UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 6 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

• Location of Africa: Africa is the second-largest continent located in the south of Europe and southwest of Asia. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean.
• Geographical Features: Africa's landscape includes deserts like the Sahara Desert, the Namib Desert, and the Kalahari Desert. The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert globally, and it is home to the Nile River.
• Savanna: The Savanna, a grassy plain with scattered trees and shrubs, covers almost half of Africa's land area.
• Significance of Tropics: Africa is the only continent through which the Tropic of Cancer, Equator, and Tropic of Capricorn pass. This positioning contributes to its warm and sunny climate.
• Hemispheric Distribution: While two-thirds of Africa lie in the northern hemisphere, one-third is situated in the southern hemisphere.

By understanding these geographical and climatic characteristics, we can appreciate Africa's diverse and unique landscape.

• Nuclear energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy are considered non-conventional sources of power generation.
• Power is essential for various aspects of life, including industry, agriculture, transport, communication, and defense.
• Power resources are typically classified into two main categories: conventional and non-conventional resources.

The Lucknow Pact of 1916

• Parties Involved: The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League.
• Agreement: The pact focused on common political demands, including the demand for self-government in India after the war.
• Key Points:
  • The agreement accepted separate electorates and proposed the system of weightage and reservation of seats for minorities in the legislatures.
  • It aimed to present a united front against British rule and work towards self-governance in India.
• Significance: The Lucknow Pact marked a significant step towards Hindu-Muslim unity in the Indian independence movement.

• Jurisdiction of Lokpal:
  • The jurisdiction of Lokpal includes the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and various officers and officials of the Central Government.
  • The Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over the Prime Minister in cases related to corruption allegations concerning international relations, security, public order, atomic energy, and space.
  • However, the Lokpal does not have jurisdiction over Ministers and MPs regarding matters discussed in Parliament or votes cast there.
  • It also covers individuals who have been in charge of bodies or societies established by central acts or bodies financed/controlled by the central government.
  • All public officials are required to disclose their assets and liabilities, including those of their dependents, as per the Lokpal Act.
• Powers of Lokpal:
  • Lokpal has the authority to supervise and direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
  • If Lokpal refers a case to the CBI, the investigating officer in that case cannot be transferred without Lokpal's approval.
  • The Inquiry Wing of Lokpal is endowed with the powers of a civil court.
  • Lokpal has the power to confiscate assets, proceeds, receipts, and benefits obtained through corrupt means.
  • Lokpal can recommend the transfer or suspension of public servants implicated in corruption allegations.
  • Lokpal can issue directives to prevent the destruction of records during preliminary inquiries.

• Among the given options, only the Chairman of the Council of States is not a member of the committee constituted for recommendations of appointment of the Chairperson and other Members of the National Human Rights Commission.
• The National Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established on 12th October 1993 in India.
• It serves as the watchdog of human rights in the country and is composed of a Chairman and four other members.

The Significance of Gram Sabha in Reviewing Panchayat Accounts and Progress Report

• Gram Sabha:

  Gram Sabha holds the main responsibility for reviewing the annual statement of accounts and the annual progress report of the panchayat.

  It is essential to have a Gram Sabha for each Panchayat, which includes individuals listed in the electoral rolls.

  The meetings of the Gram Sabha are typically called by the Sarpanch of the Panchayat or the Up-Sarpanch in the absence of the Sarpanch.

  Gram Sabha plays a critical role in overseeing the annual budget and audit reports of the Gram Panchayat.

  Moreover, it conducts social audits for plots allotted to weaker sections and seeks clarifications from the Sarpanch and Panchayat members on various activities, schemes, income, and expenditures.

  It also deliberates on matters like the levy of taxes, rates, rent, fees, and enhancement of rates.

