UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 5 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

• Definition of Paramitas:
  The term 'paramita' is often translated as "perfection" in the context of Buddhism. It refers to a set of qualities that one must perfect in order to progress on the path towards enlightenment as a Samma Sambuddha (Enlightened Universal Buddha) or Bodhisattva.
• Types of Paramitas:
  In Buddhism, there are ten paramitas that are considered essential for spiritual growth:
  1. Generosity
  2. Morality
  3. Patience
  4. Energy
  5. Meditation
  6. Wisdom
  7. Skilful means
  8. Resolution
  9. Power
  10. Knowledge
• Regional Variations:
  The qualities referred to as Paramis in Southern traditions are known as Paramitas in Eastern and Northern traditions. Despite some variations in terminology, the essence of these qualities remains consistent across different Buddhist traditions.

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives established to create a more sustainable and improved future for everyone. These goals were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as part of the UN Resolution with a target year of 2030. Some of these goals specifically focus on ecology and the environment.
• Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, while considering the agreements made by the UNFCCC forum.
• Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
• Goal 15: Protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and stop biodiversity loss.

Uttar Pradesh's Second Elephant Reserve

• Background: Uttar Pradesh is set to establish its second Elephant Reserve, which will be a part of the Dudhwa National Park in the Lakhimpur district.
• Name: The reserve will be known as the Terai Elephant Reserve.
• Existing Reserve: Prior to this development, Uttar Pradesh had only one Elephant Reserve called the Shivalik Elephant Reserve, which is shared with the state of Uttarakhand.
• Area Coverage: The Terai Elephant Reserve within Dudhwa will encompass portions of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur wildlife sanctuary, Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, and sections of the north and south Kheri forest divisions.
• Official: Ramesh Pandey holds the national responsibility for Project Elephant within the Ministry of Environment.

The Chemical Formula of Rust

• Rust is formed through an oxidation reaction when iron reacts with water and oxygen.
• The chemical reaction involved in rusting is: 4Fe + 3O₂ + 6H₂O → 4Fe(OH)₃
• The porous rust, Fe(OH)₃, further reacts with oxygen to form crystallized rust with a formula of Fe₂O₃.xH₂O.
• Therefore, the chemical formula of rust is Fe₂O₃.

The Correct Answer: Tai Tzu Ying

• Tai Tzu Ying secured her first women's singles title at the India Open by defeating Chen Yu Fei in a dominant straight-game victory.
• She clinched her maiden women's singles India Open title with a commanding performance, reaffirming her status as one of the greatest players in the game.

The Main Reason for Peasants to Join the 1857 Revolt

• Inordinately high revenue demands: The revenue demands imposed on the peasants were excessively high, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihood.
• Impact of revenue policies: The revenue policies not only displaced ordinary peasants but also led to the downfall of the country's gentry, further aggravating the situation.
• Unsatisfied beneficiaries: Even those who were supposed to benefit from the new revenue policies expressed dissatisfaction, adding to the discontent among the peasants.
• All of these: The culmination of these factors led to widespread dissatisfaction and ultimately fueled the peasants' involvement in the 1857 Revolt.
• The British government implemented various administrative policies aimed at expanding their control, including significant reforms in the revenue system and taxation. These changes had a severe impact on the peasants, prompting them to take part in the revolt.
• The 1857 revolt, which started on May 10, 1857, in Meerut as a sepoy mutiny, quickly spread across the Bengal Presidency as sepoys rebelled against British officers.

Yamo is a warm and dry wind blowing down steep valleys in Japan.

• Groundnut, also known as peanuts, is a type of legume that is considered one of the best sources of proteins.
• It is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, copper, and arginine, providing comprehensive nutrition.
• Groundnuts are highly energetic, with 100 grams of peanuts containing 600 calories.

Correct Sequence of Perspectives on Gender and Development in India

• Ethnography: This perspective involves studying and understanding different cultures and societies, including their beliefs, practices, and social structures.
• Welfare: Focusing on the well-being and quality of life of individuals, especially those in need of support and assistance.
• Development: Refers to the progress and growth in economic, social, and political aspects of a society or community.
• Empowerment: Involves enabling individuals, especially women, to have control over their lives, make their own decisions, and access resources and opportunities.

The correct sequence of perspectives on gender and development in India is Ethnography, Welfare, Development, Empowerment.

Gender and development in India is a multi-faceted field that looks at how different perspectives can influence policies and initiatives to address gender disparities. It takes into account the unique cultural, social, and economic contexts of India to promote equality and empowerment among all genders.

• Launch Date: Project Elephant was launched in 1992.
• Initiated By: The initiative was started by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
• Objective: The main goal of Project Elephant is to provide financial and technical support for wildlife management efforts.
• Focus: It focuses on the conservation and management of the free-ranging populations of wild Asian Elephants in various states across India.

