UPSC 2012 Prelims PYQs with Answer Key

Q: A local man, staying on the top floor of an old wooden house, was awakened at midnight by a fire. Losing his way in a smoke-filled passage, he missed the stairway and went into another room. He picked up a bundle to protect his face from the fire and immediately fell through the floor below where he managed to escape through a doorway. The 'bundle' proved to be the baby of the Mayor's wife. The 'hero' was congratulated by all. Question: The man was called a hero because he

Correct: D. He was congratulated as a hero because the bundle he carried turned out to be a baby, so he saved a life even if unintentionally.

Q: A local man, staying on the top floor of an old wooden house, was awakened at midnight by a fire. Losing his way in a smoke-filled passage, he missed the stairway and went into another room. He picked up a bundle to protect his face from the fire and immediately fell through the floor below where he managed to escape through a doorway. The 'bundle' proved to be the baby of the Mayor's wife. The 'hero' was congratulated by all. Question: The man went into another room because

Correct: B. The passage says he lost his way in the smoke-filled passage and missed the stairway. The immediate reason for entering another room was the smoke-filled passage.

Q: We started pitching the highest camp that has ever been made. Everything took five times as long as it would have taken in a place where there was enough air to breathe; but at last we got the tent up, and when we crawled in, it was not too bad. There was only a light wind, and inside it was not too cold for us to take off our gloves. At night most climbers take off their boots; but I prefer to keep them on. Hillary, on the other hand, took his off and laid them next to his sleeping bag. Question: When they crawled into the tent

Correct: A. Inside the tent it was not too cold for them to take off their gloves. Therefore they took off their gloves because it was not very cold.

Q: We started pitching the highest camp that has ever been made. Everything took five times as long as it would have taken in a place where there was enough air to breathe; but at last we got the tent up, and when we crawled in, it was not too bad. There was only a light wind, and inside it was not too cold for us to take off our gloves. At night most climbers take off their boots; but I prefer to keep them on. Hillary, on the other hand, took his off and laid them next to his sleeping bag. Question: They took a long time to finish the work because

Correct: B. The passage directly says everything took five times as long because there was not enough air to breathe. The delay is due to thin air at high altitude.

Q: We started pitching the highest camp that has ever been made. Everything took five times as long as it would have taken in a place where there was enough air to breathe; but at last we got the tent up, and when we crawled in, it was not too bad. There was only a light wind, and inside it was not too cold for us to take off our gloves. At night most climbers take off their boots; but I prefer to keep them on. Hillary, on the other hand, took his off and laid them next to his sleeping bag. Question: What does the expression "pitching the highest camp" imply?

Correct: C. "Highest camp" means a camp pitched at a height higher than any camp made before. It does not necessarily mean they had reached the summit.

Q: For fourteen and a half months I lived in my little cell or room in the Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floor and the ceiling with its moth-eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasps and hornets lived there, and many lizards found a home behind the rafters, emerging in the evenings in search of prey. Question: The author of the passage seems to suggest that

Correct: A. The narrator adapts to jail surroundings by becoming familiar with them and treating even small features as companions. This suggests one can adjust to uncongenial surroundings.

Q: For fourteen and a half months I lived in my little cell or room in the Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floor and the ceiling with its moth-eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasps and hornets lived there, and many lizards found a home behind the rafters, emerging in the evenings in search of prey. Question: The passage attempts to describe

Correct: C. The passage focuses on the prisoner noticing marks, dents, tufts of grass, stones, insects and lizards in minute detail. It is chiefly about his close observation of surroundings.

Q: For fourteen and a half months I lived in my little cell or room in the Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floor and the ceiling with its moth-eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasps and hornets lived there, and many lizards found a home behind the rafters, emerging in the evenings in search of prey. Question: Which of the following explains best the sentence in the passage "I was almost a part of it"?

Correct: B. The sentence means the narrator had become deeply familiar with every detail of the cell after long confinement. Option B best explains that sense of belonging through familiarity.

Q: In five flats, one above the other, live five professionals. The professor has to go up to meet his IAS officer friend. The doctor is equally friendly to all, and has to go up as frequently as go down. The engineer has to go up to meet his MLA friend above whose flat lives the professor's friend. From the ground floor to the top floor, in what order do the five professionals live?

Correct: D. The doctor goes up as often as down, so he lives in the middle flat. The professor goes up to meet the IAS officer, so IAS is above professor. The engineer goes up to meet the MLA, and above the MLA lives the professor's friend, the IAS officer. This gives Professor, Engineer, Doctor, ML

Q: Examine the following statements: 1. None but the rich can afford air-travel. 2. Some of those who travel by air become sick. 3. Some of those who become sick require treatment. Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

Correct: D. "None but the rich can afford air-travel" means only rich people can travel by air. It does not mean all rich people travel by air or become sick.

