UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 8 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

• Aquatic Plants Absorb Heavy Metals and Nutrients:
  According to the analogy that if rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then wetlands function as its kidneys, the best function of wetlands reflecting this comparison is that aquatic plants in wetlands absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.

Importance of Wetlands:

• Wetlands help to maintain sedimentation and balance of soil, and are crucial in water, carbon, and nutrient cycles.
• They act as natural filters, cleaning and storing water, functioning as kidneys for other ecosystems.
• Wetlands regulate the amount of water by absorbing excess water from rainfall and floods, which can be utilized during times of need.
• They provide a source of livelihood through activities like fishing and rice farming, and also support travel, tourism, and water provision.

Mswipe Technologies has obtained a Payment Aggregator (PA) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Understanding the Eligibility for Uttar Pradesh Old Age Pension Scheme

• Key Features of the Scheme:
  • The Uttar Pradesh old age pension scheme provides an additional amount of Rs.50 compared to the previous scheme, allowing beneficiaries to claim Rs.800 monthly.
  • Only senior citizens from economically weaker sections are eligible to benefit from this scheme.
  • The pension amount is transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts by the government.
• Minimum Age Requirement:
  Applicants must be 60 years and above to be eligible for the Uttar Pradesh Old Age Pension Scheme.

It is essential to note that under this scheme, the government aims to provide financial assistance to elderly individuals in need, specifically targeting those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By setting the minimum age requirement at 60 years, the scheme ensures that those who have reached a certain age threshold can access the benefits and support offered by the program.

• Sonoran Desert: The Sonoran desert is situated in North America, spanning across the United States and Mexico. It is recognized as the hottest desert in Mexico, covering an extensive area of 260,000 square kilometers.

The Kalisil River Origin

• Location: Sawai Madhopur
• Details: The Kalisil River originates in the hills near Rajpura village in Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan.
• Flow: The river flows generally southwest, passing through hills and plains of Sawai Madhopur district before joining the Morel River.
• Tributary: The Kalisil River is a left bank tributary of the Banas River.

Only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

• The Partnership for Action on the Green Economy (PAGE) was established with the objective of reducing poverty through an environmentally friendly way. PAGE brings together five UN agencies – UN Environment, International Labour Organization, UN Development Programme, UN Industrial Development Organization, and UN Institute for Training and Research.
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) was launched in 2013 as a response to the call at Rio+20 to support those countries trying to achieve the task of greener and inclusive growth.
• Statement 2 is correct: PAGE seeks to put sustainability at the heart of economic policies and practices to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and supports nations and regions in reframing economic policies and practices around sustainability to foster economic growth, provide jobs and achieve the idea of inclusive growth.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is a global community of policy, business, and finance professionals and organizations committed to collaboratively generating, managing, and sharing knowledge on the transition to an inclusive green economy (It does not provide funding to developing countries). The GGKP benefits from strategic funding from Switzerland, Germany, the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) initiative, the Global Environment Facility, the MAVA Foundation, and GGGI as well as programmatic funding from the Netherlands.

The State Information Commission Report Submission

• Report Submission: The State Information Commission submits an annual report to the State Government regarding the implementation of the provisions of this Act.
• State Legislature Review: The State Government then presents this report before the State Legislature for review.
• Recommendations: In cases where a public authority does not adhere to the provisions of the Act, the Commission has the authority to recommend necessary steps to ensure compliance.

National Action Plan on climate change (NAPCC) is a Government of India program launched in 2008 to mitigate and adapt to the adverse impact of climate change.

• The action plan was launched in 2008 with 8 sub-missions. 
• The plan aims at fulfilling India's developmental objectives with a focus on reducing the emission intensity of its economy.
• The plan will rely on support from the developed countries with the prime focus of keeping its carbon emissions below the developed economies at any point in time.

The 8 missions under NAPCC are as follows:

• National Solar Mission
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
• National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
• National Water Mission
• National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem
• Green India Mission
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
• National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

So, the correct answer is A, B, and D only.

