UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 2 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

• Myristica Swamp Treefrog: The Myristica Swamp Treefrog is a rare tree species found in the Western Ghats. Its scientific name is Mercurana myristicapalustris. This species was first recorded north of the Shenkota Gap in the Vazachal Reserve Forest in Thrissur. Therefore, pair 1 is incorrectly matched.
• Ischaemum Janarthanamii/Muraingrass: This is a new species of grass known for its ecological and economic importance as fodder. It was discovered in the Western Ghats, which is one of India's four global biodiversity hotspots. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
• Portulaca Laljii/Wild Sun Rose: Portulaca Laljii is a new species discovered in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. It has unique features such as a tuberous root, reddish-pink flowers, elongated fruit, and brown seeds. This species is correctly matched with the Eastern Ghats.

Ambica Charan Mazumdar was the president of the Indian National Congress during the Lucknow Pact. He played a significant role in the 31st session of the Congress in 1916 where the Lucknow Pact was signed.
He was a Bengali Indian politician who brought together moderates and extremists of the Congress party along with the Muslim League.
His leadership during this time was crucial in fostering unity and cooperation among various factions within the Indian National Congress

• Location of the First Indigenously Manufactured Electrolyser:
  The first indigenously manufactured electrolyser by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was commissioned at the Green Hydrogen Plant in Hazira, Gujarat.
• Significance of the Milestone:
  ​​​​​​​This achievement signifies L&T's entry into domestic electrolyser manufacturing, showcasing the company's dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions. By establishing a manufacturing unit in India, L&T contributes to the country's energy sustainability goals and reduces its dependence on imported technologies.

• Recipient of the Award: Michael Douglas is the Hollywood actor who will be receiving the Satyajit Ray Excellence in Film Lifetime Award at the 54th International Film Festival in Goa.
• Recognition: This award is in recognition of Michael Douglas's significant contributions to the world of cinema.
• Awards: Michael Douglas has previously won two Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards for his outstanding work in the film industry.
• Iconic Roles: He is known for portraying iconic roles in movies like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Fatal Attraction," and "Wall Street."

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the Allahabad Treaty was not concluded under the rule of Ahmad Shah, but it was the result of the Battle of Buxar fought between the East India Company and the combined armies of Bengal, Awadh, and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II.
• Statement 2 is correct as under this treaty, the Diwani rights of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were granted to the British, legally acknowledging British control over these regions while leaving only foujdari and administrative authority to the Nawab.

This information clarifies the inaccuracies in the given statements about the Allahabad Treaty and explains the historical context surrounding the treaty.

• The National Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is not a constitutional body as mentioned in the statements.
• The commission is limited in its powers and cannot inquire into any matter after one year from the date of the alleged violation of human rights.
• The functions of the commission are recommendatory in nature. It lacks the authority to punish violators or provide relief to victims. Its recommendations are not binding, but the concerned government or authority must inform the commission about the actions taken within one month.

• The Prime Minister's Inauguration: The Prime Minister of India officially launched the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) project.
• Project Details: This project aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity to the Lakshadweep Islands.
• Significance: The submarine optical fiber connection will enable improved communication and access to various online services for the residents of the Lakshadweep islands.
• Impact: With enhanced internet connectivity, the region can benefit from new opportunities for economic growth, education, healthcare, and more.

The Significance of "Dhammaghosha" in Ashoka's Rule

• Military conquest: Dhammaghosha was not related to military conquest but rather a shift in Ashoka's policies towards cultural annihilation.
• Cultural annihilation: Ashoka's adoption of "Dhammaghosha" symbolized a change in focus from physical attacks on kingdoms to spreading his beliefs through cultural means, leading to the decline of the Mauryan empire.
• Conquest by regional tribes: This term does not represent conquest by regional tribes but rather a strategic shift in Ashoka's ruling style.
• Conquest by Brahmanical traditions: Dhammaghosha was not about conquest by Brahmanical traditions, but a departure from traditional military conquest towards cultural influence.

