11. Which one of the following is not a characteristic feature of Indian

Which one of the following is not a characteristic feature of Indian Federalism ?

The federating units consented to form a union
Residuary powers vest with the Centre
Single citizenship
An extensive Union and Concurrent list
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Option A is correct because, unlike federations like the USA, the Indian union was not formed by an agreement or consent among already existing independent states (federating units). The states were formed by carving out territories from British India and integrating princely states. This makes the Indian union “indestructible” while the states are “destructible” (their boundaries can be altered by Parliament).
Indian federalism is often described as quasi-federal or federal in form but unitary in spirit, with a strong central government. One key difference from classical federations is the origin of the union.
Characteristic features of Indian federalism include the division of powers between Centre and States (albeit with a strong Centre), a written constitution, the supremacy of the constitution, an independent judiciary, residuary powers with the Centre (B), single citizenship (C), and a detailed distribution of legislative subjects through extensive lists (D). The non-consensual formation of the union is a key aspect that distinguishes Indian federalism.

12. Which one of the following best describes BRICS ?

Which one of the following best describes BRICS ?

A group of five nuclear powers
A group of five industrialized nations
A group of five major emerging economies
A group of five potentially strong UN Security Council members from the Global South
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Option C is correct because BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is best described as a group of five major emerging economies.
BRICS is an association of developing countries and newly industrialized countries, distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant regional and global influence.
While some BRICS nations are nuclear powers or have aspirations for greater roles in global governance like the UN Security Council, these are not the primary defining characteristics of the group as an economic and political bloc. They represent a significant portion of the world’s population and land area, and are seen as challenging the dominance of traditional developed economies.

13. Which one of the following is not an Indian form of Socialism ?

Which one of the following is not an Indian form of Socialism ?

Democratic Socialism
Radical Socialism
Communitarian Socialism
Nehruvian Socialism
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Option B is correct because “Radical Socialism” is not typically considered a distinct, widely recognized *Indian* form of socialism in the same way as Democratic Socialism (as practised in India), Communitarian Socialism (linking socialist ideals with community principles, sometimes seen in Gandhian thought), or Nehruvian Socialism (the specific model adopted under Jawaharlal Nehru emphasizing mixed economy, planning, and public sector). While radical socialist ideas exist in India, ‘Radical Socialism’ isn’t categorized as a primary *form* originating from Indian context or widely adopted.
Indian socialism is characterized by its unique evolution, incorporating elements of democracy, non-violence, and specific national needs, distinct from classical Marxist or revolutionary socialism.
India formally adopted socialism in its Preamble in 1976 (42nd Amendment). Nehruvian socialism guided India’s post-independence economic policy. Democratic socialism emphasizes achieving socialist goals within a democratic political framework. Communitarian socialism can be seen as drawing upon India’s traditional village and community structures. Radical socialism, often implying revolutionary change or state control, doesn’t represent the mainstream historical development or dominant description of Indian socialism.

14. Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. Committee on E

Which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  • 1. Committee on Estimates is an ad hoc committee of the Parliament.
  • 2. Committee on Railway Convention is a standing committee of the Parliament.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Both statements are incorrect. The Committee on Estimates is a standing committee of the Parliament. The Committee on Railway Convention is typically considered an ad hoc committee, reconstituted periodically for a specific purpose, not a standing committee in the usual classification. Therefore, neither 1 nor 2 is correct.
Parliamentary committees are classified as either standing committees (permanent) or ad hoc committees (temporary, for specific purposes). The Estimates Committee is a prominent standing financial committee.
Standing committees exist on a permanent basis, while ad hoc committees are constituted for a specific task and cease to exist once the task is completed. The three main financial committees are the Public Accounts Committee, the Estimates Committee, and the Committee on Public Undertakings, all of which are standing committees. The Committee on Railway Convention is set up for the duration of each Parliament to review financial matters between Railways and General Revenues.

15. Which one of the following items is not covered under GST ?

Which one of the following items is not covered under GST ?

