UPSC CSE Prelims Paper 1 (GS) Mock Test - 8 - UPSC MCQ

Purvanchal or Eastern Hills

• Eastern Hills or The Purvanchal are the southward extension of Himalayas running along the north-eastern edge of India.
• At the Dihang gorge, the Himalayas take a sudden southward bend and form a series of comparatively low hills which are collectively called as the Purvanchal.
• Purvanchal hills are convex to the west.
• They run along the India-Myanmar Border extending from Arunachal Pradesh in the north to Mizoram in the south.

The Nehru-Liaquat Pact
Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Liaquat–Nehru Pact was a bilateral treaty between India and Pakistan, where refugees were allowed to return to dispose of their property, abducted women and looted property were to be returned, forced conversions were unrecognized, and minority rights were confirmed.
• Jawaharlal Nehru and Liaquat Ali Khan were the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan.

Statement 2 is correct

• Officially the agreement was signed on April 8, 1950.
• The need for such a pact was felt by minorities in both countries following Partition, which was accompanied by massive communal rioting.
• In 1950, as per some estimates, over a million Hindus and Muslims migrated from and to East Pakistan amid communal tension and riots such as the 1950 East Pakistan riots and the Noakhali riots.

Statement 1 is incorrect

• It is central to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
• In non-Mahayana Buddhism, it usually refers either to Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future or to the historical Buddha Gautama prior to his enlightenment.

Statement 2 is correct

• A bodhisattva is literally a living being (sattva) who aspires to enlightenment (bodhi) and carries out altruistic practices. The bodhisattva ideal is central to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition as the individual who seeks enlightenment both for him- or herself and for others. 

Statement 3 is correct

• Compassion, an empathetic sharing of the sufferings of others, is the bodhisattva’s greatest characteristic.
• It is held that the bodhisattva makes four vows expressing a determination to work for the happiness of others: “However innumerable sentient beings are, I vow to save them; However inexhaustible the passions are, I vow to master them; however limitless the teachings are, I vow to study them; however infinite the Buddha-truth is, I vow to attain it.”

All statements are right.
Under the Indian constitution, certain fundamental rights are available only to the citizens, namely: 

• Right against discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15);
• Right to equality of opportunity in matter of public employment (Article 16);
• Freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence and profession (Article 19);
• Cultural and educational rights (Article 29 and 30); and right to vote and become members of the union and state legislatures.

Statement 1 is incorrect
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries. The organization implements the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on 4 April 1949.
Statement 2 is correct
The European Economic Community was a regional organisation that aimed to bring about economic integration among its member states. It was created by the Treaty of Rome of 1957. Upon the formation of the European Union in 1993, the EEC was incorporated and renamed the European Community.
Statement 3 is incorrect
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), formerly known as One Belt One Road or OBOR for short, is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations.It is considered a centerpiece of Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping's foreign policy.

Methane (CH₄) is estimated to have a GWP of 28–36 over 100 years (Learn why EPA's U.S. Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks uses a different value.). CH₄ emitted today lasts about a decade on average, which is much less time than CO₂.

Invasive alien plants, they found in the forest area of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, including the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Statement 1 is correct
Asiatic Lion, Gir Forest Asiatic Lion is also known as the Indian Lion and can be only found in and around Gir Forest National Park of Gujarat. These are listed as endangered species. These are one of the five big cats found in India, the others being Indian Leopards and Bengal Tigers.
Statement 2 is Incorrect
Lion-Tailed Macaque, Western Ghats It is the rarest and the most threatened and endangered primate species found only in the Western Ghats of Southern India.
Statement 3 is correct
Sangai Deer, Loktak Lake It is also known as Brow Antlered Deer exclusively found in Keibul Lamjao National Park of Manipur. This park is a marshy wetland located in the southern parts of Loktak lake.
Statement 4 is Incorrect
Namdapha Flying Squirrel, Arunachal Pradesh The Namdapha flying squirrel is an arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel endemic to Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India, where it is known from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981.

