UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 4 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

The pH scale ranges from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic or alkaline). A pH of 7.0, considered neutral, is in the middle of this scale. Blood is naturally slightly basic, with a standard pH range of 7.35 to 7.45. The body generally maintains the blood pH close to 7.40

Velocity: The rate of change of position i.e. rate of displacement with time is called velocity.
It is a vector quantity having the symbol.
If the velocity-time graph is parallel to the time axis, then

In the above graph:
The body is moving with a constant velocity.
Due to moving with constant velocity, acceleration is zero.
The net displacement can be found in the area under the curve.
So, all the given statements are correct.

Directive Principles of State Policy

• Origin: The Directive Principles of State Policy are mentioned in Part IV of the Constitution from Articles 36 to 51. The concept was inspired by the Irish Constitution of 1937, which in turn adopted it from the Spanish Constitution.
• Important Points:
  • To secure the right to adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
  • The equitable distribution of material resources of the community for the common good.
  • Prevention of concentration of wealth and means of production.
  • Equal pay for equal work for men and women.
  • Preservation of the health and strength of workers and children against forcible abuse; and opportunities for the healthy development of children (Article 39).
  • To promote equal justice and provide free legal aid to the poor (Article 39 A).

The Nagoya Protocol and Biodiversity

• Overview: The Nagoya Protocol is directly related to Biodiversity.
• Explanation:
  • The Nagoya Protocol focuses on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their utilization.
  • It is a global agreement that enforces the access and benefit-sharing provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
  • Genetic resources from plants, animals, and microorganisms are crucial for various applications such as specialty enzymes, enhanced genes, and small molecules.
  • These genetic resources play a vital role in areas like crop protection, drug development, specialized chemicals production, and industrial processing.
  • Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits is a key concern for countries rich in biodiversity and the global community.
  • The Nagoya Protocol was adopted in Nagoya, Japan, in October 2010.
  • It establishes a framework that facilitates access to genetic resources for biotechnology research and other activities, ensuring a fair share of benefits from their utilization.
  • This framework provides researchers and developers with the confidence to invest in research based on biodiversity.

• Nonpoint Source Pollution:
  • Nonpoint source pollution refers to the diffuse contamination of water or air that does not come from a single identifiable source.
  • This type of pollution is typically the result of small amounts of contaminants collected from a large area.
  • It usually arises from various sources like land runoff, precipitation, atmospheric deposition, drainage, seepage, or hydrologic modification.
  • Unlike pollution from specific industrial or sewage treatment plants, nonpoint source pollution comes from multiple diffuse sources.
• Examples of Nonpoint Source Pollution:
  • Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from both agricultural lands and residential areas are examples of nonpoint source pollution. This explains why option 1 is correct.
  • Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production also contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Hence, option 2 is correct.
  • Other examples include sediment from poorly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, eroding streambanks, salt from irrigation practices, acid drainage from abandoned mines, bacteria, and nutrients from livestock, pet waste, and faulty septic systems.

• Detritivores are organisms that feed on detritus, which is organic matter made up of dead plant and animal material.
• These organisms obtain their nutrition by feeding on detritus or by coprophagy, which involves consuming faeces.
• Common detritivores include invertebrate insects like mites, beetles, butterflies, and flies; mollusks such as slugs and snails; and soil-dwelling earthworms, millipedes, and woodlice.
• Examples of detritivores in marine environments include crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, echinoderms like sea stars or sea cucumbers.
• Detritivores and decomposers play a crucial role in breaking down dead and decaying material in ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and biogeochemical cycles such as the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles.

• In the context of India's Union Budget, fiscal deficit refers to the disparity between the total revenue and total expenditure of the government. This financial metric is crucial in understanding the financial health and management of the government.
• The central government's financial accounts are typically divided into two primary components: the Revenue Account and the Capital Account. The Revenue Account encompasses revenue receipts and revenue expenditure, while the Capital Account comprises capital payments and capital expenditure.
• Fiscal Deficit specifically represents the gap between the government's total income (including total taxes and non-debt capital receipts) and its overall expenditure. It is calculated both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The calculation of fiscal deficit is based on the income and expenditure components.
• A high fiscal deficit may arise when the government invests in developmental projects like the construction of infrastructure such as highways, ports, roads, and airports. These investments are expected to yield returns and generate revenue for the government in the future.
• For instance, the Union Budget projected a central fiscal deficit of 9.5% of GDP in 2020-21 (10.2% including off-budget borrowing) and 6.8% of GDP in 2021-22 (7% including off-budget borrowing).

