UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 1 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

The Percentage of Total Population in Uttar Pradesh

• Information from Census Data:
  • According to the Census of 2011, the population of Uttar Pradesh accounts for 16.51% of the total population of the country.
  • In contrast, the percentage was slightly lower at 16.16% in the 2001 census.
  • For comparison, the population of Sikkim in 2011 represents only 0.05% of India's total population, making it the state with the lowest share in the country.
  • In 2001, Sikkim's population share was also 0.05%.

• Geographic Lines Passing Through Africa: Africa is the continent through which the Tropic of Cancer, Equator, and Tropic of Capricorn pass. These lines are important geographic markers that help in locating specific points on the Earth's surface.
• Latitude and Longitude Explanation: Latitude and longitude are imaginary lines used to define locations on Earth. Latitude measures the angular distance of a point on the surface from the Earth's center, while longitude lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole, dividing the Earth into 360 longitude lines. Both latitude and longitude are measured in degrees.
• Significance of Tropic of Cancer: The Tropic of Cancer is a line of latitude at 23.5° N in the Northern Hemisphere. Besides Africa, it also passes through Asia and the North American continent, marking a significant point on the Earth's surface.
• Significance of Tropic of Capricorn: The Tropic of Capricorn is a line of latitude at 23.5° S in the Southern Hemisphere. It passes through South America, Africa, and the Australian continent, further emphasizing the global significance of these geographic markers.

The Purpose of Panchayati Raj System in India

• Main Objective: The primary aim of introducing the Panchayati Raj system in India was to decentralize political power and empower the general populace.
• Political Awareness: The fundamental ideology behind establishing the Panchayati Raj system was to promote political consciousness in local and rural regions.
• Rural Governance: The Panchayati Raj system serves as the political framework for rural areas in India, enabling local governance and decision-making.

The Preamble to the Constitution of India

• Social Justice
• Economic Justice
• Political Justice
• Religious Justice

The Preamble of the Constitution of India includes references to justice in the form of social, economic, and political aspects. It highlights the commitment to uphold these forms of justice in the governance of the country. However, the term "Religious Justice" is not specifically mentioned in the Preamble.

Explanation of Tagore and Gandhi's Views on Education

Understanding Tagore and Gandhi's Perspectives on Education

• Tagore and Gandhi's Similarities:
  • In many aspects, Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi shared similar thoughts on education.
  • Both believed in the importance of combining elements of different traditions.
• Differences in Views:
  • Tagore: Emphasized the integration of modern Western civilization with Indian tradition.
  • Gandhi: Criticized Western civilization for its emphasis on machines and technology.
  • Tagore saw value in teaching science, technology, art, music, and dance.
  • Gandhi supported education through arts and music but did not consider them essential.
• Educational Approaches:
  • Tagore promoted creative learning in a natural setting at Santiniketan.
  • Gandhi's focus was on practical education and self-reliance.

Selecting the correct option requires understanding both Tagore and Gandhi's distinct perspectives on education.

• The Mauryan government maintained control over the marketing system and appointed officials to oversee trade practices. One such official was known as the Samsthadhyaksha.
• Various important administrative positions in the Mauryan empire included:

Ahmadiyya Movement: Mirza Gulam Ahmad founded the Ahmadiyya Movement around 1889. This movement was established on liberal principles and aimed to bring about social development. Similar to the role played by the Brahmo Samaj in Hindu Society, the Ahmadiyya Movement emphasized the separation of Religion from State to promote societal progress. It promoted the dissemination of Western education among Muslims and emphasized a universal religion of humanity rather than focusing on jihad.

Enzymes are Proteins:

• Enzymes are made from amino acids.
• They are composed of hundreds and thousands of amino acids arranged in a specific order.
• Enzymes play a crucial role in catalyzing chemical reactions within cells.
• The term "enzyme" was first coined by German Scientist Wilhelm Kuhne in 1878.
• Enzymes act as biological catalysts, speeding up biochemical reactions.

Understanding Petroleum as a Mixture of Hydrocarbons

• Petroleum Composition:

Petroleum is a complex mixture of different hydrocarbons.

• Hydrocarbons Defined:

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

• Types of Hydrocarbons in Petroleum:

1. Alkanes: These are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms. They form a significant portion of petroleum.

2. Naphthenes: These are cyclic hydrocarbons with one or more rings of carbon atoms. They are also commonly found in petroleum.

3. Aromatic Hydrocarbons: These are compounds with a ring structure, such as benzene. They are another group of hydrocarbons present in petroleum products.

