Miscellaneous: UPSC Previous Year Questions (International Relations and Current Affairs)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Miscellaneous (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 · Miscellaneous
Q1. In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material? 1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio- asphalt is not based on fossil fuels. 2. Bioasphalt can be made from non- renewable resources. 3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials. 4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Bioasphalt is not derived from fossil fuels but from renewable biomass sources like plant-based oils, algae, and bio-waste. This makes it a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based asphalt.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The claim that bioasphalt is made from non-renewable resources is wrong because its raw materials come from renewable sources such as biomass and organic waste. Unlike conventional asphalt, which relies on finite petroleum reserves, bioasphalt can be continuously replen-ished.
Statement 3 is correct: Bioasphalt can be produced from organic waste materials, such as agricultural residues, used cooking oil, and forestry waste. This reduces waste accumulation and promotes circular economy practices by repurpos-ing waste into construction materials.
Statement 4 is correct: Using bioasphalt lowers greenhouse gas emissions as it reduces dependency on fossil fuels and utilizes carbon-sequestering biomass. It contributes to sustainable road infrastructure, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints in construction.
UPSC 2011International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q2. Mahatma Gandhi said that some of his deepest convictions were reflected in a book titled, "Unto this Last" and the book transformed his life. What was the message from the book that transformed Mahatma Gandhi?
Explanation
"Unto This Last" & Gandhi Written by John Ruskin (1860), the book deeply influenced Mahatma Gandhi. The message that transformed Mahatma Gandhi was "The good of individual is contained in the good of all" Gandhi translated it into Gujarati as "Sarvodaya" (The Welfare of All). Core message: Individual well-being is tied to societal welfare, promoting ethical economics, self-sufficiency, and equitable wealth distribution. Inspired Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement in South Africa and self-reliant village development in India. v v v
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2011
(b) 1. 3 and 4 only
2
2011
(b) The good of individual is contained in the good of all
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Miscellaneous?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Miscellaneous (International Relations and Current Affairs), asked from 2011 to 2023. 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 Miscellaneous?
Questions on Miscellaneous (International Relations and Current Affairs) are available for 11 years, from 2011 to 2023. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
