UPPSC Prelims (GS I) Mock Test - 3 - UPPSC (UP) MCQ

Reasons Why Leh Region is a Cold Desert

• Out of Reach of Monsoon Winds: The Leh region is surrounded by lofty mountains, keeping it isolated from the monsoon winds. This geographical barrier prevents the region from receiving significant moisture-laden winds.
• Drying Up of Monsoon Winds: By the time any remnants of monsoon winds do manage to reach Leh region, they have already lost much of their moisture content due to the long journey over land. As a result, the region remains dry, leading to its classification as a cold desert.

The correct answer is that both 1 and 2 are correct. This is because the combination of being shielded by mountains from monsoon winds and the subsequent drying up of any residual moisture plays a crucial role in defining the cold desert conditions of the Leh region.
OptionExplanationOnly 1The Leh region is indeed out of reach of monsoon winds due to its mountainous surroundings.Only 2The drying up of monsoon winds before reaching Leh further contributes to its cold desert characteristics.Both 1 and 2The combined effect of mountain barriers and moisture loss leads to the cold desert climate observed in the Leh region.

The System of Panchayat Raj in India

• The Union List: The system of Panchayat Raj is not mentioned in the Union List.
• The State List: The system of Panchayat Raj is mentioned under the State List in India.
• The Concurrent List: The system of Panchayat Raj is not mentioned in the Concurrent List.
• None of the above: None of the above options are correct. The correct answer is that the system of Panchayat Raj is mentioned under the State List in India.

The modern system of Panchayat Raj in India was introduced through the 73rd constitutional amendment in 1993. This system is based on the historical Panchayat Raj system of the Indian subcontinent and is also found in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

The Requirement to Abolish Legislative Council of Any State

• For the abolition of the Legislative Council of any state, both a 2/3rd majority of the Assembly and a normal majority of Parliament are required.
• According to Article 169 of The Constitution of India, the process of abolishing or creating Legislative Councils in states is outlined.
• The article states that Parliament can pass a law (simple majority) to abolish the Legislative Council of a state or create one if the Legislative Assembly of the state passes a resolution to that effect by a majority of the total membership of the Assembly and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
• It is also specified that such a law shall not be considered an amendment of the Constitution under Article 368.

The Importance of Stratosphere and Ozone Layer

• Stratosphere:
  • The stratosphere is commonly referred to as the 'Ozone Hole'.
  • It is a layer of Earth's atmosphere that starts about 10 kilometers above the Earth's surface and extends up to about 50 kilometers.
  • One of the key features of the stratosphere is the presence of the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth.
• Ozone Hole:
  • An ozone hole refers to a region in the stratosphere where the concentration of ozone becomes extremely low, particularly during certain months.
  • Ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, is mainly found in the upper atmosphere, specifically in the stratosphere.
  • The depletion of the ozone layer leads to the formation of the ozone hole, which has significant environmental implications.
• Causes and Effects:
  • The formation of the ozone hole is primarily attributed to unusual weather patterns at the poles.
  • It is responsible for shielding life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the Sun.
  • The depletion of the ozone layer can have severe consequences for human health, including an increased risk of skin cancer and other harmful skin conditions.

Indian scientists have creatively repurposed banana pseudo stems, which are usually discarded as agricultural waste, to develop eco-friendly wound dressings made from banana fibers. 

Primary Goals of Sustainability

• The primary goals of sustainability encompass various aspects:
  • End of Poverty and Hunger: One of the primary goals is to eradicate poverty and ensure no one suffers from hunger. This involves addressing economic disparities and supporting access to basic necessities like food.
  • Better Standards of Education and Healthcare: Sustainability aims to improve education and healthcare standards, especially concerning water quality and sanitation. This includes ensuring access to quality education and healthcare services for all individuals.
  • Achieve Gender Equality: Another crucial goal is to achieve gender equality by promoting equal opportunities and rights for all genders.
  • Sustainable Economic Growth: Sustainability also focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth, creating job opportunities, and building stronger economies without compromising the environment and resources.

Explanation:

The primary goals of sustainability are interconnected and aim to create a more equitable and sustainable world for current and future generations. By addressing issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, gender equality, and economic growth, sustainability efforts strive to build a more resilient and prosperous society.

• Statement 1: The executive power of the Union of India is vested in the President, not the Prime Minister. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Article 53(1) of the constitution explicitly vests the executive power of the union in the President.
  • The President can exercise this power directly or through officers subordinate to them, with ministers being considered as such officers.
  • The Council of Ministers actually wields the executive power on behalf of the President.
  • All executive decisions are made in the name of the President as per Article 77.
• Statement 2:
  • The Prime Minister is not the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. It is actually the Cabinet Secretary who holds this position.
  • The Cabinet Secretary also serves as the ex-officio chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and is the head of all civil services, as per the rules of business of the Government of India.

