UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 10 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

• The chemical commonly used as a 'fixer' in photography is sodium thiosulfate.
• Sodium thiosulfate functions by dissolving the unexposed silver salts on the film, which have not been affected by light exposure.
• Photographers use sodium thiosulfate to fix both negatives and prints developed during the photographic process.

• The Yamuna river in the west forms a significant boundary for Uttar Pradesh.
• Originating from the Bandarpunch massif in the Great Himalayas near Yamnotri in western Uttarakhand, the Yamuna flows swiftly in a southerly direction through the Himalayan foothills.
• After exiting Uttarakhand, it continues onto the Indo-Gangetic Plain, serving as a border between Uttar Pradesh and Haryana state to the west.

• Essential Feature of a Parliamentary System: In a parliamentary system of governance, one essential feature is the presence of a dual executive. This means that there is a nominal executive (de jure executive), typically represented by the President, and a real executive (de facto executive), usually embodied by the Prime Minister.
• Roles of the President and Prime Minister: The President in a parliamentary system serves as the head of the State, while the Prime Minister acts as the head of the government. The Prime Minister leads a council of ministers, as outlined in Article 74, which advises and assists the President in the execution of their duties. Importantly, the President is obligated to follow the advice provided by the council of ministers.

• India's forex reserves stood at $619 billion at the end of February 2024, as per the Reserve Bank of India.
• The increase in forex reserves was $2.975 billion for the week ending February 23.
• This surge was mainly fueled by growth in Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) and gold reserves.

Overview of Vice President Election Process

• Electoral College Composition: The Vice President of India is elected via an electoral college comprising members from both houses of Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• Exclusion of State Legislative Assembly Members: The members of the legislative assemblies of states are not part of this electoral college for the Vice President election.

Explanation of Vice President Election

• The process of electing the Vice President of India involves a specific electoral college structure. This college is formed by the collective participation of members from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It is essential to note that representatives from the state legislative assemblies do not play a role in this election process.
• By involving members from both houses of Parliament, the Vice President election ensures a broad representation of the country's diverse political landscape. This approach aims to uphold the democratic principles and facilitate a fair and inclusive selection process for this significant position in the Indian government.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the 'Har Ghar Nal Yojana' in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
• The main objective of this scheme is to provide piped water supply to more than 4.1 million individuals residing in the districts of Sonbhadra and Mirzapur.
• The total cost allocated for this project is Rs 5,555 crore.
• Additionally, the scheme will enable over 3,000 villages to have access to piped water supply.

Hydrogen bonding and strong intermolecular interactions increases the viscosity of the liquid.

Ethylene glycol HO−CH₂−CH₂−OH has two −OH groups. The hydrogen bonding is due to these −OH groups.

More is the number of −OH groups, more are the hydrogen bonds and greater is the viscosity. Ethanol has only one −OH group.

Thus, the correct option is Glycol.

The Impact of Judicial Activism

• Centre-State Relationship: Judicial activism can influence the dynamics of power between the central government and state governments, potentially altering the balance of authority and responsibilities.
• Transparency in the Judiciary: The proactive role of the judiciary through judicial activism may enhance transparency by ensuring accountability and oversight of judicial decisions and processes.
• Public Interest: Judicial activism can serve the public interest by addressing issues that affect society at large and protecting individual rights against potential government overreach.
• Separation of Powers: One aspect where judicial activism may have adverse effects is in the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches. When the judiciary oversteps its bounds and encroaches on legislative functions, it can disrupt the delicate balance of power envisioned by the constitution.

Insights into Judicial Activism

• Judicial activism emerged in the USA and gained prominence in India during the mid-1970s. Key figures like Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati laid the groundwork for judicial activism in the country. This approach involves judges taking a more assertive stance in interpreting laws and challenging government actions. Judicial activism is often seen as a mechanism for upholding constitutional principles and protecting individual rights.
• It is important to note that while judicial activism can be beneficial in advancing justice and upholding the rule of law, there is a fine line between judicial activism and judicial overreach. Maintaining a balance between judicial activism and respecting the separation of powers is crucial for a functioning democracy.

Sustainable Development Strategy

• Relying more on organic farming: Organic farming is considered a part of sustainable development strategy as it promotes eco-friendly practices by avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers, weedicides, and herbicides.
• Reducing the use of personal vehicles and promoting public transport: This action contributes to sustainable development by reducing pollution levels. For example, initiatives like "No Car Day" in cities like Delhi and Paris aim to promote sustainable transportation methods.
• Safeguarding the habitats of indigenous communities, flora, and fauna: Protecting the habitats of indigenous communities, as well as the biodiversity of flora and fauna, is crucial for sustainable development. This approach encompasses human, animal, and plant diversity within the concept of sustainability.
• Not compromising on the needs of the present generation with respect to future generations: This principle reflects the idea of inter-generational equity, emphasizing the importance of meeting the needs of both current and future generations without sacrificing the well-being of future populations. It is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development.

