3,238 previous year UPSC Prelims (GS Paper-I) questions, from 1995 to 2025, each with the correct answer and a full explanation. Filter by subject, chapter or year.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 2541–2550 of 3238 questions
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UPSC 2002Science and Technology · Biology: Botany
Q2541. Consider the following plants: 1. Bougainvillea 2. Carnations 3. Cocoa 4. Grapes Which of these plants are propagated by stem cuttings?
Explanation
Stem cutting is a common asexual propagation method where a section of the stem, with at least one node and some leaves is cut from a parent plant and rooted to grow a new, genetically identical plant. This method helps maintain desirable plant traits. Bougainvillea, carnations, grapes, and cocoa can all be propagated by stem cuttings. Bougainvillea is propagated using hardwood(during the dormant season) or softwood (during spring/summer from young growth) cuttings depending on the season. Carnations: Stem cuttings taken from side shoots in spring/ summer. Must have two nodes and leaves for successful propagation. Grapes: Dormant hardwood cuttings taken during winter with 3 nodes. Ideal for maintaining grapevine traits. Cocoa: Propagated using young, tender stem cuttings during the rainy season. Cuttings should have at least two nodes and leaves.
UPSC 2002Geography · Places and Locations: Indian Geography
Q2542. The correct sequence of the eastward flowing rivers of the peninsular India from north to south is:
Explanation
The Subarnarekha River originates in Jharkhand’s Chota Nagpur Plateau. It flows through West Bengal and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Also known as the "Golden Line" due to historical traces of gold in its sands. It is one of the smallest east-flowing rivers. The Mahanadi originates from Sihawa Hills in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before meeting the Bay of Bengal. The Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world, is built on this river. The Godavari River, called "Dakshina Ganga" from Trimbak Plateau in Maharashtra and flows through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is the longest river of Peninsular India. The Krishna River originates from Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) and flows through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. It is the second-longest river in Peninsular India after the Godavari. The Pennar River originates from Nandi Hills in Karnataka and flows through Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu before joining the Bay of Bengal. The Cauvery River originates from Talakaveri in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before reaching the Bay of Bengal. The Vaigai River originates from the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and flows into the Palk Strait near the Bay of Bengal. The Madurai Meenakshi Temple is situated on the banks of Vaigai. Therefore, the correct sequence from north to south is Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery, and Vagai.
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2543. Who among the following set a new national record in the women’s Pole-vault event in the 7th edition of Senior Federation Cup held in Karnataka in the year 2001?
Explanation
Karamjeet Kaur set a new national record in the women’s pole vault event during the 7th edition of the Senior Federation Cup, held in Karnataka in 2001. She was a prominent Indian pole vaulter who contributed to the sport’s development in the country.
Additional insight:
Rosy Meena Paulraj has set a national record for women’s pole at 4.21 m. Dev Meena holds the record in Mens category with a record of 5.32 m.
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2544. With reference to the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), consider the following statements: 1. The new WPI series with base 1993 - 94 = 100 became effective from April 1998 2. In the new WPI series, the weight for primary articles has gone down by 10 percentage points 3. The weight for electricity has increased in the new WPI series Which of these statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: The office of the Economic Adviser to the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has replaced the old series (Base:1981-82=100) by a new series with a base 1993-94=100 for the Wholesale Price Index with effect from the week ending 1st April, 2000.
Statement 2 is correct: In the new WPI series, the weight for primary articles has gone down by 10 percentage points from 32 -22%.
Statement 3 is correct: The weight for electricity has increased in the new WPI series from 11-14%
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2545. Among the following major stock exchanges of India, the exchange which recorded highest turnover during the year 2000-01 is:
Explanation
In the fiscal year 2000-01, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) recorded a higher turnover compared to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Specifically, during 2001-02, NSE’s share of the market turnover was over 80%, while BSE’s share stood at 16%.
Additional insight:
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) recorded a cash market turnover of 177.1 trillion, surpassing the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which had a turnover of 16.29 trillion during the same period.
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2546. India has the maximum volume of foreign trade with:
Explanation
In 2002, the United States was India’s largest trading partner. India’s merchandise exports to the U.S. grew by 21.4% compared to 2001, rising from $9.74 billion to $11.82 billion. The U.S. accounted for about 10% of India’s total trade during that period.
Additional insight:
As of the fiscal year 2023-2024, China has reclaimed its position as India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to $118.4 billion. This surpasses the United States, which had been India’s top trading partner in the previous two fiscal years.
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2547. India’s external debt increased from US $ 91,158 million as at the end of March 2000 to US $ 100,225 million as at the end of March 2001 due to increase in:
Explanation
India’s external debt increased during this period primarily due to a rise in commercial borrowings, which include external loans raised by corporations and financial institutions from international markets. This category of debt typically grows due to higher borrowing requirements for infrastructure, trade, and industry-related expansions.
Additional insight:
As of end-September 2024, India’s external debt stood at $711.8 billion (4.3%) increase from june 2024, The external debt-to-GDP ratio was recorded at 19.4%%.
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2548. Match List I (Name of the Lady) with List II (Achievement) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Name of the Lady)
List-II (Achievement)
A. Chinna Pillai
1. Tinner of Neerja Bhanot Award
B. Kaveri Thakur
2. Recipient of Stree Shakti Puraskar
C. Mira Nair
3. Became the fastest swimmer in Asia at the age of 16 years
D. Yasoda Ekambaram
4. Recipient of the Golden Lion at Venice film festival
Explanation
Chinna Pillai: Recipient of the Stree Shakti Puraskar, an award given to women for their outstanding contribution to society. Kaveri Thakur: Became the fastest swimmer in Asia at the age of 16. Mira Nair: Recipient of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for her film Monsoon Wedding. Yasoda Ekambaram: Winner of the Neerja Bhanot Award, which honors bravery and humanitarian work.
Additional insight:
The Nari Shakti Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honor for women, awarded annually by the Government of India for contributions to women’s empowerment. It is presented at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on International Women’s Day (8 March). Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding and Satyajit Ray’s Aparajito are the two Indian films that have won the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2549. In the year 2001, the Prime Minister announced a five year excise duty holiday for industries in:
Explanation
In 2001, after the devastating earthquake in Kutch, Gujarat, the Indian government announced a five-year excise duty holiday for industries in the region to support economic recovery and encourage industrial development.
UPSC 2002General Knowledge · Contemporary Events: India
Q2550. In the year 2001, Germany approved a $ 32 million credit to India:
Explanation
In 2001, Germany approved a $32 million credit to India under its development cooperation program. This funding was aimed at promoting primary education in select states, particularly focusing on improving infrastructure, teacher training, and access to education for underprivileged children.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
2541
2002
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
2542
2002
(a) Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery and Vagai
2543
2002
(c) Karamjeet Kaur
2544
2002
(b) 2 and 3
2545
2002
(d) National Stock Exchange
2546
2002
(a) USA
2547
2002
(c) commercial borrowings
2548
2002
(b) A-2; B-3; C-4; D-1
2549
2002
(c) earthquake ravaged Kutch district
2550
2002
(a) to promote primary education in select states
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on all subjects?
This page covers 3238 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I, asked from 1995 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 all subjects?
Questions on UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I are available for 31 years, from 1995 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