✓ Excavation
➢ The civilization was first discovered during an excavation campaign under Sir John Hubert Marshall in 1921–22 at Harappa following the discovery of seals by J Fleet.
➢ Harappan ruins were discovered by Marshall, Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni and Madho Sarup Vats.
➢ Mohenjodaro ruins were excavated for the first time by R.D. Banerjee, E. J. H. MacKay and Marshall.
➢ This is also called Harappan Civilization after the first city to be excavated, Harappa (Punjab, Pakistan).
➢ Pre-Harappan civilization has been found at Mehrgarh, Pakistan which shows the first evidence of cotton cultivation.

Statement 1 is incorrect
As per ASI Website, “While there is some evidence of architectural activity going back to the period of Mahendravarman-I (AD 600-30), the father of Mamalla, most of the monuments are attributed to the period of Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla (AD 630-68) – the Pallava ruler. On the other hand Ajanta caves were excavated in different periods (circa. 2nd century B.C. to 6th century A.D.) according to the necessity. So, clearly 1 is wrong.
Statement 2 is incorrect
Mahabalipuram contains rock-cut rathas, sculptured scenes on open rocks like Arjuna’s penance, the caves of Govardhanadhari and Mahishasuramardini, the Jala-Sayana Perumal temple (the sleeping Mahavishnu or Chakrin at the rear part of the Shore temple complex). So, it is more linked to the Vaishnavites. On the other hand, Ajanta is linked more to the Buddhist religious denomination.
Statement 3 is correct
Both have rock-cut monuments, because cave cut Chaityas, Viharas and Stupas can be clearly seen at Ajanta. Also, the mural paintings that are made at Ajanta involve some rock-cutting as per ASI.
Mahabalipuram is famous for rock monuments as described above.

Statement 1 is incorrect
It inserts December 31, 2014, as the cut-off date for non-muslim communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
Statement 2 is incorrect
It decreases the mandatory requirement of 12 years stay in India to five years to be eligible for citizenship.
Statement 3 is correct
All cases against illegal non-muslim migrants, before any authority, shall stand abated.
Key Features of the act

• Citizenship on the basis of religion: The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, and for the first time, will grant citizenship on the basis of religion to non-Muslim communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
• Non - Muslim Communities Included: Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian. This implies that migrants, who identify themselves with any group or community other than those mentioned here, from the above mentioned countries won't be eligible for citizenship.
• Exceptions: The provisions on citizenship for illegal migrants will not apply to two categories - states protected by the ‘Inner Line’, and areas covered under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Statement 1 is correct
‘Index of Economic Freedom’ is created by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.
Statement 2 is correct
India’s performance in the report is 120 out of 180 countries ‘Index of Economic Freedom’ report On March 23, 2020 the Heritage Foundation published its 26th annual edition of Economic Freedom Index 2020 to measure the level of economic freedom in 186 countries. India (56.5) ranks in 120th position & Singapore (89.4) tops the index for the 1st time.
Key Highlights

• Hong Kong (89.1) for the 1st time secured 2nd rank since the 1st publication in 1995
• India secures 28th rank among 42 countries in the AsiaPacific region & also has made improvement in its score by 1.3 points from 2019.
• New Zealand (84.1) secured the 3 rank, North Korea(4.2) is positioned in 180th rank, Venezuela (25.2) in 179th rank & Cuba (26.9) in 178th rank.
• Due to lack of reliable statistics Iraq, Libya, Liechtenstein, Somalia, Syria, Yemen is not ranked.

