100 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on the UPSC 2016 Prelims. 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 71–80 of 100 questions
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UPSC 2016International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q71. A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
Explanation
‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’ (2015) is a biographical film on Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian mathematical genius known for his extraordinary contributions to number theory, infinite series, and mathematical analysis. Ramanujan, largely self-taught, made groundbreaking contributions and collaborated with British mathematician G. H. Hardy at Cambridge University. His work laid the foundation for modern research in mathematical physics, cryptography, and computer science. His famous "Ramanujan Prime" and "Ramanujan Theta Function" remain fundamental in mathematical studies today.
UPSC 2016International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q72. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Star Labeling Program is a government initiative that promotes energy efficiency by rating appliances based on their power consumption. Ceiling fans, electric geysers, and tubular fluorescent lamps all come under the BEE Star Labeling scheme as they are com-mon energy-consuming appliances. The labeling program helps consumers make informed choices by indicating the energy efficiency of electrical appliances. The program has been extended to refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions, and many other household electrical products.
UPSC 2016Polity · Parliament
Q73. The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the:
Explanation
According to Article 249 of the Constitution.
Parliament can legislate on a matter enumerated in the State List if a resolution is passed by the Rajya Sabha.The resolution must be passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting. This means the majority is calculated based on the number of members present and voting, not the total membership of the Rajya Sabha. This is subject to the National Interest clause. The Parliament can legislate on State List matters when it is required in the national interest.
UPSC 2016International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q74. Why does the Government of India promote the use of Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?
Explanation
Introduced by the Government of India in 2015, the Neem-coated Urea policy aims to improve nitrogen use efficiency and curb the diversion of urea for non-agricultural purposes. The neem coating slows the dissolution rate of urea in the soil, ensuring a gradual release of nitrogen that minimizes nutrient loss and boosts crop productivity. Additionally, it helps prevent soil degradation caused by overuse of urea and discourages illegal diversion for industrial applications, as neem-coated urea is unsuitable for non-agricultural uses.
UPSC 2016Polity · Parliament
Q75. Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation. 2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: As per Article 107(3), No bill lapses on prorogation. Prorogation does not affect the bills pending before the House.
Statement 2 is correct: A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Conditions under which Bill lapses:
1. Bills pending in the Lok Sabha (whether originating in the Lok Sabha or transmitted to it by the Rajya Sabha)
2. Bills passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha. (Note - A bill originating in Lok Sabha lapses) Conditions under which Bills does not lapse:
1. Bill not passed by the two Houses due to disagreement and if the president has notified the holding of a joint sitting before the dissolution of Lok Sabha
2. Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha.
3. Bill passed by both Houses but pending assent of the president.
4. Bill passed by both Houses but returned by the president for reconsideration of Houses.
UPSC 2016International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q76. With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach. 2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme. 3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro-irriga-tion equipment. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The initiative promotes advanced production, post-harvest technologies, and value addition techniques to enhance millet productivity and processing.
Statement 2 is correct: The scheme benefits poor, marginal, and tribal farmers as millets are drought-resistant and thrive in low-input farming conditions.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While the initiative promotes millet cultivation, it does not mandate shifting from commercial crops or provide free kits for inputs and micro-irrigation equipment.
UPSC 2016Science and Technology · Miscellaneous
Q77. India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?
Explanation
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a collaborative international project involving countries such as India, China, the European Union, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States. Its primary goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a sustainable and large-scale energy source by replicating the fusion processes that power the sun. If ITER succeeds then the immediate advantage for India would be the capability to construct fusion reactors for power generation. Fusion energy offers a carbon-free and environmentally sustainable alternative, with the potential to provide a significant amount of power compared to fossil fuels.
UPSC 2016International Relations and Current Affairs · Miscellaneous
Q78. Which of the following are the key features of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)? 1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management. 2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level. 3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on the rotation basis. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The entire Ganga River Basin is used as a planning and management unit, ensuring comprehensive conservation efforts.
Statement 2 is correct: NGRBA is responsible for national-lev-el policy and implementation strategies for river cleaning and pollution control.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of NGRBA, not a rotating Chief Minister.
UPSC 2016Indian Economy · Banking Sector in India
Q79. The establishment of ‘Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context? 1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks. 2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards. 3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines for licensing Payments Banks specify that entities such as existing non-bank Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuers, mobile telephone companies, supermarket chains, and others owned and controlled by residents are eligible to promote Payments Banks. This initiative aims to leverage their extensive customer bases and distribution net-works to enhance financial inclusion.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Payments Banks are permitted to issue ATM or debit cards but are not allowed to issue credit cards. This restriction aligns with their mandate to provide basic banking services without engaging in credit risk activities. The restriction on credit cards is a key differentiator between Payment Banks and traditional banks.
Statement 3 is correct: As per RBI guidelines their primary role is to accept demand deposits, provide payment and remittance services, and distribute financial products like insurance and mutual funds, thereby promoting financial inclusion without assuming credit risk.
UPSC 2016Indian Economy · Banking Sector in India
Q80. The term ‘Core Banking Solution’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term? 1. It is a network of a bank’s branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts. 2. It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization. 3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Core Banking Solution (CBS) is a centralized platform that connects all branches of a bank, allowing customers to access and manage their accounts from any branch, ATM, or online. It’s a software application that integrates various banking operations and provides a unified view of customer information. Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect:
The implementation of Core Banking Solutions is primarily driven by individual banks aiming to improve operational efficiency and customer service. Core Banking Solutions are unrelated to the processes of bank mergers or acquisitions. They are technological systems that enable centralized operations and do not pertain to the takeover procedures of banks with significant non-performing assets.
Additional insight:
Core Banking Solutions (CBS) is a centralized banking system that enables banks to handle their daily operations, such as deposit accounts, loan processing, fund transfers, and customer transactions, through one unified platform.With CBS, all bank branches are connected to a central database, allowing customers to access banking services easily, no matter which branch they use. This system supports real-time transaction processing and ensures that data is consistently updated across all branches. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses E-kuber as its core banking solution, which was launched in 2012. E-kuber enables commercial banks to access their RBI current accounts anytime and from any location. It can be accessed via the internet or IN-FINET (Indian Financial Network), a secure network for member banks and financial institutions. INFINET serves as the communication backbone for the National Payments System.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
71
2016
(a) S. Ramanujan
72
2016
(d) 1, 2 and 3
73
2016
(d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting
74
2016
(b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil
75
2016
(b) 2 only
76
2016
(c) 1 and 2 only
77
2016
(d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation.
78
2016
(a) 1 and 2 only
79
2016
(b) 1 and 3 only
80
2016
(a) 1 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on all subjects?
This page covers 100 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on the UPSC 2016 Prelims, 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 the UPSC 2016 Prelims are available for 31 years, from 1995 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