Nagaland Government Initiative: The Nagaland government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, has launched a fully-funded universal life insurance plan. This initiative is designed to alleviate financial hardships that may arise due to the unexpected demise of the breadwinner in a family.

The ‘STARS’ Project Funding

• International Monetary Fund: The ‘STARS’ project, approved by the Union Cabinet, is not funded by the International Monetary Fund.
• World Bank: The Union Cabinet has given approval for the ‘STrengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS)’ project, which is partially funded by the World Bank. It aims to improve governance, teaching, and learning outcomes in six States. The project focuses on early childhood and vocational education. The total project cost is Rs. 5,718 crore, with the World Bank contributing around Rs. 3,700 crore.
• Asian Development Bank: The ‘STARS’ project is not funded by the Asian Development Bank.
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: The ‘STARS’ project is not funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

India's Manufacturing PMI in February:

• India's Manufacturing PMI for February was reported as 56.9, which represents the highest level in the last five months.
• This figure indicates a strong growth trend in the manufacturing sector. It shows that the sector has been expanding consistently for the 32nd consecutive month.

The Establishment of Panchayati Raj Institutions:

• The Panchayati Raj Institutions were established through constitutional amendments. These amendments provided a legal framework for the functioning of these institutions.
• These institutions were entrusted with the responsibility of rural development at the grassroots level. They aimed to empower local communities and promote self-governance in rural areas.
• The Acts related to Panchayati Raj Institutions were enacted as part of the Constitution Amendment Act of 1992. These acts came into effect on April 24, 1993.
  • Constitutionalization through Amendment Acts:
  • Task of Rural Development:
  • Enactment of Acts:

The correct answer is Hyderabad

• Union Minister's Inauguration: The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, inaugurated Wings India 2024, which is known as Asia's largest aviation expo.
• Location: The event took place at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, not in Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore.
• Significance: This event is a significant milestone for the Indian aviation sector, highlighting its growth and future prospects.

The Correct Answer is 1, 2 and 3 only

Key Points

• Nehru Report Recommendations:
  • India should be granted Dominion Status with a Parliamentary form of government and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Hence, Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
  • The Senate will have 200 members elected for seven years, while the House of Representatives will have 500 members elected for five years.
  • The Governor-General will make decisions based on the advice of the Executive Council. It will be collectively accountable to the legislature.
  • In India, a federal form of government should be established, with the Centre retaining residuary powers.
  • There will be no separate electorate for minorities because it incites communal feelings; therefore, it should be abolished and a joint electorate established. Hence, Statement 4 is not correct.
  • There will be no reserved seats for Punjabi and Bengali communities. However, Muslim seats may be reserved in provinces with a Muslim population of at least 10%.
  • The judiciary must be separate from the executive.
  • At the Centre, Muslims should account for one-quarter of the population.
  • Sind should be separated from Bombay if it can demonstrate financial independence.

The correct answer is Both I and II.

Key Points

• The average height of the troposphere is 13 km.
• Fog and hailstorm occur in the troposphere.
• It is the lowest layer of the earth atmosphere.
• Troposphere contains most of the mass of the atmosphere (about 75-80%).
• This layer consists of clouds, snow, rain.
• It is the wettest layer of the atmosphere
• The temperature in this layer gets colder as it rises above the earth.
• It could get colder by 6.5°C per kilometer.
•  However, the change of temperature with height varies based on weather.
• Troposphere contains about 75% of all the air and water vapor (that forms clouds and rain) of the atmosphere.
• The layer after the troposphere is stratosphere, and the boundary that lies between the troposphere and the stratosphere is termed as the tropopause.
• The troposphere extends about 10 km (6.2 miles) above sea level. The height of the troposphere changes with latitude and season.

The correct answer is Indore.