Explanation:

• After Ashoka's coronation, he engaged in a significant conflict known as the Kalinga war. The brutalities of this war deeply affected Ashoka, leading to immense sorrow and regret.
• The suffering inflicted on the people of Kalinga, including priests and monks, filled Ashoka with profound penitence.
• As a result, he abandoned the use of "Bherighosha" and embraced the concept of "Dhammaghosha." This shift marked a transition towards cultural annihilation as a means of governance, rather than relying solely on military might to conquer territories. Ultimately, this change in approach contributed to the eventual decline of the Mauryan empire.

Number of Seats Reserved for the Anglo-Indian Community in Lok Sabha

• Details of Reserved Seats:
  • The Lok Sabha has a total of 2 seats reserved for the Anglo-Indian community.
  • Currently, the Lok Sabha consists of 545 members.
  • The maximum strength of the Lok Sabha is 552 members.
  • Out of the total members, 530 represent States, 20 represent Union Territories, and 2 members are nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian Community.

Uttar Pradesh's Physical Divisions:

• Bhabar and Terai Belt:
  • This belt serves as the transitional zone in the sub-Himalayan region.
  • It extends from Saharanpur in the west to Deoria in the east.
  • Bhabar Region:
    • Located in the northernmost part of Uttar Pradesh.
    • Extends from Saharanpur in the west to Kushinagar in the east.
    • Characterized by highly porous soil.
    • Positioned north of the Terai region.
  • Terai Region:
    • Extends from Saharanpur in the northwest to Deoria in the east.
    • Wider in the east compared to the west.
    • Known for marshy and damp conditions due to fine silt.
    • Situated south of the Bhabar region.
• The Gangetic Plain:
  • Lies between the Bhabar-Terai region and the plateau region of the south.
  • Elevation ranges from 80m to 250m.
  • Highly fertile land suitable for growing Rabi and Kharif crops.
  • Economically significant region.
  • Slopes from northwest to southeast.
  • Divided into Bangar land and Khadar land.
• Plateau region of the South:
  • Formed by the Vindhya Hills and plateau.
  • Bounded by the Ganga-Yamuna rivers in the north, Vindhya range in the south, Ken river in the east, and Betwa river in the west.
  • Consists of ancient gneiss rocks.

The Constitutional Amendment Act Providing Hindi Text and Legal Validity

• The Constitution (Fifty-Eighth Amendment) Act, 1987 introduced the official text of the Constitution in Hindi and granted equal legal standing to the Hindi version of the Constitution.
  • The 58th Constitutional Amendment Act was enacted by the Government of India in 1987.
  • It added a new Article 394A in Part XXII of the Indian Constitution.
  • This amendment mandated the President to translate the Constitution into the Hindi language.

Additional Information on Language in the Constitution

• Other significant articles related to languages in the Constitution include:
  • Article 29 - Protection of the interests of minorities
  • Article 30 - Right of minorities to establish and manage educational institutions
  • Article 120 - Language to be used in Parliament
  • Article 210 - Language to be used in the Legislature
  • Article 343 - Official language of the Union

Key Points:

• Intrusive Volcanic Landforms:
  • The intrusive igneous rocks or plutonic rocks are formed when the Magma cools within the earth's crust and does not erupt to the surface.
  • Various forms of intrusive igneous rocks are formed due to the intrusive activity of volcanoes.
• Laccoliths:
  • These are large dome-shaped intrusive bodies connected by a pipe-like conduit from below. Hence, pair 1 is not correctly matched.
  • These are basically intrusive counterparts of an exposed domelike batholith.
  • Example: The laccoliths of Henry mountains in Utah, USA.
• Lopolith:
  • As and when the lava moves upwards, a portion of the same may tend to move in a horizontal direction wherever it finds a weak plane.
  • In case it develops into a saucer shape, concave to the sky body, it is called Lopolith. Hence, pair 2 is correctly matched.
  • Example: The Bushveld lopolith of Transvaal, South Africa.
• Phacolith:
  • A Phacolith is a lens-shaped mass of igneous rocks occupying the crest of an anticline or the bottom of a syncline and being fed by a conduit from beneath. Hence, pair 3 is not correctly matched.
  • Example: Corndon Hill in Shropshire, England.
• Batholiths:
  • These are huge masses of igneous rocks, usually of granite, formed due to the cooling down and solidification of hot magma inside the earth.
  • They appear on the surface only after the denudation processes remove the overlying materials and may be exposed on the surface after erosion.
  • Example: Wicklow mountains of Ireland; the uplands of Brittany, France.