Statement 1 is incorrect
Increasing GST on vehicles will lead to decrease money in the consumer pocket that intern affect other products otherwise the consumer would have spent that extra GST amount to buy other products. So, these move surely cant spur demand in the economy.
Statement 2 is correct
Tax reduction helps the consumer to buy more products the money which saved because of the tax reduction will spur the economy.
Statement 3 is correct
Easy fiscal policy is boon to banks, banks can lend more money to people intern people spend more to buy goods. This increases consumption in the economy.
Statement 4 is correct
Reducing interest rates will increase the demand for money, so more number of people will take loans from the bank at a cheaper rate. More money in the consumer's hand will increase the demand for goods and services.
Statement 5 is correct
Banks recapitalization will pump money into banks, now, banks can give loans freely to their customers. It will also increase the demand for goods and services.
Statement 6 is incorrect
Increasing corporate tax will affect the companies profit so balance these companies may reduce their workforce, unemployment increase in the economy, people will be having less money in their hands.

Statement 1 is incorrect
Ocean waters will continue to warm and sea level will continue to rise for many centuries at rates equal to or higher than those of the current century because the oceans take a very long time to respond to warmer conditions at the Earth’s surface.
Statement 2 is correct
According to the Fourth (2017) National Climate Assessment (NCA) of the United States it is very likely sea level will rise between 30 and 130 cm (1.0–4.3 feet) in 2100 compared to the year 2000.

Statement 1 is Incorrect
Al-shabad is an Islamist terrorist group operating in Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Yemen.
Statement 2 is correct
It is linked to the al-Qaida terrorist group.

The neighbouring states are Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, Bihar and Assam. The state shares its international boundaries with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

✓ Political organizations and the evolution of monarchy during the Vedic period.

Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play by Kalidasa. It is based on some events of the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga. The play tells the story of the love of Agnimitra, the Shunga Emperor at Vidisha, for the beautiful hand-maiden of his chief queen.

Statement 1 is Incorrect
Right to assemble peaceably and without arms is a fundamental right.
Statement 2 is correct
This right is protected against only state action and not private individuals.

Statement 1 is Incorrect
The World Bank recently released its Ease of Doing Business Report, 2020. The indicator measures the performance of countries across 10 different dimensions in the 12 months ending May 1, 2019
Performance of India:
Statement 1 is correct
India went up 14 rungs in the 2020 survey to score a 63, making it one of world’s top 10 most improved countries for the third consecutive time.
However, India failed to achieve the government’s target of being at 50th place. It was 77th last year.
This is the third year in a row that India has made it to the top 10 in Doing Business, which is a success which very few countries have done over the 20 years of the project.

A large amount of carbon is stored in soils mostly as Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). The amount of carbon stored in soils worldwide is approximately three times greater than the carbon present in the atmosphere. After Oceans, soils are the second-largest carbon sink.

Statement 1 is correct
Unemployment, Corruption Fuel South Iraq’s Protests Corruption, mismanagement and high unemployment. For weeks, Iraq has been shaken by violent anti-government protests. Although Iraq is one of the world's top five oil producers, its people rarely benefit from the country's energy riches.
Statement 2 is correct
Protesters are demanding that the 81-year-old leader withdraws from the election. A sea of protesters filled multiple streets in the capital, Algiers, and other cities across the North African country in what's considered one of the largest displays of public discontent since the 1954-1962 war of independence from France.
Statement 3 is correct
In HONG KONG against the extradition bill sparked months of demonstrations. The bill was allowing  Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trial. Later the bill was withdrawn.

Statement 1 is correct
The photosphere is the bright outer layer of the Sun that emits most of the radiation, particularly visible light.
Statement 2 is correct
NASA's EUNIS sounding rocket examined light from the sun in the area shown by the white line (imposed over an image of the sun from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory) then separated the light into various wavelengths to identify the temperature of material observed on the sun. The spectra provided evidence to explain why the sun's atmosphere is so much hotter than its surface.

Statement 1 is correct
The axial tilt of the Earth of 23.5 degrees as it moves around the Sun causes seasonal changes. When in June the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the Sun and Six months later, in December, the situation is reversed as the Earth travels halfway around the Sun and its Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun
Statement 2 is correct
On June 21, the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer(23.5 degrees North) and it is mid-summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Midsummer in the Southern Hemisphere occurs on 23rd December when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn(23.5 degrees South).