Details and Clarification:

• Lake Victoria, located in Africa, is the largest among all the African Great Lakes.
• Lake Victoria holds the title of Africa's largest lake in terms of surface area, covering approximately 59,947 sq. km (23,146 sq mi).
• It is the second-largest freshwater lake globally by surface area, following Lake Superior in North America, and is the largest tropical lake on Earth.
• In relation to the volume of water it contains, Lake Victoria ranks as the ninth-largest continental lake worldwide, holding about 2,424 cubic km of water.
• The lake has a depth ranging between 80 and 84 m (262 and 276 ft) and an average depth of 40 m (130 ft).

Understanding the Causes of Monsoon

• Impact of Summer Temperatures on the Seas: The heating of land during summer causes the air above it to rise, creating an area of low pressure. This low-pressure zone draws in moisture-laden air from the nearby seas, leading to the formation of monsoon rains.
• Movement of Clouds: As the monsoon winds shift direction, they carry moisture-laden clouds from over the oceans towards the land, resulting in heavy rainfall in monsoon-affected regions.
• Seasonal Reversal of Winds: Monsoons are primarily caused by the seasonal reversal of wind patterns. In regions like India, for example, the southwest monsoon brings rain during the summer months, while the northeast monsoon brings dry conditions during the winter.
• Rise in Temperature: The differential heating of land and sea surfaces contributes to the establishment of monsoon circulation patterns. The land heats up more quickly than the oceans, creating the necessary conditions for the onset of monsoon rains.

The primary cause of monsoons is the seasonal reversal of winds. Monsoons, characterized by the shift in wind direction, play a crucial role in bringing significant rainfall to regions like India and other parts of the world. This change in wind patterns is driven by temperature differentials between land and sea surfaces, with the resulting winds carrying moisture and leading to the monsoon phenomenon.

The Longest River in Europe

• Volga River: The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, spanning approximately 3,531 kilometers. It flows through Central Russia and eventually empties into the Caspian Sea.
• Discharge Volume and Drainage Basin: The Volga River is not only the longest river but also the largest in Europe in terms of both discharge volume and drainage basin.

Understanding the geography and characteristics of the Volga River helps to identify it as the longest river in Europe.

The Impact of Temperature on Relative Humidity

• Increases: When the temperature of a place increases suddenly, the relative humidity can increase.
• Decreases: Alternatively, relative humidity can also decrease with a sudden rise in temperature.
• Remains Constant: In some cases, relative humidity may remain constant despite a change in temperature.
• Fluctuates: The most common scenario is that relative humidity fluctuates when there is a sudden change in temperature.

When the temperature of a place increases suddenly, the relative humidity tends to fluctuate. This is because relative humidity is directly influenced by temperature changes. Warm air has the capacity to hold more water vapor compared to cooler air. Therefore, when the temperature rises without adding more moisture to the air, the relative humidity decreases as the air can hold more moisture in the form of vapor.

For example, during a hot summer day, if the temperature suddenly spikes, the relative humidity in the air may drop as the warm air can absorb more moisture. On the other hand, if the temperature drops suddenly during a rainy day, the relative humidity may increase as the cooler air cannot hold as much moisture.

• Devi Singh took the leadership of the revolt of 1857 from Mathura.
• Devi Singh was a village-level raja in Tappa Raya in Mathura.
• He established a parallel government during the revolt of 1857.
• However, Devi Singh was eventually captured and executed by the British.

The Establishment of Turtle Conservation Reserve in Sarju River

• Uttar Pradesh government is set to establish its first 'Turtle Conservation Reserve' along the Sarju River.
• The Gonda Forest Department in Uttar Pradesh is collaborating with the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India for this initiative.
• The Sarju River is home to around 5,000 adult crowned river turtles.
• Studies indicate that the Sarju River harbors nearly half of the total population of these turtles.

• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a farming approach that supports the natural growth of crops without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. It emphasizes using locally available resources like cow dung and cow urine for seed treatments and other inoculations. This results in zero net production costs for all crops, including intercrops, border crops, and multi crops.
• ZBNF practices lead to lower input costs for farmers, enabling them to increase their income. Additionally, ZBNF crops help in maintaining soil fertility and are resilient to climate change. Contrary to the statement, ZBNF requires less tilling, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly farming method.
• Subash Palekar is recognized as the pioneer of ZBNF, making the third statement correct. His contributions and advocacy have been instrumental in promoting the adoption of ZBNF practices among farmers, emphasizing the importance of natural farming techniques.

The Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was a significant revolutionary organization in India that was established in 1924 in village Bholachang, East Bengal. The founding members of HRA were Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Narendra Mohan Sen, and Pratul Ganguly, and it emerged as an offshoot of the Anushilan Samiti.

• The Kakori Conspiracy, also known as Kakori Kand, Kakori Conspiracy Case, or The Kakori Train Robbery, was a historic event.
• It involved an armed robbery that occurred on August 9, 1925, on a train in central Uttar Pradesh.
• The robbery took place in the town of Kakori, located about 16 km from Lucknow, the destination of the targeted train.

The World Bank Funding for Odisha

• Background: The World Bank has agreed to provide financial support to Odisha to enhance social protection and disaster resilience within the state.
• Funding Amount: The funding amount agreed upon is $100 million, which will be utilized for various programs and initiatives aimed at improving social protection mechanisms and disaster preparedness in Odisha.
• Objective: The primary goal of this funding is to strengthen the state's capacity to mitigate the impact of disasters and enhance the overall social safety net for vulnerable populations.

Charter Act of 1853:

• Introduced a provision for open competition for the Indian Civil Services (ICS).
• The Law member was granted full membership in the council.
• Six additional members were added to the council for legislative purposes.
• The act separated the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General's council for the first time.

Understanding Golden Rice and its Importance

• Golden Rice: It is a genetically modified variety of regular rice that contains ß carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A.
• Purpose: Golden rice is developed as part of the food fortification strategy to address the issue of vitamin A deficiency in regions where it is prevalent.
• Impact of Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to Nyctalopia (night blindness) and premature death in children under 5 years of age.

Important PointsGolden rice was created by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only

Key Points

Fiscal policy is an economic policy tool used by the government that involves taxation, public expenditure, and public borrowing. It is utilized to manage the economy and control inflation or deflation.

• Taxation: The government can increase taxes to reduce private spending during inflation. For instance, by imposing higher taxes on profits, the disposable income of individuals decreases, leading to a reduction in overall spending and money supply in the market.
• Public Expenditure and Borrowing: To address excess demand and control inflation, the government may reduce public expenditure and borrowing. This reduction in public spending decreases the money supply, helping to curb inflation.
• Interest Rates: Increasing interest rates in the economy is a monetary policy tool controlled by the Monetary Policy Committee of RBI. When interest rates rise, borrowing becomes more expensive, leading to a decrease in money supply and inflation control.

Therefore, in the context of fiscal policy measures to control inflation, statement 1 and 2 are correct as they pertain to taxation and public expenditure adjustments. However, statement 3, which mentions increasing interest rates, is not a fiscal policy measure but falls under monetary policy.

The correct answer is A - II, B - I, C - III, D - IV.
Key Points

The correct answer is Reinforced glass

• Reinforced Glass
  • GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Plastic or Glass Reinforced Polymer.
  • It is a very versatile material, with numerous applications.
  • GRP is also known as fibreglass or glass fibre composite, falling under FRP category.
• Properties of Reinforced Glass
  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Excellent durability
  • Lightweight
  • Electrically non-conductive
  • Radar/radio wave transparent
  • Non-corroding
• Due to its high strength, Reinforced glass is used in bulletproof screens.

The Yamuna River in the Indian Himalayan Region

• The Yamuna River: The Yamuna is a significant river in India.
• Largest Tributary: It is the largest tributary of the Ganges River.
• Origin: The Yamuna originates from a place called Yamunotri and merges with the Ganges at Prayagraj.
• Flow Direction: It flows from North to South.
• Major Tributaries: Notable tributaries include Chambal, Sengar, Choti Indus, Betwa, and Ken.
• Major Cities: The major cities situated on the banks of the Yamuna are Delhi and Agra.