Q1·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

A local man, staying on the top floor of an old wooden house, was awakened at midnight by a fire. Losing his way in a smoke-filled passage, he missed the stairway and went into another room. He picked up a bundle to protect his face from the fire and immediately fell through the floor below where he managed to escape through a doorway. The 'bundle' proved to be the baby of the Mayor's wife. The 'hero' was congratulated by all. Question: The man was called a hero because he

Q2·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

A local man, staying on the top floor of an old wooden house, was awakened at midnight by a fire. Losing his way in a smoke-filled passage, he missed the stairway and went into another room. He picked up a bundle to protect his face from the fire and immediately fell through the floor below where he managed to escape through a doorway. The 'bundle' proved to be the baby of the Mayor's wife. The 'hero' was congratulated by all. Question: The man went into another room because

Q3·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

We started pitching the highest camp that has ever been made. Everything took five times as long as it would have taken in a place where there was enough air to breathe; but at last we got the tent up, and when we crawled in, it was not too bad. There was only a light wind, and inside it was not too cold for us to take off our gloves. At night most climbers take off their boots; but I prefer to keep them on. Hillary, on the other hand, took his off and laid them next to his sleeping bag. Question: When they crawled into the tent

Q4·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

We started pitching the highest camp that has ever been made. Everything took five times as long as it would have taken in a place where there was enough air to breathe; but at last we got the tent up, and when we crawled in, it was not too bad. There was only a light wind, and inside it was not too cold for us to take off our gloves. At night most climbers take off their boots; but I prefer to keep them on. Hillary, on the other hand, took his off and laid them next to his sleeping bag. Question: They took a long time to finish the work because

Q5·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

We started pitching the highest camp that has ever been made. Everything took five times as long as it would have taken in a place where there was enough air to breathe; but at last we got the tent up, and when we crawled in, it was not too bad. There was only a light wind, and inside it was not too cold for us to take off our gloves. At night most climbers take off their boots; but I prefer to keep them on. Hillary, on the other hand, took his off and laid them next to his sleeping bag. Question: What does the expression "pitching the highest camp" imply?

Q6·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

For fourteen and a half months I lived in my little cell or room in the Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floor and the ceiling with its moth-eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasps and hornets lived there, and many lizards found a home behind the rafters, emerging in the evenings in search of prey. Question: The author of the passage seems to suggest that

Q7·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

For fourteen and a half months I lived in my little cell or room in the Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floor and the ceiling with its moth-eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasps and hornets lived there, and many lizards found a home behind the rafters, emerging in the evenings in search of prey. Question: The passage attempts to describe

Q8·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

For fourteen and a half months I lived in my little cell or room in the Dehradun jail, and I began to feel as if I was almost a part of it. I was familiar with every bit of it, I knew every mark and dent on the whitewashed walls and on the uneven floor and the ceiling with its moth-eaten rafters. In the little yard outside I greeted little tufts of grass and odd bits of stone as old friends. I was not alone in my cell, for several colonies of wasps and hornets lived there, and many lizards found a home behind the rafters, emerging in the evenings in search of prey. Question: Which of the following explains best the sentence in the passage "I was almost a part of it"?

Q9·CSAT·2012·Decision Making

In five flats, one above the other, live five professionals. The professor has to go up to meet his IAS officer friend. The doctor is equally friendly to all, and has to go up as frequently as go down. The engineer has to go up to meet his MLA friend above whose flat lives the professor's friend. From the ground floor to the top floor, in what order do the five professionals live?

Q10·CSAT·2012·Logical Reasoning

Examine the following statements: 1. None but the rich can afford air-travel. 2. Some of those who travel by air become sick. 3. Some of those who become sick require treatment. Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

Q11·CSAT·2012·Critical Reasoning

Consider the following statements: 1. All machines consume energy. 2. Electricity provides energy. 3. Electrically operated machines are cheap to maintain. 4. Electrically operated machines do not cause pollution. Which one of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?

Q12·CSAT·2012·Quantitative Aptitude

Two glasses of equal volume are respectively half and three-fourths filled with milk. They are then filled to the brim by adding water. Their contents are then poured into another vessel. What will be the ratio of milk to water in this vessel?

Q13·CSAT·2012·General Mental Ability

Context: Guest lectures on five subjects, Economics, History, Statistics, English and Mathematics, have to be arranged in a week from Monday to Friday. Only one lecture can be arranged on each day. Economics cannot be scheduled on Tuesday. Guest faculty for History is available only on Tuesday. Mathematics lecture has to be scheduled immediately after the day of Economics lecture. English lecture has to be scheduled immediately before the day of Economics lecture. Question: Which lecture is scheduled before the Mathematics lecture?

Q14·CSAT·2012·General Mental Ability

Context: Guest lectures on five subjects, Economics, History, Statistics, English and Mathematics, have to be arranged in a week from Monday to Friday. Only one lecture can be arranged on each day. Economics cannot be scheduled on Tuesday. Guest faculty for History is available only on Tuesday. Mathematics lecture has to be scheduled immediately after the day of Economics lecture. English lecture has to be scheduled immediately before the day of Economics lecture. Question: Which lecture is scheduled on Wednesday?