• The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 introduced Part IX and the 11th Schedule in the Indian Constitution.
• Relevant Articles: Articles 243 to 243O
• Key Provisions:
  • Article 243A: Establishes the Gram Sabha as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj System with powers granted by the State Legislature.
  • Article 243D: Mandates reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population.
    • Clause (3) of Article 243D: Ensures reservation for women, with at least one-third of seats reserved for women, including SCs and STs.
    • This reservation applies to all levels of Panchayati Raj Institutions - village, block, and district.
    • Hence, the first statement is incorrect.
  • Article 243F: Specifies disqualification criteria for Panchayat members based on existing election laws.
  • Article 243H: Allows states to empower Panchayats to impose and manage taxes, duties, tolls, and fees. Therefore, the second statement is correct.

• Kanganahalli:
  • Kanaganahalli is situated near Sannati, Karnataka.
  • In the relief sculpture at Kanaganahalli, the emperor is depicted with his queen and attendants on a slab, where 'Ranyo Asoka' (Raja Asoka) is mentioned alongside the stone portrait of Ashoka.
  • This sculpture is significant as it is the first known representation of Asoka with his name inscribed.
• Shahbazgarhi:
  • Located in Pakistan, Shahbazgarhi is renowned for the rock edicts of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
  • The Shahbazgarhi rock edicts are engraved on two large boulders on the side of a small rocky outcrop in the Valley of Peshawar.
• Sanchi:
  • The Sanchi stupa in Madhya Pradesh is among the earliest Buddhist monuments in India, constructed by Emperor Ashoka.
• Sohgaura:
  • Sohgaura is a copper plate inscription inscribed in Prakrit using the Brahmi script.
  • It was unearthed in Sohgaura, a village situated in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

• The term "Karewa" in the Kashmiri dialect refers to "elevated table land." Initially introduced by Godwin Austin in 1859 and later by Lydekker in 1878, it represents unconsolidated to semi-consolidated sand clay conglomerate sequences. In the local Kashmiri language, Karewas are also known as "Vudr."
• Karewas are thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials mixed with moraines. These deposits are unconsolidated lacustrine deposits, with "lacustrine" meaning associated with lakes.
• The varied soil and sediments found in Karewa deposits, such as sand, clay, silt, shale, mud, lignite, and losses, make them highly suitable for agricultural and horticultural activities.
• Karewa formations are particularly beneficial for cultivating Zafran, a local variety of Saffron in the Kashmir valley. Additionally, they are essential for growing almonds, walnuts, apples, and orchards.

• The right to cast a vote in elections is neither considered a fundamental right nor a right under common law according to the Supreme Court.
• Prisoners serving a sentence of imprisonment after conviction, individuals in lawful police custody, and undertrial prisoners are not allowed to vote as per Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Only individuals under preventive detention have the right to cast their vote through postal ballots.

The Concept of Welfare State in the Indian Constitution

• Directive Principles of State Policy:

The concept of a welfare state in India is enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) of the Indian Constitution. These principles provide guidelines to the State to promote the welfare of the people by securing social and economic justice. The DPSP aim to create social conditions where there is equality and justice for all citizens.

What Does the Welfare State Entail?

• Role of the State:

In a welfare state, the government plays a central role in ensuring the well-being of its citizens. It takes responsibility for providing essential services and support systems to ensure a certain standard of living for all individuals.

• Social Security Net:

The welfare state guarantees a social security net that includes access to education, healthcare, housing, and other basic needs. This safety net helps in protecting vulnerable sections of society and promoting overall social welfare.

Therefore, the ideal of a welfare state, as outlined in the Indian Constitution, emphasizes the importance of the State in safeguarding the economic and social welfare of its citizens.

• Reproduction cannot be an all-inclusive defining characteristic feature of living organisms because many living organisms do not reproduce.
• Organisms such as mules, sterile worker bees, and even infertile human individuals cannot reproduce. Thus, reproduction cannot be an all-inclusive defining characteristic of living organisms. However, no non-living object is capable of reproducing or self-replicating. 

The Cause of "Late Blight of Potato"

• Phytophthora infestans is responsible for the plant disease "Late Blight of Potato."

Key Points

• The fungus acts as a pathogen, affecting various parts of the plant such as roots, stems, leaves, and seeds.
• Phytophthora infestans is also known as "water moulds."
• It is classified as an oomycete and has coenocytic hyphae.
• The disease results in lesions on leaves and petioles, and it can also impact tomato plants.

Correct Answer: The Fundamental Duty that is not mentioned under the Indian Constitution is to safeguard private property and to de jure violence.

