Current Affairs: UPSC Previous Year Questions (International Relations and Current Affairs)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Current Affairs (International Relations and Current Affairs). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2011International Relations and Current Affairs · Current Affairs
Q1. In the context of global oil prices, "Brent crude oil" is frequently referred to in the news. What does this term imply? 1. It is a major classification of crude oil. 2. It is sourced from the North Sea. 3. It does not contain sulphur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Brent crude is a major classification of oil and a key global benchmark for crude oil pricing, widely traded and followed for its significant market influence. Its importance comes from its quality, availability, and location, making it easily transportable to European refineries.
Statement 2 is correct: Brent crude is primarily sourced from the North Sea, specifically the Brent oil field. This region is a major oil producer, and its origin influences the characteristics and market value of Brent crude. While the specific blend of crude oils that make up Brent crude may vary slightly over time, its North Sea origin remains a defining characteristic.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While considered "sweet crude" for its relatively low sulfur content, Brent crude still contains some sulfur. "Sweet" indicates less sulfur compared to "sour" crudes, making it more desirable due to lower refining costs. Sulfur content is an important factor in crude oil pricing because higher sulfur content generally requires more complex and expensive refining processes to meet environmental regulations.
UPSC 2011International Relations and Current Affairs · Current Affairs
Q2. Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the "Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act"?
Explanation
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) legally guarantees that adult members of all rural households can apply for work, ensuring inclusivity without discrimination based on caste, creed, gender, or socioeconomic status. Despite the broad eligibility, MGNREGA often prioritizes Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in practice, reflecting its primary goal of poverty alleviation and providing livelihood security to the most vulnerable rural communities. MGNREGA recognises the right to work as a fundamental entitlement for all rural residents, aimed at improving livelihoods and empowering communities, even if implementation targets certain groups for effectiveness.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2011
(b) 1 and 2 only
2
2011
(d) Adult members of any household
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Current Affairs?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Current Affairs (International Relations and Current Affairs), asked from 2011 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Current Affairs?
Questions on Current Affairs (International Relations and Current Affairs) are available for 10 years, from 2011 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