Q15·CSAT·2012·General Mental Ability

Context: Guest lectures on five subjects, Economics, History, Statistics, English and Mathematics, have to be arranged in a week from Monday to Friday. Only one lecture can be arranged on each day. Economics cannot be scheduled on Tuesday. Guest faculty for History is available only on Tuesday. Mathematics lecture has to be scheduled immediately after the day of Economics lecture. English lecture has to be scheduled immediately before the day of Economics lecture. Question: Which lecture is the last one in the week?

Q16·CSAT·2012·General Mental Ability

Context: Guest lectures on five subjects, Economics, History, Statistics, English and Mathematics, have to be arranged in a week from Monday to Friday. Only one lecture can be arranged on each day. Economics cannot be scheduled on Tuesday. Guest faculty for History is available only on Tuesday. Mathematics lecture has to be scheduled immediately after the day of Economics lecture. English lecture has to be scheduled immediately before the day of Economics lecture. Question: Which lecture is scheduled between Statistics and English?

Q17·CSAT·2012·General Mental Ability

Context: Guest lectures on five subjects, Economics, History, Statistics, English and Mathematics, have to be arranged in a week from Monday to Friday. Only one lecture can be arranged on each day. Economics cannot be scheduled on Tuesday. Guest faculty for History is available only on Tuesday. Mathematics lecture has to be scheduled immediately after the day of Economics lecture. English lecture has to be scheduled immediately before the day of Economics lecture. Question: Which lecture is scheduled on Monday?

Q18·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

In a typical Western liberal context, deepening of democracy invariably leads to consolidation of 'liberal values'. In the Indian context, democratization is translated into greater involvement of people not as 'individuals', which is a staple to liberal discourse, but as communities or groups. Individuals are getting involved in the public sphere not as 'atomized' individuals but as members of primordial communities drawn on religious or caste identity. Community-identity seems to be the governing force. It is not therefore surprising that the so-called peripheral groups continue to maintain their identities with reference to the social groups (caste, religion or sect) to which they belong while getting involved in the political processes despite the fact that their political goals remain more or less identical. By helping to articulate the political voice of the marginalized, democracy in India has led to 'a loosening of social strictures' and empowered the peripherals to be confident of their ability to improve the socio-economic conditions in which they are placed. This is a significant political process that had led to a silent revolution through a meaningful transfer of power from the upper caste elites to various subaltern groups within the democratic framework of public governance. Question: What is the "silent revolution" that has occurred in the Indian democratic process?

Q19·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

In a typical Western liberal context, deepening of democracy invariably leads to consolidation of 'liberal values'. In the Indian context, democratization is translated into greater involvement of people not as 'individuals', which is a staple to liberal discourse, but as communities or groups. Individuals are getting involved in the public sphere not as 'atomized' individuals but as members of primordial communities drawn on religious or caste identity. Community-identity seems to be the governing force. It is not therefore surprising that the so-called peripheral groups continue to maintain their identities with reference to the social groups (caste, religion or sect) to which they belong while getting involved in the political processes despite the fact that their political goals remain more or less identical. By helping to articulate the political voice of the marginalized, democracy in India has led to 'a loosening of social strictures' and empowered the peripherals to be confident of their ability to improve the socio-economic conditions in which they are placed. This is a significant political process that had led to a silent revolution through a meaningful transfer of power from the upper caste elites to various subaltern groups within the democratic framework of public governance. Question: Greater democratization in India has not necessarily led to

Q20·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

In a typical Western liberal context, deepening of democracy invariably leads to consolidation of 'liberal values'. In the Indian context, democratization is translated into greater involvement of people not as 'individuals', which is a staple to liberal discourse, but as communities or groups. Individuals are getting involved in the public sphere not as 'atomized' individuals but as members of primordial communities drawn on religious or caste identity. Community-identity seems to be the governing force. It is not therefore surprising that the so-called peripheral groups continue to maintain their identities with reference to the social groups (caste, religion or sect) to which they belong while getting involved in the political processes despite the fact that their political goals remain more or less identical. By helping to articulate the political voice of the marginalized, democracy in India has led to 'a loosening of social strictures' and empowered the peripherals to be confident of their ability to improve the socio-economic conditions in which they are placed. This is a significant political process that had led to a silent revolution through a meaningful transfer of power from the upper caste elites to various subaltern groups within the democratic framework of public governance. Question: According to the passage, what does "deepening of democracy" mean in the Western context?