Key Points

• PART IVA FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
• Article 51A Fundamental duties:
  • It shall be the duty of every citizen of India—
    • to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem;
    • to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
    • to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India;
    • to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
    • to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
    • to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
    • to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;
    • to develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
    • to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; Hence, Option 3 is NOT correct;
    • to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement;
    • parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

The correct answer is Option 3.

• Lord Lawrence (1864-69):
  • In 1865, high courts were founded in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
  • Bhutan War was a significant event at the time in 1865.
  • At the conclusion of the conflict, the Treaty of Sinchula was signed.
  • It was decided to pass the Punjab and Oudh Tenancy Act in 1868.
  • He is renowned as "the Saviour of Punjab" for his efforts to promote development in the region.
• Lord Lytton (1876-80):
  • The Vernacular Press Act, 1878
  • The Arms Act, 1878
  • The Second Afghan War, 1878-80
  • Queen Victoria assumed the title of 'Kaiser-i-Hind' or Queen Empress of India.
• Lord Lansdowne (1888-94):
  • Factory Act, 1891
  • Indian Councils Act, 1892
  • Setting up of Durand Commission in 1893.

• Lord Linlithgow (1936-44):
  • Resignation of the Congress ministries after the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
  • Tripuri Crisis & formation of Forward Bloc, 1939
  • Lahore Resolution of the Muslim League and demand for a separate state for Muslims in 1940.
  • 'August Offer' 1940
  • Formation of the Indian National Army in 1941
  • Cripps Mission, 1942
  • Quit India Movement, 1942

Key Points

• Warm ocean currents of the Atlantic ocean include the Gulf stream, North Atlantic drift, and Brazilian current. Hence options 1 and 2 are correct.
• Falkland current is a cold current that flows from the south pole towards the equator.
• The northern branch flows anti-clockwise along the coast of Alaska as the warm Alaska Current and the southern branch moves southward along the coast of California as the cold California Current. Hence option 4 is incorrect.
• The Labrador Ocean current is a cold current. Hence option 3 is correct.

The correct answer is Firoz Shah Tughlaq.

Key Points

• Jizyah Tax was a per capita yearly tax historically imposed on non-Muslim subjects, called the “dhimma” exempting certain groups.
• Jizya was levied on Hindus as it was not mentioned in Sharia.
• Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq established Sharia across his realm.
• He imposed Jizya upon the Brahmins and made it a separate tax.
• It was abolished by the third Mughal emperor Akbar in 1564.

Important Points 

• Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq was a Muslim ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty and he reigned over the Sultanate of Delhi.
• He ruled from 1351 to 1388.
• He was forced by rebellions to concede virtual independence to Bengal and other provinces.
• Firoz Shah Tughlaq's autobiography is titled Futuhat-e-firozshahi.
• Tughlaq founded several cities around Delhi, including Firozpur, Hissar, Firozabad, Fatehabad, Jaunpur.

The Correct Order of States by Sex Ratio: III-I-II

• Jharkhand (III): The sex ratio in Jharkhand was 948 females per 1000 males.
• Nagaland (I): Nagaland's sex ratio was 931 females per 1000 males.
• Rajasthan (II): The sex ratio in Rajasthan was 928 females per 1000 males.

Additional Information

• Regarding the 2011 census, it was the 15th nationwide census conducted by the Census Organization of India.
• The census was carried out in two phases: the house listing and housing census phase, followed by the population enumeration phase.
• The data collected provided comprehensive statistics on the population, including aspects like age, sex ratio, literacy, urban-rural divide, economic status, and more.
• The sex ratio is an essential demographic indicator, reflecting the number of females per 1000 males.
• It provides valuable insights into gender disparities within a society and can be an essential factor in understanding social dynamics and policy planning.
• In the 2011 census, Kerala had the highest sex ratio among Indian states, while Haryana had the lowest.

