UPSC MCQs Set-1: sanatan Meets UPSC: 10 High-Quality MCQs with Explanations for GS Papers

 

1. Which of the following ancient Indian concepts closely aligns with the modern idea of “ethical governance” in civil services?

A. Moksha
B. Rajadharma 
C. Varna
D. Sanyasa

Answer: ✅ B. Rajadharma
Explanation: Rajadharma emphasizes duty-based governance — justice, fairness, and public welfare — aligning closely with today’s civil service ethics.

  • GS Paper: GS II

  • Subject/Topic: Polity – Governance, Ethics

  • Other Options:
     A. Moksha → Spiritual liberation, not governance
     C. Varna → Social classification, unrelated to administration ethics
     D. Sanyasa → Renunciation phase, not governance-related

2. Which principle from the Sanatan tradition most resembles the UPSC Civil Services’ motto “Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam” (Excellence in action is Yoga)?

A. Dharma
B. Nishkama Karma 
C. Bhakti
D. Maya

Answer: ✅ B. Nishkama Karma
Explanation: Nishkama Karma means selfless action without desire for fruits — same as the UPSC motto about duty and excellence.

  • GS Paper: GS IV

  • Subject/Topic: Ethics – Philosophical foundations

  • Other Options:
     A. Dharma → Broader concept, not specific to action without desire
     C. Bhakti → Devotional path, not administrative action
     D. Maya → Illusion, unrelated to karma

3. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aims to boost which of the following?

A. Domestic demand
B. Export-led manufacturing 
C. Agricultural output
D. Rural employment

Answer: ✅ B. Export-led manufacturing
Explanation: PLI schemes incentivize production for export, especially in sectors like electronics, pharma, etc.

  • GS Paper: GS III

  • Subject/Topic: Economy – Government schemes & industrial policy

  • Other Options:
     A. Domestic demand → Not primary focus
     C. Agriculture → Not under PLI
     D. Rural jobs → Covered by MGNREGA, not PLI

4. Which of the following best explains "Green GDP"?

A. GDP adjusted for population growth
B. GDP measured in agricultural terms
C. GDP adjusted for environmental degradation 
D. GDP excluding services sector

Answer: ✅ C. GDP adjusted for environmental degradation
Explanation: Green GDP subtracts ecological damage and resource depletion from traditional GDP.

  • GS Paper: GS III

  • Subject/Topic: Economy – Sustainable development

  • Other Options:
     A. Population growth → Not related
     B. Agriculture-only → Incorrect
     D. Services excluded → Not definition of Green GDP

5. The term “Vivad se Vishwas” is associated with:

A. Water dispute resolution
B. Tax dispute settlement 
C. Land acquisition policy
D. GST implementation

Answer: ✅ B. Tax dispute settlement
Explanation: It was launched to resolve pending direct tax disputes through voluntary compliance.

  • GS Paper: GS III

  • Subject/Topic: Economy – Taxation, Government schemes

  • Other Options:
     A. Water → Wrong sector
     C. Land → Unrelated
     D. GST → Different framework

6. What is the primary goal of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan?

A. Water transport
B. Groundwater recharge 
C. Drinking water privatization
D. River-linking

Answer: ✅ B. Groundwater recharge
Explanation: The mission focuses on conservation and recharge of water in water-stressed blocks.

  • GS Paper: GS II

  • Subject/Topic: Governance – Government programs (Water resources)

  • Other Options:
     A. Transport → Not relevant
     C. Privatization → Not an objective
     D. River-linking → Different policy

7. The concept of “One Nation, One Ration Card” primarily ensures:

A. Removal of subsidies
B. Elimination of black marketing
C. Portability of food entitlements 
D. Uniform tax rates

Answer: ✅ C. Portability of food entitlements
Explanation: The scheme allows beneficiaries to access subsidized ration from any part of India.

  • GS Paper: GS II

  • Subject/Topic: Governance – Welfare schemes

  • Other Options:
     A. Subsidy removal → Not purpose
     B. Black marketing → Indirect, not core
     D. Taxation → Unrelated

8. “Mission Karmayogi” is mainly related to:

A. Sports development
B. Bureaucratic efficiency 
C. Women empowerment
D. Military modernization

Answer: ✅ B. Bureaucratic efficiency
Explanation: It's a capacity-building program to train civil servants for future governance needs.

  • GS Paper: GS II

  • Subject/Topic: Governance – Civil services reform

  • Other Options:
     A. Sports → Irrelevant
     C. Women → Not target group
     D. Military → Different mission

9. The term “carbon market” refers to:

A. Stock trading of oil companies
B. Trading in carbon emissions permits 
C. Foreign exchange market
D. Cryptocurrency

Answer: ✅ B. Trading in carbon emissions permits
Explanation: It allows companies to buy/sell permits to emit carbon, encouraging reduction.

  • GS Paper: GS III

  • Subject/Topic: Environment – Climate change, Sustainable development

  • Other Options:
     A. Oil stock → Not related
     C. Forex → Unrelated
     D. Crypto → Different domain

10. The "Right to Education (RTE)" is enforceable under which article of the Constitution?

A. Article 15
B. Article 21A 
C. Article 39
D. Article 51A

Answer: ✅ B. Article 21A
Explanation: Article 21A makes free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14.

  • GS Paper: GS II

  • Subject/Topic: Polity – Constitution, Fundamental Rights

  • Other Options:
     A. Article 15 → Prohibition of discrimination
     C. Article 39 → DPSP, not enforceable
     D. Article 51A → Fundamental Duties

Location: India

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