Q21·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

The poor, especially in market economies, need the strength that collectivities offer for creating more economic, social and political space for themselves; for enhancing their socio-economic well-being and voice, and as a protection against free market individualism. It has been argued that a group approach to farming, especially in the form of bottom-up agricultural production collectivities, offers substantial scope for poverty alleviation and empowering the poor as well as enhancing agricultural productivity. To realise this potential, however, the groups would need to be voluntary in nature, small in size, participative in decision making and equitable in work sharing and benefit distribution. There are many notable examples of such collectivities to be found in varied contexts, such as in the transition economies. All of them bear witness to the possibility of successful cooperation under given conditions. And although the gender impact of the family cooperatives in the transition economies are uncertain, the Indian examples of women-only groups farming offer considerable potential for benefiting women. Question: Consider the following assumptions: 1. It is imperative for transition economies to have agricultural collectivities. 2. Agricultural productivity can be increased by group approach to farming. With reference to the above passage, which of these assumptions is/are valid?

Q22·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

The poor, especially in market economies, need the strength that collectivities offer for creating more economic, social and political space for themselves; for enhancing their socio-economic well-being and voice, and as a protection against free market individualism. It has been argued that a group approach to farming, especially in the form of bottom-up agricultural production collectivities, offers substantial scope for poverty alleviation and empowering the poor as well as enhancing agricultural productivity. To realise this potential, however, the groups would need to be voluntary in nature, small in size, participative in decision making and equitable in work sharing and benefit distribution. There are many notable examples of such collectivities to be found in varied contexts, such as in the transition economies. All of them bear witness to the possibility of successful cooperation under given conditions. And although the gender impact of the family cooperatives in the transition economies are uncertain, the Indian examples of women-only groups farming offer considerable potential for benefiting women. Question: What does the author imply by "gender impact"?

Q23·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

The poor, especially in market economies, need the strength that collectivities offer for creating more economic, social and political space for themselves; for enhancing their socio-economic well-being and voice, and as a protection against free market individualism. It has been argued that a group approach to farming, especially in the form of bottom-up agricultural production collectivities, offers substantial scope for poverty alleviation and empowering the poor as well as enhancing agricultural productivity. To realise this potential, however, the groups would need to be voluntary in nature, small in size, participative in decision making and equitable in work sharing and benefit distribution. There are many notable examples of such collectivities to be found in varied contexts, such as in the transition economies. All of them bear witness to the possibility of successful cooperation under given conditions. And although the gender impact of the family cooperatives in the transition economies are uncertain, the Indian examples of women-only groups farming offer considerable potential for benefiting women. Question: Agricultural collectivities such as group-based farming can provide the rural poor: 1. empowerment. 2. increased agricultural productivity. 3. safeguard against exploitative markets. 4. surplus production of agricultural commodities. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Q24·CSAT·2012·Non-Verbal Reasoning

A 3 x 3 matrix of quarter-shaded circles is given with the centre cell blank. Each circle is divided into four quadrants and some quadrants are shaded black. Row 1: left cell right half shaded, middle cell bottom-left quadrant shaded, right cell top-right quadrant shaded. Row 2: left cell top-left quadrant shaded, middle cell blank, right cell top-left quadrant shaded. Row 3: left cell bottom-right quadrant shaded, middle cell top-left quadrant shaded, right cell bottom-right quadrant shaded. Which one of the figures shown below occupies the blank space (?) in the matrix?

Q25·CSAT·2012·Non-Verbal Reasoning

Figure context: Three views of a cube after rotation are shown. View 1 has top K, front A, right B. View 2 has top H, front M, right K. View 3 has top B, front P, right H. Question: What is the letter opposite to A?

Q26·CSAT·2012·Non-Verbal Reasoning

Figure context: A four-circle Venn diagram is shown. Circle P represents hardworking people, circle Q represents intelligent people, circle R represents truthful people, and circle S represents honest people. The regions are numbered as follows: P only = 10, Q only = 1, R only = 4, S only = 3, P and Q only = 11, P and R only = 9, Q and S only = 2, R and S only = 5, P/Q/R/S common centre = 7, P/R/S but not Q = 8, Q/R/S but not P = 6. Question: Which region represents the people who are intelligent, honest and truthful but not hardworking?

Q27·CSAT·2012·Non-Verbal Reasoning

Figure context: Six coloured square faces form a cube net. The arrangement is: top row has R left of B; middle row has G, Y, O from left to right, with G directly below B; W is directly below Y. Question: Six squares are coloured, front and back, red (R), blue (B), yellow (Y), green (G), white (W) and orange (O), and are hinged together as shown in the figure. If they are folded to form a cube, what would be the face opposite the white face?

Q28·CSAT·2012·Data Interpretation

Consider the following information regarding the performance of a class of 1000 students in four different tests: Test I average marks 60, range 30 to 90; Test II average marks 60, range 45 to 75; Test III average marks 70, range 20 to 100; Test IV average marks 80, range 0 to 100. If a student scores 74 marks in each of the four tests, in which one of the following tests is her performance the best comparatively?