The correct answer is Odisha.

Concept:

• Aluminium is a chemical element with the symbol Al.
• Atomic number of Aluminium is 13.

• Aluminium is used for making cooking utensils, because it has:
  • Good thermal conductivity.
  • High melting point.
• Aluminium is ductile and a good conductor of electricity, but this property is not useful in the making of utensils.
• Mica is the material which is a bad conductor of electricity but a good conductor of heat.

Explanation:

• Odisha is the largest bauxite producing state in India.
• Odisha consists of more than 50% of India's resources of bauxite.
• Bauxite is an ore of aluminum.
• Bauxite deposits are formed by the decomposition of a wide variety of rocks that consists of aluminium silicates.
• Major bauxite producing areas are Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu
• Bauxite is mainly used to produce alumina through the Bayer's process.

Matching Archaeological Sites with Excavators

• Sutkagan Dor:
  • Located near the Makran coast close to Pakistan-Iran border in Baluchistan.
  • It was surrounded by a defensive walled enclosure and served as a trading post near a sea-port.
  • Excavated by Aurel Stein in 1929.
• Bhagwanpura:
  • Located on the bank of Hakra Ghaggar channel.
  • Excavated by J. P. Joshi in 1975-76, showing an overlap between late Harappan and Painted Grey Ware cultures.
• Balakot:
  • Archaeological site in Balochistan, Pakistan, preceding the Indus Valley civilization.
  • Excavated by Professor George F. Dales in 1970.
• Lothal:
  • Harappan site in Gujarat, potentially serving as a sea-port for trade with Mesopotamia and Egypt.
  • Excavated by S. R. Rao in 1953.

Correct Match: (A) - (iii), (B) - (iv), (C) - (i), (D) - (ii)

Charak: Court Physician During the Reign of King Kanishka

• Charak is the court physician during the reign of King Kanishka.
• Charak
  • He was the court physician of Kanishka I.
  • Referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine.
  • Significant contributor to Ayurveda medicine in ancient India.
  • Best known for his work Charaka Samhita.
• Kanishka:
  • Ruler of the Kushana dynasty.
  • Founder of the Shaka Era of AD 78.
  • Also known as the 'second Ashoka'.
  • Administered the 4th Buddhist Council in Kundalavana in Kashmir.

Additional Information

• Kashyap:
  • Kashyapa is a revered Vedic sage of Hinduism.
  • One of the Saptarishis, the seven ancient sages of the Rigveda.
  • Kashyapa is one of the most ancient and venerated rishis.
• Patanjali:
  • Patanjali, also known as Gonardiya or Gonikaputra.
  • Author of two great Hindu classics: Yoga-sutras and Mahabhashya.
• Sushruta:
  • Ancient Indian physician.
  • Considered the father of surgery in India.
  • Susruta Samhita is connected to Kanishka.

The Correct Answer is (A), (B), and (C)

• Transpiration Creates Suction Pull: Transpiration is the process where water evaporates from a plant's aerial parts, primarily through stomata on leaves. This evaporation creates a negative pressure within the plant's xylem vessels, known as the transpiration pull.
  Example: In tall trees, this suction pull helps in drawing water from the roots to the leaves, enabling the transport of water and nutrients throughout the plant.
• Helps Maintain Optimum Body Temperature: Transpiration aids in cooling plants by evaporating water from their leaves, which is crucial for regulating plant temperature, especially in hot environments.
• Assists in Water Absorption by Roots: The transpiration process creates a pull in the xylem vessels, facilitating a continuous flow of water from roots to the plant. This flow enhances water and mineral absorption by the roots from the soil, ensuring a constant water supply for plant functions.

Therefore, statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct.

