UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 9 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

Rukhmabai, the First Female Doctor in Colonial India

• Rukhmabai, who lived from 1864 to 1955, holds the distinction of being the first female doctor in colonial India. Her involvement in a legal case played a significant role in the passing of the Age of Consent Act in 1891.

Restoration of Conjugal Rights

• In 1885, Bhikaji sought the "restoration of conjugal rights" after being married for 12 years. This demand was a pivotal aspect of the Rakhmabai case.

Refusal to Live with the Man

• Rukhmabai made a courageous decision by refusing to live with the man she was married to as a child, highlighting the lack of agency women had in such matters during that period.

Women's Right to Education

• It is important to note that the Rakhmabai case did not directly involve the issue of women's right to education. The primary focus was on marital and age-related legal matters.

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL):

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) was developed through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency that deals with maritime safety and security, as well as the prevention of marine pollution from ships. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.
• MARPOL is the primary international agreement that addresses various types of pollution originating from ships.
• The MARPOL Convention was initially adopted on 2 November 1973 at the IMO. Subsequently, the Protocol of 1978 was introduced in response to a series of tanker accidents in 1976-1977. Since the 1973 MARPOL Convention had not yet come into force, the 1978 MARPOL Protocol integrated the parent Convention. This combined instrument became effective on 2 October 1983. Furthermore, in 1997, a Protocol was established to modify the Convention, introducing a new Annex VI that became effective on 19 May 2005. Over the years, MARPOL has been regularly updated through amendments.
• The Convention incorporates regulations designed to prevent and reduce pollution from ships, including both accidental pollution and pollution resulting from routine operations. Presently, it comprises six technical Annexes. Most Annexes include Special Areas with stringent controls on operational discharges. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
• India is a signatory to MARPOL, indicating that statement 3 is correct.

Maize is the correct answer based on the provided characteristics. Here are some details about Maize:

• Temperature: Between 21-27°C
• Rainfall: High rainfall.
• Soil Type: Old alluvial soil.
• Top Maize Producing States: Karnataka > Maharashtra > Madhya Pradesh > Tamil Nadu > Telangana
• India is the seventh-largest producer worldwide.
• It is used both as food and fodder.
• The use of modern inputs such as High-Yielding Variety seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation have contributed to the increasing production of maize.
• Technology Mission on Maize is one of the government’s initiatives for maize.

• If a Panchayat is dissolved, elections are to be held within six months from the date of dissolution.
• The Panchayati Raj Act stipulates a five-year term for all levels of the panchayat. Despite this, a panchayat may be dissolved before its term ends. In such instances, fresh elections to form the new panchayat must be conducted within six months from the date of dissolution to ensure continuity and governance.

• Rotting of Bananas: The rotting of fruit is a chemical change due to an enzymatic reaction that occurs when fruit spoils.
• Metabolism of Food in the Body: Metabolism involves a chemical process where food and liquid are converted into energy, making it a chemical change.
• Conversion of Steam to Water Droplets: When steam condenses into water droplets, it is a physical change as there is only a change in state from gaseous to liquid, with no new substance formed.
• Cooking an Egg: Cooking an egg involves heat denaturing the proteins, leading to a change in properties and composition, making it a chemical change.

Therefore, the conversion of steam to water droplets is not a chemical change as it involves a physical change in state rather than a chemical transformation.

Government policies and their corresponding starting dates are as follows:

Mount Aconcagua:

• Mount Aconcagua, located on the Chilean border in west-central Argentina, is the highest point in both South America and the Western Hemisphere. However, its exact elevation has been a subject of debate since the early 20th century.

Meseta:

• Meseta Central refers to a significant interior plateau of the Iberian Peninsula in central Spain. It represents the oldest and most intricate geological formation of the peninsula.

