BPSC Prelims Mock Test - 3 - BPSC (Bihar) MCQ

• Asmaka was located on the banks of the Godavari River. It was one of the Mahajanapadas of ancient India, existing from the sixth to the fourth century BCE.
• Angutara Nikaya, a Buddhist scripture, mentions 16 Mahajanapadas. These republics or kingdoms were prominent in northern and central India.
• Asmaka or Assaka was unique among the Mahajanapadas as it was situated south of the Vindhya Range in the region known as Dakshinapatha.
• It was specifically located on the banks of the Godavari River, in what is now Telangana and Maharashtra.
• The capital of Asmaka was identified as Potali or Podana, which is believed to correspond to present-day Bodhan in Telangana.

Therefore, Asmaka was the Mahajanapada situated on the banks of the Godavari River.
Additional Information:
The other Mahajanapadas included:

• Kasi
• Kosala
• Anga
• Magadha
• Vajji
• Malla
• Chedi
• Vatsa
• Kuru
• Panchala
• Matsya
• Surasena
• Avanti
• Gandhara
• Kamboj

With reference to the national movement, the correct pair is:

Choose the correct pair-
The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.
Key Points

• Jawaharlal Nehru, known for popularizing the concept of Purna Swaraj, was chosen as the president of the Lahore session of the Congress in December 1929 with Gandhi's support. This decision was made despite opposition from 15 out of 18 Provincial Congress Committees. This validates statement 1.
• Key decisions made during the Lahore session include boycotting the Round Table Conference, declaring complete independence as Congress's aim, authorizing the Congress Working Committee to initiate civil disobedience measures, and setting January 26, 1930, as the first Independence Day to be celebrated nationwide.
• Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the newly adopted tricolour flag at midnight on the banks of River Ravi on December 31, 1929, amid chants of Inquilab Zindabad.
• Sarojini Naidu became the president of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1925, while Annie Besant was the first woman president of INC, presiding over the 1917 session in Kolkata. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
• Rajkumari Amrit Kaur served as a member of the Constituent Assembly and held the Health Minister Portfolio in the First cabinet of Free India. This validates statement 2.

• Mesosphere:
  • In the mesosphere, gases are mixed up rather than being layered by their mass.
  • Meteors burn up in this layer after entering Earth's atmosphere and before reaching Earth's surface.
  • Due to enough gases in the mesosphere, friction is created when meteors hit this layer, resulting in heat. 
• Additional Information:
  • Troposphere:
    • The troposphere is the innermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere where the weather constantly changes and mixes up gases.
    • This layer contains the air we breathe and the clouds in the sky.
  • Stratosphere:
    • The stratosphere is located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere.
    • There are no storms or turbulence in this layer, allowing cold, heavy air at the bottom and warm, light air at the top.
    • The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects us from UV radiation by absorbing most of the UV radiation from the sun.
  • Thermosphere:
    • The thermosphere is above the mesosphere and below the exosphere.
    • This layer is home to the International Space Station as it orbits Earth.

The category of Fundamental Rights incorporating protection against untouchability

• Right to Equality is the category that incorporates protection against untouchability as a form of discrimination.

Key Points

• Right to equality is mentioned under Article 14-18 of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 15 relates to the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in matters of public employment.
• Article 17 abolishes untouchability, making Right to Equality the correct option.
• Article 18 abolishes titles.

Important Points

• Part 3 of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights.
• The Constitution guarantees six fundamental rights to Indian citizens:
• (i) right to equality,
• (ii) right to freedom
• (iii) right against exploitation
• (iv) right to freedom of religion
• (v) cultural and educational rights
• (vi) right to constitutional remedies

Additional Information

• The Right to freedom is stipulated under Articles 19-22.
• Article 19 of the Constitution provides for the six freedoms:
  • Freedom of speech and expression
  • Freedom to assemble peacefully and without arms
  • Freedom to form Associations and Union
  • Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India
  • Freedom to reside and settle in any part of India
  • Freedom to practise any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business
• Article 20 of the Constitution provides for protection in respect of conviction for offences.
• Article 21 Provides for Protection of life and personal liberty.
• Article 22 deals with Protection against arrest and detention in certain cases.
• Article 32 deals with Right to Constitutional Remedies.
• The right against exploitation is given in Articles 23 and 24.
• It provides for the abolition of trafficking in human beings and Begar (forced labour), and the abolition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in dangerous jobs like factories, mines, etc.

