third statements is also incorrect as mentioned above. Correct answer of this question is Only 1.


29. The acidification of Oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. Survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larve will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected
Which among the statements given above is / are correct?
[A] 1,2 & 3 only
[B] 2 Only
[C] 1 & 3 Only
[D] 1,2 3 & 4

In this question 1, 2 & 3 are easy to identify as correct statements.


30. In India. other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General
(CAG)?
1 . CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4 . While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A]1,3 & 4 Only
[B]2 Only
[C]2 & 3 Only
[D]1,2, 3 & 4

2 & 3 Only
The Comptroller & Auditor General of India plays a key role in the functioning of the financial committees of Parliament and the State Legislatures. He has come to be recognised as a ‘friend, philosopher and guide’ of the Committee. His Reports generally form the basis of the Committees’ working, although they are not precluded from examining issues not brought out in his Reports. He scrutinises the notes which the Ministries submit to the Committees and helps the Committees to check the correctness submit to the Committees and helps the Committees to check the correctness of facts and figures in their draft reports. In this question, correct statements are 2 & 3


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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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