Cosmetics
Medical grade oxygen
Jewellery
Petrol
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Option D is correct because Petrol (motor spirit) is one of the few items that are currently kept outside the purview of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
Certain petroleum products (like petrol, diesel, natural gas, ATF, crude oil) and alcohol for human consumption were excluded from GST at its inception and remain outside the GST framework, attracting old taxes like excise duty and VAT.
Cosmetics, medical grade oxygen, and jewellery are all taxable under the GST regime. Including petroleum products and alcohol under GST requires a decision by the GST Council and possibly legislative changes.

16. Which one of the following is not a provision related to a Money Bill

Which one of the following is not a provision related to a Money Bill ?

Imposition, abolition, remission, alteration or regulation of any tax
Appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund of India
Imposition of fines by local authority for local purpose
Custody of the Consolidated Fund of India or the Contingency Fund of India
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Option C is correct because the imposition of fines by a local authority for local purposes is explicitly excluded from the definition of a Money Bill under Article 110(2)(a) of the Constitution of India.
A Money Bill deals specifically with matters listed in Article 110(1), primarily related to government finance, taxation, and the Consolidated/Contingency Funds of India.
Article 110 lists several matters that constitute a Money Bill, including taxation (A), appropriation of moneys out of the Consolidated Fund (B), and the custody/management of the Consolidated Fund or Contingency Fund (D). Clauses in Article 110(2) clarify what does *not* constitute a Money Bill, such as the imposition of fines or penalties by local authorities.

17. Which one of the following is not mentioned as a form of Emergency in

Which one of the following is not mentioned as a form of Emergency in the Constitution of India ?

National Emergency
State Emergency in terms of Proclamation of President's Rule in a State
Financial Emergency
Health Emergency
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
A ‘Health Emergency’ is not explicitly mentioned as a form of Emergency in the Constitution of India.
The Indian Constitution provides for three types of emergencies: National Emergency (under Article 352), State Emergency or President’s Rule (under Article 356), and Financial Emergency (under Article 360).
While a severe health crisis could potentially lead to actions being taken under existing emergency provisions (like National Emergency if it threatens the security of India), or specific disaster management laws, a dedicated ‘Health Emergency’ category is not defined in the Constitution.

18. Which one of the following statements with regard to the National Rura

Which one of the following statements with regard to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 is correct ?

It ensures 175 days of employment to needy persons in rural areas.
It gives higher wages to women workers.
People are generally given both skilled and unskilled jobs.
This is implemented only in rural areas of India.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (now MGNREGA) is specifically implemented only in rural areas of India.
The Act guarantees 100 days of *unskilled* manual work in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer for it. It mandates equal wages for men and women. It does not guarantee skilled jobs or 175 days of employment (though states may add days using their own funds).
The primary objective of MGNREGA is to provide livelihood security in rural areas by creating durable assets and strengthening the livelihood resource base of the poor.

19. Which one of the following inputs is required in less quantity in case

Which one of the following inputs is required in less quantity in case of non-farming activities ?

Land
Labour
Capital
Raw material
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
Compared to farming, which is land-intensive, non-farming activities often require less land quantity.
Non-farming activities in rural areas (like manufacturing, services, trading) can typically be conducted in smaller spaces compared to the extensive land needed for agricultural cultivation.
The requirements for labour, capital, and raw materials vary significantly among different types of non-farming activities and do not have a consistent pattern of being “less” compared to farming. Land, however, is a distinguishing factor in terms of intensity of use between most farming and non-farming activities.

20. Which one of the following terms denotes the inputs in terms of tools,

Which one of the following terms denotes the inputs in terms of tools, machines, buildings, raw materials and money in hand required at any stage of production ?

Fixed capital
Working capital
Physical capital
Human capital
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2022
The term that denotes inputs like tools, machines, buildings, raw materials, and money in hand required at any stage of production is Physical capital.
Physical capital encompasses all man-made, tangible assets used in the production process. This includes both fixed capital (long-lasting assets like buildings, machinery) and working capital (short-term assets like raw materials, cash) necessary for day-to-day operations.
Fixed capital refers specifically to durable assets used over a long period. Working capital refers to short-term assets used up or converted into cash within a year. Human capital represents the skills, knowledge, and experience of the workforce. Physical capital is the overarching term for the physical tools and resources used in production.