India as the Largest Producer of Pulses

• Significance: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses globally, having achieved self-sufficiency in pulses production.
• Production Share: India accounted for 62% of the world's total pulses production in 2019-20.
• Growth: Over the last five-six years, India has increased pulses production from 140 lakh tonnes to over 240 lakh tonnes.

Benefits of Pulses:

• Pulses are rich in nutritional and protein values, essential for a healthy diet.
• They contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and address challenges like poverty, food security, health, and climate change.
• Pulses improve soil fertility due to their nitrogen-fixing properties, enhancing farmland productivity and environmental sustainability.

Tea Production in India:

• India is the largest consumer of tea globally and the second-largest producer after China.
• Tea cultivation requires specific climatic conditions, including hot and humid climates, ideal temperatures, adequate rainfall, and suitable soil types.
• India is also the fourth-largest exporter of tea worldwide.

Maize Production and Facts:

• The major maize-producing states in India contribute more than 80% of total production.
• Maize cultivation requires specific temperature ranges, high rainfall, and suitable soil types for optimal growth.
• Maize is utilized for both food and fodder purposes.
• The USA is the largest producer and exporter of maize globally, while India ranks seventh in maize production.

Additional Information on Bananas:

• India is the world's leading producer of bananas, accounting for approximately 25% of total global output.
• Major banana-producing states in India include Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Ecuador, Philippines, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Guatemala are the top five exporters of bananas worldwide.

The process of metamorphosis

• Definition: Metamorphosis refers to the transformation of a larva into an adult through drastic changes. It is a biological process involving sudden and abrupt changes in the body structure of the animal by cell growth and differentiation. This phenomenon is commonly observed in amphibians and insects.
• Examples: Metamorphosis can be seen in creatures like frogs and butterflies.

The Metamorphosis of a Butterfly

• There are four stages in the process of the Metamorphosis of a butterfly:
• The first stage is the egg, laid on plants by the female butterfly.
• The second stage is the larva stage, where the butterfly exists in the form of a caterpillar.
• The third stage is the Pupa, a transitional phase where the caterpillar changes into a butterfly.
• The fourth stage is the Adult stage, where a full-grown adult butterfly emerges from the pupa.

Additional Information about Metamorphosis

• Complete Metamorphosis: This type of metamorphosis is seen in butterflies.
• Complete metamorphosis consists of a very active, ravenously eating larval stage and an inactive pupa stage. In contrast, incomplete metamorphosis has a nymph stage that closely resembles the adult.
• Examples of Insects with Complete Metamorphosis: Wasps, ants, butterflies, and fleas.
• Examples of Insects with Incomplete Metamorphosis: Termites, praying mantis, and cockroaches.

Understanding the Principle of a Cream Separator Machine

• Centrifugal Force is a pseudo force that is equal and opposite to the centripetal force.
• Centrifugation involves using centrifugal force for sedimentation in mixtures with a centrifuge, common in industrial and laboratory settings.

The cream separator machine operates like a centrifuge and relies on the principle of Centrifugal Force.

• Key Points

  • Centrifugal force and centripetal force are not reactions to each other; they act on different bodies of objects.

The Heat Released at the Time of Condensation

• Correct Answer: Latent heat
  • The heat released at the time of condensation is known as latent heat.

Key Points

• Latent Heat:
  • Latent heat is the energy that is absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance.
• Latent Heat of Condensation:
  • The conversion of water vapor into water, caused by the loss of heat, is referred to as latent heat of condensation.
  • Condensation is influenced by the amount of cooling and the relative humidity of the air.

Additional Information

• Humidity:
  • Humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air.
• Evaporation:
  • Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas or vapor.
• Sublimation:
  • Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas state, without passing through the intermediate liquid state.