Analysis of the First Lok Sabha Elections of 1952

• Key Points
  • India conducted its first general elections after independence from October 25, 1951, to February 21, 1952, resulting in the establishment of the first Lok Sabha.
  • Universal adult suffrage was implemented, allowing all individuals over the age of 21 to vote in the elections.
  • A total of 53 political parties contested for 489 seats, with approximately 1874 candidates representing various parties.
  • There were 401 constituencies, some of which had multiple seats, but multi-seat constituencies were eliminated in the 1960s.
  • The Indian National Congress (INC) emerged as the dominant party, winning 364 out of 479 seats it contested.
  • The Socialist Party (SOC) secured 12 seats out of 254 it ran for, despite its prominent leaders like Narayan, Lohiya, and Acharya Narendra Dev.
• Additional Information
  • The Communist Party of India (CPI) became the main opposition party, winning 16 seats in the election.
  • The CPI, founded in Kanpur in 1925, faced challenges in its early years due to British restrictions on communist activities in India.
  • The party advocated for land reforms, social equality for women, and the nationalization of privately-owned businesses.
  • The party's electoral success was notable in states like Madras, West Bengal, Tripura, and Orissa.

The Concept of Fiscal Deficit

• A fiscal deficit refers to the variance between the total income of the government (comprising total taxes and non-debt capital receipts) and its total expenditure.
• When determining the total revenue, borrowings are not taken into account.
• Therefore, Fiscal Deficit is calculated as the difference between Budget expenditure or Total Expenditure and Budget or total receipts excluding borrowings.
  • In a fiscal deficit scenario, the government's expenditure exceeds its income.
  • This disparity is quantified both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
  • A recurring high fiscal deficit indicates that the government has been spending more than its resources.
  • The government defines India's fiscal deficit as "the excess of total disbursements from the Consolidated Fund of India, excluding debt repayment, over total receipts into the Fund (excluding debt receipts) during a financial year."

Key Points

• What constitutes the government’s total income or receipts?
  • It comprises two components: revenue receipts and non-tax revenues.
    • Revenue receipts of the government
      • Corporation Tax
      • Income Tax
      • Custom Duties
      • Union Excise Duties
      • GST and taxes of Union territories.
    • Non-tax revenues
      • Interest Receipts
      • Dividends and Profits
      • External Grants
      • Other non-tax revenues
      • Receipts of union territories
• Expenditures of the government:
  • Revenue Expenditure
  • Capital Expenditure
  • Interest Payments
  • Grants-in-aid for the creation of capital assets

Important Points

• Fiscal Deficit formula:
  • Fiscal Deficit = Total expenditure of the government (capital and revenue expenditure) – Total income of the government (Revenue receipts + recovery of loans + other receipts)
  • If the total expenditure of the government surpasses its total revenue and non-revenue receipts in a financial year, then the difference represents the fiscal deficit for that year.
  • The government manages the fiscal deficit by borrowing funds. Essentially, the government's total borrowing needs in a financial year equate to the fiscal deficit in that year.

Additional Information

• A fiscal Deficit is the disparity between the total income of the government and its total expenditure.
• When calculating the total revenue, borrowings are not included.
• Therefore, Fiscal Deficit is the Budget expenditure or Total Expenditure minus Budget or total receipts excluding borrowings.

Population Density of Uttar Pradesh According to Census 2011

• Population density is a measure of the number of individuals residing in a specific area, typically expressed as an average figure.
• The population density of Uttar Pradesh is recorded at 829 persons per square kilometer, equivalent to 2,146 individuals per square mile.
• Comparing this to the national average density of India in the 2011 census, which stands at 382, Uttar Pradesh exhibits a relatively high population density.
• Uttar Pradesh ranks fourth in population density after Bihar, West Bengal, and Kerala.

Population density figures of Uttar Pradesh:

In Uttar Pradesh, districts such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Agra have been identified as having safe groundwater zones. This classification is determined by analyzing the balance between water extraction and recharge, and it indicates a positive trend in groundwater management within these areas, essential for sustainable water supply and agricultural practices.

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to form a specialized farmer producer cell to connect the state’s agriculture commodity startups with central government-promoted e-commerce platforms like ONDC and e-NAM. This initiative aims to enhance market access for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and streamline various agricultural processes, thereby promoting an open agriculture market.