 Key Points

Agriculture Institutes and Centres in Madhya Pradesh

• 'Dohad Yellow' is an improved variety of Gram:
  • The variety 'Dohad Yellow' is specifically related to the crop Gram.
  • This variety is named after Dahod, a city in Gujarat situated on the banks of the Dudhimati River.
• Gram, also known as chickpea:
  • Gram is a widely consumed crop by humans and animals.
  • It is primarily grown as a rainfed crop.
  • Usually cultivated as a dry crop in the Rabi season.
  • Gram can be grown in various soil types, ranging from light to heavy soils.
  • In North India, it is commonly cultivated in sandy loam to clay loam soils, while in South India like the Deccan plateau and Maharashtra, it thrives on black cotton soils.

The correct answer is Rashtrakutas widely patronized Kanada Literature.

Key Points

• Dantidurga was the founder of the Rashtrakutas dynasty.
• He is said to have conquered Kalinga, Kosala, Kanchi, Srisril, Malava, Lata, etc., and occupied Maharashtra by defeating Chalukya King Kirtivarma.
• Krishna I was the son and successor of Dantidurga.
• He conquered the territories that were still under the Chalukyas.
• The greatest king of the Rashtrakuta dynasty was Amoghavarsha I.
• Amoghavarsha I was a great patron of education and literature.
• Amoghavarsha was converted into Jainism by Jinasena, a Jaina monk.
• Rashtrakutas patronized Jainism and played an important role in establishing Jainism in Deccan. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• The Rashtrakutas widely patronized Sanskrit literature. There were many scholars in the Rashtrakuta court. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The Kannada literature saw its beginning during the period of the Rashtrakutas. 
• Amoghavarsha Kavirajamarga was the first poetic work in the Kannada language. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
• Pampa was the greatest of the Kannada poets. His famous work was Vikramasenavijaya.
• Ponna was another famous Kannada poet and he wrote Santipurana.
• The art and architecture of the Rashtrakutas can be found at Ellora and Elephanta.
• The Kailashnath Temple at Ellora was built by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I. Hence, Statement 4 is correct.

Location of Twang Sector

• The Twang sector is situated in Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Points about Tawang Sector:

• The valley formed by the Tawang River serves as the geographical basis of the Tawang district.
• The southern boundary of the district is at Sela pass.
• To the north, the district shares an international border with the Republic of China.
• Bum La pass serves as the gateway to China.
• To the west of Tawang, it shares an international border with Bhutan.

Understanding the Inscription at Girnar - Junagarh

• Ashoka's Inscriptions: Ashoka, the third Mauryan Emperor, erected pillars and edicts with inscriptions conveying his views on Dhamma.
• Themes of the Inscriptions:
  • Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism
  • Efforts to spread Buddhism
  • Moral and religious precepts
  • Social and animal welfare programs
• Classification of Edicts:
  • Minor Rock Edicts: Inscribed in Prakrit, Greek, and Aramaic at the beginning of Ashoka's reign
  • Minor Pillar Edicts: Include Schism Edict, Queen's Edict, Rummindei Edict, Nigali Sagar Edict, inscribed in Prakrit
  • Major Rock Edicts: Consist of 14 main edicts in Prakrit and Greek
  • Major Pillar Edicts: 7 edicts inscribed at the end of Ashoka's reign in Prakrit
• Girnar Rock Inscription:
  • The Girnar Rock Inscription or Junagadh Rock Inscription comprises fourteen of Ashoka's Major Rock Edicts.
  • Dated around 250 BCE, these inscriptions are found on a large boulder situated near Junagadh in Gujarat, India.
  • The rock, with a circumference of seven meters and a height of ten meters, features inscriptions in Brahmi script similar to Pali language.
• Additional Inscriptions:
  • Sanskrit inscriptions added around 150 CE by Mahakshatrap Rudradaman I
  • Another inscription from about 450 CE referring to Skandagupta, the last ruler of the Gupta Empire

Therefore, the ancient Indian city of Girnar is also known as Junagarh.