Serengeti Plains:

• The Serengeti ecosystem is a geographical region in Africa, primarily spanning northern Tanzania. The Serengeti is renowned for hosting the second largest terrestrial mammal migration globally, establishing it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Gibson Desert:

• The Gibson Desert is a vast desert located in Western Australia, which remains mostly in an almost untouched or "pristine" condition.

Equestrian Sports

• Divyakriti Singh was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award for her outstanding accomplishments in Equestrian Sports.
• This recognition was significant as she became the first woman from Rajasthan to be bestowed with this honor.
• Her dedication and excellence in Equestrian Sports have made a significant impact on Indian sports history.

New Director General of NSG Appointment

• Appointment: Daljit Singh Chaudhary has been appointed as the new Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG).
• Background: Daljit Singh Chaudhary is an experienced IPS officer from the 1990 batch.
• Role: As the Director General of NSG, he assumes a crucial position within India's security framework.

• The 'Tawi Festival' is set to take place for four days starting March 1, 2024, in Jammu.
• This festival is organized to showcase the cultural diversity and artistic skills of the region.

Phytotron

• Phytotron: Phytotron is a device designed for growing plants in a controlled environment. It is an enclosed research greenhouse specifically used for studying the interactions between plants and their environment.
• Function: The Phytotron provides researchers with a controlled setting where various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels can be adjusted to study plant growth and responses.
• Usage: Researchers use Phytotrons to conduct experiments on plant physiology, growth patterns, responses to stress, and other environmental conditions that affect plant health and development.
• Importance: Phytotrons play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of plant biology, agriculture, and environmental science by providing a controlled environment for conducting accurate and reproducible experiments.

The Differences Between Jagirdar and Zamindar in Mughal India

• Jagirdars:
  • Holders of land assignments in exchange for judicial and police duties
  • Land assignments were not hereditary
  • Transferable to other jagirs
  • Did not have revenue rights
• Zamindars:
  • Holders of revenue rights without obligation to perform any duty other than revenue collection
  • Had hereditary rights in land
  • Had hereditary right of collecting land revenue
  • Performed local judicial and police duties

During the Mughal era, the Jagirdari system was established to assign land revenue to Jagirdars in exchange for services, while Zamindars held revenue rights and had hereditary rights in land. The Jagirdars did not have revenue rights and their land assignments were not hereditary, unlike the Zamindars who had the right to collect land revenue and had hereditary land rights.

Additionally, the Jagirdars were responsible for military services, while the Zamindars performed local judicial and police duties. The land assignments given to Jagirdars were transferable, whereas Zamindars had fixed hereditary rights.

Furthermore, the Mughal emperors allocated jagirs to the mansabdars, who made agreements for revenue collection, highlighting the distinction between the roles and responsibilities of Jagirdars and Zamindars during that period.

• In the Kesavanada Bharati Case (1973), the Supreme Court stated that the Preamble is indeed a part of the Constitution.
• The Preamble outlines the goals and ambitions of the citizens, and these principles are reflected in different sections of the constitution.
• However, the Preamble does not hold legal weight on its own as it cannot be enforced in a court of law.

The Correct Answer is Winning

• Winning: The solution provided explains that winning is not the objective of games and sports. While winning can be a goal for many individuals participating in sports, the primary objectives of games and sports go beyond just winning. Sports promote teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
• Constructive Social Abilities: Games and sports help individuals develop constructive social abilities such as communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Through sports, individuals learn to work together towards a common goal.
• Mental Alertness: Engaging in sports activities can enhance mental alertness by improving cognitive functions, decision-making skills, and strategic thinking. Sports require individuals to think quickly and make split-second decisions.
• Emotional Maturity: Another objective of games and sports is to foster emotional maturity. Sports teach individuals how to handle success, failure, and pressure, promoting emotional resilience and maturity.

