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.

• 889 is the sex ratio of Jammu and Kashmir according to the 2011 census.
• The sex ratio represents the ratio of males to females in a given population. In this case, the sex ratio in Jammu and Kashmir is 889, meaning there are 889 females for every 1000 males.
• This figure is below the national average of 940 as reported in the 2011 census.
• Comparing this with the 2001 data, the sex ratio of females was 892 per 1000 males in Jammu and Kashmir at that time.

The Separate Scheduled Tribes Commission was established under Article 338-A of the Constitution.

• The Separate Scheduled Tribes Commission, also known as the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, was established through the 89th Amendment to the Constitution.
• It came into effect on 19th February 2004.
• The purpose of this commission is to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution.
• Article 338-A specifically deals with the establishment and powers of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

• In swimming sports, the terms 'crawl', 'breaststroke', and 'butterfly' are commonly used.
• In swimming, the entire body of the individual moves through the water. It can take place in pools or open water.
• Events like butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley are associated with swimming.
• Swimming requires a specific set of techniques, and there are specific rules and regulations in competitions.

A nickel-cadmium cell is a rechargeable cell used for portable computers, drills, camcorders, torches and other small battery-operated devices requiring an even power discharge. A dry cell is used in applications like starting of a car or truck engine. A mercury cell is used in small devices like watches and portable radios. A Lithium-ion cell is used in mobile phones.

Understanding the Exception for Sikhs to Carry a Kirpan

• Background:
  Article - 25 of the Constitution is the specific article that allows Sikhs to keep a sword or small dagger known as Kirpan.
• Explanation of Article - 25:
  Article 25 of the Constitution grants Freedom of conscience and the free profession, practice, and propagation of religion. This fundamental right ensures that individuals are free to follow and express their faith without discrimination.
  One important aspect of this freedom for Sikhs is the right to wear and carry a Kirpan. The Kirpan is considered a symbol of the Sikh religion and its practice. The article ensures that Sikhs are not prohibited from carrying the Kirpan as part of their religious practice.

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.

The Assam government is conducting 'Gunotsav 2024,' which is the fifth edition of a comprehensive assessment program. This initiative aims to evaluate the performance of about 40 lakh students studying in government schools across the state. The primary objective of the assessment is to improve the quality of education and enhance learning outcomes in Assam.

• 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.

The Concept of Primary Deficit

• Definition: The primary deficit is the variance between the fiscal deficit of the current year and the interest paid by the government on loans. It reflects the borrowing needs of the government, excluding interest payments.
• Key Points:
  • It represents the difference between the current year's fiscal deficit and the interest paid on borrowings from the previous year.
  • Primary deficit signifies the government's borrowing requirements without considering interest payments.
  • It indicates the extent to which a government's total expenditure surpasses its total revenue.
  • The primary deficit does not incorporate interest payments made by the government.
  • Moreover, it reflects the borrowing needs necessary to cover the government's expenses.

Understanding Capillary Action in Different Diameter Tubes

• The same in both tubes: When two capillary tubes of different diameters are dipped in water, the rise of water will be the same in both tubes. This is because capillary action is independent of the diameter of the tube.
• Greater in the tube of larger diameter: Contrary to intuition, the rise of water will actually be greater in the tube of larger diameter. This is because larger diameter tubes can hold more water due to a larger surface area for water molecules to adhere, resulting in a higher rise.
• Greater in the tube of smaller diameter: This statement is incorrect as capillary action causes a greater rise in the tube with a larger diameter, not the smaller one.
• Independent of the diameter of the tube: Capillary action is not affected by the diameter of the tube. The rise of water is mainly determined by the adhesive and cohesive forces between the water molecules and the tube surface.

Therefore, the correct answer is that the rise of water is greater in the tube of larger diameter due to the capillary action phenomenon.

Government policies and their corresponding starting dates are as follows:

Zinc is the metal present in insulin: Insulin, a peptide hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic glands, contains zinc as a crucial component. Zinc is involved in insulin hexamerization, which is essential for insulin biosynthesis and storage processes.

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.

