MPSC Rajyaseva Prelims Paper 1 Mock Test - 9 - MPSC (Maharastra) MCQ

• Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon allotrope. It is composed of carbon atoms positioned in a hexagonal design, which can be said to resemble a chicken wire. Graphene is the basic building block for other graphitic materials; it also represents a conceptually new class of materials that are only one atom thick, so-called two-dimensional (2D) materials (they are called 2D because they extend in only two dimensions: length and width; as the material is only one atom thick Hence statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct.

• It is the building block for other graphitic materials (since a typical carbon atom has a diameter of about 0.33 nanometers, there are about 3 million layers of graphene in 1 mm of graphite).

• Units of graphene are known as nanographene; these are tailored to specific functions and as such their fabrication process is more complicated than that of generic graphene. Nanographene is made by selectively removing hydrogen atoms from organic molecules of carbon and hydrogen, a process called dehydrogenation.

• Harder than diamond yet more elastic than rubber; tougher than steel yet lighter than aluminium. Graphene is the strongest known material. Graphene possesses other amazing characteristics: Its high electron mobility is 100x faster than silicon; it conducts heat 2x better than diamond; its electrical conductivity is 13x better than copper; it absorbs only

• 2.3% of reflecting light. One of the most useful properties of graphene is that it is a zero-overlap semimetal (with both holes and electrons as charge carriers) with very high electrical conductivity. Hence statement 3 is correct.

• Graphene uses and applications

  • Energy storage and solar cells

  • Sensor applications

  • Graphene ink

  • Transistors and memory

  • Flexible, stretchable and foldable electronics

  • Photodetectors

  • Coatings

Shigeru Ishiba has been nominated as Japan's next Prime Minister after winning the Liberal Democratic Party leadership contest. He succeeded Fumio Kishida, who resigned due to scandals during his tenure. Ishiba's victory reflects his long-standing political career and experience within the party, making him a prominent figure in Japan's political landscape.

One of Shigeru Ishiba's key policy goals is to combat growing inflation and raise salaries. This focus aims to address economic challenges facing Japan, including the rising cost of living, and reflects his commitment to improving the financial well-being of citizens.

The 21st Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Zone III India region conference was inaugurated in Aizawl, Mizoram. This conference aimed to promote democracy and cooperation among state legislatures in Northeast India, highlighting the significance of regional governance and democratic engagement.

The theme of the 21st CPA Zone III Conference was "Democratic Sanctity, Transparency, Accountability, and Results from Democracy." This theme underscores the importance of democratic principles and effective governance in addressing local issues within the participating states.

The 8th Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav was hosted in Secunderabad, Telangana. This cultural event showcased the diverse art and culture of the Northeastern states of India, promoting regional heritage and artistic expression.

The 'SBIG Health Super Top-Up' policy aims to enhance existing basic health insurance coverage, providing additional support during unexpected medical emergencies. This policy is particularly relevant in the context of rising medical costs and the prevalence of lifestyle diseases.

Isidro Porqueras has been nominated as IndiGo's Chief Operating Officer, set to take office on November 1, 2024. His appointment follows the retirement of Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, and Porqueras brings extensive experience from the aviation industry to this significant role.

Sunita Williams assumed command of the International Space Station for the second time, making her one of the few astronauts to hold this position more than once. Her leadership reflects her extensive experience and contributions to space exploration.

The 2024 Best Tourism Villages Competition featured 8 categories, and a total of 36 communities were recognized as winners. This competition aims to honor villages that promote sustainable tourism and preserve their cultural heritage, enhancing the attractiveness of rural India.

The main focus of the Best Tourism Villages Competition is to recognize and promote sustainable tourism practices in various communities. By honoring villages that maintain their cultural and natural heritage, the initiative encourages sustainable development and responsible tourism.

Rashtrapati Nilayam is historically significant as it served as the winter retreat for the Nizam of Hyderabad. Built in 1860, it now functions as a presidential residence and is a site for official events, reflecting India's rich history and architectural heritage.