Qutb-ud-din aibak was the ruler and founder of the Slave Dynasty or Mamluk dynasty.

• So-called because the rulers of this dynasty were either themselves originally slaved or were descendants of rulers who had been slaves before becoming Sultans.
• He as a ruler, he made no fresh conquests and instead embarked on a policy of consolidation.
• He started construction of Quwwat-ul-Islam and Qutb-Minar at Delhi but it was completed by his successor.
• He was also called Lakha Bukhsha(Giver of Lakhs)

Shams-ud-din Iltutmish was the successor of Qutb-ud-din aibak

• He completed Quwwat-ul-Islam and Qutb-Minar at Delhi.
• He saved the infant Turkish kingdom from the wrath of the Mongal warrior Changez Khan by clever diplomacy.
• He restored the sagging fortunes of the Sultanate by reconquering most of northern India

Nasir-ud-din Mahmud was a ruler of slave dynasty

• He was not a prominent ruler in this dynasty.
• He did not initiate any construction
• He owed his accession to Balban(Next great ruler in this dynasty).

Jalal-ud-din Khalji wad founder of Khalji dynasty next kingdom formed after the demise of slave dynasty.

• He just founded the Khalji dynasty.
• After foundation, he was assassinated by his nephew Al-ud-din Khalji.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Because apart from cymbals, drums known as pung are also used.

Manipuri Sankirtana

• It is a form of performing art involving ritual singing, drumming and dancing performed in the temples and domestic spaces in Manipur. It is practised at the centre of a temple, where performers narrate the lives and deeds of Krishna through songs and dance.
• It is practiced primarily by the Vaishnava community in Manipur and by the Vaishnava Manipuri population settled in the neighbouring States of Tripura and Assam.

Statement 1 is correct

• This report formed on the basis of the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee’s report.

Statement 2 is correct

• The Right to Privacy is a fundamental right for Indian citizens under the Constitution of India

Other key provisions of the bill

• The Bill includes exemptions for processing data without an individual’s consent for “reasonable purposes”, including security of the state, detection of any unlawful activity or fraud, whistleblowing, medical emergencies, credit scoring, operation of search engines and processing of publicly available data.
• The Bill calls for the creation of an independent regulator Data Protection Authority, which will oversee assessments and audits and definition making.
• Each company will have a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who will liaison with the DPA for auditing, grievance redressal, recording maintenance and more.
• The Bill proposes “Purpose limitation” and “Collection limitation” clause, which limit the collection of data to what is needed for “clear, specific, and lawful” purposes.
• It also grants individuals the right to data portability and the ability to access and transfer one’s own data. It also grants individuals the right to data portability, and the ability to access and transfer one’s own data.
• Finally, it legislates on the right to be forgotten. With historical roots in European Union law, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this right allows an individual to remove consent for data collection and disclosure.
• The Bill stated the penalties as Rs 5 crore or 2 per cent of worldwide turnover for minor violations and Rs 15 crore or 4 per cent of total worldwide turnover for more serious violations.

It is a large scale anti Hijacking Exercise conducted by the Indian Navy
Highlights

• Multiple agencies participated in the exercise. It included 12 ships and helicopters of Cochin Port trust, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. This is the first time an anti-hijacking exercise is being conducted at a large scale in India and in the port of Cochin.
• During the exercise, insertion of Marine Commandos (MarCos) into the hijacked vessel through boarding operations and slithering into the deck from a Sea King helicopter were demonstrated.

A large amount of carbon is stored in soils, mostly as part of Soil Organic Matter (SOM). SOM makes up around 2-10% of soil’s mass and has an important role in the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.
SOM contributes to soil structure, moisture retention, nutrient retention, degradation of pollutants (bio-remediation), carbon sequestration and soil resilience. Soil Organic Matter can not control soil salinity.

The autonomous region of Bougainville has voted overwhelmingly in favour of becoming independent from Papua New Guinea, paving the way for the group of islands to become the world’s newest nation.