Key Points

• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee was constituted under the Environment Protection Act 1986.
• The nodal ministry is Ministry of Environment and Forest.
• Its main function is to approve activities involving large scale use of hazardous and recombinants in industrial production.
• It is also responsible for the approval of proposals regarding the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment.
• It conducts experimental field trials before releasing any genetically engineered organism into the environment.

Important Points

What is a GM crop?

• A GM crop is a transgenic crop.
• It is a plant that has a novel combination of genetic material obtained through biotechnology that adds a new quality to the parent crop like herbicide-tolerance.

• Butler Committee Formation and Report: The Butler Committee was established in 1927, and it conducted visits to approximately 16 states before submitting its report in 1929. This indicates that options 1 and 2 are correct.
• Purpose of the Committee: The main focus of the Butler Committee was to investigate the nature of the relationship between princely states and the government. Therefore, option 3 is considered incorrect.
• Undefined Term in Recommendation: The term 'paramountcy' was not explicitly defined in the committee's recommendations, and it was left to be interpreted based on the Crown's prerogative. This makes option 4 correct.

Key Points:

• The key recommendations put forth by the Butler Committee include:
  • The paramountcy principle should remain supreme and fulfill its obligations by adapting and defining itself based on the changing needs of the time and the progressive development of states.
  • The transfer of states to the Indian Government in British India should not take place.

The Competitiveness Roadmap for India@100 by EAC-PM

• Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister, EAC-PM has released the Competitiveness Roadmap for India@100 in New Delhi.
• The roadmap aims to guide India towards becoming a higher-income country by 2047.
• It is a collaborative effort involving EAC-PM, the Institute for Competitiveness led by Dr. Amit Kapoor and Professor Michael E. Porter, and Dr. Christian Ketels from Harvard Business School.

Key Points

• The document was unveiled in the presence of Chairman EAC-PM Dr. Bibek Debroy, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Member of EAC-PM Sanjeev Sanyal, and Dr. Christian Ketels from Harvard Business School.
• The roadmap outlines policy goals, principles, and strategies to further propel India's economy towards sustainability and resilience, focusing on social progress and shared prosperity.

The Significance of Sendai Framework, Yokohoma Strategy, and Hyogo Framework in Disaster Management

• The Indian Express: 11 people lost their lives in Ludhiana due to inhaling toxic gas, prompting an investigation to identify the source.

Key Points

• Over the years, several global frameworks have been created for disaster risk reduction (DRR).
• The International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) was designated for the years 1990-2000.
• The Yokohama Strategy, formulated in 1994, encompasses guidelines for Natural Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, and Mitigation.
• The Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015 and its successor, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, established in Japan in March 2015, offer general direction for mitigating risks associated with natural hazards.
• The Sendai Framework complements other 2030 Agenda agreements such as:
  • The Paris Agreement on Climate Change
  • The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development
  • The New Urban Agenda
  • The Sustainable Development Goals

The correct answer is Delhi.

In News

• Delhi government bans the use of mobile phones in classrooms

Key Points

• The Delhi government issued an advisory on restrictions of use of mobile phones in school premises requesting parents to ensure that their wards do not carry cell phones to the school.
• Teachers and other staff have also been asked to avoid using mobile phones in places like classrooms, playgrounds, laboratories, and libraries where teaching and learning activities take place.
• School authorities have been asked to provide helpline numbers where students and parents can call in case of an emergency.
  • This advisory was issued for all government and private schools in Delhi.

Citizenship Articles:

• Citizenship in India is regulated by Articles 5 to 11 (Part II) of the Constitution.
• Article 5 specifically addresses India's citizenship at its establishment.
• To fully enjoy civil and political rights in any State, one must be a citizen of that State.
• The Indian Parliament has the authority to create laws pertaining to citizenship rights under Article 11.
• This provision resulted in the enactment of the Citizenship Act 1955.

Articles 25 to 28:

• These articles ensure religious organizations and individuals in India have the freedom of religion guaranteed by the constitution.
• Articles 25 to 28 encompass a declaration to this effect.

Articles 12 to 35:

• Everyone has the right to approach the Supreme Court and the High Courts to enforce their fundamental rights, irrespective of race, religion, caste, or sex.
• Fundamental Rights are classified into six categories and are detailed in Articles 12-35.

Articles 14 to 18:

• These articles define the equality of citizens in the country with regard to race, caste, sex, religion, and place of birth.