Therefore, statement 2 is also incorrect.

• In the period between 2001 and 2011, the district that witnessed the highest population decadal growth in Uttar Pradesh was Gautam Buddha Nagar.
• Gautam Buddha Nagar had a decadal population growth rate of 49.1% during this period.
• Following Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad recorded a population growth rate of 41.3% during the same period.
• Other districts that experienced notable population growth during this period include Shravasti at 30.5% and Bahraich at 29.3%.

The Three-Tier System of Local Government

• Gram Panchayat: This is the local self-government body at the village or small town level in India. It is responsible for governing the local area and looking after the needs of the people in the village.
• Panchayat Samiti: This is the intermediate level of the Panchayati Raj system, responsible for a group of villages. It coordinates the functioning of Gram Panchayats in the block and provides support to them.
• Zila Parishad: This is the district level of the Panchayati Raj system. It oversees the functioning of the Panchayat Samitis in the district and acts as a link between the state government and the local bodies.

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee was established in 1957 to examine the Community Development Programme and the National Extension Service in India. The committee recommended the implementation of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.

The three tiers recommended by the committee are:

1. Gram Panchayat at the village level
2. Panchayat Samiti at the block level
3. Zila Parishad at the district level

These tiers form the foundation of the decentralized system of governance in rural India, ensuring effective administration and local participation in decision-making.

The Role of Tax Policy in Fiscal Policy

• Tax Policy: Tax policy is a crucial component of fiscal policy.
• Definition: In economics and political science, fiscal policy involves the use of government revenue collection (taxes or tax cuts) and expenditure to influence a country's economy.
• Macro and Micro Aspects:
  • Macro Aspect: Tax policy influences the overall quantity of taxes collected, which in turn impacts the level of economic activity. This is a key part of fiscal policy.
  • Micro Aspect: Tax policy decisions involve considerations of fairness in taxation and allocative efficiency, determining which taxes will affect different economic activities.

In summary, tax policy plays a significant role in shaping fiscal policy, as it affects both macroeconomic factors like economic activity levels and microeconomic factors like fairness in taxation.

The Correct Answer is 1, 2, and 3 Only

• During his fight against racialism in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi first introduced the concept of Satyagraha, making statement 1 correct.
• Truth and non-violence are the fundamental principles of Satyagraha, as described by Gandhi. This makes statement 2 accurate.
• In Satyagraha, Gandhi believed in resisting evil by enduring suffering himself rather than causing harm to the opponent, validating statement 3.

• Forced Labor (Vishti) during the Gupta Period: During the Gupta period in India, Vishti or forced labor served as a significant source of income for the state. It was perceived as a form of taxation imposed on the people.
• Absence of Forced Labor in Certain Regions: Contrary to the belief that forced labor was absent in Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire, historical evidence suggests that it was prevalent in these areas as well.
• Weekly Wages and Forced Labor: Individuals subjected to forced labor, known as Vishti, were not entitled to receive weekly wages. The labor was enforced as a form of tax obligation.
• Selection of Forced Laborers: Forced laborers were not specifically chosen based on being the eldest son of the laborer. Any individual could be assigned the role of forced laborer during this period.

The correct answer is 'Neither 1 nor 2'

• Statement 1: According to the Constitution of India, any person eligible to vote can become a minister in a State for six months even if not a member of the State Legislature.
  • Explanation: While every citizen who is 18 years old on the qualifying date can be enrolled as a voter, to become an MLA and subsequently a minister, the individual must be at least 25 years old. Therefore, Statement 1 is incorrect.
• Statement 2: According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after release from prison.
  • Explanation: Section 8 of the RPA, 1951 outlines the disqualification criteria for conviction of certain offenses. A convicted candidate is barred from being a member of Parliament or State Legislature from the date of conviction until the specified period, but the disqualification is not permanent.

Understanding the Basholi School of Paintings

• Historical Background:
  • The Basholi school of paintings is considered the first and most dramatic example of artwork from the hill states, specifically from Basohli.
  • During the rule of Kirpal Pal from 1678 to 1695, Basohli witnessed the development of a distinctive and magnificent painting style.
• Characteristics:
  • The school is known for its strong use of primary colors, particularly warm yellows that dominate the background and horizon.
  • The artists employed a stylized approach to vegetation and utilized raised white paint to imitate pearls in ornaments.
  • An interesting technique involved using small, shiny green particles of beetle wings to depict jewelry and create the illusion of emeralds.
• Themes and Influence:
  • The most popular theme among Basohli painters was the Rasamanjari of Bhanu Datta, showcasing their talent in depicting various narratives.
  • In terms of aesthetics, Basohli paintings share similarities with the Chaurpanchashika group of paintings from Western India, known for their vibrant palette and elegance.