The SBIG Health Super Top-Up plan offers key benefits such as flexible deductibles and worldwide coverage, making it suitable for individuals seeking comprehensive health insurance solutions. These features are designed to provide additional security in the face of rising healthcare costs.

Dhanush Loganathan competed in the men's 55 kg category at the IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships 2024, where he achieved a bronze medal by lifting a total of 231 kg. This achievement underscores his talent and dedication as he was the sole Indian athlete to secure a medal at this event.

Martina Devi Maibam broke two national records in the women's 85 kg division at the 2024 IWF Junior World Championships, showcasing her exceptional skill and potential, even though she did not win a medal in the competition.

Harsha organized the Prayag Mahasabha, a religious assembly held at Prayag (modern-day Allahabad). It attracted scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders from different parts of India.

• Stagflation was first recognized during the 1970s, where many developed economies experienced rapid inflation and high unemployment as a result of an oil shock.

• Stagflation refers to an economy that is experiencing a simultaneous increase in inflation and stagnation of economic output. It is a period of rising inflation and unemployment but falling output. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• Stagflation is a combination of stagnant economic growth, high unemployment, and high inflation. This scenario, of course, directly contradicts the theory behind the Philips curve.

• Stagflation was long believed to be impossible because the economic theories that dominated academic and policy circles ruled it out of their models by construction. In particular, the economic theory of the Phillips Curve portrayed macroeconomic policy as a trade-off between unemployment and inflation.

• The theory claims that economic growth comes with inflation, which in turn should lead to more jobs and less unemployment. However, the concept has been somewhat disproven empirically due to the occurrence of stagflation in the 1970s, when there were high levels of both inflation and unemployment. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

• The digestive juices convert complex substances of food into simpler ones. The digestive tract and the associated glands together constitute the digestive system.

• Digestive juices in our body are secreted by:

  • Inner walls of the stomach and the small intestine. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

  • Various glands associated with the canal such as salivary glands, the liver and the pancreas. Hence, statements 3 and 4 are correct.

  • The diaphragm is a thin skeletal muscle that sits at the base of the chest and separates the abdomen from the chest. It contracts and flattens when we inhale. This creates a vacuum effect that pulls air into the lungs. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and the air is pushed out of lungs. It does not secrete digestive juices in our body. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

• The continent of Asia produces more than half of the world’s tin. Hence statement 1 is correct.

• China, Malaysia, and Indonesia are among the world’s leading tin producers. China also leads in the production of lead, antimony, and tungsten. Asia also has deposits of manganese, bauxite, nickel, zinc, and copper.

• Australia is the largest producer of bauxite in the world. It is a leading producer of gold, diamond, iron ore, tin, and nickel. It is also rich in copper, lead, zinc, and manganese. Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie areas of western Australia have the largest deposits of gold. Hence statement 2 is not correct.

Statement 3 is Correct. The 1853 Charter Act ended the Company’s patronage, enjoining recruitment to be through an open competition henceforth. But the examination was held in England in English language, based on classical learning of Greek and Latin. The maximum permissible age was gradually reduced from 23 (in 1859) to 22 (in 1860) to 21 (in 1866) and to 19 (1878).

The simple reason of covering the glass plates with solar cookers because the sunlight can pass through the glass easily and it gets absorbed inside the cooker. The more it traps the heat rays , thus it is helpful for heating the food.

Displacement reaction is a chemical reaction in which a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound. Both metals and non-metals take part in displacement reactions.

Lysosomes are called the "suicide bags" of the cell because their enzymes can break down cellular components, and in certain conditions, they can lead to the digestion of the cell itself.

Statement 2 is correct: The constitution provides set of basic rules that allows for minimal degree of coordination among the member of the society. Any law is made keeping in mind the bare minimum of order that is needed.

Rest, it depends on the members of the society on how they relate to others and live in a harmonical manner.

Statement 3 is correct: Any law framed by the legislature must adhere to the fundamental law of land i.e., constitution. In case it is violative of any part of the constitution, judiciary can declare the law as null and void.

