PPSC Prelims Paper 1 Mock Test - 3 Free Online Test 2026

Vijay Jain, the Managing Director of Star Estate, received the prestigious Times Power Icon 2024 Award, recognizing his contributions to the real estate sector. The award ceremony took place in Noida, showcasing the impact of leadership in the industry.

Michel Talagrand was awarded the 2024 Abel Prize for his significant work in probability theory and the extremes of randomness. The Abel Prize is often referred to as the Nobel Prize of mathematics, highlighting the importance of his research in the field.

The Gujarati film "Bharat Maro Desh Che," based on the book by activist Mittalben Patel, was honored with six awards at the Gujarat State Awards 2021, reflecting its impactful narrative about nomadic tribes and their dignity in society.

Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) was recognized with three awards at the Governance Now 10th PSU Awards, reflecting its excellence in the maritime industry and the shipbuilding sector.

The "Order of the Druk Gyalpo" is Bhutan's highest civilian honor, awarded to PM Modi during his visit to Bhutan, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between India and Bhutan and recognizing his contributions to the relationship.

The top three professors recognized by Kiteskraft Productions LLP were Dr. Balakrishna S. Maddodi, Dr. Siddeeqa Jabir, and Dr. Rooposhi Saha, showcasing excellence in education and dedication in their respective fields.

Dr. Uma Rele received the Maharashtra Gaurav Award for her significant contributions to Bharata Natyam, recognizing her dedication to the classical dance form and her role in promoting Indian arts and culture.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber was awarded the CERAWeek Leadership Award for his leadership in promoting sustainable energy practices, emphasizing the importance of building global consensus on energy futures.

The Raksha Mantri Trophy for the best Armed Forces hospitals was awarded to Command Hospital (Southern Command) for first place and Command Hospital (Central Command) for second place, recognizing excellence in healthcare services.

The Saraswati Samman is awarded for outstanding literary work in Indian languages, aimed at recognizing and promoting the richness of Indian literature across diverse languages and genres.

Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta received the Diana Memorial Award for their impactful contributions, with Uday recognized for his innovative ventures and Manasi for her advocacy in mental health.

• A fundamental aspect of Mauryan administration was the espionage system.
• The Arthashastra advocates the frequent use of spies, and recommends that they should work in the guise of recluses, householders, merchants, ascetics, students, mendicant women, and prostitutes.
• Policy was dictated at the centre although the initiative was left to local interest.
• Ashoka also refers to agents who bring him the news and generally keep him informed on public opinion. This was one of the means through which the king kept a watch on even the more remote parts of the empire, which was necessary to the Mauryan government.

• Akbar provided a systematic and centralized system of administration which contributed to the empire's success and introduced the Mansabdari system. The nobles, civil and military officials combined into one service, with each officer receiving the title of Mansabdar. Mansabdar rank was divided into Zat and Sawar. The former (Zat) determined the number of soldiers each Mansabdar received, ranging from 10 to 10,000. The latter (Sawar) determined the number of horses under a Mansabdar. So, Statement 1 is correct.
• Mansabdari was a unique system devised by the Mughals in India. The Mansabdari system diversified the ethnic base of his nobility. The Mughal privileged class consisting of zamindars and nobles led an ostentatious life. The nobles were Mansabdars who received jagirs or land grants as payment according to their ranks. So, Statement 2 is correct.
• The salary of a Mansabdar was fixed in cash but was paid by assigning him a jagir (an estate from which he could collect money instead of his salary), which was subjected to regular transfers. The rank of Mansabdar was not hereditary, and immediately after the death of a Mansabdar, the jagir was resumed by the state. So, Statement 3 is not correct.

• The cultures were based on the use of copper and stone implements called Chalcolithic. Technologically, the Chalcolithic stage is applied to the pre-Harappan phase. However, in various parts of India, the Chalcolithic cultures followed the Bronze Age Harappa culture. The Chalcolithic people mostly used stone and copper objects, but they also occasionally used low-grade bronze and even iron.
• The Chalcolithic people domesticated cattle, sheep, and goats, which were tethered in the courtyard. In all probability, the domesticated animals were slaughtered for food and not used for milk and dairy products. The tribal people, such as the Gonds of Bastar, believe that milk is meant only to feed young animals, and, therefore, they do not milk their cattle. Consequently, the Chalcolithic people were not able to make full use of the animals. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
• Ganeshwar is a Chalcolithic site in Rajasthan whose deposits are ascribed to 2800–2200 BC, they, by and large, predate the mature Harappan culture. Ganeshwar principally supplied copper objects to Harappa and did not receive much from it. The Ganeshwar people partly lived on agriculture and largely on hunting. Although their principal craft was the manufacture of copper objects, they were unable to urbanize. With its microliths and other stone tools, much of the Ganeshwar culture can be considered a pre-Harappan Chalcolithic culture that contributed to the making of the mature Harappan culture. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

• Statement 1 is correct: The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) was constituted under The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 (NO. 19 OF 2006) notified via Gazette Notification dated 31st March, 2006. The Act provide for the establishment of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board to protect the interests of consumers and entities engaged in specified activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas and to promote competitive markets and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Statement 2 is incorrect: Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board is an autonomous body under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The board has been mandated to regulate the refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing and sale of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas excluding production of crude oil and natural gas so as and to ensure uninterrupted and adequate supply of petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas in all parts of the country.
• Statement 3 is correct: The board aims to protect the interests of consumers and entities engaged in specified activities relating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas and to promote competitive markets. It also oversees Petroleum Products Pipelines construction and also a Gas Exchange for the trading of Natural Gas in India. It is the authority to grant authorization to the entities for the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Geographical Areas (GAs).