Therefore, both statements provided are correct - the strong use of primary colors and the popularity of the Rasamanjari theme among Basohli painters.

Correct Sequence of Human Excretory System

• Kidneys:
  • The kidneys are paired bean-shaped organs that are reddish-brown in color.
  • The right kidney is positioned slightly lower than the left kidney due to the space occupied by the liver above it.
  • Each kidney has a notch called the hilum, through which blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and ureters enter or exit.
  • Aside from excreting waste products, the kidneys also play a crucial role in regulating blood volume and pressure.
  • They secrete erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells.
• Ureters:
  • The ureters are paired, narrow, tubular structures that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
  • Composed of stratified transitional epithelium, the ureters facilitate the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Urinary Bladder:
  • The urinary bladder is a pear-shaped muscular sac located in the pelvic cavity.
  • It serves as a temporary storage reservoir for urine until it is eliminated from the body.
  • When the urine volume exceeds 200-400 mL, it exerts pressure on the bladder walls, triggering the urge to urinate.
  • Stretch receptors on the bladder wall are activated, signaling the need to empty the bladder.
• Urethra:
  • The urethra is a canal-like structure that extends from the base of the bladder to the exterior of the body.
  • In males, the urethra is longer as it serves the dual function of carrying urine and semen, while in females, it only expels urine.

Therefore, the correct order of the human excretory system organs based on the passage of urine is Kidneys, Ureters, Urinary Bladder, and Urethra.

The Permafrost Found in Tundra Biome

• Tundra Biome Overview:
  • The Tundra biome is known as the coldest of all biomes.
  • The ground in the Tundra region remains frozen for about 8 months per year.
  • One of the key features of the Tundra biome is the presence of permafrost, which is a layer of permanently frozen ground below the surface.
  • Permafrost is a defining characteristic of this biome.
  • During the short summers in the Tundra, the top layer of soil thaws only a few inches down, allowing for plant roots to grow.
  • Plants in the Tundra have adapted to the cold climate and short growing season.
  • Mosses and lichens are commonly found vegetation, while trees are scarce in this region.
  • The few trees that do grow in the Tundra biome stay close to the ground to benefit from insulation provided by snow during the harsh winters.
• Permafrost in Tundra Biome:
  

The Association of H.C. Chatterjee, M.A. Aiyar, and Lakshmi Swaminathan

Indian National Army:

• The Indian National Army (INA) was associated with H.C. Chatterjee, M.A. Aiyar, and Lakshmi Swaminathan.
• On October 21, 1943, Subhash Bose formed the Provisional Government for Free India at Singapore with H.C. Chatterjee handling the Finance portfolio, M.A. Aiyar responsible for Broadcasting, and Lakshmi Swaminathan in charge of the Women Department.
• This connection highlights their involvement in the INA during a crucial period of India's struggle for independence.

National Seed Research and Training Centre (NSRTC)

• It is situated in Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh.
• NSRTC serves as the apex center for maintaining uniformity in seed testing results and human resource development at the national level.
• It oversees all State Seed Testing Laboratories and works towards resolving their challenges.
• Efforts are made to train seed entrepreneurs and other stakeholders involved in seed development programs to enhance their capabilities.
• Through various national training programs, workshops, and seed congresses, NSRTC continuously shares knowledge about new seed testing techniques and the importance of quality seeds with different seed development agencies and stakeholders.
• The Central Seed Testing Laboratory (CSTL) is responsible for analyzing samples from complaints received through the court.
• Collaborative seed testing with state testing laboratories and market sample testing are key programs of CSTL.
• The Central Seed Testing Laboratory is a member of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and is undergoing the Proficiency Testing (PT) program of ISTA for accreditation, ensuring that the seed industry in India remains globally competitive.

Analysis of the Statements

• Marco Polo Visited the Pandyas Kingdom: The Pandyas kingdom was located to the south of the Chola kingdom, specifically around modern Madurai. Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant traveler, did indeed visit the Pandya kingdom and documented his visit. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
• Provinces of Chola Kingdom Divided into Valandus: The Chola kingdom was structured with provinces known as mandalams, which were overseen by governors. These mandalams were further subdivided into units called valandus. Each valandu consisted of multiple villages, with the nadu being the smallest administrative unit. Hence, statement 2 is accurate.
• Kambana Translated the Ramayana into Tamil: During the Chola kingdom's reign, the growth of regional languages like Tamil took place. Kambana, under the Chola kingdom's rule, translated the epic Ramayana into the Tamil language. Thus, statement 3 is also correct.