Q29·CSAT·2012·Non-Verbal Reasoning

The elements of the problem figures change from left to right. Figure 1 has a filled triangle near the upper-left corner and a vertical line near the right edge. Figure 2 has the filled triangle near the lower-left corner and a slanting line near the right side. Figure 3 has a slanting line from upper-left to lower-right and the filled triangle near the lower-right corner. Figure 4 has a downward filled triangle near the upper-right corner and a short slanting line near the lower-left side. According to this rule, which figure would be next?

Q30·CSAT·2012·Critical Reasoning

Consider the following statement: The Third World War, if it ever starts, will end very quickly with the possible end of civilization. It is only the misuse of nuclear power which will trigger it. Based on the above statement, which one of the following inferences is correct?

Q31·CSAT·2012·Logical Reasoning

Consider the following statements: 1. All X-brand cars parked here are white. 2. Some of them have radial tyres. 3. All X-brand cars manufactured after 1986 have radial tyres. 4. All cars are not X-brand. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

Q32·CSAT·2012·Data Interpretation

Four political parties W, X, Y and Z decided to set up a joint candidate for the coming parliamentary elections. The formula agreed by them was the acceptance of a candidate by most of the parties. Four aspiring candidates, A, B, C and D approached the parties for their tickets. A was acceptable to W but not to Z. B was acceptable to Y but not to X. C was acceptable to W and Y. D was acceptable to W and X. When candidate B was preferred by W and Z, candidate C was preferred by X and Z, and candidate A was acceptable to X but not to Y, who got the ticket?

Q33·CSAT·2012·Logical Reasoning

Examine the following statements: 1. None but students are members of the club. 2. Some members of the club are married persons. 3. All married persons are invited for dance. Which one of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statements?

Q34·CSAT·2012·Logical Reasoning

Only six roads A, B, C, P, Q and R connect a military camp to the rest of the country. Only one out of A, P and R is open at any one time. If B is closed, so is Q. Only one of A and B is open during storms. P is closed during floods. In this context, which one of the following statements is correct?

Q35·CSAT·2012·Logical Reasoning

Examine the following statements: 1. I watch TV only if I am bored. 2. I am never bored when I have my brother's company. 3. Whenever I go to the theatre I take my brother along. Which one of the following conclusions is valid in the context of the above statements?

Q36·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

The need for Competition Law becomes more evident when foreign direct investment (FDI) is liberalised. The impact of FDI is not always pro-competitive. Very often FDI takes the form of a foreign corporation acquiring a domestic enterprise or establishing a joint venture with one. By making such an acquisition the foreign investor may substantially lessen competition and gain a dominant position in the relevant market, thus charging higher prices. Another scenario is where the affiliates of two separate multinational companies (MNCs) have been established in competition with one another in a particular developing economy, following the liberalisation of FDI, Subsequently, the parent companies overseas merge. with the affiliates no longer remaining independent, competition in the host country may be virtually eliminated and the prices of the products may be artificially inflated. Most of these adverse consequences of mergers and acquisitions by MNCs can be avoided if an effective competition law is in place. Also, an economy that has implemented an effective competition law is in a better position to attract FDI than one that has not. This is not just because most MNCs are expected to be accustomed to the operation of such a law in their home countries and know how to deal with such concerns but also that MNCs expect competition authorities to ensure a level playing field between domestic and foreign firms. Question: What is the inference from this passage?

Q37·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

The need for Competition Law becomes more evident when foreign direct investment (FDI) is liberalised. The impact of FDI is not always pro-competitive. Very often FDI takes the form of a foreign corporation acquiring a domestic enterprise or establishing a joint venture with one. By making such an acquisition the foreign investor may substantially lessen competition and gain a dominant position in the relevant market, thus charging higher prices. Another scenario is where the affiliates of two separate multinational companies (MNCs) have been established in competition with one another in a particular developing economy, following the liberalisation of FDI, Subsequently, the parent companies overseas merge. with the affiliates no longer remaining independent, competition in the host country may be virtually eliminated and the prices of the products may be artificially inflated. Most of these adverse consequences of mergers and acquisitions by MNCs can be avoided if an effective competition law is in place. Also, an economy that has implemented an effective competition law is in a better position to attract FDI than one that has not. This is not just because most MNCs are expected to be accustomed to the operation of such a law in their home countries and know how to deal with such concerns but also that MNCs expect competition authorities to ensure a level playing field between domestic and foreign firms. Question: According to the passage, how does a foreign investor dominate the relevant domestic market? 1. Multinational companies get accustomed to domestic laws. 2. Foreign companies establish joint ventures with domestic companies. 3. Affiliates in a particular market/sector lose their independence as their parent companies overseas merge. 4. Foreign companies lower the cost of their products as compared to that of products of domestic companies. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q38·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