Key Points

• Aryabhatta:
  • ​Aryabhatta was an Indian mathematician and astronomer who flourished during the classical period of Indian mathematics and astronomy. 
  • He wrote Aryabhattiya and Arya-Siddhanta.
  • Gitikapada (13 verses), Ganitapada (33 verses), Kalakriyapada (25 verses), and Golapada (50 verses) are the four chapters that make up Aryabhatiya.
• Varahamihir:
  • ​He was one of Chandragupta II's nine gems (Navaratnas).
  • The Brihat Samhita, an exhaustive study on architecture, temples, planetary motions, eclipses, timekeeping, astrology, seasons, cloud formation, rainfall, agriculture, mathematics, gemology, fragrances, and many other themes, was one of Varahamihira's most famous works.
  • The Pancha-siddhantika ("Five Treatises"), a compilation of Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Indian astronomy, was also written by him.
• Bhaskar:
  • Bhaskaracharya an Indian Mathematician & astronomer, was born in Bijapur, Karnataka.
  • He wrote Siddhānta-Śiromani, Sanskrit name for "Crown of Treatises" which is further divided into four parts called Līlāvatī, Bījagaṇita, Grahagaṇita and Golādhyāya.
• Brahmagupta:
  • Brahmagupta was an Indian mathematician and astronomer.
  • He is the author of two early works on mathematics and astronomy: the Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta, a theoretical treatise, and the Khaṇḍakhādyaka, a more practical text.
  • Brahmagupta was the first to give rules to compute with zero.

Hence, we can conclude that among the given pairs, the pair of Brahmagupta - Panch-siddhantika is a mismatched pair.

The correct answer is Samkhya.

• Kapila, a Vedic sage, was one of the founders of the system of Samkhya, one of the six darshans (systems) of Indian philosophy.

Samkhya or Sankya is a dualistic school of Indian philosophy.

• It views reality and human experience as composed of two independent principles, puruṣa and prakṛti.

Additional Information
Schools of Indian Philosophy:

• Small Savings Programs: These programs are designed to offer safe and attractive investment options to the public while also generating funds for development.
• Utilization of Post Offices: The country's 1.54 lakh post offices play a significant role in implementing these programs.
• Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme: This scheme is managed through over 8000 branches of public sector banks and post offices.
• Deposit Plans for Retiring Employees: Only a few public sector bank branches offer such plans.
• Savings Certificates: These include the National Savings Certificate and the Kisan Vikas Patra.
• National Savings Certificate (NSC): It matures after five years and provides an annual interest rate of 6.8%.
• Reinvestment: The interest earned each year is reinvested automatically in the NSC.
• Tax Savings: NSC offers tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
• Kisan Vikas Patra: This scheme doubles the initial investment after 124 months with an annualized return of 6.9%.
• Investment Limits: There is no maximum investment limit, with the minimum being Rs 1000.

Additional Information:

• Mutual funds pool shareholder funds to invest in securities like stocks, bonds, money market instruments, and other assets.
• Professional Management: Knowledgeable money managers diversify the assets in mutual funds to maximize returns for investors.
• Portfolio Management: The portfolio of a mutual fund is structured and maintained based on the specified investment objectives in the prospectus.
• Accessibility: Through mutual funds, small or individual investors can access professionally managed portfolios of stocks, bonds, and other instruments.
• Profit Sharing: Each shareholder receives a proportionate share of the fund's gains or losses in mutual funds.

The correct answer is 77.7%.

Key Points:

• Uttar Pradesh has 77.7% of its total population residing in rural areas, which is higher than the national average of 68.84%.
• According to the Census of 2011, Uttar Pradesh has the highest rural population in India.
• Urban Population:
  • 22.27% of Uttar Pradesh's population lives in urban areas, lower than the national average of 31.5% as per the 2011 Census.
  • Ghaziabad has the highest percentage of urban population, while Shravasti has the lowest.
• Additional Information:
  • As per the Census of 2011, Uttar Pradesh has a population of 19.98 Crores, showing an increase from 16.62 Crore in the 2001 census.
  • In 2011, the total population of Uttar Pradesh was 199,812,341 with 104,480,510 males and 95,331,831 females.
  • In 2001, the total population was 166,197,921 with 87,565,369 males and 78,632,552 females.
  • The population growth rate for this decade was 20.23%, lower than the previous decade's growth rate of 25.80%.

The Varieties of Groundnut

• RS-1, RG-141, and Chandra

Indian Groundnuts are Available in Different Varieties

• Indian groundnuts are available in different varieties: Bold or Runner, Java or Spanish, and Red Natal.
• The main Groundnut varieties produced in India are Kadiri-2, Kadiri-3, BG-1, BG-2, Kuber, GAUG-1, GAUG-10, PG-1, T-28, T-64, Chandra, Chitra, Kaushal, Parkash, Amber, etc.
• The Major Growing States.
• ​​Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Uttar Pradesh.