The Correct Answer is Nyaya - Gautama

Nyaya, also known as Nyaya Darshana, is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy in ancient Indian philosophy. It was founded by the sage Gautama (also known as Akshapada) and is primarily concerned with logic, epistemology, and reasoning.

• Nyaya philosophy focuses on the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through logical reasoning and analysis. It aims to establish valid means of knowledge (pramana) and develop a systematic method of inquiry.
• One of the significant contributions of Nyaya philosophy is the theory of syllogism (nyaya-vaisesika syllogism), which provides a logical framework for drawing valid conclusions from premises.

Vaisheshika -

• The Vaisheshika school of philosophy is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy in ancient Indian philosophy. It was founded by the sage Kanada (also known as Kashyapa) and is primarily concerned with metaphysics, ontology, and the nature of reality.
• The Vaisheshika school explores the concept of atoms (paramanu) as the fundamental building blocks of the universe. According to this school, everything in the universe is made up of atoms that combine and interact to form various objects and entities. These atoms possess different qualities (guna) that determine their nature and behavior.
• The Vaisheshika school also proposes a theory of causality, suggesting that every effect has a cause and that the material cause, efficient cause, and instrumental cause are essential in understanding the nature of reality.
• One of the notable contributions of the Vaisheshika school is the theory of categories (padarthas). It identifies six categories through which reality can be understood: substance (dravya), quality (guna), action (karma), generality (samanya), particularity (vishesha), and inherence (samavaya). These categories help in the classification and analysis of objects and phenomena.

Mimansa -

• Mimamsa, also known as Purva Mimamsa or Karma Mimamsa, is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy in ancient Indian philosophy.
• It was founded by the sage Jaimini and is primarily concerned with the interpretation of Vedic texts and rituals.
• The Mimamsa philosophy focuses on the study and interpretation of the Karma Kanda (ritualistic section) of the Vedas. Its primary goal is to provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding of Vedic rituals and their significance in attaining desired outcomes.
• The Mimamsa school emphasizes the importance of dharma (duty) and the performance of Vedic rituals as prescribed in the scriptures. It asserts that the Vedas are authoritative and eternal, and they contain the knowledge necessary for the proper performance of rituals.

The Correct Answer is Option 3

The assertion states that Faujdar used to help the Jagirdas if they faced any difficulty in the collection of revenue. This implies that the Faujdar played a supportive role in assisting the Jagirdas during revenue collection challenges.

The reason given is that the jagirdars could not employ their own officials. This suggests that the jagirdars did not have the authority to hire their own staff for administrative purposes within the revenue collection process.

• Jagirdari System: It was an administrative system where land revenue was assigned in exchange for a salary known as the jagir.
• Hereditary Rights: The Jagirdari system did not impact the hereditary rights of intermediaries, collectively known as zamindars.
• Transferability: Land assignment to Jagirdars was not hereditary and could be transferred to other jagirs.
• Revenue Collection: Jagirdars were authorized to collect only designated revenue following imperial regulations.
• Employment of Officials: Contrary to the reason, jagirdars were allowed to employ their own officials like Amil.
• Imperial Oversight: The imperial office monitored the activities of the Jagirdars.
• Peasant Protection: The Diwan of the suba was responsible for preventing any oppression of peasants by the Jagirdars.
• Regulation Compliance: Amin was stationed in each suba to ensure that Jagirdars adhered to imperial regulations.