The need for Competition Law becomes more evident when foreign direct investment (FDI) is liberalised. The impact of FDI is not always pro-competitive. Very often FDI takes the form of a foreign corporation acquiring a domestic enterprise or establishing a joint venture with one. By making such an acquisition the foreign investor may substantially lessen competition and gain a dominant position in the relevant market, thus charging higher prices. Another scenario is where the affiliates of two separate multinational companies (MNCs) have been established in competition with one another in a particular developing economy, following the liberalisation of FDI, Subsequently, the parent companies overseas merge. with the affiliates no longer remaining independent, competition in the host country may be virtually eliminated and the prices of the products may be artificially inflated. Most of these adverse consequences of mergers and acquisitions by MNCs can be avoided if an effective competition law is in place. Also, an economy that has implemented an effective competition law is in a better position to attract FDI than one that has not. This is not just because most MNCs are expected to be accustomed to the operation of such a law in their home countries and know how to deal with such concerns but also that MNCs expect competition authorities to ensure a level playing field between domestic and foreign firms. With reference to the passage, consider the following statements: 1. It is desirable that the impact of Foreign Direct Investment should be pro-competitive. 2. The entry of foreign investors invariably leads to the inflated prices in domestic markets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q39·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Most champions of democracy have been rather reticent in suggesting that democracy would itself promote development and enhancement of social welfare — they have tended to see them as good but distinctly separate and largely independent goals. The detractors of democracy, on the other hand, seemed to have been quite willing to express their diagnosis of what they see as serious tensions between democracy and development. The theorists of the practical split — "Make up your mind: do you want democracy, or instead, do you want development?" — often came, at least to start with, from East Asian countries, and their voice grew in influence as several of these countries were immensely successful — through the 1970s and 1980s and even later — in promoting economic growth without pursuing democracy. To deal with these issues we have to pay particular attention to both the content of what can be called development and to the interpretation of democracy (in particular to the respective roles of voting and public reasoning). The assessment of development cannot be divorced from the lives that people can lead and the real freedom that they enjoy. Development can scarcely be seen merely in terms of enhancement of inanimate objects of convenience, such as a rise in the GNP (or in personal incomes), or industrialization — important as they may be as means to the real ends. Their value must depend on what they do to the lives and freedom of the people involved, which must be central to the idea of development. If development is understood in a broader way, with a focus on human lives, then it becomes immediately clear that the relation between development and democracy has to be seen partly in terms of their constitutive connections, rather than only through their external links. Even though the question has often been asked whether political freedom is " conducive to development", we must not miss the crucial recognition that political liberties and democratic rights are among the "Constituent components" of development. Their relevance for development does not have to be established indirectly through their contribution to the growth of GNP. Question: What does a "constitutive" connection between democracy and development imply?

Q40·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Most champions of democracy have been rather reticent in suggesting that democracy would itself promote development and enhancement of social welfare — they have tended to see them as good but distinctly separate and largely independent goals. The detractors of democracy, on the other hand, seemed to have been quite willing to express their diagnosis of what they see as serious tensions between democracy and development. The theorists of the practical split — "Make up your mind: do you want democracy, or instead, do you want development?" — often came, at least to start with, from East Asian countries, and their voice grew in influence as several of these countries were immensely successful — through the 1970s and 1980s and even later — in promoting economic growth without pursuing democracy. To deal with these issues we have to pay particular attention to both the content of what can be called development and to the interpretation of democracy (in particular to the respective roles of voting and public reasoning). The assessment of development cannot be divorced from the lives that people can lead and the real freedom that they enjoy. Development can scarcely be seen merely in terms of enhancement of inanimate objects of convenience, such as a rise in the GNP (or in personal incomes), or industrialization — important as they may be as means to the real ends. Their value must depend on what they do to the lives and freedom of the people involved, which must be central to the idea of development. If development is understood in a broader way, with a focus on human lives, then it becomes immediately clear that the relation between development and democracy has to be seen partly in terms of their constitutive connections, rather than only through their external links. Even though the question has often been asked whether political freedom is " conducive to development", we must not miss the crucial recognition that political liberties and democratic rights are among the "Constituent components" of development. Their relevance for development does not have to be established indirectly through their contribution to the growth of GNP. Question: According to the passage, what should be the ultimate assessment/aim/view of development?

Q41·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Most champions of democracy have been rather reticent in suggesting that democracy would itself promote development and enhancement of social welfare — they have tended to see them as good but distinctly separate and largely independent goals. The detractors of democracy, on the other hand, seemed to have been quite willing to express their diagnosis of what they see as serious tensions between democracy and development. The theorists of the practical split — "Make up your mind: do you want democracy, or instead, do you want development?" — often came, at least to start with, from East Asian countries, and their voice grew in influence as several of these countries were immensely successful — through the 1970s and 1980s and even later — in promoting economic growth without pursuing democracy. To deal with these issues we have to pay particular attention to both the content of what can be called development and to the interpretation of democracy (in particular to the respective roles of voting and public reasoning). The assessment of development cannot be divorced from the lives that people can lead and the real freedom that they enjoy. Development can scarcely be seen merely in terms of enhancement of inanimate objects of convenience, such as a rise in the GNP (or in personal incomes), or industrialization — important as they may be as means to the real ends. Their value must depend on what they do to the lives and freedom of the people involved, which must be central to the idea of development. If development is understood in a broader way, with a focus on human lives, then it becomes immediately clear that the relation between development and democracy has to be seen partly in terms of their constitutive connections, rather than only through their external links. Even though the question has often been asked whether political freedom is " conducive to development", we must not miss the crucial recognition that political liberties and democratic rights are among the "Constituent components" of development. Their relevance for development does not have to be established indirectly through their contribution to the growth of GNP. According to the passage, why is a serious tension perceived between democracy and development by the detractors of democracy?

