UPSC 2018 History Previous Year Questions

Question 1

3D printing has applications in which of the following? 1. Preparation of confectionery items 2. Manufacture of bionic ears 3. Automotive industry 4. Reconstructive surgeries 5. Data processing technologies. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 3 and 4 only | 2, 3 and 5 only | 1 and 4 only | 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. 3D printing is used in confectionery/food printing, bionic ears/biomedical devices, automotive prototyping/components, reconstructive surgeries and even data-processing/storage technology research. All listed applications are valid.

Question 2

With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Avalokiteshvara | Lokesvara | Maitreya | Padmapani. Maitreya is the future Buddha expected to appear in the world in Buddhist tradition.

Question 3

Which one of the following foreign travellers elaborately discussed about diamonds and diamond mines of India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Francois Bernier | Jean-Baptiste Tavernier | Jean de Thevenot | Abbe Barthelemy Carre. Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a French traveller and jeweller, wrote extensively about Indian diamonds and diamond mines.

Question 4

With reference to the religious practices in India, the "Sthanakvasi" sect belongs to

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Buddhism | Jainism | Vaishnavism | Shaivism. Sthanakvasi is a Jain sect, particularly within the Svetambara tradition, emphasizing non-idol worship.

Question 5

Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output. | agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output. | poverty and unemployment increase. | imports grow faster than exports.. Economic development is broader than growth in real GNP; if poverty and unemployment increase, higher GNP does not indicate a higher level of development.

Question 6

In the Federation established by The Government of India Act of 1935, residuary powers were given to the

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Federal Legislature | Governor General | Provincial Legislature | Provincial Governors. Under the proposed federation in the Government of India Act, 1935, residuary powers were vested in the Governor-General.

Question 7

Consider the following pairs: Tradition - State: 1. Chapchar Kut festival - Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad - Manipur 3. Thang-Ta dance - Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1 only | 1 and 2 | 3 only | 2 and 3. Chapchar Kut is a Mizoram festival and Khongjom Parba is a Manipuri ballad tradition. Thang-Ta is a Manipuri martial/dance tradition, not Sikkimese.

Question 8

With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. 2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the "Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements". Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1 only | 2 only | Both 1 and 2 | Neither 1 nor 2. The equalization levy was introduced through the Finance Act, not as a normal Income Tax Act provision, and it is generally outside DTAA credit treatment as framed. Hence neither statement is correct.

UPSC 2018 History PYQs with Answers