The correct answer is Krishna Deva Raya and why

• Krishna Deva Raya:
  • He belonged to the Tuluva Dynasty and ruled from 1509-1529 AD.
  • Krishna Deva Raya took on the title of Yavanaraja Sthapnacharya and Abhinava Bhoja. He was also known as Andhra Bhoj.
  • During his reign, he constructed significant structures such as Vijaya Mahal, Hazara Rama temple, and the Vithal Swami temple.
• Achyuta Deva Raya:
  • He was Krishna Deva Raya's brother from the Tuluva Dynasty and later succeeded him as the ruler.
  • During his rule, a Portuguese horse trader named Farnao Nuniz visited Vijaynagar.
• Vira Narasimha:
  • He was the founder of the Tuluva Dynasty and ascended the throne after the assassination of Immadi Narasimha, the last ruler of the Suluva Dynasty.
• Harihara:
  • Harihara I and Bukka I were the founders of the Vijayanagar Empire.
  • They established the Empire near the Tungabhadra River and initiated The Sangama Dynasty (1336-1485).

Correct Solution: 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - D, 4 - B

Key Points:

• BALCO:
  • The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, owned the aluminium production Bharat Aluminium Company Ltd, one of its sites is located at Korba in Chattisgarh.
  • Founded: 1965
  • CEO: Abhijit Pati
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• IISCO:
  • An integrated steel facility known as the IISCO Steel Plant of Steel Authority of India Limited is situated in Burnpur, India's Paschim Bardhaman district.
  • Founded: 1918
  • Headquarters: Burnpur, Asansol
  • CEO: Anirban Dasgupta
• NFL:
  • Five gas-powered ammonia-urea plants are owned and operated by National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), including the Nangal & Bathinda plants in Punjab, the Panipat plant in Haryana, and the two plants in Vijaipur in District Guna, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Chairman: Shri Atul B. Patil
  • Founded: 1st Oct 1979
  • Headquarters: Punjab
• ICF:
  • Integral Coach Factory is a manufacturer of rail coaches located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
  • The Indian Railways owns and runs it.
  • Founded: 2 October 1955
  • General Manager: A. K. Agarwal
  • Headquarters: Chennai

Analysis of the Solution

• The Correct Answer: The correct answer is option 4, which is "More power vests with the Centre."
• Federal System:
  • Federalism is a system of government where powers are divided between the center and its constituent parts, such as states or provinces.
  • It is a mechanism to accommodate two sets of politics - one at the national level and the other at the regional level.
  • A federal system differs from a unitary system as sovereignty is constitutionally split between two territorial levels, allowing each level to act independently in some areas.
• Features of the Federal System:
  • Dual government polity
  • Division of powers between various levels
  • Rigidity of constitution
  • Independence judiciary
  • Dual citizenship
  • Bicameralism
  • Therefore, options 1, 2, and 3 are correct in the context of a federal system.
• Features of Unitary System:
  • The flexibility of the constitution
  • More power vests with the Centre
  • The executive is a part of the legislature
  • Integrated judiciary
  • Single citizenship
  • Integrated election machinery
  • Therefore, option 4 is not correct when considering a unitary system.

The Correct Answer is 1 only:

• Burhan-Ul-Mulk Saadat Khan: He was appointed as the subadar of Awadh in 1722.
• Awadh Region: Awadh was a prosperous region that controlled the alluvial Gangetic Plain.
• Mughal Influence: Saadat Khan attempted to decrease Mughal influence in the Awadh region by reducing the number of Jagidars appointed by the Mughals, making statement 1 incorrect.
• Ijarah System: Saadat Khan initiated the Ijarah System in his province, which was a form of revenue farming in Mughal India. This system was correctly started by Saadat Khan, making statement 2 correct.
  • Revenue System: The Ijarah system was introduced by Jahandar Shah in Mughal India.
• Other Achievements:
  • Saadat Khan introduced a new revenue system in 1723 focused on equitable land revenue by peasants.
  • He is known to have improved the condition of peasants by implementing fair land revenue policies and protecting them from oppression by powerful zamindars.
  • After Saadat Khan, his nephew Safdar Jung succeeded him and also served as the wazir of the Mughal Empire, receiving the province of Allahabad.

The Concept of 'Hot Money' in India

• Definition: 'Hot money' in India refers to Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI).
• Explanation: 'Hot money' represents the movement of funds from one country to another with the aim of exploiting short-term profit opportunities arising from differences in interest rates.
• Comparison with Other Terms:
  • Global Depositary Receipt (GDR): A GDR is a certificate issued by a bank in multiple countries to represent shares of a foreign company.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI involves an entity from one country investing in and gaining control over a business in another country.
  • Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI): FPI involves foreign funds entering a country through bank deposits or investments in the stock and bond markets. In FPI, investors do not have direct control over the securities or businesses.
• Key Point: Hot money is commonly associated with Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI).