• Biosphere Reserves:
  • Biosphere reserves are designated by countries and acknowledged under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program.
  • The primary goal of biosphere reserves is to encourage sustainable development through local community efforts and scientific practices.
  • These reserves encompass vast protected areas aimed at conserving wildlife, plant and animal resources, and the traditional lifestyles of local tribes.
  • The statement that Biosphere Reserves are solely for the conservation of wildlife is incorrect.
  • They may contain one or more national parks or wildlife sanctuaries within their boundaries.
• Core Area:
  • The core area of a biosphere reserve is dedicated to the strict protection of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
  • Human activities are generally restricted in the core or natural zone to preserve the natural state of the environment.
  • Therefore, the statement suggesting human activity is allowed in the core area is inaccurate.
• Buffer Zone:
  • Buffer zones are utilized for scientific research, monitoring, training, and educational purposes within the biosphere reserve.
• Transition Area:
  • In the transition area of a biosphere reserve, ecologically sustainable human settlements and economic activities like tourism are permitted.
  • With the collaboration of reserve management and local communities, various human activities such as settlements, agriculture, recreation, and forestry can be conducted without harming the environment.

• Based on the given information, the family tree can be depicted as follows:
  
• The relation between Ratnakar and Sadanand is that of "Paternal Grandfather-Grandson".

Key Points

• Jhijhian dance is a traditional dance form practiced in Bihar.
• Women perform the Jhijhian dance to pray to Lord Indra for rain during droughts when the land becomes dry and cracked.
• During times of drought, the absence of clouds in the sky makes people eagerly anticipate rainfall.
• Village women dance and sing during the Jhijhian dance to appease Lord Indra, the Rain God, who responds with heavy rainfall.
• The lyrics of the song commonly sung during this dance are “Haali-Huli Barshun Inder Deveta.”

Additional Information

• Jat-Jatin is a popular folk dance in North Bihar, particularly in the Mithila and Koshi regions, performed as a couple's dance.
  • This dance addresses various social issues such as poverty, love, sorrow, and arguments.
• Chhau dance is native to the eastern regions of India, especially Bihar.
  • It originated in the 18th and 19th centuries as a martial art form incorporating elements of the ‘Pharikhanda’ exercise system.
  • Chhau performances often coincide with the ‘Chaitra Parva’ month.
• Bidesia Dance is a popular dance-drama form that emerged from 20th-century folk theatre and is prevalent in the Bhojpuri-speaking areas of Bihar.
  • Bhikhari Thakur is credited with creating this dance style.
  • Bidesia typically explores themes such as tradition versus modernity, urban versus rural life, and disparities between the rich and poor.

The term "tirtha" in the Mauryan administration refers to the Administrative Department.

• Key Points:

  • Mauryan Administration
    • The Mauryan administration was highly centralized.
    • Information about the Mauryan administration is derived from sources such as Arthashastra of Kautilya, Indica of Megasthenes, and Ashokan inscriptions.
    • A council of ministers known as Mantriparishad was established to assist the king.
    • Key members of the council included Purohita, Mahamantri, Senapthi, and Yuvaraja.
    • Purohita was responsible for overseeing the religious aspects.
    • The significant officials were referred to as Tirthas.
    • Amatyas were civil servants appointed for day-to-day administration.
  • Tirthas
    • The highest category of officials within the administration.
    • There were a total of 18 Tirthas.

Therefore, in the context of the Mauryan administration, the term 'tirtha' signifies the 'Administrative Department'.

• To agitate for Indian political reforms in the House of Commons:
  • Sir William Wedderburn, along with W. S. Caine, established the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893.
  • The main purpose behind setting up the committee was to advocate for political reforms in the House of Commons related to India.
  • They aimed to voice India's grievances and push for necessary changes through the British Parliament.
  • This initiative was a significant step towards representing Indian interests and seeking reforms within the political system.

Key Points:

• Sir William Wedderburn:
  • In 1893, Sir William Wedderburn became a liberal member of the British Parliament.
  • He was also a member of the Royal Commission on Indian Expenditure in 1895.
  • Sir William Wedderburn served as the chairman of the Indian Parliamentary Committee from 1893 to 1900.
  • Together with W. S. Caine, he founded the committee to address Indian political reforms in the House of Commons.