The Correct Answer is January 8

• Date of Celebration: Earth's Rotation Day is celebrated annually on January 8.
• Significance: This day commemorates the important discovery of Earth's rotation on its axis.

This celebration serves as a reminder of the scientific understanding and appreciation for our planet's movement. It highlights the crucial role of Earth's rotation in creating day and night cycles, as well as influencing various natural phenomena.

By observing Earth's Rotation Day on January 8, people can reflect on the wonders of nature and the fascinating workings of our planet.

"To establish an autonomous council in the tribal areas" are not the objectives of Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996.

Objectives of the Act:

1. To extend the provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to the Panchayats to the scheduled areas with certain modifications.
2. To provide self-rule for the bulk of the tribal population.
3. To have village governance with participatory democracy.
4. To evolve a suitable administrative framework consistent with traditional practices.
5. To safeguard and to preserve the traditions and customs of tribal communities.
6. To empower panchayats at the appropriate levels with specific powers conducive to tribal requirements.
7. To prevent panchayats at the higher level from assuming the powers and authority of panchayats at the lower level of the gram sabha.

Location of Mount Kilimanjaro

• Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, which is a country in East Africa.
• Significance: It is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters above sea level.
• Unique Feature: Kilimanjaro is also known as the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
• Volcanic Cones: The mountain has three volcanic cones named Kibo, Mwenji, and Shira respectively.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2

• Statement 1: In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, who are less developed among the tribal groups. PTGs are less developed and vulnerable among tribal groups with declining or stagnant population, low literacy levels, pre-agricultural technology, and economic backwardness. They generally live in remote areas with poor infrastructure and administrative support. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2: In 1975, the Government of India identified the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category called Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and initially declared 52 such groups. Later in 1993, an additional 23 groups were added, totaling 75 PVTGs across 18 states and one Union Territory. Among these, Odisha has the highest number with 13 PVTGs followed by Andhra Pradesh with 12. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
• Scheme for development of PVTGs:
  • The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements the Scheme of “Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)” exclusively for them.
  • Under this scheme, Conservation-cum-Development (CCD)/Annual Plans are prepared by each State/UT for their PVTGs based on need assessment, approved by the Ministry's Project Appraisal Committee.
  • PVTGs are given priority under various schemes like Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Tribal Sub-Scheme, Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution, and Grants-in-aid to Voluntary Organizations working for Scheduled Tribes.

The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, made the decision to rename the Jhansi Railway Station to "Veerangana Laxmibai Railway Station" in honor of the revered historical figure Rani Laxmibai.

• Tsomgo Lake often spelled Tsongmo Lake or Changgu Lake, is a glacier lake in the Indian state of Sikkim's East Sikkim region, about 40 kilometers from the capital Gangtok. The lake is located at an elevation of 3,753 meters (12,313 feet), and remains frozen during the winter season.
• The lake's surface changes colours with the seasons, and the indigenous Sikkimese people cherish it. The lake is the venue for the Guru Purnima festival which is also the Raksha Bandhan festival when the faith healers known as Jhakris of Sikkim assemble at the lake area to derive benefits from the healing qualities of the lake waters.

Depreciation of Rupee

• If the rupees per US Dollar exchange rate changes from Rs. 60 to Rs. 65 in a time period due to market forces, it implies depreciation of the rupee.
• Devaluation is a term used when the government reduces the value of a currency under a Fixed-Rate System, whereas depreciation occurs under a Floating Rate System due to market forces.
• Depreciation takes place under a flexible exchange rate system.
• Devaluation involves reducing a country's exchange rate in the international market while maintaining the internal value unchanged.
• Historical examples of rupee devaluation include a 57% devaluation in 1966 and a 19.5% devaluation in 1991 against the US dollar.

Devaluation of a currency can serve various objectives such as:

• Correcting the balance of payments.
• Boosting exports by making them more competitive internationally.
• Reducing imports by making them relatively more expensive.

Details of the Home Rule Movement and Participants

• Background:

  Between the years 1916 and 1918, the Indian independence movement saw the rise of the Home Rule Movement, which aimed at achieving home rule or a dominion status for India under the British Empire, similar to countries like Canada and Australia.