• Tanjore School of Paintings: The Tanjore school of paintings is renowned for its distinct decorative style. These paintings gained prominence during the 18th century with the patronage of Maratha rulers.
• Materials Used: The paintings were typically created on glass and board, not on paper or cloth as mentioned in statement 1. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Unique Features: Tanjore paintings are known for their vibrant color patterns and the usage of gold leaf. Additionally, gemstones and cut glasses were commonly incorporated into the artwork, making statement 2 correct.
• Themes and Recognition: These paintings often depicted religious themes and reached their peak under the patronage of Sarfoji Maharaj. In 2007-08, Tanjore paintings were officially recognized as a Geographical Indication by the Government of India.

The House Journal Launched by IREDA's Vigilance Department

• The house journal launched by IREDA's Vigilance Department is named 'Pahal'.
• It was launched in January 2024.
• 'Pahal' was initiated as a crucial measure to promote transparency and support the progress of renewable energy endeavors by the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Vigilance Department.

• Agriculture: This sector is a part of the priority sector lending scheme of the Reserve Bank of India.
• MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises): This sector is also included in the priority sector lending scheme.
• Food Processing: Food processing is considered a part of the agriculture sector and is included in the priority sector lending scheme.
• Real Estate: This sector is not under the priority sector lending scheme of the Reserve Bank of India.

The Priority Sector lending scheme of the Reserve Bank of India includes various categories such as:

• Agriculture
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
• Export Credit
• Education
• Housing
• Social Infrastructure
• Renewable Energy
• Others

Food processing and horticulture are considered part of agriculture and are included under this scheme as they are allied activities related to agriculture.

• Under the Right to Information Act, if the appeal and measures for the second appeal of a citizen are abolished, the citizen can resort to approaching the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution.
• The Right to Information Act of 2005 ensures that citizens receive timely responses to their requests for government information. This act falls under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.

Overview of Aims of Basel Convention

• Reduction of Hazardous Waste Generation: One of the aims of the Basel Convention is to reduce the generation of hazardous waste. This involves implementing measures to minimize the creation of substances that pose risks to human health and the environment.
• Promotion of Environmentally Sound Management: Another aim is to promote environmentally sound management practices for hazardous wastes. This includes ensuring that hazardous wastes are handled, treated, and disposed of in a manner that minimizes environmental impact and protects human health.
• Restriction of Trans-boundary Movements: The convention also aims to restrict the cross-border movements of hazardous wastes unless they comply with environmentally sound management principles. This helps prevent the transfer of hazardous materials to countries ill-equipped to handle them properly.
• Regulatory System for Permissible Movements: Additionally, the Basel Convention establishes a regulatory system to govern cases where trans-boundary movements of hazardous wastes are allowed. This framework ensures that such movements are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Overall, the Basel Convention aims to safeguard human health and the environment from the harmful effects of hazardous wastes through various measures and regulations.

• Megacity Definition: A megacity is defined as an urban area with a population of more than 10 million inhabitants.
• Similar Terms: The terms Megapolis or Megalopolis are sometimes used interchangeably with the term Megacity.
• Current Megacity Count: As of 2023, there are 35 megacities existing around the world.
• Future Projection: The United Nations predicts that the number of megacities will increase to 41 by the year 2030.
• Indian Megacities: In India, there are currently 4 megacities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

El-Nino:

• El-Nino is a complex weather system that occurs every three to seven years, causing droughts, floods, and extreme weather conditions globally.
• The phenomenon involves oceanic and atmospheric events, including the appearance of warm currents off the coast of Peru in the Eastern Pacific, impacting weather patterns in various regions, such as India. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
• El-Nino is essentially an extension of the warm equatorial current, temporarily replaced by the cold Peruvian or Humboldt current, raising water temperatures on the Peruvian coast by 10°C.
• This temperature change leads to disruptions in equatorial atmospheric circulation, irregularities in seawater evaporation, and a decrease in plankton levels, subsequently reducing fish populations. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The term El-Nino translates to 'Child Christ' due to its occurrence around Christmas in December, which is a summer month in Peru (Southern Hemisphere).
• In India, El-Nino is utilized for predicting long-range monsoon rainfall.
• Notably, during the 1990-91 El-Nino event, the onset of the southwest monsoon was delayed across the country by approximately five to twelve days.