The Significance of Preeclampsia in News

• The Hindu: Early prediction of preeclampsia using a blood-derived biomarker.

In-depth Analysis

• Preeclampsia:
• It is a high blood pressure (hypertension) disorder that can occur during pregnancy.
• A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that measuring DNA-methylation levels in the blood can improve the detection of pregnancies at risk of developing preeclampsia at early stages.
• Preeclampsia is a significant cause of complications during pregnancy. Early-onset preeclampsia, which occurs before 34 weeks of gestation, is particularly concerning due to the higher risks associated with severe disease and fetal mortality.
• Low-dose aspirin administered at early stages of the disease can mitigate the risk of developing preeclampsia, but early identification is crucial for initiating this intervention.
• Liquid biopsy is emerging as a valuable tool for non-invasive diagnostics, aiding in disease detection, monitoring progression, and assessing treatment response.
• Hypotension refers to low blood pressure, where the blood pressure is lower than normal.
• Eclampsia is a severe condition characterized by seizures in pregnant individuals with preeclampsia, accompanied by symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches, blurry vision, and convulsions. It is a rare but critical condition that arises in the latter stages of pregnancy.
• Plant disease resistance genes (R genes) play a vital role in detecting pathogens and have been utilized in resistance breeding programs for many years.
• Glyphosate is a herbicidal substance that deactivates a crucial enzyme involved in amino acid synthesis found in green plants, making it an effective herbicide against a wide range of weeds.

The correct answer is '0 - 6 years'.

Key Points

• In India, the child sex ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand males in the age group 0–6 years in a human population.
• An imbalance in this age group will extend to older age groups in future years.
• Currently, the ratio of males to females is significantly greater than 1, i.e. there are more boys than girls.
• Hence, the correct answer is 0 - 6 years.

The Himalayas:

• It is a series of parallel mountain ranges extending along the North-West to the South-East direction to the north of the Indian peninsula.
• The Himalayas are separated, and these ranges are separated by longitudinal valleys, which are:
  • Trans-Himalayas
  • The Greater Himalayas or Himadri
  • The Lesser Himalayas or Himachal
  • Shivalik or the Outer Himalayas
  • The Eastern Hills or Purvanchal
• They are also separated according to the region they are:
  • Punjab Himalayas - it is situated between Indus and Sutlej rivers.
  • Kumaon Himalayas - it is located between Sutlej and Kali rivers.
  • Nepal Himalayas - it is located between Kali and Teesta rivers.
  • Sikkim Himalayas - it is located between Kosi and Teesta rivers.
  • Assam Himalayas - it is located between Teesta and Dihang rivers.
    • It is also known as the eastern Himalayas.

Satavahana Dynasty (60 BC - 225 AD):

• Simukha was the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
• Dharanikota near Amaravati in the Guntur district was the first capital of Simukha.
• Later, he shifted his capital to Pratishtana.
• Gautamiputra Satakarni was the 23rd ruler of the Satavahana dynasty and the most important king of the Satavahana Dynasty.
  • His achievements have been mentioned in the Nasik Inscription, by his mother Gautami.
  • He defeated the Saka Ksatrap Nahapana and revived the Satavahana power.
• Satavahana rulers were identified through matronymics (names derived from that of the mother).
• For example, in the name of Gautamiputra Satakarni, Gautami is the name of his mother.
• Satavahana's succession to the throne was generally patrilineal.

The designated inflation time for evacuation slides is between 6 to 10 seconds. This quick deployment is essential during emergencies, as it allows for rapid evacuation of passengers from the aircraft. The slides must inflate swiftly enough to ensure that they are ready for use when needed, which can significantly impact the safety and efficiency of an evacuation. This rapid inflation capability is a critical safety feature incorporated into the design of evacuation systems.

Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, airlines are required to cap the airfares for 50% of the total seats at Rs. 2,500 per hour of flight. This fare cap is designed to make air travel more affordable and accessible to the general public, encouraging more people to utilize air services, especially in remote and regional areas. The scheme aims to enhance regional development by improving connectivity and encouraging tourism, which can significantly benefit local economies.

Uttar Pradesh emerged as the leading state in the addition of transmission lines in FY2024, adding 1,460 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines rated at 220kV or higher. This substantial increase underscores the state's commitment to improving its electricity infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth and energy reliability.

Expanding urban development is not a recommendation mentioned in the study on air pollution in the Sundarbans. Instead, the study emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices such as promoting renewable energy and regulating sources of pollution to protect this vital ecosystem.

Vallabhacharya founded the philosophy of Shuddha Advaita, which translates to "pure non-dualism." This philosophy emphasizes the ultimate unity of the soul and the divine, highlighting a deep, personal devotion to God, particularly in the context of Krishna worship within the Pushti sect.