• Key Points:
  • The movement was led by prominent leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.
  • It operated through two home rule leagues.
  • The movement attracted significant support from educated Indians.
  • By 1917, the two leagues combined had approximately 40,000 members.
  • Members of Congress and the Muslim League actively participated in the movement.
  • Distinguished figures like Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chittaranjan Das, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Tej Bahadur Sapru, and Lala Lajpat Rai were part of the movement.
  • The movement's impact included the Montague Declaration of 1917, which promised greater Indian representation in government and the establishment of self-governing institutions, leading to responsible government in India.
• Participants:

  Annie Besant, Lokmanya Tilak, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah actively participated in the Home Rule Movement.

The Reason Behind Pungency in Chillies

• Chemesthesis: This term refers to the sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes to chemical compounds, which helps in detecting pungency.
• Stimulating Sensation: Compounds like piperine, capsaicin, and thiosulfinates can create a burning or tingling sensation by stimulating the trigeminal nerve alongside normal taste perception.
• Mechanism of Action: The pungent sensation caused by capsaicin, piperine, and allicin is due to the activation of heat thermosensitive and chemosensitive TRP ion channels, such as TRPV1 and TRPA1 nociceptors.
• Adaptive Response: Chili pungency might be an adaptive response to microbial infections.

Solanin:

• Solanine is an alkaloid found in plants of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), such as tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes.
• Most solanine poisoning cases are associated with the consumption of greened potatoes.

Isothiocyanates:

• Isothiocyanate is the functional group N=C=S in organic chemistry, formed by replacing the oxygen in the isocyanate group with sulfur.
• Many natural isothiocyanates from plants are produced through the enzymatic conversion of glucosinolate metabolites.

The Correct Answer is Mahmood Khilji

Key Points

• Rana Kumbha defeated Mahmud Khilji and built the tower of victory (Vijay Stambha) in Chittorgarh.
• Located in Chittor Fort of Chittorgarh, Vijay Stambh (1440-48) was constructed by Maharana Kumbha, the King of Mewar.
• Symbolizing victory, Maharana Kumbha defeated Mahmood Khilji in 1437.
• The architect of the tower was Rao Jaita.
• Also known as Kriti Stambha/Kiriti Stambha or Vishnu Stambha.
• Mahmood Khilji had a joint army of Gujarat & Malwa, which he used in the Sarangpur war.
• The statue serves as a symbol for the Rajasthan Police & Secondary Education Board.

Rana Kumbha achievements

• Rana Kumbha defeated Sultan Mehmood Khilji of Malwa.
• Historical inscriptions mention that he captured Mehmood Khilji as a prisoner.
• He imprisoned Mehmood Khilji for six months before sending him back to his Kingdom.
• Subsequently, Mehmood Khilji launched an invasion on Mewar after making military preparations.
• He destroyed the temple at Kumbhalgarh but was unsuccessful in conquering Mewar.

• Articles available only to citizens: Articles 15, 16, 19, 29, and 30 are specifically available only to Indian citizens, not to foreigners.
• Part III of the Constitution: Fundamental rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution, from Articles 12 to 35.
• Magna Carta of India: Part III is often referred to as the Magna Carta of India.
• Features of Fundamental Rights:
  • Justiciable and legally enforceable.
  • Have legal sanctions.
  • Automatically enforced without the need for legislation.
  • Aim to establish political democracy.
  • Negative in nature as they restrict the state from certain actions.
  • Qualified and not absolute.
  • Not permanent.
• Origin: The fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution draw inspiration from the Bill of Rights in the United States.
• Historical Context: Originally, the Constitution provided for seven fundamental rights, including right to property which was later removed.
• Amendment: The right to property was deleted by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1978 and made a legal right under Article 300-A in Part XII of the Constitution.

Important Points:
Differentiation of Fundamental Rights:

• Rights only for Citizens:
  • Article 15
  • Article 16
  • Article 19
  • Article 29
  • Article 30
• Rights for Citizens and Foreigners (except enemy aliens):
  • Article 14
  • Article 20
  • Article 21
  • Article 21A
  • Article 22
  • Article 23
  • Article 24
  • Article 25
  • Article 26
  • Article 27
  • Article 28

The correct answer is Bull type.

• Skandagupta issued five types of gold coins: Archer type, Horseman type, King and queen type, Lion-slayer type, and Chhatra type.
• Skandagupta also issued four types of silver coins: Altar type, Garuda type, Madhyadesha type, and Bull type.
• Bull type is a type of silver coin and not a gold coin issued by Skandagupta, making it the correct answer.