• The President has the constitutional authority to summon a joint session of Parliament in India (Article 108).
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, or Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the joint sitting.
• The Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, who is also the Vice President of India, does not preside over the joint session.
• In case the designated officers are absent, any other member of Parliament may preside with the unanimous consent of both Houses.

Joint Sitting of Indian parliament has been called for only 3 bills that have been passed at joint sessions:

• Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1961
• Banking Service Commission (Repeal) Bill, 1978
• Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002

The Correct Answer: The term "Manis mysteria" is related to Pangolin Species.

In News:

• The HINDU: Scientists have discovered a new pangolin species, unveiling an intriguing surprise.

Key Points:

Manis Mysteria

• The pangolin, a unique mammal that resembles a reptile with scales, sharp claws, and sticky saliva, is a highly trafficked species sought after for its meat and scales used in traditional medicines.
• A new Pangolin species named "Manis mysteria" has been identified, believed to have diverged from Philippine and Malayan pangolin species approximately five million years ago.
• Genetic studies indicate a decline in the population, with low genetic diversity, high levels of inbreeding, and genetic load present in this mysterious pangolin species.
• Although this new species may appear similar to its Asian counterparts, it remained undetected in the wild due to its subtle differences.

The Central Vigilance Commission Establishment

• Constitutional Provision: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was established by the Government of India.

Key Points

• On the advice of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, chaired by Shri K. Santhanam, the Government established the Central Vigilance Commission in 1964 to guide and advise Central Government agencies on vigilance matters.
  • The CVC is meant to be the premier vigilance institution, independent of any executive authority.
  • It supervises all vigilance activities carried out on behalf of the Central Government and provides direction to various authorities within Central Government organizations on planning, executing, evaluating, and improving their vigilance work.
  • The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 (CVC Act), enacted by Parliament, conferred statutory status on the CVC.
  • It operates autonomously and is accountable solely to Parliament.
  • It submits its reports to the President of India.
• The Central Vigilance Commissioner serves as the chairperson. There can be a maximum of two other Members of the Vigilance Commission.
• Functions:
  • The CVC receives complaints regarding corruption or misuse of power and recommends appropriate actions.
  • Individuals or entities such as Lokpal, the central government, and whistleblowers may approach the CVC:
    • It does not have law enforcement powers.
  • The CVC obtains investigations through either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or chief vigilance officers (CVO) in government establishments.
  • It has the jurisdiction to investigate offenses allegedly committed by certain categories of public servants in contravention of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Key Points

• Primitive subsistence agriculture is practiced on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks, and family/ community labour.
• This type of farming depends upon monsoon, natural fertility of the soil, and suitability of other environmental conditions to the crops grown. 
• Commercial farming is farming in which an agricultural crop is grown for sale to return a profit.
• A commercial crop is typically purchased by parties separate from a farm. Tobacco is an example of commercial farming.

Additional Information

• Agriculture or farming is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock.
• Pastoralism – Pastoralism involves the herding of animals
• Shifting Cultivation – It involves the rotation of crops
• Subsistence farming – It is a practice of growing crops and raising livestock sufficient only for one’s own use, without any surplus for trad
• Intensive farming – Intensive farming focus on increasing the input and the resultant output per unit of agricultural land. 

The Context: The question pertains to the Interim Government formed after the Second World War and aims to identify an incorrect statement among the options provided.

Correct Answer: The correct answer is 2 only.