• The Spread of Globalization:
  • The spread of the flow of financial products, goods, technology, information, and jobs across national borders and cultural boundaries is referred to as globalization.
  • In terms of economics, it refers to a global interdependence facilitated by free trade.
• Globalization as a Social, Cultural, Political, and Legal Phenomenon:
  • Social interaction between distinct populations increases as a result of globalization.
  • Cultural interchange across civilizations is exemplified by globalization in terms of ideas, values, and artistic expression.
  • Another trend associated with globalization is the emergence of a unified global culture.
  • In terms of politics, globalization has focused attention on intergovernmental bodies such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.
  • Globalization has changed how international law is developed and applied from a legal perspective.
• Effects of Globalization:
  • One way that globalization has boosted the economy and added jobs is through the cross-border flow of goods, capital, and labor.
  • One of the significant effects of globalization is outsourcing.
  • In outsourcing, a business engages regular services from outside vendors, typically located abroad.
  • Companies in wealthy nations outsource a lot of services to countries like India, including voice-based business operations and record guidance.

The Correct Answer is Tomar Dynasty

• Tomar Dynasty:
  • Tomar dynasty is considered one of the minor early medieval ruling houses of northern India.
  • According to Puranic evidence, its early location was in the Himalayan region.
  • It is believed to be one of the 36 Rajput tribes according to bardic tradition.
  • The Tomar dynasty's history spans from the reign of Anangpal, who founded the city of Delhi in the 11th century CE, to the incorporation of Delhi within the Chauhan kingdom in 1164.
  • Even though Delhi later became part of the Chauhan kingdom, evidence suggests that Tomara kings such as Anangapala and Madanapala continued to rule as feudatories until the final conquest of Delhi by the Muslims in 1192–93.
  • Anangpal II, also known as Anangpal Tomar, was a prominent figure from the Tomar dynasty.
  • Anangpal II was the founder of Dhillika Puri, which eventually evolved into Delhi.
  • Early history of Delhi is inscribed on the iron pillar of Masjid Quwaatul Islam, located adjacent to Qutub Minar.

Additional Information

• Parmar Dynasty:
  • The Paramara dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled Malwa and surrounding areas in west-central India between the 9th and 14th centuries.
  • They are classified among the Agnivanshi Rajput dynasties in medieval bardic literature.
  • The dynasty was established around the 9th to 10th century.
  • Notable rulers like Siyaka and Munja played significant roles in the dynasty's expansion and consolidation.
• Solanki Dynasty:
  • The Solankis were another Agnikula clan of the Rajputs, believed to have descended from the Badami Chalukyas.
  • Their capital was Anhilwara, which is now known as Sidhpur Patan.
  • The Solankis were patrons of the Somnath Temple.
  • Under rulers like Mularaja, the dynasty saw the beginning of Gujarati culture, language, and script.
• Chauhan Dynasty:
  • The Chauhan dynasty was known for its strong political influence in the Shakambari region during the 11th century.
  • Members of the dynasty were famous for their bravery and loyalty.
  • Prithviraj Chauhan, a renowned ruler from this dynasty, was known for his valor.
  • Originally belonging to the Agnivanshi Clan, the Chauhans were descendants of the Fire God.

The Four Pillars of Human Development

• Equality: Providing equal access to opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, race, income, or caste.
• Productivity: Enhancing human work productivity by improving capabilities, knowledge, and health facilities.
• Empowerment: Empowering people through good governance and people-oriented policies, with a focus on economically and socially disadvantaged groups.
• Sustainability: Ensuring sustainable human development by utilizing resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations.

Human development is a process that aims to expand opportunities, enhance well-being, and improve livelihoods. The concepts of human development, including the four pillars, were introduced by Mahbub ul Haq.

The correct answer is New Delhi.

Key Points

• In 1965, under the Food Corporation Act, 1964, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) was established to address the significant shortage of food grains, particularly wheat, in the country.
• The Food Corporation of India is a statutory body that operates under the Government of India.
• The headquarters of the Food Corporation of India is located in New Delhi.

Additional Information

• The Food Corporation of India was established under the Food Corporation's Act 1964 to carry out various objectives of the Food Policy, including effective price support operations to protect the interests of farmers.
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, a part of the Government of India, as mandated by the Food Corporation Act, 1964.