The color of the outer zone of the complete combustion of a candle flame

• Blue Color:
  • The outer zone of complete combustion in a candle flame appears blue.
  • This blue color is due to the presence of hot, oxygen-rich air that enables efficient burning of the fuel.
  • The high temperature of the outer zone is indicated by the blue color.
  • Complete combustion in this zone ensures maximum fuel oxidation, leading to heat and light production.
  • A blue flame signifies minimal soot production, as soot is a byproduct of incomplete combustion.

Analysis of Coffee Board in India

Statutory Organization:

• The Coffee Board is established as a statutory organization under the Coffee Act, 1942, and operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This makes the first statement correct.

Head Office in Bengaluru:

• The primary office of the Coffee Board is located in Bengaluru, confirming the accuracy of the second statement.

Functions and Activities:

• The Coffee Board is involved in various activities such as research, extension, development, marketing, promotion, and welfare measures related to coffee production.
• It also played a crucial role in promoting coffee sales domestically and internationally, supporting small coffee growers, ensuring labor conditions, and managing unsold coffee.
• However, after 1995, the marketing of coffee became a private-sector activity due to economic reforms in India, making the third statement incorrect.

Coffee-Growing Regions:

• Coffee cultivation is not limited to just Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. It also extends to regions like Orissa and the North Eastern Region, rendering the fourth statement inaccurate.

The correct answer is North America mainly South-west America

• Southwest America mainly consists of desert areas and scrublands, such as the Great Basin Desert, the Mojave Desert, and the Sonoran Desert. These regions do not contain tropical deciduous forest biomes but are characterized by semi-arid and arid ecosystems.
• Tropical deciduous forest biomes are typically located in areas with high annual temperatures and significant annual rainfall.
• Tropical deciduous forests are primarily situated near the equator, with examples found in the Neotropics, the Indo-Malaysian zone, and parts of eastern Africa and Northern Australia.

The Child Sex Ratio in Uttar Pradesh

• About Child Sex Ratio:
  • The child sex ratio in Uttar Pradesh is 902 per thousand as per the 2011 census.
  • The child sex ratio is defined as the number of females per thousand males between the age group of 0–6 years.

Additional Information

Important Points

• Baghpat district has the lowest child sex ratio of 841 per thousand in Uttar Pradesh.
• Balrampur district has the highest child sex ratio of 950 per thousand in Uttar Pradesh.

The correct answer is Burzahom

• Pit houses dug into the ground, with steps leading into them were found at the Burzahom archaeological site.
• The "Burzahom" Neolithic site is located in the Kashmir Valley of the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in the district of Srinagar.
• The site of Burzahom is a unique comprehensive storyteller of life between 3000 BCE to 1000 BCE.
• The Burzahom site revealed the transition from the subterranean and ground-level housing features of the Neolithic people to the mud brick structures of the Megalithic people.
• The site was Excavated in 1939.

Additional Information

• Utnoor is a census town in Adilabad district of the Indian state of Telangana.
  • It is known for the neolithic excavations.
• Paiyampalli is a Neolithic site in Tamil Nadu.
• Hallur is an archaeological site located in the Haveri district, in the Indian state of Karnataka.

• Anuvarta is associated with Jainism: Anuvrata is a term linked to Jainism.
• Anu varies are the categories of vows which are 12 in number: In Jainism, Anuvrata consists of 12 vows.
• It is also called small vows sometimes. Anu means small and vart means vow: These vows are also known as small vows since "Anu" means small and "vrat" means vow.

Additional Information

The Communal Electorate System Introduction:

• The Communal Electorate system in India was first introduced by the Morley-Minto Reforms in 1909.
• The Indian Councils Act of 1909 is also known as Morley-Minto Reforms.
• Lord Morley was the then Secretary of State for India, and Lord Minto was the then Viceroy of India.

Key Features of Morley-Minto Reforms:

• The Indian Council Act of 1909, also known as Morley-Minto Reform, introduced separate electorates based on religion known as the communal electorate.
• Lord Minto came to be known as the Father of Communal Electorate.
• This Act provided for the separate representation of zamindars, chambers of commerce, presidency corporations, and universities.
• It allowed for a non-official majority in the provincial legislative councils but retained the official majority in the Central Legislative Council.
• Indians were associated with the executive councils of the Viceroy and Governors for the first time. Satyendra Prasad Sinha was appointed as the law member, becoming the first Indian to join the Viceroy’s Executive Council.