The Ratio of Volumes of Hydrogen Evolved

• When zinc reacts with sulphuric acid, the chemical equation is:
  Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂
• When zinc reacts with excess sodium hydroxide, the chemical equation is:
  Zn + 2NaOH → Na₂ZnO₂ + H₂
• Given the reactions above, the ratio of volumes of hydrogen evolved when the same amount of zinc is treated separately with excess sulphuric acid and excess sodium hydroxide is 1:1.

The Correct Answer is: China

Mogao Caves Overview:

• The Mogao Caves, also known as the "Caves of the Thousand Buddhas," are a series of 492 temples located 25 km southeast of Dunhuang in Gansu province, China.
• These caves are situated at a significant point on the Silk Road, a historical trade route connecting East and West.
• Mogao Caves are recognized as World Heritage Sites due to their cultural and religious importance.

Understanding the National Air Quality Index
Air Quality Index (AQI)

• AQI is a measure of the changes in air pollution in the atmosphere on a real-time basis.
• It was introduced in September 2014 in New Delhi.
• It provides a quantitative measurement of air pollution within the range of 0-500.
• National AQI is calculated based on the concentration of 8 pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM 2.5, PM 10), Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), Carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O₃), Ammonia (NH₃), and Lead (Pb).

Ajatshatru

• Auppatik and Avasyaka Sutras are part of Jaina literature that illuminate the religious perspectives of Magadhan king Ajatshatru.
• Ajatshatru, a king of the Haryanka dynasty, reigned over the Magadha empire from 492 BC to 460 BC.
• He was the son of King Bimbisara and Lichchavi Princess Chellana.
• Convened the first Buddhist council in 483 BC at Rajgriha.
• Engaged in warfare against Vaishali and incorporated it into his empire.

Therefore, it can be concluded that Auppatik and Avasyaka Sutras provide insights into the religious beliefs of King Ajatshatru.

Important Points

• Several Jain texts serve as essential historical sources.
• For instance, the Bhagvati Sutra offers insights into 16 mahajanapadas.
• Auppatik Sutra and Avashyak Sutra shed light on King Ajatshatru's religious views.
• The Bhadravahu Charit contains events from Chandra Gupta Maurya's reign.

The correct answer is Shershah Suri.

Key Points

• The system of tri-metallism which came to characterise Mughal coinage was largely the creation, not of the Mughals but of Sher Shah Suri.
  • Sher Shah issued a coin of silver which was termed the Rupiya, which was the precursor of the modern rupee and remained largely unchanged till the early 20th century.
  • Together with the silver Rupiya were issued gold coins called the Mohur and copper coins called Dam.
• Sher Shah Suri was the founder of the Suri Empire in India, with its capital in Sasaram in modern-day Bihar.
  • An ethnic Afghan ruler, Sher Shah took control of the Mughal Empire in 1540.

• The Bhashini initiative aims to provide easy access to the Internet and digital services in Indian languages, as well as increase the content available in these languages.
• Additionally, the Bhashini initiative includes a Bhasadaan section where individuals can contribute to various crowdsourcing initiatives.
• Both the statements are correct, making option 3 the correct answer.

• Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
• The Supreme Court of India has interpreted this right to include the right to water.
• In the case of Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (2000), the Court held that "the right to water is a fundamental right as it is essential for the enjoyment of the right to life."
• The right to water is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, but it has been inferred from the right to life.
• The Court has held that the right to life includes the right to a healthy environment, and that access to clean water is essential for a healthy environment.
• The Court has also held that the right to water is a right to universal access.
• This means that everyone, regardless of their income or social status, has the right to access clean water.
• Statement (R) is the correct explanation of statement (A).
• It explains why the right to water is considered a fundamental right.
• Without access to clean water, people cannot enjoy their right to life.