Q42·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Invasions of exotic species into new geographic areas sometimes occur naturally and without human agency. However, human actions have increased this trickle to a flood. Human-caused introductions may occur either accidentally as a consequence of human transport, or intentionally but illegally to serve some private purpose or legitimately to procure some hoped-for public benefit by bringing a pest under control, producing new agricultural products or providing novel recreational opportunities. Many introduced species are assimilated into communities without much obvious effect. However, some have been responsible for dramatic change to native species and natural communities. For example, the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake Boiga irregularis into Guam, an island in the Pacific, has through nest predation reduced 10 endemic forest bird species to the point of extinction. One of the major reasons for the world's great biodiversity is the occurrence of centres of endemism so that similar habitats in different groups of species that happen to have evolved there. If every species naturally had access to everywhere on the globe, we might expect a relatively small number of successful species to become dominant in each biome. The extent to which this homogenization can happen naturally is restricted by the limited power of dispersal of most species in the face of the physical barriers that exist to dispersal. By virtue of the transport opportunities offered by humans, these barriers have been breached by an ever-increasing number of exotic species. The effects of introductions have been to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into something much more homogeneous. It would be wrong, however, to conclude that introducing species to a region will inevitably cause a decline in species richness there. For example, there are numerous species of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates found in continental Europe but absent from the British Isles (many because they have so far failed to recolonize after the last glaciations). Their introduction would be likely to augment British biodiversity. The significant detrimental effect noted above arises where aggressive species provide a novel challenge to endemic biotas ill-equipped to deal with them. Question: What can be the impact of invasion of exotic species on an ecosystem? 1. Erosion of endemic species. 2. Change in the species composition of the community of the ecosystem. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Q43·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Invasions of exotic species into new geographic areas sometimes occur naturally and without human agency. However, human actions have increased this trickle to a flood. Human-caused introductions may occur either accidentally as a consequence of human transport, or intentionally but illegally to serve some private purpose or legitimately to procure some hoped-for public benefit by bringing a pest under control, producing new agricultural products or providing novel recreational opportunities. Many introduced species are assimilated into communities without much obvious effect. However, some have been responsible for dramatic change to native species and natural communities. For example, the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake Boiga irregularis into Guam, an island in the Pacific, has through nest predation reduced 10 endemic forest bird species to the point of extinction. One of the major reasons for the world's great biodiversity is the occurrence of centres of endemism so that similar habitats in different groups of species that happen to have evolved there. If every species naturally had access to everywhere on the globe, we might expect a relatively small number of successful species to become dominant in each biome. The extent to which this homogenization can happen naturally is restricted by the limited power of dispersal of most species in the face of the physical barriers that exist to dispersal. By virtue of the transport opportunities offered by humans, these barriers have been breached by an ever-increasing number of exotic species. The effects of introductions have been to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into something much more homogeneous. It would be wrong, however, to conclude that introducing species to a region will inevitably cause a decline in species richness there. For example, there are numerous species of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates found in continental Europe but absent from the British Isles (many because they have so far failed to recolonize after the last glaciations). Their introduction would be likely to augment British biodiversity. The significant detrimental effect noted above arises where aggressive species provide a novel challenge to endemic biotas ill-equipped to deal with them. Question: How have the human beings influenced the biodiversity? 1. By smuggling live organisms. 2. By building highways. 3. By making ecosystem sensitive so that new species are not allowed. 4. By ensuring that new species do not have major impact on local species. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Q44·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Invasions of exotic species into new geographic areas sometimes occur naturally and without human agency. However, human actions have increased this trickle to a flood. Human-caused introductions may occur either accidentally as a consequence of human transport, or intentionally but illegally to serve some private purpose or legitimately to procure some hoped-for public benefit by bringing a pest under control, producing new agricultural products or providing novel recreational opportunities. Many introduced species are assimilated into communities without much obvious effect. However, some have been responsible for dramatic change to native species and natural communities. For example, the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake Boiga irregularis into Guam, an island in the Pacific, has through nest predation reduced 10 endemic forest bird species to the point of extinction. One of the major reasons for the world's great biodiversity is the occurrence of centres of endemism so that similar habitats in different groups of species that happen to have evolved there. If every species naturally had access to everywhere on the globe, we might expect a relatively small number of successful species to become dominant in each biome. The extent to which this homogenization can happen naturally is restricted by the limited power of dispersal of most species in the face of the physical barriers that exist to dispersal. By virtue of the transport opportunities offered by humans, these barriers have been breached by an ever-increasing number of exotic species. The effects of introductions have been to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into something much more homogeneous. It would be wrong, however, to conclude that introducing species to a region will inevitably cause a decline in species richness there. For example, there are numerous species of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates found in continental Europe but absent from the British Isles (many because they have so far failed to recolonize after the last glaciations). Their introduction would be likely to augment British biodiversity. The significant detrimental effect noted above arises where aggressive species provide a novel challenge to endemic biotas ill-equipped to deal with them. Question: How is homogenization prevented under natural conditions?

