UPSC Prelims 2022 previous year paper · official paper and PYQ-pattern practice

UPSC Prelims 2022 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 20 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Economic and Social Development

   With reference to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in India, consider the following statements: 1. The MPC determines the policy interest rate required to achieve the inflation target. 2. The MPC consists of six members, with the Governor of RBI as the ex-officio Chairperson. 3. The decisions of the MPC are binding on the Reserve Bank of India. 4. The inflation target is set by the Government of India in consultation with the RBI. Which of the statements given above are correct?

   • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
   • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
   • C. 1, 3 and 4 only
   • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   All statements are correct. The MPC was established under the RBI Act to maintain price stability while keeping growth in mind. It has six members with the RBI Governor as chairperson. Its decisions on repo rate and other policy rates are binding on the RBI, and the inflation target (currently 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%) is set by the Government in consultation with RBI.

2. Q2 · Current Events of National and International Importance

   Which of the following countries is/are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)? 1. India 2. Pakistan 3. Afghanistan 4. Iran Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • A. 1 and 2 only
   • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
   • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   India, Pakistan, and Iran are members of the SCO. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017, while Iran became a full member in 2023. Afghanistan has observer status in the SCO but is not a full member. The SCO focuses on political, economic, and security cooperation in Eurasia.

3. Q3 · General Science

   Consider the following statements regarding Genetically Modified (GM) crops: 1. Bt cotton produces a protein toxic to bollworms but safe for human consumption. 2. Golden Rice is genetically modified to contain enhanced levels of Vitamin A. 3. India has commercially approved the cultivation of GM mustard. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • A. 1 and 2 only
   • B. 2 only
   • C. 1 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Statement 1 is correct: Bt cotton produces Cry protein toxic to bollworms but harmless to humans. Statement 2 is correct: Golden Rice is engineered to produce beta-carotene (Vitamin A precursor). Statement 3 is incorrect: As of 2022, GM mustard has not received final commercial cultivation approval in India; only Bt cotton is commercially cultivated.

4. Q4 · Indian and World Geography — Physical, Social, Economic

   Which of the following is the primary reason for the formation of tropical cyclones?

   • A. High altitude wind shear over continental regions
   • B. Warm ocean surface temperatures above 27°C and low wind shear
   • C. Cold ocean currents meeting warm land surfaces
   • D. High pressure systems over oceanic regions
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Tropical cyclones form when ocean surface temperatures exceed 27°C, providing the necessary heat and moisture. Low vertical wind shear allows the storm system to develop and intensify. These conditions are typically found in tropical oceans, which is why cyclones form in these regions.

5. Q5 · General Science

   Which of the following statements regarding vaccines is/are correct? 1. mRNA vaccines contain a weakened form of the live virus. 2. Vector vaccines use a modified version of a different virus to deliver instructions to cells. 3. Inactivated vaccines contain killed pathogens. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • A. 1 and 2 only
   • B. 2 and 3 only
   • C. 1 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Statement 1 is incorrect - mRNA vaccines do not contain live virus, they contain genetic instructions. Statement 2 is correct - vector vaccines like AstraZeneca use a modified harmless virus as a delivery vehicle. Statement 3 is correct - inactivated vaccines contain killed pathogens.

6. Q6 · Economic and Social Development

   With reference to India's foreign trade, consider the following statements: 1. India's merchandise trade deficit has been consistently higher than its services trade surplus in recent years. 2. Remittances from Indian diaspora are recorded in the current account of Balance of Payments. 3. Foreign Direct Investment is recorded in the capital account of Balance of Payments. Which of the statements given above are correct?

   • A. 1 and 2 only
   • B. 2 and 3 only
   • C. 1 and 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   All three statements are correct. Statement 1 - India has a large merchandise trade deficit that exceeds its services surplus. Statement 2 - Remittances are part of current transfers in the current account. Statement 3 - FDI is recorded in the capital account along with other investment flows.

7. Q7 · General Science

   With reference to stem cells, consider the following statements: 1. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the body except placental cells. 2. Adult stem cells are found only in bone marrow and umbilical cord blood. 3. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) are created by reprogramming adult somatic cells. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • A. 1 and 3 only
   • B. 2 only
   • C. 3 only
   • D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Pluripotent stem cells can form any body cell but not placental tissue (only totipotent cells can). iPSCs are made by reprogramming adult cells. Statement 2 is incorrect—adult stem cells exist in various tissues including brain, liver, and skin.

8. Q8 · Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues

   Which of the following provisions of the Indian Constitution can be amended by a special majority of Parliament without requiring ratification by state legislatures? 1. Fundamental Rights under Part III 2. Directive Principles of State Policy under Part IV 3. Election of the President of India 4. Representation of states in Parliament Select the correct answer using the code given below:

   • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
   • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
   • C. 1 and 2 only
   • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Fundamental Rights and DPSPs can be amended by special majority alone (Article 368). However, amendments relating to election of President and representation of states in Parliament require ratification by at least half the state legislatures as they affect federal structure.

9. Q9 · Economic and Social Development

   Consider the following statements: Statement-I: A rise in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is likely to reduce the lending capacity of commercial banks. Statement-II: CRR is the proportion of deposits that banks must hold as reserves with the Reserve Bank of India and does not earn any interest. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   • C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
   • D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Both statements are correct. A higher CRR reduces lendable funds, thus Statement-II (which defines CRR) correctly explains why Statement-I is true.

10. Q10 · Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change

    Consider the following statements regarding 'Biodiversity Hotspots': 1. A region must have at least 1,500 species of endemic vascular plants to qualify as a hotspot. 2. India has five biodiversity hotspots within its territory. 3. The Western Ghats-Sri Lanka hotspot is shared between two countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • A. 1 and 2 only
    • B. 1 and 3 only
    • C. 2 and 3 only
    • D. 1, 2 and 3
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    A hotspot must have ≥1,500 endemic vascular plants. India has four biodiversity hotspots (not five). The Western Ghats-Sri Lanka hotspot is indeed shared.