Key Points:

• The 1946 Cabinet Mission was dispatched by the Labour party government of Clement Attlee to India in order to develop proposals for the establishment of a government that would lead to an independent India.
• The Mission proposed the formation of an interim government from the constituent assembly.
• Subsequently, the Interim Government of India was established in September 1946, comprising members from the newly elected Constituent Assembly of India to facilitate the transition of British India to independence. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The formation of the Interim Government took place on 2^nd September 1946, with only Congress members participating initially, without the inclusion of Muslim League members.
• Later, Viceroy Wavell discreetly integrated the Muslim League into the Interim Government in October 1946, despite the party not accepting the provisions of the Cabinet Mission Plan. This move was made even though the Muslim League had not renounced its policy of Direct Action. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
• For Jinnah, the Interim Government symbolized the continuation of the civil war through different means.
• Ministers from the Muslim League raised objections to decisions made by Congress members, including appointments, and refrained from attending informal meetings, leading to disruptions in the government's operations.

The Government of India's Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)

• Launch Date:
  • In June 1997, the Government of India introduced the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) with a primary focus on assisting the impoverished individuals.
  • States were mandated to establish reliable systems for identifying the poor to ensure the transparent and accountable delivery of food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
  • TPDS aims to provide subsidized food grains to individuals below the poverty line through the PDS, while those above the poverty line receive grains at higher prices.
  • While maintaining the universal nature of the PDS, the TPDS emphasizes supporting individuals below the poverty line (referred to as BPL).

Additional Information

• Public Distribution System (PDS)
  • Public distribution of essential goods was established in India during the inter-war years.
  • The focus of the PDS on food grain distribution in urban areas facing shortages emerged from the food crises of the 1960s.
  • With the growth in national agricultural production post the Green Revolution, the coverage of the PDS extended to tribal regions and poverty-stricken areas in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS)
  • The Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) was initiated in June 1992 to enhance and streamline the PDS, especially in remote, hilly, and inaccessible regions inhabited by a significant number of impoverished individuals.
  • It encompassed 1775 blocks, where area-specific initiatives like the Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP), and Desert Development Programme (DDP) were carried out.

The Indian Council's Amendment of 1892

• Lord Cross's Act:
  • This act marked the beginning of parliamentary democracy in India.
  • The reforms enacted in the British Parliament in 1892 focused on the powers, responsibilities, and structure of the Indian legislative Councils.
  • It increased the number of additional (non-official) members in the Central and Provincial legislative councils while maintaining the official majority.
  • The legislative councils were empowered to discuss budgets, address questions to the executive, but members were restricted from asking supplementary questions.
  • Referred to as Lord Cross's Act.

Therefore, Lord Cross's Act is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Lord Aitchison's Commission:
  • Established in 1886 during Lord Dufferin's tenure.
  • Also known as the Public Service Commission.
  • Responded to Indian demands for increased participation in administration.
• Lord Roberts:
  • Distinguished military officer in the British army in India.
  • Significant role in suppressing the 1857 Revolt and during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.
• Lord North:
  • Prime Minister of Britain during the American War of Independence.
  • Proposed measures to punish members of the Boston Tea Party, known as the Coercive Acts in Britain and the Intolerable Acts in the American colonies.

The Correct Answer is: Statement I is false but Statement II is true

The Oudh Kisan Sabha established in 1920 failed to bring under its wing any Kisan Sabhas, while it asked the Kisans to refuse to till bedakhli land and not to offer hari and begar.

Key Points

• In 1920, the peasant movement got associated with the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Congress.
• The difference between Non-Cooperators and those who preferred Constitutional agitation like Madan Mohan Malviya led to an alternative Oudh Kisan Sabha being set up at Pratapgarh in October 1920.
• The sabha united all 330 grassroots Kisan Sabhas of Awadh under its wings. Hence, the statement I is incorrect.
• The Awadh Kisan asked Kisans to refuse to till bedakhli land, and not to offer unpaid labour (hari and begar). Hence, statement II is correct.
• They asked them to boycott those who didn't accept these conditions and to solve their disputes through Panchayat.

The Correctly Matched Portals and Ministries

• NCS Portal:
  • The NCS Portal is a National ICT-based platform designed to connect the opportunities with the aspirations of the youth.
  • It allows for the registration of job seekers, job providers, skill providers, and career counselors.
  • This portal is under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• ASEEM Portal:
  • The ASEEM Portal, launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aims to help skilled individuals find sustainable livelihood opportunities.
  • It plays a crucial role in improving information flow and bridging the demand-supply gap in the skilled workforce market.
• E-Shram Portal:
  • The E-Shram Portal is an initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, focused on creating an Aadhaar Authenticated comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) across the country.