Additional Information:

• Sir William Wedderburn:
  • He held various judicial positions, including Acting Judicial Commissioner in Sind and Judge of the Sadar Court.
  • By 1882, he became the District and Sessions Judge of Poona, later serving as the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bombay.
  • Sir William Wedderburn presided over INC sessions, such as the Bombay Session of 1889 and the Allahabad Session of 1910.

Key Points

• Minerals occur in different types of rocks. Some are found in igneous rocks, some in metamorphic rocks while others occur in sedimentary rocks. 

The Country Accepting Dual Citizenship Policy

• United States of America (USA)

Key Points

• Dual Citizenship:
  • Federal states like USA and Switzerland have adopted the system of dual citizenship.
  • In the USA, individuals are citizens of both the USA and the specific state they belong to.
  • They owe allegiance to both entities and enjoy dual sets of rights - one set granted by the national government and another by the state government.
  • This system may lead to discrimination as states could favor their citizens in areas such as voting rights, holding public offices, and professional practice.
  • India follows the system of single citizenship to avoid such issues.
  • While India's Constitution is federal with a dual polity (Centre and states), it provides for only one citizenship - Indian citizenship.
  • Citizens in India owe allegiance solely to the Union.

Important Points

• Indian Citizenship:
  • Part II of the Constitution of India (Articles 5 - 11) covers Citizenship of India.
  • Indian citizenship can be acquired through five methods:
    • Citizenship by Birth
    • Citizenship by Descent
    • Citizenship by Registration
    • Citizenship by Naturalization
    • Citizenship by Incorporation of Territory

Understanding Green Bonds

• Green Bond: A type of debt instrument issued by an entity to raise capital specifically for environmentally friendly projects.
• Introduced in 2007 by the World Bank and European Investment Bank, marking the beginning of green bond investments.
• Green bonds are a financial innovation that focuses solely on funding projects that benefit the environment.
• In January 2016, SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) released official guidelines for green bonds in India, outlining requirements for local issuers.
• India saw a significant 30% year-on-year growth in green bond issuance in 2016, positioning it as the seventh-largest green bond market globally.
• Contrary to the statement, green bonds are actually long-term debt instruments rather than short-term, making the assertion about short date maturities incorrect.

The small intestine is an organ in the gastrointestinal tract where most nutrient and mineral absorption from food ends up.- It lies between the stomach and the large intestine and absorbs bile and pancreatic juice to help in digestion through the pancreatic duct.- There are three distinct regions of the small intestine - duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.The large intestine, on the other hand, is the last part of the gastrointestinal tract and of the vertebrate digestive system. In humans, in the right iliac region of the pelvis, the large intestine begins, just at or below the waist.

Understanding Curie Temperature

• Curie Temperature (T_c): The Curie temperature is the minimum temperature at which a ferromagnetic substance transforms into a paramagnetic substance.
• The temperature above which a ferromagnetic material exhibits paramagnetic behavior is known as the Curie temperature.
• At the Curie temperature, the ferromagnetic properties of the material abruptly disappear.

Explanation of Curie Temperature

• As per the concept explained, the Curie temperature signifies the point at which a ferromagnetic material transitions into a paramagnetic state. Therefore, the correct choice is option 2.

Understanding Spontaneity of Reduction of Metal Oxides into Metals
Gibb's Free Energy Change < 0:

• Gibbs free energy is a measure of the energy available to do work in a thermodynamic system under constant temperature and pressure conditions.
• The term "free" signifies the energy readily available for use in the system.
• Gibbs energy is calculated as the enthalpy (total energy of the system) minus the product of entropy and temperature (unavailable energy).
• For the spontaneity of the reduction of metal oxides into metals, the condition is that the Gibb's free energy change should be less than zero.