Key Points

• The Pandyas kingdom was south of the Chola kingdom, centered around Madurai, an important learning hub.
• The Chola kingdom's provinces were known as mandalams, further divided into valandus for administrative purposes.
• Literary works were translated into regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada during the Chola era.
• Marco Polo's visit to the Pandya kingdom was recorded, showcasing the historical interactions between different regions.
• Kambana's translation of the Ramayana into Tamil highlights the cultural and linguistic richness of the Chola kingdom.

Public Distribution System Objectives:

• To protect low-income groups by ensuring a minimum quantity of food grains at affordable prices.
• To ensure equitable distribution of food grains.
• Therefore, the correct answer is 1 only.
• To control price fluctuation of essential commodities in the open market.
• Thus, the second statement is incorrect.

Features of the Public Distribution System:

• PDS distributes essential commodities through fair price shops operated by private dealers.
• Commodities distributed include rice, wheat, sugar, edible oil, and kerosene.
• It aims to provide essential commodities at low prices to the poorer sections of society.
• The government procures or imports the required commodities and maintains a buffer stock.
• PDS was initiated as a social welfare and poverty alleviation program for price stabilization in the grain market.

Achievements of the Public Distribution System:

• India's PDS is the largest in the world and has successfully provided reasonable prices for basic food commodities.
• It helps in reaching the truly needy and keeps consumer prices in check.
• Major grain contributions to the PDS come from Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

Xylem:

• The xylem is a specialized tissue in plants responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and other aerial parts of the plant. It is a unidirectional flow, from the roots to the aerial parts, driven by transpiration (evaporation of water from the leaves) and capillary action.

Phloem:

• The phloem is another specialized tissue in plants responsible for the translocation of food materials, such as sugars and other organic compounds, from the leaves (source) to other parts of the plant, like roots, stems, and developing fruits (sinks).

Root hair:

• Root hairs are small, finger-like extensions of root epidermal cells. They significantly increase the surface area of the roots, facilitating the absorption of water and minerals from the soil. Root hairs play a crucial role in the absorption of water and nutrients needed for plant growth.

Stomata:

• Stomata are tiny pores found primarily on the surface of leaves and sometimes on stems. They regulate the exchange of gases (such as carbon dioxide and oxygen) and water vapor between the plant and the atmosphere.
• Stomata facilitate the entry of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and the release of oxygen. During this process, water vapor is also lost through transpiration, contributing to the movement of water and minerals through the xylem.

The Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA) scheme aims to nurture entrepreneurship among the youth of Uttar Pradesh by providing interest-free loans for projects up to Rs 5 lakh. This initiative is designed to empower young individuals and promote self-employment, contributing to the establishment of new micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Interestingly, the government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 1,000 crore for this initiative in the financial year 2024-25.

The UP Fire and Emergency Services were established in the year 1944. This organization is responsible for fire safety and emergency services in the state, and it has seen significant growth in recent years, with over 70 new fire stations established since 2017 to improve response times and public safety. This development reflects the increasing importance placed on fire safety and emergency preparedness in urban and rural areas alike.

The Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs inaugurated development projects worth Rs 10 crore 41 lakh in Sonbhadra. This funding is part of efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in one of the top-performing districts under the Aspirational Districts Programme.

The main purpose of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas. This initiative aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of the rural population by ensuring access to essential services.

The Telemetric Weather Stations (TWS) are specifically planned for the Bundelkhand region and other drought-prone tehsils in Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to monitor environmental conditions closely to better manage and respond to drought situations in these vulnerable areas.

Section 144 of the CrPC empowers magistrates to prohibit the gathering of four or more people in a specified area to prevent disturbances or threats to public order. This measure is often implemented in anticipation of events that could lead to unrest, ensuring safety and maintaining peace. An interesting fact about this provision is that it can be enforced in response to anticipated disturbances, rather than only reacting to actual violence.

The Trinetra app 2.0 enhances law enforcement capabilities through its facial recognition technology, allowing police personnel to swiftly identify suspects during security checks. This feature streamlines investigative processes by linking photographic data to criminal records, significantly improving the efficiency of crime prevention and investigation efforts. The integration of technology in policing reflects modern approaches to maintaining law and order.

The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed Deepak Kumar, a senior IAS officer, as the new Home Secretary. His extensive experience in various administrative roles positions him well to handle the responsibilities of this critical position, especially during an election period. The role of Home Secretary is pivotal in managing law and order and coordinating with law enforcement agencies.

The Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh will occur in seven phases, as per the announced election schedule. This multi-phase approach is designed to manage the large electorate effectively and ensure smooth conduct of the elections across the state. The staggered nature of the elections allows for better security arrangements and logistical planning, crucial in a state with a high population density.