Key Points

• Igneous and sedimentary rocks can change into metamorphic rocks, which is a true statement. 
• Metamorphic rocks are indeed formed under great heat and pressure, which is also true.
• The reason given in (R) correctly explains how igneous and sedimentary rocks can change into metamorphic rocks.
• Therefore, both statements (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• It is important to note that metamorphic rocks can also be formed from other metamorphic rocks, not just from igneous and sedimentary rocks.

Additional Information

• Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten rock, while sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments.
• Metamorphic rocks can be formed from any type of pre-existing rock through heat and pressure.
• Some common examples of metamorphic rocks include marble, slate, and gneiss.
• The rock cycle is the process by which rocks are continuously transformed and recycled through geological processes.

Understanding the Accordance of Constitutional Status to Panchayati Raj

• Significance of Local Self-Government:
  • Local self-government plays a crucial role in recent years.
  • These bodies not only provide services but also uphold democratic self-government.
• Integration with National Government:
  • Local self-government is now an integral part of the national government structure.
• Recognition and Participation:
  • People recognize the importance of local government as it involves them in decision-making.
• Constitutional Amendment:
  • In 1992, the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act was passed, effective from April 24, 1993.
  • This Act empowered state governments to establish and formalize gram panchayats as self-governing bodies.
• Prime Minister at the Time of Accordance:
  • Sh. P.V. Narsimha Rao was the Prime Minister of India when the constitutional status for Panchayati Raj was accorded as Urban Self-Governing Institution.

The correct answer to the question is Attorney General of India.

 Key Points

• Attorney General of India:
  • According to Article 76(1), the President appoints a person qualified to be a Judge of the Supreme Court as the Attorney-General for India.
  • The post is constitutional in nature.
  • He is the highest law officer of the country, providing legal advice to the government.
  • He has the right to speak and participate in the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament or their joint sitting.
  • Enjoys privileges and immunities similar to a member of Parliament.
  • The Attorney-General serves at the pleasure of the President and receives remuneration determined by the President.
  • The President can remove the Attorney General at any time.
  • Although conventionally resigning when the council is dissolved, it is not mandatory.

Additional Information

• Solicitor General of India:
  • Second-highest law officer after the Attorney General.
  • Represents the Union of India in all Indian courts, including the Supreme Court.
  • Advises the government on legal matters and appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
  • Term of office is three years, with the possibility of reappointment.
• BCCI Chairman:
  • Highest-ranking official in the BCCI.
  • Responsible for overall cricket administration in India.
  • Elected by the BCCI's Full Members (30 state cricket associations) for a three-year term.
• RBI Governor:
  • Holds the highest position in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Responsible for RBI administration, monetary policy formulation and implementation, and banking system regulation.
  • Also oversees the financial markets.

Key Points

Additional Information

• Nizamuddin Ahmad was a Muslim historian of late medieval India.
  • He was son of Muhammad Muqim-i-Harawi.
  • He was Akbar's Mir Bakhshi.
  • His work, the Tabaqat-i-Akbari, is a comprehensive work on general history covering the time from the Ghaznavids up to the 38th year of Akbar's reign.
• Gulbadan Begum was a Mughal princess and the daughter of Emperor Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire.
  • She is best known as the author of Humayun Nama, the account of the life of her half-brother, Emperor Humayun, which she wrote at the request of her nephew, Emperor Akbar.
• Abul Fazl was the grand vizier of the Mughal emperor Akbar.
  • He was the author of the Akbarnama, the official history of Akbar's reign in three volumes, and a Persian translation of the Bible.
• Dara Shikoh, also known as Dara Shukoh, was the eldest son and heir-apparent of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
  • Dara was designated with the title Padshahzada-i-Buzurg Martaba and was favoured as a successor by his father and his older sister, Princess Jahanara Begum.
  • Dara Shikoh is the author of the book Sakinat-ul-Auliya.