• Dharwar Rock:
  • Found in the south-eastern part of Bihar in areas like Munger, Jamui, Biharsharif, Nawada, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya.
  • Comprised of Quartzite, phyllite, Gneiss, Schist, and slate.
  • Mainly dominated by mica-schists.
• Vindhyan Rock:
  • Located in the South-Western part of Bihar between Kaimur district and Sone river valley in Rohtas District.
  • Consists of sandstone, quartzite, limestone, dolomites, and shale.
  • Extends into Rohtas and Kaimur districts north of the Son River.
• Tertiary Rock:
  • Found in the Himalayan Terai region of Bihar, specifically in West Champaran district.
  • Formed by the upwarping of sediments deposited in the Tethys Sea between the Eurasian plate and Indian plate.
• Quaternary Rock:
  • Located in the downwarped section between the Himalayas and Chhotanagpur Plateau.
  • Comprised of sandstones, alluvium, conglomerate, coarse gravel, etc.
  • Quaternary Rock covers a significant portion of Bihar.

• Mokama is the connecting town of north and south Bihar and has 2nd highest amount of lentil production in India.
• It emerged as an industrial area in the State of Bihar after independence.
• Mokama is a town and a municipal council in Patna district in the Indian state of Bihar. 
• Mokama is situated on the southern banks of the Ganges. The landscape here is absolutely plain.
• Industries in Mokama 
  • Leather Industry
  • Footwear Industry
  • Wagon of the goods train
  • Brewery

Calculation of Percentage Change in Area of a Rectangle

• Given Data:
• Length of the rectangle is reduced by 15%
• Breadth of the rectangle is increased by 10%

Concept and Formula:

• Percentage change in area = (Change in length + Change in breadth + Change in length × Change in breadth/100)

Calculation:

• Substitute the given values in the formula:
• Percentage change in area = (-15 + 10 + (-15) × 10 ÷ 100)
• Percentage change in area = -6.5% (negative sign indicates decrease)

Result:

• The percentage change in the area of the rectangle is 6.5% (area decreased).

The Capital of Pala Dynasty

• The Pala dynasty ruled eastern India from Pataliputra between the 9th and the early 12th centuries.
• The capital of the Pala dynasty was Muddagiri, Present-day Munger in Bihar.
• The founder of the Pala dynasty was Gopala.
• In Bengal, Pala rulers appeared to be the most powerful in the region during 750-1150 A.D..
• Gopala did not have royal antecedents, although with his wits he succeeded in acquiring a kingdom.
• The political authority of Gopala was soon recognized by several independent vassals.
• Gopala’s original kingdom was in Banga or East Bengal.
• He founded a Buddhist monastery at Odantapuri in Bihar.
• Dharmapala, son of Gopala, revived Nalanda University and founded Vikarmshila University.
• Madanapala was the last ruler of the Pala dynasty.
• Vijayasena of the Sena dynasty attacked during his rule and established his rule in Bengal.

Additional Information

• After the death of Harsha, the Palas, the Pratiharas, and the Rashtrakutas struggled for about 200 years known as the Tripartite Struggle.
• The main objective of this struggle was to capture the city of Kannauj for the control of the Ganga–Yamuna doab and the lands adjoining it.
• Rajgir, originally known as Girivraj or Rajagṛha, was the first capital of Magadha.
• Pataliputra was founded by Ajatashatru of the Haryanka dynasty in the 5th century BCE.
• Udayin, son of Ajatashatru, made Pataliputra the capital of Magadha.
• Vaishali was the capital city of the Vrijji Mahajanapada.
• Vaishali was considered as the World’s first Republic in ancient India around the 6th century BCE.

The Union Minister Who Launched PM SVANidhi Mobile App

• Hardeep Singh Puri is the Union Minister who launched the PM SVANidhi mobile app.

In News

• Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the PM SVANidhi mobile app to simplify the loan process and provide information to street vendors.

Key Points

• Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri introduced the PM SVANidhi mobile app for street vendors, aiming to simplify the loan application process and provide essential information about the scheme.
• The scheme is designed to help street vendors regain self-employment, self-sustenance, and self-confidence.
• It has also supported COVID-19-affected street vendors in resuming their livelihood.
• Minister Puri praised the completion of three years of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme.
• During an event in New Delhi, he highlighted that the PM SVANidhi Yojana has been rapidly implemented and has brought about financial inclusion and digital literacy, offering dignity and stability to street vendors.