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Home » UPSC Prelims Quiz » UPSC Prelims Quiz: March 29, 2026

UPSC Prelims Quiz: March 29, 2026

Q1. Which of the following factors contributed to the slowdown in India’s CO₂ emissions growth in 2025?

1. Reduction in imported coal consumption for power generation

2. Increased adoption of electric vehicles and CNG

3. Rapid growth in petrochemical demand

4. Slower growth in electricity demand

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a)

1 and 2 only

(b)

2, 3 and 4 only

(c)

1 and 3 only

(d)

1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation

Statement 1 – Correct: Imported coal use at power plants fell sharply (~20%), lowering emissions from the power sector.

Statement 2 – Correct: Growth in EVs and CNG reduced demand for petrol and diesel, moderating emissions from transport.

Statement 3 – Incorrect: Petrochemical demand did not grow; instead, it weakened, contributing to slower oil demand growth.

Statement 4 – Correct: Electricity demand growth slowed significantly (~1%), reducing pressure on fossil-fuel-based generation.

Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Q2. Match the following WTO-related elements with their correct descriptions:
List IList II
A. GATT1. Legal framework covering trade in goods, services, and intellectual property
B. Uruguay Round2. Provisional arrangement governing global trade without formal institutional structure
C. Marrakesh Agreement3. Negotiation process that expanded trade rules beyond goods
D. WTO4. Permanent institution administering multilateral trade agreements

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a)

A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

(b)

A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

(c)

A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3

(d)

A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

Explanation

A-2 (GATT) – Correct: It functioned as a provisional arrangement without a formal institutional structure.

B-3 (Uruguay Round) – Correct: This was the negotiation process that expanded trade rules to include services and intellectual property.

C-1 (Marrakesh Agreement) – Correct: It is the founding legal framework establishing rules across goods, services, and intellectual property.

D-4 (WTO) – Correct: It is the permanent institution that administers and implements multilateral trade agreements.

Correct Answer: (b) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
Q3. With reference to the World Trade Organization, consider the following statements:

1. The WTO provides a platform for negotiating trade agreements as well as reviewing national trade policies of member countries.

2. The Dispute Settlement Body of the WTO directly enforces rulings through financial penalties on non-compliant countries.

3. The evolution from GATT to WTO reflects a shift from tariff reduction to broader regulation of global trade.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a)

1 and 3 only

(b)

1 only

(c)

2 and 3 only

(d)

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 – Correct: WTO functions include acting as a negotiation platform and conducting Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM) for member countries.

Statement 2 – Incorrect: WTO does not impose direct financial penalties; enforcement operates through authorized retaliation and compliance pressure.

Statement 3 – Correct: WTO expanded beyond tariff reduction to include services, intellectual property rights, and broader trade regulation.

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Q4. Arrange the following events in the correct chronological order in the evolution of the global trading system:

1. Marrakesh Agreement

2. Launch of the Doha Round

3. Establishment of GATT

4. Uruguay Round

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a)

3 – 4 – 1 – 2

(b)

3 – 1 – 4 – 2

(c)

4 – 3 – 1 – 2

(d)

3 – 4 – 2 – 1

Explanation

GATT (1948): First framework governing global trade; operated as a provisional arrangement without a formal institution.

Uruguay Round (1986–94): Expanded trade rules beyond goods to include services and intellectual property.

Marrakesh Agreement (1994): Legally established the WTO and its comprehensive trade framework.

Doha Round (2001): Focused on development issues and integrating developing countries into the global trading system.

Correct Sequence: GATT → Uruguay Round → Marrakesh Agreement → Doha Round

Correct Answer: (a) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2
Q5. With reference to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), consider the following statements:

1. Usual Status uses a 365-day reference period.

2. Current Weekly Status uses a 30-day reference period.

3. Usual Status generally shows lower unemployment than CWS.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)

1 only

(b)

1 and 2 only

(c)

1 and 3 only

(d)

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 – Correct: Usual Status is based on activity over the preceding 365 days.

Statement 2 – Incorrect: Current Weekly Status (CWS) uses a 7-day reference period, not 30 days.

Statement 3 – Correct: Usual Status captures even intermittent work over a year, leading to lower measured unemployment compared to CWS.

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Q6. With reference to the SRY gene, consider the following statements:

1. It is located on the X chromosome and initiates female reproductive development.

2. It triggers the formation of testes and influences testosterone production.

3. Its presence alone guarantees complete male physical development in all cases.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)

1 only

(b)

2 and 3 only

(c)

2 only

(d)

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 – Incorrect: The SRY gene is located on the Y chromosome, not the X chromosome, and is responsible for male sex determination.

Statement 2 – Correct: It acts as a genetic switch, initiating testes development, which leads to testosterone production and male differentiation.

Statement 3 – Incorrect: Presence of SRY does not guarantee complete male development; variations can occur due to genetic mutations, hormone insensitivity, or DSD conditions.

Correct Answer: (c) 2 only
Additional Prelims Facts: SRY Gene Screening in Sports
Context:
  • The International Olympic Committee has introduced mandatory SRY gene screening for female athletes at elite international competitions.
  • This policy excludes transgender women and several athletes with Differences in Sex Development (DSD) from competing in the female category.
SRY Gene – Core Concept:
  • Definition: SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) is a gene located on the Y chromosome.
  • Function: Acts as a genetic switch initiating testes development and testosterone production.
  • Discovery: Identified in 1990 by Andrew Sinclair.
Objective of Screening:
  • To preserve fairness in women’s sports categories.
  • Targets exclusion of athletes with male physiological advantages such as higher bone density and greater muscle strength.
Procedure:
  • Sample: Saliva or cheek swab
  • Analysis: Detection of presence/absence of SRY gene
  • Timeframe: Results typically within ~1 week
  • Outcome: SRY-negative → Eligible; SRY-positive → Subject to exclusion (with exceptions)
Key Features:
  • One-time genetic test (status remains constant)
  • Used as a predictive marker of male biological development
  • Applicable only to elite international events (Olympics, World Championships)
  • Technically voluntary but mandatory for eligibility
Exception Clause:
  • Certain DSD conditions like Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) may allow participation as the body cannot respond to testosterone.