Additional Information:

• Skandagupta:
  • He was a ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
  • His reign was from 455 AD to 467 AD.
  • Skandagupta defeated the Hunas.
  • He successfully restored the Gupta empire from its enemies.
  • Skandagupta composed the Bhitari Inscription, a historical document written in 19 lines that detail his ancestry, achievements, and conflicts.
  • The Bhitari Inscription also mentions Skandagupta's conflict with Pushyamitra.

The Significance of Cultural Capital

• Cultural Capital Definition: Cultural capital in sociology refers to an individual's social assets such as education, intellect, style of speech, and dress that play a role in social mobility within a stratified society.
• Origin of the Concept: The term was introduced by Pierre Bourdieu and Jean-Claude Passeron in their work "Cultural Reproduction and Social Reproduction" in 1977.
• Components of Cultural Capital:
  • Embodied Capital: This includes consciously acquired knowledge and inherited traditions through socialization.
  • Objectified Capital: Refers to tangible assets like artworks or scientific instruments that can be passed down for economic gain.
  • Institutionalized Capital: Recognizes a person's cultural capital through academic qualifications or professional credentials.
• Role of Cultural Knowledge: Cultural capital encompasses accumulated knowledge that bestows social status and influence.
• Expansion of the Concept: Recent research has broadened the definition to include technical, emotional, national, and subcultural forms of cultural capital.

Gopala:

• The founder of the Pala Dynasty was Gopala, who ascended the throne in 750 AD.
• Gopala established his capital at Pataliputra (present-day Patna) in Bihar, India, after overthrowing the last ruler of the Gauda Kingdom.
• Under Gopala's leadership, the Pala Dynasty gained extensive territorial control and achieved significant cultural and intellectual advancements.
• Dharmapala:
  • Dharmapala, ruling from 770-810 CE, was the second ruler of the Pala Dynasty and the son of Gopala.
  • He expanded the empire's territory, conquered northern India including Kannauj, and revived Buddhism in the region.
• Devapala:
  • Ruling from 810-850 CE, Devapala was the third ruler of the Pala Dynasty and the son of Dharmapala.
  • Devapala is known for expanding the empire to its greatest extent, conquering regions like Assam and parts of the Himalayas.
• Mahipala:
  • Mahipala, ruling from 988-1038 CE, was the sixth ruler of the Pala Dynasty and the son of Vigrahapala II.
  • Known for military campaigns against the Chola Dynasty in southern India, Mahipala's reign faced challenges from the Chola Emperor Rajendra I.
  • After Mahipala's death, the decline of the Pala Empire began, leading to its eventual replacement by the Sena Dynasty in the 12th century.

Therefore, the correct chronological order of the Pala rulers is ii, iv, I, iii.

Understanding Urbanisation in India

• The concept of urbanisation in India is based on the percentage of urban population compared to the total population.
• As per the Census of 2011, the urbanisation level in India was recorded at 31.16%, indicating a relatively low urban population in comparison to developed nations.
• Throughout the twentieth century, the total urban population in India witnessed a significant eleven-fold increase.
• The growth of urban population and urbanisation has been fueled by the expansion of existing urban centers and the development of new towns across the country.
• However, it is noteworthy that the rate of urbanisation growth has decelerated in the past two decades.

Sex Ratio in Rural Areas of Uttar Pradesh

• Population Data:
  • In the 2011 census, the total population of Uttar Pradesh was 199,812,341, with 104,480,510 males and 95,331,831 females.
• Sex Ratio:
  • The overall sex ratio in Uttar Pradesh in 2011 was 912.
  • The sex ratio specifically in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh during the same census was calculated to be 918.
  • In contrast, the sex ratio in urban areas of Uttar Pradesh in 2011 was 894.
• Literacy Rates:
  • The literacy rate of Uttar Pradesh was recorded at 67.68%.
  • The male literacy rate in the state was 77.28%, while the female literacy rate was 57.18%.
• Population Share:
  • Uttar Pradesh's population constituted 16.51% of the entire country's population during the 2011 census.

Additional Information

The Role of Organic Manures in Indian Agriculture

• Manures:
  • Manures refer to plant and animal wastes that serve as sources of plant nutrients, releasing these nutrients post-decomposition.
  • Manures can be classified into two categories: bulky organic manures and concentrated organic manures.
• Significance of Organic Manures in Agriculture:
  • Organic manures play a crucial role in agriculture by:
    • Binding sandy soil to enhance its water-holding capacity, aiding in better moisture retention. This validates statement 1.
    • Opening up clayey soil to improve aeration for enhanced root growth. This supports statement 2.
    • Contributing plant nutrients in small quantities and including essential micronutrients for plant development. This validates statement 3.
    • Increasing microbial activity, facilitating the release of plant nutrients. Examples of organic manures include Farm Yard Manure (FYM), compost from organic waste, night soil, sludge, sewage, sheep folding, green manures, and concentrated organic manures like oilcake (edible, non-edible), blood meal, fish meal, and bone meal.
    • It is advisable to incorporate organic manures before sowing or planting due to the gradual release of nutrients they offer.