The correct answer is Udyam Portal - Ministry of Commerce.

The Correct Answer is: 1 only

Key Points:

• Noctilucent Clouds:
  • Rare, high-altitude clouds known as noctilucent clouds are only occasionally visible under certain circumstances.
  • These are tiny, wispy blue or silver streaks.
  • They can be seen across the sky in the summertime, after sunset.
  • According to NASA, they are also known as polar mesospheric clouds.
  • During the summer, when the mesosphere is coldest near the poles, noctilucent clouds can be seen.
  • Ice crystals are created when water vapor freezes onto dust particles at low enough temperatures.
  • These ice crystals look like electric blue wisps in the night sky.
  • The mesospheric dust may come from Earth due to volcanic eruptions or from outer space in the form of tiny meteors.
• Clouds and Radiation:
  • Understanding climate change requires a thorough understanding of clouds.
  • Low, dense clouds mainly serve to deflect solar energy and chill the Earth's surface.
  • High, thin clouds mostly reflect incoming solar radiation.
  • High clouds also trap part of the infrared radiation that the Earth emits and reflect it back down, warming the Earth's surface.
  • High clouds are not good at reflecting short waves, causing a warming of the Earth's surface and trapping heat.
  • Low clouds are excellent reflectors with high albedo but do not stop the longwave energy from escaping to space, thus helping to cool the Earth.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.
In News

• Indian Express: Oldest surviving plant species saw dinosaurs come and go, humans threaten it.

Key Points
Takakia:

• Takakia, the world's oldest moss, found in the Himalayas, is under threat due to climate breakdown.
• Takakia, a 390 million-year-old moss, has adapted to life in some of Earth’s harshest environments. Hence option 1 is correct.
• Takakia has evolved over generations to withstand extreme weather conditions.
• It developed the ability to repair broken DNA and recover from ultraviolet damage caused by the harsh environment.
• Takakia is a small, slow-growing moss found in limited quantities in remote areas of the US, Japan, and Tibet.

Fragile Survival despite Evolution:

• Despite being one of the fastest-evolving species, Takakia may not be able to survive the effects of climate breakdown.
• Evolutionary adaptation might not be sufficient to ensure its survival, according to researchers.
• Takakia was already 100 million years old before the formation of the Himalayas, which triggered an accelerated adaptation process.
• The moss exemplifies a "living fossil" due to its ancient age and unique adaptations.
• The Himalayan expedition faced difficulties due to high altitude and volatile weather.
• Rapid and unpredictable weather changes were observed, sometimes going through "four seasons within one day.
• Takakia is the world's oldest moss could go extinct as a result of the climate crisis. Hence option 2 is correct.

Correct Answer: Neither 1 nor 2

In News

• The Hindu: India, Asian Development Bank to set up climate change and health hub in Delhi.

Key Points 

Global Centre for Traditional Medicine:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is establishing a Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• The GCTM aims to be a knowledge hub and focal point for traditional medicine worldwide.
• As the lead investor, India has committed around 250 million USD to support the Centre.
• This initiative is being done with the help of Asian Development Bank. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• The key goals of GCTM are:
  • To create a database of traditional medical knowledge using technology. This will help document and preserve traditional knowledge.
  • To develop international benchmarks for testing and certifying traditional medicines. This can build confidence in their safety and effectiveness.
  • To enable global experts in traditional medicine to collaborate and exchange knowledge at the Centre.
  • To mobilize funding for research in traditional medicine. This can promote innovation in the field.
  • To formulate protocols that combine traditional and modern medicine for holistic treatment of diseases. This can maximize patient benefits.
• In summary, the GCTM aims to create standards, catalyze research, and promote cooperation in traditional medicine worldwide with India's support. Its establishment highlights India's leadership in this field.

The Correct Answer is Rancidity

• Rancidity: It is a disorder that occurs when unsaturated fats in food and other items undergo aerial oxidation, leading to an unpleasant odor or taste.
• The unsaturated components of fatty materials exposed to air are converted into hydroperoxides, which further break down into volatile compounds like aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons, some of which have unpleasant odors.
• Through both oxidation and hydrolysis, which releases volatile and malodorous acids, such as butyric acid, butter can become rancid. In contrast, saturated fats like beef tallow are resistant to oxidation and rarely become rancid at normal temperatures.