• Oviparous animals are those which lay eggs.
• Examples of Oviparous animals include birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, etc.
• Viviparous animals give birth to completely developed living young animals. Examples include cattle, humans, etc.
• Scorpion, Snake, Rat: Among these animals, only Snake is oviparous. Scorpions, some snakes, and rats are viviparous animals, giving birth to live young.
• Frog, Hen, and Snake: Among these animals, the frog and hen are oviparous. Frogs lay eggs that hatch into tadpoles and develop into adult frogs. Hens, which are female chickens, also lay eggs.
• Rat, Scorpion, Penguin: None of these animals are oviparous. Rats and scorpions are viviparous, while penguins are ovoviviparous, a unique method where they keep the eggs warm by balancing them on their feet.
• Penguin, Frog, Kangaroo: Among these animals, only the frog is oviparous. Penguins are ovoviviparous, and kangaroos are marsupials that give birth to relatively undeveloped young ones that continue to develop in their mother's pouch.

Additional Information

Viviparous and Oviparous Animals:

• Oviparous and viviparous animals are classified based on fertilization.
• The main differences between oviparous and viviparous animals are listed below in the table:

The correct answer is Only statement 1.

Key Points

• Kanger Valley National Park:
  • It is located in the state of Chhattisgarh. 
  • The name of Kanger Ghati National Park is derived from the Kangar river, which flows in its length.
    • Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The park got the status of a national park in the year 1982.
  • The vegetation here is a typical mixed humid deciduous type of forest, in which the Sal, Saugaun, teak and bamboo trees are available in abundance.
  • The most popular species in this area is Bastar Maina.
  • This National Park is home to three exceptional caves – famous for their amazing geological structures of Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak, Stellagmites and Stalactites. National Park is known for the presence of underground limestone caves with dripstone and flowstone.
    • Hence, statements 2 is incorrect.
  • Tirathgarh Waterfall is located in Kanger Valley National Park. 

Additional Information

• The Badami cave temples are a complex of Hindu and Jain cave temples located in the Bagalkot dist. of Karnataka.

The correct answer is Consolidated Fund of India
Key Points

• Article 266(1) of the Constitution of India makes provision for the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Source of Credit:
  • Direct and indirect taxes Loans taken by the Indian government.
  • Returning of loans/interests of loans to the government by others.
• The government meets all its expenditures from this fund.
• The government needs parliamentary approval to withdraw money from this fund.
• The expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India is not subjected to vote but the discussion can be held
• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India audit these funds.
• The following expenditure shall be expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India –
  • the emoluments and allowances of the President and other expenditures as related to its office.
  • the salaries and allowances of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Council of State and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of the People.
  • Debt charges for which the Government of India is liable including interest, sinking fund charges and redemption charges, and other expenditures related to the raising of loans and the service and redemption of Debt.
  • the salaries, allowances, and pensions were payable to or in respect of Judges of the Supreme Court.
  • the pension payable to or in respect of Judges of the federal court the pension payable to in respect of the Judges of the High Court.
  • the salary allowances and pension payable to or in respect of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
  • any sums required to satisfy any judgment, decree, or award of any Court or Arbitral Tribunal.
  • any other expenditure declared by the constitution or by Parliament by law to be so charged.

Correct Answer: Option 3

• The extant marsupial species are mainly found in Australasia and the Americas, with the majority located in Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. This indicates that Statement-I is correct as Marsupials are not naturally found in India.
• Most Australian marsupials inhabit dry scrub or desert habitats, while South American marsupials live in forests or tropical rainforests. Marsupials can occupy various parts of the forest habitat, including trees and the forest floor where they may burrow underground. This demonstrates that Statement-II is incorrect as it suggests that marsupials can only thrive in montane grasslands with no predators.

The major job initiative aims to provide 2 lakh jobs to the youth of Uttar Pradesh over the next two years. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to tackling unemployment and empowering the younger population, which is crucial for the economic development of the state.

The new tourism strategy includes the development of 12 new tourism circuits throughout Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to enhance the state's attractiveness as a travel destination by promoting diverse cultural, spiritual, and natural experiences to a growing number of tourists.