Q45·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Invasions of exotic species into new geographic areas sometimes occur naturally and without human agency. However, human actions have increased this trickle to a flood. Human-caused introductions may occur either accidentally as a consequence of human transport, or intentionally but illegally to serve some private purpose or legitimately to procure some hoped-for public benefit by bringing a pest under control, producing new agricultural products or providing novel recreational opportunities. Many introduced species are assimilated into communities without much obvious effect. However, some have been responsible for dramatic change to native species and natural communities. For example, the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake Boiga irregularis into Guam, an island in the Pacific, has through nest predation reduced 10 endemic forest bird species to the point of extinction. One of the major reasons for the world's great biodiversity is the occurrence of centres of endemism so that similar habitats in different groups of species that happen to have evolved there. If every species naturally had access to everywhere on the globe, we might expect a relatively small number of successful species to become dominant in each biome. The extent to which this homogenization can happen naturally is restricted by the limited power of dispersal of most species in the face of the physical barriers that exist to dispersal. By virtue of the transport opportunities offered by humans, these barriers have been breached by an ever-increasing number of exotic species. The effects of introductions have been to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into something much more homogeneous. It would be wrong, however, to conclude that introducing species to a region will inevitably cause a decline in species richness there. For example, there are numerous species of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates found in continental Europe but absent from the British Isles (many because they have so far failed to recolonize after the last glaciations). Their introduction would be likely to augment British biodiversity. The significant detrimental effect noted above arises where aggressive species provide a novel challenge to endemic biotas ill-equipped to deal with them. Question: Why does man introduce exotic species into new geographical areas? 1. To breed exotic species with local varieties. 2. To increase agricultural productivity. 3. For beautification and landscaping. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Q46·CSAT·2012·Reading Comprehension

Invasions of exotic species into new geographic areas sometimes occur naturally and without human agency. However, human actions have increased this trickle to a flood. Human-caused introductions may occur either accidentally as a consequence of human transport, or intentionally but illegally to serve some private purpose or legitimately to procure some hoped-for public benefit by bringing a pest under control, producing new agricultural products or providing novel recreational opportunities. Many introduced species are assimilated into communities without much obvious effect. However, some have been responsible for dramatic change to native species and natural communities. For example, the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake Boiga irregularis into Guam, an island in the Pacific, has through nest predation reduced 10 endemic forest bird species to the point of extinction. One of the major reasons for the world's great biodiversity is the occurrence of centres of endemism so that similar habitats in different groups of species that happen to have evolved there. If every species naturally had access to everywhere on the globe, we might expect a relatively small number of successful species to become dominant in each biome. The extent to which this homogenization can happen naturally is restricted by the limited power of dispersal of most species in the face of the Physical barriers that exist to dispersal. By virtue of the transport opportunities offered by humans, these barriers have been breached by an ever-increasing number of exotic species. The effects of introductions have been to convert a hugely diverse range of local community compositions into something much more homogeneous. It would be wrong, however, to conclude that introducing species to a region will inevitably cause a decline in species richness there. For example, there are numerous species of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates found in continental Europe but absent from the British Isles(many because they have so far failed to recolonize after the last glaciations). Their introduction would be likely to augment British biodiversity. The significant detrimental effect noted above arises where aggressive species provide a novel challenge to endemic biotas ill-equipped to deal with them. With reference to the passage, which of the following Statements is correct?

Q47·CSAT·2012·Logical Reasoning

Examine the following statements: 1. Rama scored more than Rani. 2. Rani scored less than Ratna. 3. Ratna scored more than Rama. 4. Padma scored more than Rama but less than Ratna. Who scored the highest?

Q48·CSAT·2012·General Mental Ability

Given that, 1. A is the brother of B. 2. C is the father of A. 3. D is the brother of E. 4. E is the daughter of B. Then, the uncle of D is:

Q49·CSAT·2012·General Mental Ability

Gita is prettier than Sita but not as pretty as Rita. Then,

Q50·CSAT·2012·Quantitative Aptitude

Mr. Kumar drives to work at an average speed of 48 km per hour. The time taken to cover the first 60% of the distance is 10 minutes more than the time taken to cover the remaining distance. How far is his office?

UPSC 2012 Prelims Questions with Answers