Additional Information

• Andhra Pradesh 
  • In Andhra Pradesh groundnut covered an area of 9,23,405 hectares in Kharif- in 2016.
  • ​The recommended variety ‘Kadiri-6’, a Spanish type, has been found to be the most popular (80%) among the farmers interviewed, and another Spanish variety ‘Narayani’, was found to be the second most popular (7%). ‘JL 24’, ‘TMV 2’, ‘TAG 24’, ‘Kadiri 9’, and ‘Kadiri Haritandhra’- are the other Spanish types sown by the farmers.
• Best Varieties of Groundnut in India
  • T 64: It is a spreading variety popularly grown in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Chitra: This is again a quite popular variety of Uttar Pradesh with a maturity period of 108-112 days.

Key Points

• To achieve an image of the same size as the object in a concave mirror, the object should be positioned at the center of curvature of the mirror.
• Center of Curvature:
  • It is the point on the mirror equidistant from all points on the mirror's surface.
  • When an object is placed at the center of curvature, the light rays from the object are reflected back and converge at the same point on the other side of the mirror.
  • The image formed at this point is real, inverted, and of the same size as the object.

Additional Information

Important Points

Concave Mirror:

• Part of a spherical mirror that reflects light from the concave side.
• A converging mirror that brings incident rays to a focal point.

When the object is at the Center of Curvature:

Characteristics of Image Formed:

• Position of the image - At the Center of Curvature
• Nature of image - Real & Inverted
• Size - Same as that of the object

The correct answer is i-a, ii-b, iii-c, iv-d.

Here is the list of paintings associated with the states:

Additional Information

• Madhubani painting:
  •   It is a folk painting from Bihar.  
  • Madhubani is a traditional Indian folk art made on canvas, cloth or washed hand paper.
  • It is also known as Mithila painting due to its origins in the Mithila region of Bihar, India, and Nepal.
  • Natural dye and colours are used in the creation of Madhubani artworks with geometrical figures and vibrant colours being key elements. 
  • They pain t pict ures of nature and mythology to depict different events like birth, marriage, and cycles of life.

• Sanjhi:
  • It is the ancient art of paper stencilling.
  • It is practised across Mathura and Vrindavan.
  • It was traditionally used to make ritualistic and ceremonial rangolis in temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.
  • The term Sanjhi is derived from Sanjh or dusk.
• Aipan:
  • Aipan is ritualistic folk art, native to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand also practised in parts of UP.
  • It is drawn to commemorate auspicious occasions, festivals and even rituals performed during the death of a person.
  • This art form was found on the floors and walls of the houses.
  • It is originated in Chand dynasty in Almora.
  • It uses geru, mud, flour, turmeric etc.

The Correct Answer: The Provisional Government of Free India was established in Singapore.

Key Points:

• On 21 October 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose declared the establishment of the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore.
• It was also known as Azad Hind or Free India.
• The government received financial, political, and military assistance from Imperial Japan.
• The Indian National Army (INA) served as the military force of the Azad Hind government.
• Azad Hind established diplomatic relationships with various countries including Nazi Germany, the Italian Socialist Republic, the Empire of Japan, Thailand, Burma, Croatia, Manchukuo, and the Second Philippine Republic.

Additional Information:

• Subhas Chandra Bose was born on 23rd January 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa Division, Bengal Province, to Prabhavati Dutt Bose and Janakinath Bose.
• His birth anniversary is observed as 'Parakram Diwas' on 23rd January.
• Subhash Chandra Bose set up two Indian National Army Headquarters in Rangoon and Singapore.
• The Rani Jhansi regiment was formed as a women's unit, led by Lakshmi Sehgal.

The correct answer is All of the above.

Key Points

• These industries are to be given compulsory licensing:
  • Tobacco items
  • Defense aerospace and warships
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Industrial explosives

Additional Information

• Following industries require a compulsory industrial license under the provisions of I(D&R) Act, 1951:
  • Distillation and brewing of alcoholic drinks.
  • Cigars and cigarettes of tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes;
  • Electronic Aerospace and defense equipment: all types;
  • Industrial explosives, including detonating fuses, safety fuses, gun powder, nitrocellulose, and matches;
  • Hazardous chemicals.
  • Hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives.
  • Phosgene and its derivatives.
  • Isocyanates and di­isocyanates of hydrocarbon, not elsewhere specified (example: Methyl Isocyanate).​

Important Points

• The Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 excluded the production of alcohol for potable purposes (domestic consumption) from the ambit of the Act.
• The Supreme Court in a 1997 judgment demarcated the regulation of the production of alcohol between the central government and the states.
• The central government regulates the production of alcohol for industrial use and states regulate the production of alcohol for domestic consumption.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) was granted authority to process and grant licenses for the manufacturing of defense items; prior to this, the authority lay with the Ministry of Home Affairs.