The Correct Answer is Only (C)

Concept:

Chemical Changes

• If the chemical composition of a product is changing, then it is a chemical change.
• The changes are irreversible change.
• The final product is different from the initial one.
• Examples of chemical changes include the burning of a candle, the ripening of fruit, the curdling of milk, and the digestion of food.

Physical Changes

• If the chemical composition remains the same but only the state changes, then it is a physical change.
• The changes are reversible changes.
• The state changes but the final products are the same as the initial one.
• Examples of physical changes include the freezing of water and evaporation of water.

Explanation:

• (A) Burning of wood is a chemical change because it involves a chemical reaction where the wood undergoes combustion and reacts with oxygen to produce heat, light, and new chemical compounds like carbon dioxide and water vapor.
• It is also an irreversible change because the original wood cannot be recovered.
• (B) Boiling of water is a physical change, not a chemical change. It involves the conversion of liquid water into water vapor due to the input of heat energy. Boiling is a reversible change because when the vapor cools down, it condenses back into liquid water.
• (C) Grinding wood into sawdust is a physical change because it only involves a change in the physical state or size of the wood particles.
• The chemical composition of the wood remains the same. Grinding wood into sawdust is also an irreversible change because the original wood cannot be restored to its original form.

The Correct Answer is Option 1:

• In News: 18 rare pygmy hogs reintroduced in their historical home in Assam.

In News

• Key Points:
  • Pygmy Hogs:
    • It is the smallest and rarest species of wild pig in the world. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
    • It is one of the very few mammals that build its own home, or nest, complete with a ‘roof’.
    • It is an indicator species as its presence reflects the health of its primary habitat, tall and wet grasslands.
    • Habitat: It prefers undisturbed patches of grassland dominated by early succession riverine communities, typically comprising dense tall grass intermixed with a wide variety of herbs, shrubs, and young trees.
    • Currently, the viable population of this pig in the wild is in the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN: Critically Endangered
      • The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Additional Information
Manas National Park:

• It is located in the state of Assam. It is contiguous with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
• It is a national park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, a Project Tiger reserve, an Elephant reserve, and a Biosphere reserve.
• Flora: It contains some of the largest remaining grassland habitats in the sub-Himalayan grassland ecosystems.
• Fauna: The Park is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog.
• The Manas River is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River, which passes through the Manas National Park.

The correct option is 'Only (B) is correct'.

Key Points

• Dispute with respect to allocation of GST to a state is matter of dispute between two states.
  • The statement "Dispute with respect to allocation of GST to a state is a matter of dispute between two states" is incorrect.
  • In India, the allocation of GST (Goods and Services Tax) revenues to states is not typically a matter of dispute between two states.
  • Instead, this is managed at a national level, by the central government and the GST Council, which is a constitutional body made up of the Union Finance Minister (who serves as its chairperson), the Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue or Finance, and the Minister in charge of Finance or Taxation from each state.
  • Therefore, any disputes regarding the allocation of GST are usually resolved by the GST Council, not between individual states.
• Dispute regarding sharing of river water is a matter of dispute between two states.
  • The statement "Dispute regarding sharing of river water is a matter of dispute between two states" is correct.
  • Water disputes are a common source of conflict between states in India, particularly when rivers flow through multiple states.
  • The distribution of water is often a contentious issue and can lead to disputes.
  • In India, such disputes are typically settled through tribunals established under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act of 1956, which was enacted to resolve disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys.

Provincial Elections

• Provincial elections were conducted in British India during the winter of 1936-37 as per the Government of India Act 1935.
• The elections took place in eleven provinces, including Madras, Central Provinces, Bihar, Orissa, United Provinces, Bombay Presidency, Assam, NWFP, Bengal, Punjab, and Sindh.
• The election results were officially announced in February 1937.
• The Indian National Congress emerged victorious in eight provinces, excluding Punjab and Sindh.
• The All India Muslim League did not succeed in forming a government in any of the provinces.

Key Points

• Resignation of Congress Ministries
  • Congress ministries resigned in October and November 1939 in objection to Viceroy Lord Linlithgow's decision to declare India as a belligerent in World War II without consulting the Indian populace.