UPSC General Studies Prelims Paper 2011
1. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways : 1. Soil formation. 2. Prevention of soil erosion. 3. Recycling of waste. 4. Pollination of crops Select the correct answer using the codes given below : (a) 1,2,and 3 only. (b) 2,3 and 4 only. (c) 1 and 4 only. (d) 1,2,3 and 4 only. Ans – d 2. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener sold in the market. It consist of amino acids and provides calories like other amino acids. Yet, it is used as a lowcalorie sweetening agent in food items. What is the basis of this use ? (a) Aspartame is as sweet as table sugar, but unlike table sugar, it is not readily oxidized in human body due to lack of requisite enzymes. (b) When aspartame is used in food processing[4], the sweet taste remains, but it becomes resistant to oxidation. (c) Aspartame is as sweet as sugar, but after ingestion into the body, it is converted into metabolites that yield no calories. (d) Aspartame is several times sweeter than table sugar, hence food items made with small quantities of aspartame yield fewer calories on oxidation. Ans – d 3.What was the purpose with which sir William wedderburn and W.S.Caine had set up the Indian parliamentary committee in 1893 ? (a)To agitate for Indian political reforms in the house of commons. (b)To campaign for the entry of Indians into the imperial judiciary. (c)To facilitate a discussion on India’s independence in the British parliament. (d)To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British parliament. Ans – A 4.What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp ? (a)To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semiconductor material. (b)The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp. (c)A CFL is less energyefficient as compared to an LED lamp. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a)1 only. (b)2 and 3 only. (c) 1 and 3 only. (d)1,2,and 3. Ans – c … Read more