Key Points

• Corrosion: A natural process that converts refined metals into more chemically stable forms like oxides, hydroxides, or sulfides.
• Erosion: In Earth science, erosion refers to the surface processes that remove soil, rock, or dissolved material from one location on the Earth's crust and transport it to another.
• Ductility: A mechanical property that describes the ability of a material to be drawn into a wire or thread.

Ripple Effect in Ecology

• Definition: The ripple effect in ecology refers to the cascading impact that occurs when a change in one aspect of an ecosystem leads to a series of effects on other interconnected components.
• Example: When a species goes extinct, it can have a domino effect on other dependent species, ultimately disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. For instance, the extinction of bees can lead to a decline in pollination, affecting plant reproduction and the entire food chain.
• Significance: Understanding the ripple effect is crucial for ecosystem management and conservation efforts. By recognizing how interconnected species and environmental factors are, scientists and policymakers can implement strategies to mitigate negative impacts and preserve biodiversity.
• Real-World Implications: The ripple effect has been observed in various environmental crises, such as deforestation, climate change, and habitat destruction. These interconnected risks highlight the importance of addressing environmental issues holistically to prevent irreversible damage to ecosystems.

In News

•  DownToEarth - World on brink of 6 interconnected risk tipping points: UN report

Key Points

• The disappearance of one species can trigger the extinction of other dependent species, leading to a ripple effect on the already fragile ecosystem, the UN report said. Hence, understanding the ripple effect is crucial for ecosystem resilience and biodiversity conservation.
• For example, If the gopher tortoise goes extinct, the dusky gopher frog will likely follow, affecting the entire forest ecosystem.
• The world is inching closer to six interconnected risk tipping points, describing immediate and increasing risks across the world, according to a new report from the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).

Location of Lipulekh Pass

• Lipulekh Pass is situated in the state of Uttarakhand.
• Lipulekh Pass serves as a significant pass in the Himalayas on the border between Uttarakhand, India, and Tibet, China.
• This pass holds strategic importance for trade relations with China.
• While the southern side of the pass is under Indian control, Nepal also claims its ownership.

Other Important Passes in Uttarakhand

• Mana Pass: Located in the Greater Himalayas, it connects Tibet with Uttarakhand.
• Niti Pass: Situated in Uttarakhand and links to Tibet.

Additional Information

The correct answer is A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii.

Key Points

• Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Meaning of the Truth or The Light of Truth)
  • It is written by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875.
  • It is considered one of his major scholarly works.
  • The book was originally written in Hindi and subsequently revised by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1882.
  • This book is now translated into more than 20 languages including Sanskrit and several foreign languages like English, French, German, Swahili, Arabic, and Chinese.
  • The major portion of the book is dedicated to laying down the reformist advocacy of Swami Dayanand with the last three chapters making a case for the comparative study of different religious faiths. 
• Kapalkundala
  • It is a painful love story, full of intrigue and suspense, penned by one of the most iconic Bengali writers, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
  • Our National Song Vande Matram was written by him.
  • Other notable works of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya:
    • Durgesh Nandini, Komalakanter Doptor, Mrinalini, Krishnakanter Will, Bishbrikhsha, Rajsingho, Sitaram, Devi Chaudhurani.
• The wants and means of India
  • It throws light on the Drain theory Put forward by Dadabhai Naoroji. British government exploited India in every way the could from 1757 to 1947.
  • Dadabhai Nauroji raised his voice against the drain of wealth from India to Britain in 1870 and ensured that British rule will not last long in India.
  • Major writings of Dada Bhai Naroji were as follows:
    • Poverty and Unbritish rule in India
    • The manners and customs of the Parsees
    • Condition of India
    • Admission of educated natives into the ICS
    • The wants and means of India 
• Gita Rahasya
  • ​It was written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
  • He wrote it when he was in prison at Mandalay in Burma.
  • He is known as the "father of Indian Unrest”.
  • He also earned the title “Lokamanya” which means 'the person who is respected by people and favourite of all.