Therefore, the correct answer is both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

The mountain located near the river Dhauliganga

• Nanda Devi: Nanda Devi mountains are located near the river Dhauliganga.
• Location: It is situated in the Chamoli Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, between the Rishiganga valley on the west and the Goriganga valley on the east.
• Significance: The peak, meaning "Bliss-Giving Goddess," is considered the patron goddess of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas.
• Approach: It is the second-highest mountain in India and can be reached through the Rishi Ganga gorge, one of the deepest gorges globally.
• Height: The peak of Nanda Devi stands at a height of 7816m.

Additional Information

Key Points:

• Governor is an executive head of a state.
• Governor is also the representative of the central government appointed by the president.
• Francis Verner Wylie
  • He was Governor of the United Provinces from 1945-47.
  • He was also the last governor of the United Province (present-day Uttar Pradesh) under British rule.
  • After India got Independence, he was removed from the post of governor.
  • He was an Indian civil servant at that time.

Therefore, Francis Verner Wylie was the last governor of the United Province under British rule in India before Independence.

Additional Information:

• Maurice Garnier Hallett
  • He was a British administrator.
  • He served as governor of two British Indian provinces, governor of United Provinces, and governor of Bihar Province.
• Sir Harry Graham Haig
  • Sir Harry Graham Haig was a British government administrator in India.
  • He twice served as the governor of the United Province.
  • He was an opponent to Gandhi's freedom movement and a critic of the policies of Mahatma Gandhi against British rule.
• Hormasji Peroshaw Mody
  • He was the first Governor of Uttar Pradesh who held this position from 26 January 1950 to 1 June 1952.
  • He was commonly known as Sir Homi Mody.
  • He was a renowned Parsi businessman allied with Tata Group and an administrator of India.

• The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Formation: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was established under the 65th Constitutional Amendment on 12th March 1992, as per Article 338 of the Constitution. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.
• It functions as a high-level independent Constitutional body to oversee the safeguards provided for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• By the 89th Amendment in 2003, the previous National Commission for SC and ST was replaced by two separate Commissions in 2004:
  • National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
  • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) established under Article 338-A.
  Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.

Based on employment conditions the economy can be divided into two sectors - the organized and unorganized sectors.                        

Important Points
Unorganized Sector:

• The unorganized sector is defined as a sector that is not incorporated with the government and hence is not subject to any government restrictions.
• As the unorganized sector is not registered the employees in the sector are not on government records as employees and hence they are not covered by any sort of social security.
• In the unorganized sector, employees do not have such social security.
• In the unorganized sector, there is no existence of additional advantages.

Additional Information
Organised Sector:

• ​The organized sector is one that is registered with the relevant authority or government and adheres to its rules and regulations.
• In the organized sector the employees have some protection against being arbitrarily fired, have fixed working hours, provisions for overtime work as well as sanitary work conditions.
• In the organized sector employees receive additional advantages such as medical care, a pension, leave travel compensation.

The Uttar Pradesh government's new agriculture business project, funded by the World Bank, aims to support farmers by providing financial assistance to one million farmers, including those involved in self-help groups. The project focuses on enhancing rural income through investments in infrastructure and advanced farming techniques.

The reactivation of the Anti-Romeo Squad in Uttar Pradesh focuses on curbing eve-teasing and enhancing women's safety. The squad was originally established to create a safer environment for women, particularly near educational institutions, although it faced criticism for overreach in its operations. The reactivation emphasizes the government's commitment to ensuring a fear-free atmosphere for women in public spaces.

The National Green Tribunal has set a fine of Rs. 25,000 for the first offense of bulk waste dumping. This strict penalty is part of the efforts to curb environmental violations and promote responsible waste management.

The Saryu River holds significant cultural and historical importance in Ayodhya, as it is mentioned in ancient texts like the Vedas and the Ramayana. It is also a site for the Ram Navami festival, where thousands gather to take a holy dip.

The Uttar Pradesh government has signed more than 154 defence manufacturing deals valued at Rs 25,000 crore. This significant investment aims to strengthen the state's position in the defence sector and promote self-reliance in manufacturing capabilities, aligning with the 'Make in UP' initiative.