UPSC CSE PYQ – Miscellaneous

1.

Consider the following:

1. Battery storage
2. Biomass generators
3. Fuel cells
4. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units

How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources”? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]

2.

Consider the following statements:

1. Carbon fibres are used in the manufacture of components used in automobiles and aircrafts.
2. Carbon fibres once used cannot be recycled.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]

3.

“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]

4.

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:

1. It is a product of oil refineries.
2. Some industries use it to generate power.
3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

5.

The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]

6.

Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?

1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

7.

It is possible to produce algae based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?

1. Production of algae based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae based biofuel production requires high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

8.

Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?

1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

9.

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.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]

10.

In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique ‘living root bridges’ are found in

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]

11.

What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

12.

In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the

1. decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
2. nutrients to the surface.
3. bottom-dwelling organisms to the surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2011 Prelims]