Thus, the constitution helps judiciary to decide the legality of the laws.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The constitution provides only the sets and procedures on how the citizens are to be governed. Who governs them is the responsibility of the society. Constitution doesn’t deal with the personal values of the elected individuals. It is dealt by constitutional morality. As B R Ambedkar has said, A constitution is as good as those who are executing it.

Knowledge Base:

Functions of the Constitution:

1. to provide a set of basic rules that allow for minimal coordination amongst members of a society.

2. to specify who has the power to make decisions in a society. It decides how the government will be constituted.

3. to set some limits on what a government can impose on its citizens. These limits are fundamental in the sense that government may never trespass them.

4. to enable the government to fulfil the aspirations of a society and create conditions for a just society.

Karewa: Thick deposits of glacial clay famous for saffron cultivation.

• Karewas are lacustrine deposits. According to geographers, the Karewa Formation are glacio- fluvial-lacustrine and aeolian loess of Plio-Pleistocene age.

• In other words, these lacustrine deposits are witness to and treasure of many human civilizations and habitations. The Stone Age man has survived the harshest of the Pleistocene glaciations.

• The artefacts left by him are still embedded in the deep soil horizons of the plateau lands.

• Sediments kept coming in through rivers and kept on depositing in that lake, thus resulting in the formation of a lacustrine plain.

• Over the time the water drained away leaving behind deposits viz. unconsolidated gravel and mud. These deposits are known as Karewas.

• The Karewa deposits are composed of sand, silt, clay, shale, mud, lignite, gravel and loessic sediments. Therefore, it is extremely important for agricultural and horticultural practices in the valley.

• The world-famous variety of saffron, which is locally known as zafron is cultivated on this deposits.

• It also helps in the cultivation of almond, walnut, apple and orchards.

The 86th Amendment, in 2002, added the Fundamental Duty "To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures."

• Statement 1 is correct: Deforestation can lead to increased chances of natural calamities such as floods and droughts. It leads to a decrease in the water holding capacity of the soil. The movement of water from the soil surface into the ground (infiltration rate) is reduced which can lead to floods. Deforestation can lead to increase in the temperature on the earth. The increase in temperature on the earth disturbs the water cycle and may reduce rainfall. This could cause droughts.

• Statements 2 and 3 are correct: Deforestation is a major cause which leads to the change in soil properties, which result in the decline in the fertility of soil. Soil erosion then over time leads to desertification of land.

  • Physical properties of the soil get affected by plantation and vegetation. As trees prevent soil erosion, fewer trees result in more soil erosion. Removal of the top layer of the soil exposes the lower, hard and rocky layers. This soil has less humus and is less fertile. Gradually the fertile land gets converted into deserts. It is called desertification.

  • The other properties of the soil like nutrient content, texture etc., also change because of deforestation.

• Statement 4 is correct: As the infiltration rate of water into the ground gets reduced and water runoff is increased because of the deforestation, the groundwater levels gets reduced.

  • Deforestation refers to the removal of a forest or stand of trees from land which is then converted to a non-forest use. Deforestation can involve conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use.

Mahajanapadas refers to ancient Indian Kingdoms that existed between the 3rd and 6th centuries BCE.

• These kingdoms and republics had evolved and flourished in a belt stretching from Gandhara in the North-West to Anga in the Eastern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Important Points

Mahajanapadas were of two types:

• Monarchial states- Anga, Avanti, Chedi, Kashi, Kosala, Gandhara, Magadha, Matsya, Surasena, Vatsa
• Non-Monarchial/Republican states- Kamboj, Kuru, Koliyas, Malla, Moriya, Shakya, Vajji, Panchal, Licchavi, Bhaggas, Kalamas, Videhas, Jnatrikas.

From the above, it is clear that Avanti, Kosal, and Magadha are not the Republic states.

Statement 2 is correct. To move such a resolution, a 14 days’ notice is to be given. Such a resolution, though passed by the Rajya Sabha only must be agreeable to the Lok Sabha. Unlike the President, there is no process of impeachment of the Vice President. Vice President is removed by a resolution passed by Rajya Sabha by effective majority (i.e. majority of all the then members of Rajya Sabha) and agreed by a simple majority in the

Lok Sabha.