The Royal Indian Navy Revolt:

• The Royal Indian Navy revolt occurred on 18 February 1946 when Indian sailors of the Royal Indian Navy initiated a strike and subsequent revolt in Bombay harbor.
• The revolt quickly spread across British India, involving over 20,000 sailors in 78 ships and shore establishments.
• The mutiny was forcefully suppressed by British troops and Royal Navy warships, resulting in 8 casualties and 33 wounded individuals.
• While the Communist Party supported the strikers, the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League condemned the revolt.
• A Naval Central Strike committee was elected on 19 February to coordinate the strike.

Key Points:

• Following the revolt, demonstrations and strikes spread to other cities and were even supported by elements of the Royal Indian Air Force and local police forces.
• Indian naval personnel began identifying themselves as the "Indian National Navy" and demonstrated defiance towards British officers.
• The revolt involved unrest within the ranks of the Indian Army, with widespread rioting from Karachi to Calcutta.
• The revolt was eventually called off after negotiations between the President of the Naval Central Strike Committee and political leaders like Vallabh Bhai Patel and Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
• As a result, the strikers surrendered under pressure, leading to arrests, court-martials, and the dismissal of 476 sailors from the Royal Indian Navy.

The correct answer is Ghazipur.

• Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh is the opium factory of the Central Government located.

Additional Information

• Processing of opium in India began with the setting up of the opium factory in 1820 in Ghazipur, a town of Eastern Uttar Pradesh located on the banks of the river Ganga.
• During the period of World War II, an alkaloid plant was set up in a Ghazipur in 1943.
• The Opium and Alkaloid Plants of Ghazipur are spread over an area of about 43 acres.
• The second plant for processing opium and manufacture of alkaloids is located in the Neemuch district of Madya Pradesh, which is approximately 5 km. from the eastern border of Rajasthan.
• It also comprises two separate units namely, the Opium Factory and Alkaloid Works.
• The Neemuch Opium Factory has been in operation since 1^st April 1935.
• Initially, there was another Opium Factory at Mandsaur but the same was closed down in the year 1969.
• The Alkaloid works was inaugurated on 6^th October 1976. The campus has an area of 57,000 sq. mtrs.
• The Alkaloid Works at Ghazipur and Neemuch processes raw opium for the manufacture of alkaloid/ drugs, namely narcotine, thebaine, papaverine and codeine phosphate.
• Morphine salts and Codeine Phosphate are the main products supplied to Indian Pharmaceutical Industries.
• The Alkaloid Works also has its own process control and quality control laboratories to ensure regular monitoring of process samples and stringent quality control.
• The organization also has a full-fledged Research and Development wing.

Important Points

• Lucknow is known as the 'City of Nawabs'.
• Uttar Pradesh is the 'Sugar Bowl of India'.
• Kanpur is known as the 'Manchester of North India'.
• Kanpur is known as the 'Leather City of India'.
• Kanpur is known as the 'Industrial and Economic Capital of Uttar Pradesh'. 
• Allahabad is known as the 'City of Prime Ministers'.
• Varanasi is known as the 'Religious Capital of India'.
• Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is known as the 'City of Widows'.
• Aligarh is famous for 'Lock Production'.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated 'Forest Fire Safety Week' to raise awareness about fire prevention measures in anticipation of the summer season, which is prone to forest fires. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to protecting its forest resources and increasing public awareness about the risks and preventive measures associated with forest fires.

Satendra Siwal, a security assistant at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, was arrested for allegedly working as a spy for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). This incident highlights the ongoing issues of espionage and security within diplomatic missions and the importance of safeguarding sensitive information related to international relations.

The Uttar Pradesh government allocated Rs 200 crore for the State Agricultural Development Scheme in the 2024-25 budget. This allocation is part of a broader effort to enhance the agricultural sector in the state and support farmers through various initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and sustainability in agriculture.