• The species assessed for the first time on the IUCN Red List on January 15, 2024, categorized as "Vulnerable" due to an estimated population of 2,275-3,792 mature adults facing ongoing decline is the Himalayan Wolf.
• The Himalayan Wolf has been newly assessed on the IUCN Red List and is facing threats that are causing a continuous decline in its population.

Understanding Constitutional Government

• Definition: A constitutional government is not solely characterized by a legislature but rather is a form of limited government.
• Legislature Not Mandatory: Contrary to popular belief, a constitutional government does not necessarily require a legislature. For instance, the USA operates under a constitutional government with a Presidential form of Government.
• Multi-Party vs. Popular Government: A constitutional government may or may not be a multi-party system or a popular government. It can also exist as a monarchy, highlighting the diversity in governance structures.
• Limited Powers: The essence of a constitutional government lies in its limitation of governmental powers. Fundamental Rights, such as those outlined in the Indian Constitution's Part III, serve as checks against state actions, ensuring a degree of limitation on government authority.

Therefore, based on the explanation provided, the correct answer is option (D) - Limited government, as a constitutional government is fundamentally a form of government with restricted powers.

• Saint Nimbarka:
  • He preached Vaishnavite Bhakti in the Telangana region.
  • Saint Nimbarka did not live during the same period as Akbar.
  • Saint Nimbarka belonged to the 13th or 14th century, while Akbar ruled in the 16th century.
  • Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
• Saint Kabir:
  • Kabir was a disciple of Ramananda.
  • Saint Kabir followed Nirguna Bhakti and lived in the 15th century, whereas Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi was an Islamic scholar of Naqshbandi Silsilah from the 16th century.
  • Therefore, statement 2 is also incorrect.

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.

• Francium is the element that is in liquid form at room temperature.
• Elements like francium, cesium, gallium, and rubidium are classified as metals and are liquid at room temperature.
• The reason these elements exist in liquid form at room temperature is due to the tight binding of their electrons to the atomic nucleus.
• Since atoms of these elements do not readily share their electrons with neighboring atoms, they are more easily separated from solids into liquids.

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

In News -

• Asan Conservation Reserve has been designated as Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, signifying it as a 'Wetland of International Importance,' as declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This validates statement 2 as correct.
• The Reserve is situated on the banks of the Yamuna river near Dehradun district in the Garhwal region of the Himalayan state, confirming statement 1 as correct.

Important Points

• Asan Conservation Reserve met five of the nine criteria required to be recognized as a Ramsar site and acknowledged as a Wetland of International Importance.
• It satisfied the criteria related to species and ecological communities, waterbirds, and fish.
• Ramsar has identified Asan Conservation Reserve as a site of international significance.
• India currently boasts 80 Ramsar sites.

The Aquatic Plant Commonly Used as Biofertilizer

The correct answer to the question is Azolla.

Azolla

• Azolla is known for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it a valuable biofertilizer.
• It forms a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena azollae, which resides in specialized structures known as "hairs" on the Azolla plant.
• Through this relationship, Azolla can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.
• The nitrogen fixation by Azolla allows it to accumulate a significant amount of nitrogen within its tissues.
• When Azolla is introduced into rice fields, it releases the fixed nitrogen, providing a natural fertilizer for the rice plants.
• This process helps reduce the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in rice cultivation.
• Azolla also contributes to soil health by acting as green manure, enriching the soil with organic matter as it decomposes.
• Its dense growth shades the water surface in rice fields, preventing weed growth and reducing water evaporation.

Analysis of Most Environment-Friendly Fuel

• HCNG:
  • HCNG stands for Hydrogen-Compressed Natural Gas.
  • It is a combination of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and 4 to 9 percent hydrogen by energy.
  • HCNG can be used as a fuel gas for home appliances and internal combustion engines.
  • It offers a higher power output compared to CNG.
  • HCNG provides a 4% improvement in fuel efficiency over CNG.
  • Overall, it leads to a fuel savings of about 5% due to a 70% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and enhanced fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
• Diesel:
  • In an ideal combustion process, diesel fuel emits carbon dioxide and water vapor.
• CNG:
  • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas compressed to less than 1% of its volume at typical atmospheric pressure.
  • Methane is the primary component of CNG.
• Petrol:
  • After complete combustion in an internal combustion engine, petroleum-based fuels produce carbon dioxide (13%) and water (13%), with most of the residual exhaust comprising nitrogen (73%) from the air.

Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha:-

• Also known as the Religious Reform Association, it was a Zoroastrian reform movement established in 1851 in Mumbai.
• Founding Members: Naoroji Furdonji, Dadabhai Naoroji, K.R. Cama, and S.S. Bengalee.
• The main objectives of the Sabha were to bring about reforms in Parsi society and religion, which included:
  • Advocating for the rights of Parsi women, such as eliminating the purdah system and increasing the marriage age.
  • Promoting education for Parsi girls.
  • Reinstating the original tenets of Zoroastrianism.
• As a result of the Sabha's efforts, significant reforms were achieved in Parsi society, such as enhanced rights for Parsi women, improved access to education for Parsi girls, and a renewed emphasis on the fundamental principles of Zoroastrianism.

The correct answer is cyclical unemployment.

Key Points

• Unemployment occurs when there are changes to an economy’s business cycle is termed Cyclical Unemployment.
• Cyclical unemployment is termed as demand deficiency i.e. unemployment starts to rise when demand falls.
• Causes for Cyclical Unemployment
  • The decline in Demand contributes to less investment in business hence requiring fewer employees.
  • Negative multiplier effects when demand falls this affects stores, farmers manufacturing workers,s and also those investing in transporting these goods and products which results in further affecting multiple areas.
  • A bad Market Crash can cause a recession by instilling a loss of confidence in an economic decline in employers looking to hire and expand can be seen.
• Therefore, Unemployment caused by the recession of 2008-2010 is an example of Cyclical Unemployment.​

• 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).

Analysis of the Correct Statements

• The Satavahana Kingdom
  • The Satavahana kingdom primarily covered present-day Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • This indicates that the first statement is correct.
• Capital City of the Dynasty
  • The capital cities of the dynasty were Amaravati and Pratishthana.
  • This confirms the accuracy of the second statement.
• Founder of the Dynasty
  • Simuka is recognized as the founder of the Satavahana dynasty.
  • Therefore, the third statement is also accurate.

Additional Information

• The Satavahana dynasty was an ancient Indian dynasty that ruled between the 2nd century BCE and early 3rd century CE.
• They were Brahmanas who worshipped gods like Vasudeva Krishna.
• The earliest inscriptions of the Satavahans date back to the first century BCE.
• They were the first native Indian kings to mint their own coins featuring their portraits.
• The dynasty favored Prakrit over Sanskrit and assumed the title of "Dakshinapatha Pati" (Lord of Dakshinapatha).

Key Points

• Tamil Nadu is India's southernmost state.
• It shares a border with Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• It is the tenth largest state by area and the sixth largest state by population.
• It also shares an international maritime border with Sri Lanka.

Additional Information

• Tamil Nadu
  • Capital and largest city - Chennai
  • Formation - 1 November 1956
  • Number of districts - 38
  • Chief Minister - M.K. Stalin (DMK)
  • Governor - R.N. Ravi
  • State legislature - Unicameral with 234 seats
  • National Parliament
    • Lok Sabha - 39
    • Rajya Sabha - 18

The correct answer to the question regarding the habitat of giant pandas is China.

Key Points

• Wild giant pandas are exclusively found in China.

• They are commonly referred to as Panda bear.

• The scientific name of the giant panda is Ailuripoda melanoleuca.

• These pandas primarily consume leaves, stems, and shoots of various bamboo species, and they also have a diet that includes other plants and meat.

Additional Information

Details of the Battle of Khatoli

• The Battle of Khatoli was fought between Rana Sanga and Ibrahim Lodi.
• Rana Sanga was the king of Mewar, while Ibrahim Lodi was the last king of the Lodi dynasty.
• The battle took place in 1517.
• Rana Sanga emerged victorious in this battle by defeating Ibrahim Lodhi.
• Despite winning, Rana Sanga suffered injuries - he lost an arm due to a sword cut, and an arrow hit him in the leg, leaving him lame for life.

Additional Information and Other Historical Battles